What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums have an integrated bin that has to be empty manually at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are a premium feature that adds extra value to the robotic cleaner.

Are they worth the recurring cost? This review takes a closer look at the Shark EZ robot vacuum and its self-emptying base.

What is a self-emptying vacuum?

A self-emptying robot vacuum is a type of robot cleaner that has an internal storage system, usually in the form of a dustbin that automatically empties when it gets full. This eliminates the need for manual dustbin emptying after every cleaning cycle and reduces maintenance time. The storage bin typically has a window to let you know when it's full. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a premium feature on many robot vacuums. However, a few models offer this functionality at an affordable cost than you might expect given their capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum, for example, is one of the best robot vacuum and mop combo with self empty-rated self-emptying robot vacuums that you can buy under $400.

Most robot vacuums have dustbins that fill up after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior the next cleaning cycle. This can be a long procedure, especially in homes where allergens and pet hair are accumulating quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, as you may have to get your hands on the dirty contents, and risk releasing irritants into the air.

The self-emptying system eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to transfer dirt and debris out of their trash bins into an enclosed storage space. This is usually a bag inside the base station that can be easily removed and empty whenever required. These bags also be used to filter dust particles, capturing them and being a boon to allergy sufferers.

The self-emptying system also has an advantage of being quieter than other robot vacuums, even while emptying their containers. The transfer of debris from the robot to the base could be quite loud but it's not a big issue for the majority of people, but it can be a nightmare for children and pets in the home.

The top self-emptying robots have a host of other useful features, such as Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity so that you can control them from your smartphone or other connected devices including automatic/set run time and a mapping feature, vacuum and mop switching options, and much more.

How can a self-emptying vacuum function?

A typical robot vacuum has an internal storage system, usually smaller than a dust bin. Depending on the size of your house and how dirty your floor is, it is necessary to clean it frequently. This problem can be eliminated by adding a self emptying robot vacuum mop-emptying feature to the robot vacuum. It will automatically return to its base and empty the bin onboard into a second dust bin. This is also referred to as Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot) or Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs) or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums that have this feature are also fitted with a dock which can be used to mop which means that the machine can be used to serve two purposes at home. Some models even have different modes for cleaning and mopping, allowing you get the exact cleaning style you want.

It's important to note that, while these features may be beneficial, they add a lot of cost to the robot vacuum, so they aren't an option for all. They also add extra steps to making and using a robotic vacuum, which could be offputting for some consumers.

Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is a self-emptying robotic vacuum that is still reasonably priced when compared to other robotic vacuums. This particular unit comes with powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, so it can tackle almost anything that's on your floors. Its large base can hold up to 60 days of debris, and it also automatically returns to its charging dock to empty its own tank when it's filled.

One thing that isn't readily apparent is how noisy self-emptying robots can be. The device's power is controlled by certain settings however, the process of emptying the container could take several minutes and be quite loud. This is why some people find the noise to be a drawback of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying air purifier have to be empty?

Self-emptying models operate exactly like regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to get rid of hair, dust and crumbs, then return to their charging base. In contrast to regular robots some models that self clean have docking stations that serve as disposal units which automatically empty the robot cleaner's trash bin into a larger storage bin when it's full. You don't need to manually empty the half-liter container after every use, or risk causing an obstruction.

In reality, docking systems of some self-emptying robots will hold 60 days or more of dirt prior to being disposed of, meaning that they need to be emptied significantly less often than conventional bots. It is important to keep in mind that the process of transfer is noisy and can cause a disturbance to the pets or other people around, so this feature may not be suitable for families with sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly clean the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to prevent blockages, which can hinder its performance. You should also check whether the robot is plugged into the power source and charged before each use.

Are self-emptying robot vacuum for pets vacuums really worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums come with self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement of emptying the bin manually after each cleaning session. These devices are more costly than traditional robot vacuums, however they will save you time by eliminating the necessity of manually emptying the bin of your robot after each cleaning.

A self-emptying vacuum may seem like a frivolous expense however, it could be a worthwhile investment if your home is busy or you have pets who shed. It is also a good idea to consider it if you have chronic allergies or live in an area that is dusty.

Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking them with an additional basestation that comes with an hose that pulls the debris from the robot's dustbin and into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing and clogging, which can cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. It is normal to empty your receptacle about every 30 or 60 days, depending on how frequently you use the device.

Most self-emptying robot vacuums can connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to control them using smartphones. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home that let you make use of voice commands to control your robot. This can be especially helpful for those who are on a strict schedule or have a hectic household and makes it easier to keep your home tidy even when you're busy.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have an efficient motor for vacuuming that is able to easily remove pet fur dust, crumbs, dust and other debris on hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum on an established schedule, which can make your life significantly easier.

If you're looking for a self-emptying robotic vacuum that does a great job of mapping boundaries, creating virtual boundaries and spotting obstacles you should consider the iRobot j7+. This powerful vacuum is sure to impress. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features at less cost.