What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?

Many robot vacuums come with an internal bin that needs to be manually emptied at the end of each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases can be beneficial to robotic cleaners.

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

What is a self-emptying vacuum?

Self-emptying robot vacuums are a type of robot cleaner that has an internal storage system, usually in the form of a small dust bin which automatically emptys when it's full. This eliminates the need to do manual emptying of the dustbin after each cleaning cycle and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. You can see when the storage bin is full by looking through an open window. You can find these features on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.

The technology is relatively new and is a top feature on many robot vacuums. Some models are less expensive than you'd think, given their advanced capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is one of the best-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can purchase for less than $400.

The majority of robot vacuums come with dustbins that are full after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior the next cleaning run. This can be a long process, especially in homes where pet hair and allergens are accumulating quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy as you may have to get your hands on the dirty contents and be at risk of releasing irritating substances into the air.

Self-emptying systems eliminate both problems by allowing the robots to automatically transfer dirt and debris out of their dustbins into an enclosed, larger storage area. This is usually an enclosed canister or bag inside the base station, which is easily accessible and can be emptied when needed. They can also filter dust particles, trapping them and proving beneficial to those suffering from allergies.

Another benefit of the self-emptying system is that it's generally less noisy than most robot vacuums, even when emptying the container. The process of transferring debris can be loud. This is not an issue for most people, however it could be a concern for pets and young children.

The most effective self-emptying robots include a range of useful features like Wi-Fi and self emptying vacuum smart home connectivity so that you can control them using your phone or other devices that are connected including automatic/set run time and a mapping feature, mop/vacuum switching options, and many more.

How does a self-emptying vacuum work?

A typical robot vacuum comes with an internal storage system. This is typically a small dustbin. Based on the size of your home and how dirty your floor is, it must be cleaned frequently. By adding a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum will eliminate the problem by reversing to its base to empty the dust bin onboard into a separate dustbin. It is commonly referred to as Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs) and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).

Many models of robot vacuums with this feature are also fitted with a dock that can be used to mop so that the machine will be able to do double duty at home. There are even different modes for vacuuming and mopping, allowing you to achieve the specific cleaning style you desire.

These features are useful, but they can be costly. They're not suitable for all. They also add extra steps to installing and using a robotic vacuum, which can be offputting for some consumers.

The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a self-emptying model that is still reasonably affordable, particularly when as compared to standard robotic vacuums. This particular model has powerful suction and 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, so it can tackle everything on your floors. The large base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris, and it also automatically returns to its dock for charging to empty itself when it's fully stuffed.

It's not immediately obvious how loud a robot that can empty itself could be. Although there are a few options to regulate the power of the device and the process of emptying could take up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. This is why some users consider the noise to be a disadvantage of these devices.

How often does a self-emptying vacuum require emptying?

Self-emptying models operate the same as regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their charging base. A lot of self-cleaning models, however, have docking stations which serve as disposal units. They automatically empty the bin of the robot cleaner into an additional storage container once it's full. It's not necessary to manually empty a half-liter bin after every use, or risk causing the possibility of clogging.

In reality, the docking systems on some self-emptying robots can hold up to 60 days of dirt prior to disposing of, meaning they have to be cleaned much less frequently than traditional robots. It is important to keep in mind that the process of transfer can be noisy and startle the pets or people around. This feature might not suit households with sensitive ears.

It is still recommended to regularly clean the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid blockages, which can hinder its performance. It is also important to ensure that the robot is powered into the power source and charged before each use.

Are self emptying Vacuum-emptying vacuums worth the cost?

Many robot vacuums feature self-emptying bins, which eliminate the need to empty the bin manually after each cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional robot vacuums but they save you time as they eliminate the requirement to manually empty the bin every time you do a sweep.

While a self-emptying robotic vacuum might appear to be something you would consider a luxury, it could be a great investment when you are a homeowner with a lot of activity or have pets who shed. It could also be an investment worth considering if you suffer from chronic allergies or live in a smoky environment.

Self-emptying vacuums can be operated by docking them with an additional basestation that comes with an hose to pull the debris out of the robot's dust bin and into the larger receptacle. This stops the dust bin from overflowing and clogging which could cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. You'll usually need to empty your bin every 30 or 60 days, depending on how frequently you use the device.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it easy to control them with smartphones. Many models are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This allows you to control them using voice commands. This is especially helpful if you have a busy family or have a strict schedule. It helps you keep the house clean when you're busy.

The majority of self-emptying robot vacuum with self emptying vacuums have a powerful vacuum motor that is able to easily remove pet fur dust, crumbs, dust and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors and carpets with a low pile. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum in a scheduled manner, which will simplify your life.

The iRobot j7+ is the top robot vacuum for self-emptying mapping, creating virtual borders and detecting obstructions. This powerful vacuum is sure to please. If you're on a budget but want to save money, the Shark IQ XL is an great alternative that comes with many of the same features for less cost.