What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?
Many robot vacuums come with a built-in dust bin that needs to be manually emptied after every cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robot vacuums.
Are they worth the ongoing cost? This review examines the Shark EZ robotic vacuum and its self-emptying base.
What is a vacuum that self-empties?
A self-emptying robot vacuum is a type of robot cleaner that comes with an internal storage system, typically in the form of a dustbin which automatically emptys when it gets full. This eliminates the need to empty the dust bin manually after every cleaning session and decreases the amount of time that you have to devote to maintenance. The storage bin typically has a window to let you know when it's full. These features are available on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.
This technology is fairly recent and is found on many robot vacuums. However, a few models can provide this capability at a an affordable cost than you would expect considering their advanced capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums that you can buy under $400.
The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that are filled after some cleaning sessions. They must be empty manually prior to the next cleaning cycle. This can be a time-consuming procedure, especially in homes where allergens and pet hair accumulate quickly. Emptying a robotic vacuum is 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 solves both of these problems by allowing the robot to automatically transfer the dirt and debris from the dustbin into an additional, sealed storage area. It is typically located inside the base station, which can be easily removed and empty as required. The bags can also filter out dust particles and hold them, which can be an advantage for those who suffer from allergies.
The self-emptying system also has the advantage of being quieter than most robot vacuums, even when emptying their containers. The process of transferring debris can be quite loud. This isn't a problem for most people but it can be alarming for pets and small children.
The top self-emptying robots come with a variety of useful features like Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity, so you can control them using your phone or other devices that are connected including automatic/set run time as well as a mapping feature vacuum and mop switching options, and many more.
How does a self-emptying vacuum work?
A standard robot vacuum has an internal storage system. This is typically a small dust bin. Depending on the size of your home and how filthy your floor is, it is necessary to clean it regularly. Adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum can eliminate the problem by reversing to its base to empty the onboard dust bin into a second dust bin. 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 which means that the machine will be able to serve two purposes in your home. Some models have different modes of mopping and vacuuming to allow you to choose the cleaning style that you prefer.
These features are helpful but they can be costly. They're not suitable for everyone. These features also add additional steps to the process of making and assembling an automated vacuum, which could be a bit daunting for some users.
The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an self-emptying model that is still quite affordable, especially when as compared to standard robotic vacuums. This particular unit comes with powerful suction, 3D light scanning, and precise object recognition, so it can tackle just about anything on your floors. The large base can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. It then returns to its charging station to re-fill its own tank once it's full.
It's not immediately obvious how loud a robot that can empty itself can be. Although there are some settings available to control the power of the device however, the process of emptying could last up to a minute or so and may be quite loud. Some users consider this noise to be a drawback of these devices.
How often should a vacuum that self-empties be cleaned?
Like regular robot vacuums, self-emptying models sweep your floors for dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their base to charge. Contrary to conventional robots the majority of self-cleaning models have docking stations that double as disposal units that automatically empty the robotic cleaner's dustbin into a bigger storage bin when it's full. It's not necessary to manually empty a half-liter bin after each use, or risk causing a clog.
In killer deal , the docking systems on some self-emptying robots will hold 60 days or more of dirt before getting rid of, which means they need to be emptied much less frequently than standard bots. But it's important to note that the transfer process is noisy and can startle pet or human companions who are around them, so this feature may not be suitable for families with a sensitive ear.
You should still regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to avoid clogs, which will affect its performance. You should also check whether the robot is plugged in, and charged, prior to each use.
Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?
Many robot vacuums feature self-emptying bins that 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 necessity of manually emptying the bin of your robot after each cleaning.
While a self-emptying robotic vacuum might seem like an expensive item, it could be a great investment for those who are a homeowner with a lot of activity or have pets that shed. You might also want to consider it if have chronic allergies or live in a dusty area.
Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking with a bigger base station with a hose to pull the particles from the robot's trash bin into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing and clogging, which could cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. In most instances, you'll have to empty the bin every 30 or 60 days, based on how often you use the device.
The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to control them from smartphones. Many models are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This is especially useful when you're on a timetable or have a household that is incredibly busy which makes it easier to keep your home tidy even when you're busy.
The majority of self-emptying robotic vacuums come with a powerful vacuum motor which is able to effortlessly pick up pet fur, dust, crumbs and other debris on hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum automatically on a schedule and make your life easier.
If you're looking for a self-emptying robotic vacuum that also does excellent job at mapping and creating virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles you should consider the iRobot J7+. This powerful vacuum will not disappoint. If you're on a budget however, the Shark IQ XL is an great alternative that comes with many of the same features, but at a lower price point.