What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?
Many robot vacuums have an integrated dust bin that has to be empty manually after each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases add value to robotic cleaners.
But are they worth the recurring cost? This review looks at the Shark EZ robotic 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's full. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually after every cleaning cycle and reduces the amount of time you have to spend on maintenance. You can tell when the bin is full through the window. These features are available on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.
The technology is relatively new and is a top feature on a variety of robot vacuums. However, a number of models offer this functionality at an affordable cost than you would expect considering their capabilities. For instance, the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top self-emptying vacuums that can be bought for less than $400.
The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that get full after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior to the next cleaning cycle. This can be a long procedure, especially in households where allergens and pet hair are accumulating quickly. Cleaning a robotic vacuum can be also messy, as you might have to touch the dirty items and risk releasing irritants into air.
The self-emptying system solves both of these issues by making it possible for the robot to transfer dirt and other debris from the dustbin into larger, sealed storage area. This is usually an enclosed canister or bag inside the base station that's easily accessible and can be empty when 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 device also has the benefit of being quieter than most robot vacuums, even when emptying their containers. The process of transferring debris can be loud. This isn't an issue for the majority of people however it could be alarming for pets or small children.
The top self-emptying robots have a host of other useful features like Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity so you can control them from your smartphone or other devices that are connected including automatic/set run time and a mapping feature, mop/vacuum switching options, and more.
How does an automated vacuum cleaner function?
A typical robot vacuum utilizes an internal storage system, typically a small dustbin. It must be emptied frequently, depending on the size of your house and how filthy your floors are. This issue can be resolved by adding a self-emptying feature to the robot vacuum. It will return to its base and empty the bin onboard into a second dust bin. This is often called Clean Base Dirt Disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Station (Ecovacs) and Self-Emptying Base (Shark).
Many robot vacuums that come with this feature are also equipped with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing them to double-duty at home. Some models even have different modes for vacuuming and mopping, which allows you to achieve the specific cleaning style you prefer.
These features are useful, but they can also cost a lot. They're not for all. These features may also add additional steps to setting up and using a robot vacuum, which can be a bit daunting for some users.
The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an self-emptying model that's reasonably affordable, particularly when compared to standard robot vacuums. This particular model comes with powerful suction, 3D light scanning, and precise object recognition, meaning it's able to tackle almost anything that's 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 is able to empty itself can be. The power of the device can be controlled by a few settings however, the process of emptying the container may take up to several minutes and be quite loud. Some people find this sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.
How often does a self-emptying air purifier require emptying?
Self-emptying models work similar to regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove hair and dust and then return to their charging base. Contrary to conventional robots some models that self clean have docking stations that double as disposal units which automatically empty the robot cleaner's dustbin into a larger storage bin once it's full. This means you don't need to manually empty the half-liter bin after each use, or risk overfilling it and causing a clog.
The docking system of certain self-emptying robots may hold dirt for up to 60 days before it has to be removed. This means they have to be emptied less often than regular robots. It's important to remember that the process of transfer can be noisy and startle pet owners or other pets around. This feature might not suit households that have sensitive ears.
You should still regularly empty the robot's trash bin and clean its filter to prevent clogs, which will impact the robot's performance. Also, make sure that the robot is plugged into the power source and charged before each use.
Are self-emptying vacuums really worth the price?
Many robot vacuums are equipped with self-emptying dustbins that eliminate the requirement for you 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 need to manually empty the bin every time you do a cleaning.
A self-emptying robotic vacuum may seem like an unnecessary luxury but it can be a good investment when your home is bustling or you have pets who shed. You might also want to consider it if have allergies that are persistent or reside in a dusty area.
Self-emptying vacuums can be operated by docking them to a larger basestation that has a hose for pulling the debris from the robot's dustbin and into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing, or getting blocked and causing the vacuum to lose suction or smell. In the majority of instances, you'll have to empty the bin every 30 or 60 days, depending on the frequency you use the device.
The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to control them using smartphones. Many are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home which lets you utilize voice commands to control your robot. This is especially useful for those who are on a strict schedule or have a busy household, making it easier to keep your home tidy even when you're busy.
The majority of self-emptying robotic vacuums come with an efficient motor for vacuuming that can easily pick up pet fur, dust, crumbs and other debris from hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum on a specific schedule, which can make your life significantly easier.
If you're seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum that does a great job of mapping and creating virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles then look no further than the iRobot j7+. This powerful robot vacuum is sure to impress. Shark IQ XL offers many of these features for less cost.