Many robot vacuums have an integrated dust bin that has to be manually emptied after every cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature that adds value to the robotic vacuum.
But are they worth a regular 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 kind of robot cleaner with an internal storage system, often 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 cycle and also reduces the amount of time that you have to spend on maintenance. You can determine the time when the bin is full using the window. You can find these features 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 lower costs than you would expect considering their advanced capabilities. For example the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top-rated self-emptying vacuums that you can purchase for under $400.
The majority of robot vacuums have dustbins that fill up after a couple of cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior the next cleaning run. This can be a tedious procedure, particularly for households with lots of pet hair and other allergens that build up quickly. Also, emptying a robot vacuum can be messy as you might have to touch the dirty contents or risk releasing irritants back into the air.
The self-emptying system eliminates both problems by allowing the robots to transfer dirt and debris from their bins to an enclosed storage space. This is usually a bag inside the base station, and can be easily taken out and emptied whenever required. These bags can also filter out fine dust particles and hold them, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from allergies.
The self-emptying device also has the benefit of being quieter than other 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 could be alarming for pets or small children.
The best self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaners also come with other useful features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration, meaning you can control it from your smartphone or any other device that is connected, setting or automating timers, a mapping feature mop/vacuum switch option and more.
What is the process by which an automatic vacuum cleaner work?
A regular robot vacuum uses an internal storage system, typically it's a small dustbin. Depending on the size of your home and how filthy your floors are, they must be cleaned often. The addition of a self-emptying feature on the robot vacuum will eliminate this problem by automatically returning to its base to empty the onboard dust bin into a secondary dustbin. This is also known 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 equipped with a dock that can be used to mop, meaning the machine will be able to do double duty in your home. Some even have different modes for vacuuming and mopping, which allows you to get the exact cleaning style you desire.
These features are beneficial, however they can be expensive. They're not for everyone. They also add extra steps to installing and using a robotic vacuum, which may 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 comes with powerful suction as well as 3D light scanning and precise object recognition, which means it's able to tackle just about anything on your floors. Its large base holds up to 60 days of debris, and it returns to its charging station to empty itself once it is full.
One aspect that isn't always obvious is how loud self-emptying robots can be. Although there are a few settings that can be used to regulate the power of the device however, the process of emptying can last for a few minutes or so and may be quite loud. This is why some users consider the noise to be a drawback of these devices.
How often should a vacuum cleaner that self-empties be emptied out?
Self-emptying models operate similar to regular robot vacuums. They sweep your floors to remove dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their charging base. Some models that self-clean, however, have docking stations which also function as disposal units. They automatically empty the robot's bin into an additional storage container once it's full. This means you don't need to empty manually the half-liter container after each use, and you're less likely to overfill it, causing a clog.
In reality, docking systems on some self-emptying robots can hold 60 days or more of dirt before it needs disposing of, meaning they will need to be empty significantly less often than traditional bots. But it's important to note that the process of transfer is noisy and can cause a disturbance to pet or human companions, so this feature may not be ideal for households with a sensitive ear.
It is still recommended to regularly empty the robot's dustbin and clean its filter to prevent obstructions that could impact the robot's performance. Also, make sure that the robot is powered in, and charged, before each use.
Are self-emptying vacuums worth the recurring cost?
Many robot vacuums come with self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement of emptying the bin manually after every cleaning session. These machines are more expensive than traditional vacuums, however they can save you time and effort by removing the need to empty your robot's trash bin after each sweeping.
A self-emptying vacuum may seem like a frivolous expense but it can be a worthwhile investment when your home is bustling or you have pets who shed. You may also want to think about it if you have allergies that are persistent or reside in a dusty area.
Self-emptying vacuums are operated by docking them to a larger basestation that has a hose for pulling the debris out of the robot's trash bin and into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing or clogging and making the vacuum lose suction or smell. In the majority of cases, you'll need to empty the bin every 30 or 60 days, based on the frequency you use the device.
Most self-emptying robot vacuums can connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to control them from a smartphone. Many robots are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This allows you to control them using voice commands. This is particularly useful if you're on a schedule or have a household that is incredibly busy which makes it easier to keep your house clean even when you're busy.
The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums have a powerful vacuum motor that is able to easily remove pet fur dust, crumbs, and other debris from hardwood floors and carpets with a low pile. auto emptying robot vacuum can also be programmed to automatically vacuum and mop on an established schedule, which can make your life significantly easier.
The iRobot J7+ is the most effective robot vacuum for self-emptying mapping virtual boundaries and detecting obstructions. This powerful robot 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 less cost.
