Many robot vacuums come with a built-in dust bin that needs to be manually emptied after every cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases can be beneficial to robotic cleaners.
Are they worth the recurring cost? This review examines the Shark EZ robotic vacuum and its self emptying base.
What is a self-emptying vacuum?
Self-emptying robot vacuums are cleaners that come with an internal storage system. It usually takes the form of a small dust bin which automatically emptys itself when it is full. This makes it unnecessary to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session and also reduces the amount of time you need to spend on maintenance. You can tell when the storage bin is full using the window. These features are offered on models manufactured by iRobot Ecovacs and Shark.
This technology is relatively recent and is a feature that is found on many robot vacuums. However, a few models offer this functionality at a much more affordable price than you might expect given their capabilities. For example the Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one of our top-rated self-emptying vacuums that can be bought for less than $400.

The majority of robot vacuums come with dustbins that are full after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying prior to the next clean-up. It can be a long process, especially for households with a lot of pet hair and other allergens that build up quickly. Emptying a robotic vacuum is 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.
The self-emptying system addresses both of these problems by making it possible for the robot to transfer the dirt and debris from its dustbin into an additional enclosed storage area. This is usually an enclosed canister or bag inside the base station, which is easily removed and removed when required. They can also filter dust particles, capturing them and proving beneficial to allergy sufferers.
Another benefit of the self-emptying system is that it's generally less noisy than most robot vacuums are even when emptying the container. The process of transferring debris can be quite loud. This is not an issue for the majority of people however it could be alarming for pets and small children.
The top self-emptying robots include a range of useful features like Wi-Fi and smart home connectivity, so you can control them from your smartphone or other connected devices, automatic/set run times and a mapping feature, mop/vacuum switching options, and much more.
How do self-emptying vacuums work?
A typical robot vacuum utilizes an internal storage system, which is usually it's a small dustbin. It will need to be emptied frequently, depending on the size of your home and how dirty your floors are. This issue can be resolved by incorporating a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum. It will automatically return to its base and empty the onboard bin into a second dust bin. This is also referred to as Clean Base Dirt disposal (iRobot), Auto Empty Stations (Ecovacs), or Self-Emptying Bases (Shark).
Many robot vacuums with this feature come with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing them to serve two purposes at home. Certain models come with different ways of mopping and vacuuming to let you pick the style of cleaning you prefer.
These features are beneficial, but they can cost a lot. They are not for all. They also add additional steps to making and using a robotic vacuum, which may cause some people to be uncomfortable.
Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum Self-emptying robot vacuum that is still affordable compared to other robot vacuums. The unit is equipped with powerful suction and 3D light scanning. Full Review can identify objects with precision. Its massive base can accommodate up to 60 days of debris, and it will automatically returns to its dock for charging to empty its own tank when it's filled.
One thing that isn't immediately apparent is how noisy the self-emptying robot can be. The power of the device is controlled by certain settings however, the process of emptying the container may take just a few minutes, and can be quite loud. This is why some users find the sound to be a negative aspect of these devices.
How often does a self-emptying septic tank require emptying?
As with regular robot vacuums self emptying models scour your floors for hair, dust and crumbs before returning to their base to charge. Contrary to conventional robots the majority of self-cleaning models have docking stations that serve as disposal units which automatically empty the robot cleaner's dustbin into a bigger storage bin once it's full. There's no need to manually empty a half-liter container after each use, or risk creating an obstruction.
In fact, the docking systems that are used on some self-emptying robots will keep up to 60 days of dirt before getting rid of, which means they will need to be empty significantly less often than conventional bots. It's important to remember that the process of transfer can be loud and alarm the pets or people around. This feature might not suit households with sensitive ears.
You should continue to empty the robot's trash bin and clean its filter to avoid clogs, which will impact the robot's performance. It is also important to ensure that the robot is plugged in, and charged, before each use.
Are self-emptying vacuums worth the cost?
Many robot vacuums come with self-emptying bins, which eliminate the requirement of emptying the bin manually after every cleaning session. They are more expensive than traditional vacuums, however they can help you save time and energy by eliminating the need to empty the dust bin of your robot after every sweep.
A self-emptying robotic vacuum may seem like an unnecessary luxury, but it can be worth the investment if your home is busy or you have pets who shed. It is also a worthwhile investment when you suffer from allergies that are chronic or live in a smoky environment.
Self-emptying vacuums operate by docking them to a larger basestation that has an hose that pulls the debris from the robot's trash bin and into the larger receptacle. This prevents the dustbin from overflowing or clogging and causing the vacuum to lose suction or smell. It is recommended to empty your receptacle about every 30 or 60 day, depending on how frequently you use the device.
The majority of self-emptying robot vacuums connect to Wi-Fi. This makes it possible to control them with a smartphone. Many models are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This is especially useful if you have a busy household or are on a tight schedule. It helps you keep your home tidy even when you're busy.
Most self-emptying robotic vacuums have an efficient motor for vacuuming that can easily pick up pet fur dust, crumbs, and other debris that can be found on hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can also be programmed to automatically mop and vacuum on an established schedule, which makes your life much simpler.
The iRobot J7+ is the top robot vacuum for self-emptying, mapping the boundaries of virtual borders and detecting obstructions. This powerful robot vacuum is sure to impress. If you're on a budget however, the Shark IQ XL is an great alternative that comes with many of the same features for an affordable price.