A self-emptying robot vacuum and mop lets you enjoy hands-off cleaning without having to stop the machine to empty. Mashable's Timothy Beck Wertz describes how you can concentrate on other tasks while the robot takes care of cleaning.
Self-emptying models come with a base station which connects to a dustbin. The bin stores debris until the bin is full, which occurs less often than onboard bins of regular robot vacuums.
Less intervention required
The main reason to buy the robot vacuum cleaner is the fact that it allows you to clean your home without having to handle the machine. But if More methods have to stop and empty the on-board dust bin every time you run, it's kind of defying the purpose. Fortunately self-emptying models return to their charging docks when the onboard bin is full and dump the contents into a bigger bin there. Sometimes, it can hold up to 60 days of dirt. It's still important to clean the bin regularly, but it isn't any big deal.
Self-emptying bases allow you to run your robot vacuum cleaner for longer periods of time without needing to stop it each time. You can also do this while away from home with some models that use IFTTT to trigger the cleaning process in response to events such as your phone's location, the August smart lock locking the door, an Ecobee thermostat going into Away mode, and so on.
The self-emptying feature is an important benefit of vacuum cleaners that are robotic. A lot of the top models, like our top pick, Combo j7 don't require you to take off and replace a mopping pad. The arm is able to hold the pad on the robot's back when it's not in use. It lowers the pad when you want to mop. It's a fantastic design, and it was reliable during our tests.
Most robotic vacuum-and-mop hybrids also offer connectivity via an app that allows you to set schedules and designate rooms, and utilize voice activation using assistants like Alexa. Some have cameras onboard which allow you to view your robot and manage it from the distance.
The most technological of these hybrids include sensors that can map your floorplan and differentiate between different furniture and flooring. This is an excellent feature for large homes that are made up of hardwoods and carpeting, since it helps the robot navigate more efficiently to avoid getting stuck in between carpets. Think about other features when choosing the right robot, like the battery life, the rotating power cord and the infrared camera which lets you check the status of the brush roll.
Less noise
Robot vacuums are often criticized for making a lot of noise when they are moving around the house, shaking dirt clumps and picking them up. This is especially noticeable when emptying the dustbin. Self-emptying models eliminate this problem because dirt and debris are transferred from the robot's trash bin to the docking station. The storage system usually requires emptying every 30 or 60 day.
If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to keep on top of the dust bin in a robot vacuum, a model that self-empties is definitely worth looking into. While the price of a model with self-emptying bases is usually higher than a model that doesn't self-empty, the convenience factor and lower maintenance costs may be well worth it in the long run.
One downside to a self-emptying robot is that its base can be large and will take up some space in your home. This is not an issue for most people, but could be a concern when space is a problem or you prefer a compact design.
The transfer from the robot's dustbin back to its base could be noisy, depending on the model you pick. Leah Stodart, a Mashable writer, wrote in a review about a robot vacuum that the sound it produces can be a jarring sound for nearby animals and humans. This is is crucial to take into consideration in the case of pets or if you live in a house with other living beings.
The j7 was a very efficient mop and vacuum cleaner in our tests. Its AI obstacle avoidance is great in class, and it can avoid pet toilets, phone cords that are tangled, and even rogue socks that have caused trouble for several other robots we've tested. It's also a great choice if you have young children as it can navigate obstacles that could frighten less intelligent robots.
This powerful bot is highly recommended. It can do everything well, but it has a slightly less effective mopping capability than the other contenders on our list. It's still a very good bot, and a good choice when you're looking for a single machine to take care of all the cleaning.
Less dust
Self-emptying robots can make it easier to breathe when you suffer from allergies or have relatives who suffer from allergies. It eliminates dust particles from the air. The vacuum's inner bag can hold upto 60 days worth of dust. This means that you don't need to touch or release the contents into the air.
The drawback of self-emptying bases is that they're usually heavy and take up a significant amount of space in a room when docked. It can be noisy when emptying. If you live in a small home or apartment, this may not be the best choice for you.
A standard robot vacuum with a self-emptying dock can still offer a great deal of convenience, particularly if you have family or friends with sensitive lungs or allergies. In addition, many modern robot vacuums come with a built-in HEPA filter to remove both dirt and fine particles from the air. Pick a model with a detachable carpet hose or spot cleaning hoses if you need to give your carpet a thorough clean.
Another way to cut down on dust is to invest in a robot that can mop and vacuum as well. Samsung Jet Bot+ is one robot that can do this and is a very effective system of cleaning. It comes with an intelligent power control that will automatically adjust the suction based on the floor type. It has fibers in the brushroll that trap dust and fine particles, as well as five-stage HEPA filters.
Alternately, the Roborock S8 is a sleek model that can mop and vacuum and self-empty its trash bin. It can even detect carpets and raise its mop pads. This model comes with dual roller brushes, 6,000 Pa suction and Roborock's innovative AI obstacle avoidance.
It's your decision whether the added benefit of self-emptying robot vacuums are worth the additional cost. It's certainly a nice feature to have but it's not a necessity for anyone. If you don't wish to spend more money, you could consider an option with smaller dust bin capacity.
Less mess
A robot vacuum that self-empties is perfect for homes with carpeting or rug that have a low pile. It can also reduce the amount of dust in your home, particularly when allergies are a concern. These machines usually pull debris into a trash bin or a small storage unit, which must be cleaned every two or three cleaning sessions. This can generate quite a bit of noise and the emptying process creates dust clumps in the air, which is not ideal for people with asthma or other respiratory issues.
A quality self-emptying robot vacuum is designed to trap the majority of debris within its internal storage system. It should be easy and quick to empty. But, it's important to remember that this device is not able to capture all the dust in your home. A vacuum that isn't equipped with enough suction could leave dust and dirt behind even after cleaning. If you have an older model, you should regularly clean and check the filter to clear out clogs.
A good robot vacuum cleaner should not only be simple to empty, but also come with other useful features. It should be capable of connecting to Wi-Fi and smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so that you can control it from your phone or voice assistant. It must also have a huge capacity for storing debris, and be capable of switching between vacuuming and mopping.
Many self-emptying robot vacuums are expensive however, some are less so. For example the Shark IQ XL is a top-rated smart vacuum that both vacuums as well as mopses for less than the majority of models. It has excellent navigation capabilities, creating a detailed home map, and allowing you to mark rooms and create virtual"no-go" zones. It also has dual-mode mop systems that feature multi-surface rubber brushes, as well as an enclosed dirt bin that's much easier to empty than bags of other models.
Having a self-emptying robot vacuum and mop is a great convenience, but it's not essential for all homes. If you are interested in a robotic vacuum, consider the layout of your home and whether it has carpeting or hardwood floors. Consider how much prep time you'd like to devote to the room before you run a cleaning cycle. Then, choose the model that has the features that you're most likely to utilize.
