What Is a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?
Many robot vacuums have an integrated dust bin that has to be manually emptied after each cleaning cycle. Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature that adds extra value to the robotic cleaner.
But are they worth a recurring cost? This review takes a closer look at the Shark EZ robot vacuum and its self-emptying base.
What is self-emptying?
Self-emptying robot vacuums are robot cleaners that have an internal storage system. This is often in the form of a small dust bin that automatically emptys itself when it is full. This means that there is no need for manual emptying of the dustbin after each cleaning cycle and also reduces the time needed for maintenance. You can see the time when the bin is full using a window. These features are available on models from iRobot, Ecovacs, and Shark.
The technology is relatively new and is a premium feature on a lot of robot vacuums. Some models are less expensive than you'd think due to their superior capabilities. Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is one example. It is among the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums you can buy under $400.
Most robot vacuums have dustbins that are full after a few cleaning cycles and require manual emptying before the next clean-up. This can be a tedious process, particularly for families that have a lot of pet hair and other allergens that build up quickly. In addition, emptying a robotic vacuum can be messy since you may have to touch the dirty contents or risk releasing irritants into the air.
Self-emptying solves both of these issues by permitting the robot to automatically transfer the dirt and debris from its dustbin into an additional enclosed storage area. It's usually a canister or bag that is inside the base station that's easily removable and can be removed when required. They can also be used to filter dust particles, capturing them and providing relief to those suffering from allergies.
The self-emptying system also has the advantage of being quieter than the majority of robot vacuums, even while emptying their containers. The process of transferring debris can be quite loud. This is not an issue for the majority of people but could be a concern for pets and small children.
The top self-emptying robots come with a variety of useful features such as Wi-Fi or smart home connectivity, so you can control them using your smartphone or other devices that are connected such as automatic/set run times, a mapping feature, vacuum/mop switching options, and much more.
How does an automatic vacuum cleaner function?
A regular robot vacuum uses an internal storage system, which is usually smaller than a dust bin. It will need to be regularly emptied, based on your home's size and how filthy your floors are. By adding a self-emptying function to the robot vacuum can eliminate the problem by reversing 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 robot vacuums that have this feature are also equipped with a dock that can be used to mop, allowing them to double-duty at home. Some even have different modes for cleaning and mopping, allowing you to get the exact cleaning style you prefer.
These features are helpful but they can also be expensive. They're not suitable for all. They also add additional steps to installing and using a robotic vacuum, which can be offputting for some consumers.
The Shark RV912S EZ Robot Vacuum is an example of a self-emptying model that's relatively affordable, especially as compared to standard robotic vacuums. This particular model comes with powerful suction, 3D light scanning, and precise object recognition, which means it's able to tackle almost anything that's on your floors. Its massive base can accommodate up to 60 days of debris, and it will automatically returns to its charging dock to empty itself when it's full.
One aspect that isn't always apparent is how noisy the self-emptying robot can be. The power of the device can be controlled by a few settings however the process of emptying the container may take a few minutes and be quite loud. Some users find this noise to be a drawback of these devices.
How often does a self-emptying air purifier need to be emptied?
Similar to regular robot vacuums self-emptying models scour your floors for dust, hair and crumbs, then return to their base to charge. Some models that self-clean, however, have docking stations which serve as disposal units. self emptying vacuum of the robot cleaner into a larger storage container when it's full. This means you don't need to empty manually a half-liter bin after every use, and you're less likely to overfill it and causing a clog.
The docking mechanism on certain self-emptying robots may hold dirt for up to 60 days before having to be cleared away. This means they need to be cleaned out less frequently than conventional robots. It's important to remember that the process of transferring could be loud and can startle nearby people or pets. This feature might not suit households with sensitive ears.
To avoid clogs that can affect the robot's performance, you should regularly clean and empty the robot's filter. You should also examine the power button of the robot to make sure it's plugged in and charged before every use.
Are self-emptying vacuums worth the recurring cost?
Many robot vacuums feature self-emptying bins, which eliminate the need to empty the bin manually after every cleaning session. These devices are more costly than traditional robot vacuums but they can save you time by eliminating the necessity of manually emptying your robot's bin after each sweeping.
While a self-emptying robotic vacuum may seem like something you would consider a luxury, it could be a worthwhile investment when you live in a busy home or have pets that shed. You may also want to consider it if you have allergies that are persistent or reside in a smoky area.
Self-emptying vacuums are operated by docking them with an additional basestation that comes with a hose for pulling the debris out of the robot's trash bin and into the larger receptacle. This stops the dustbin from overflowing and clogging which could cause the vacuum to smell or lose suction. It is normal to empty your receptacle every 30 or 60 days based on how often you use the device.
Many self-emptying vacuums can be set to connect to Wi-Fi. This makes them easy to control using tablets or smartphones. Many of them are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. This lets you control them with voice commands. This is especially helpful for those who have a busy household or are on a tight schedule. It makes it easier to keep your home clean even when you're busy.
In terms of features, most self-emptying robot vacuums feature an excellent vacuum motor, which means they can easily remove dust, pet hair and crumbs, as well as other debris from hardwood floors and carpeting with a low pile. They can be programmed to mop and vacuum in a scheduled manner that will make your life easier.
If you're looking for a self-emptying robot vacuum that also does a great job of mapping and creating virtual boundaries and detecting obstacles you should consider the iRobot j7+. This powerful robot vacuum is among the top models in its class and won't let you down. If you're on a budget but want to save money, the Shark IQ XL is an excellent alternative that offers many of the same features for a lower price point.