Self-Empting Robot Vacuum and Mop

A self-emptying robot mop and vacuum lets you take your hands off cleaning without having to constantly stop the machine to empty. Mashable's Timothy Beck Wertz describes how you can be able to focus on other chores as the robot takes care of cleaning.

Self-emptying models come with the base station, which connects to a dustbin. The bin holds debris until the bin is full, which occurs less frequently than the onboard bins of regular robot vacuums.

Fewer interventions required

The primary reason to purchase robot vacuum cleaners is the ability to clean without having touch the machine. However, if you must stop and empty the on-board dustbin halfway through every run, self-emptying robot vacuum and mop you're defying the purpose. Thankfully self-emptying models return back to their charging docks after the bin onboard is full and dump the contents into a larger bin there--sometimes with up to 60 days of dirt. It's still necessary to clean the bin every now and then but it's not an issue.

A self-emptying base lets you run your robot vacuum more often and without having to stop it. Certain models can be set to clean when you're away by using IFTTT. This is activated by events like the location of your phone, August smart lock locking or an Ecobee thermostat entering Away mode.

Self-emptying is a fantastic feature of robotic vacuum-mop hybrids. Many of the top models, like our top pick, Combo j7 don't require you to remove and replace mopping pads. The arm holds the pad in on the back of the robot when not being used, and lowers it when you want to mop. It's an amazing design and it worked reliably in our testing.

Some robot vacuums and mops offer connectivity via an application which lets you set schedules, designate rooms, and even use voice activation to assistants like Alexa. Some models have cameras built-in to allow you to monitor your robot and control it from an extended distance.

The most high-tech of these hybrids come with sensors that can identify your floorplan and differentiate between different furniture and flooring. This feature is useful for large homes with hardwoods, as well as carpeting. It allows the robot to avoid getting stuck between carpets or under appliances. Other features you might want to consider when choosing the best model are how long a battery lasts in addition to a rotating power cord, and whether or not it is equipped with an infrared camera which allows you to view the condition of the brush roll.

Less noise

A common complaint with robot vacuums is that they make quite a bit of noise when they move around your house, agitating and picking up dirt in clumps. This is most evident when emptying the bin. Self-emptying models solve this issue since debris and dirt are transferred from the robot’s dustbin to the docking station. The storage system generally requires emptying every 30 or 60 days.

Self-emptying vacuums are recommended if you suffer from allergies, or simply do not have the time to clean the dust bin. While a vacuum that has self-emptying bases will cost more than one that doesn't it, the convenience and lower maintenance costs are well worth it.

A self-emptying robot base can be quite large and consume a lot of space in your home. This isn't a problem for most people but may be a consideration if space is limited or you prefer a compact design.

Another thing to consider is that the transfer process from the dustbin of your robot to its base can be quite noisy, based on the model you choose. As Mashable's Leah Stodart once wrote in an article about a robot vacuum, the noise generated can be a scream to humans and pets around. It is crucial to consider this in the event that you share your home with pets or other living creatures.

The j7 was a very efficient vacuum cleaner and mop in our tests. Its AI obstacle avoidance is best robot vacuum and mop self empty in the classroom, avoiding pet toilets, phone cords that are tangled, and even rogue socks that have caused trouble for several other robots we've examined. It's a great choice for families with young children, as it can overcome obstacles that could trip up less intelligent robots.

This powerful bot is highly recommended. It is able to do everything efficiently however it's a little less effective mopping performance compared to the other finalists on our list. That said, it's still extremely efficient and a great option for those looking for an all-in-one bot that handles all the cleaning.

Less dust

A self-emptying robot can make it easier to breathe if you suffer from allergies or have relatives who suffer from allergies. It removes dust particles from the air. The vac's bag, or bin can hold up to 60 days worth of debris, meaning you won't have to touch the contents or let them go back into the air after each use.

The drawback of the self-emptying base is that it's generally very heavy and takes up quite a bit of space when docked in a room. It can be noisy when emptying. If you live in a small home or apartment this might not be the best option for you.

A standard robot vacuum with a self-emptying dock could offer a great deal of convenience, especially if you have family or friends who suffer from sensitive lungs or allergies. Modern robot vacuums include an HEPA filter built in to remove dust and dirt from the air. If you're looking for a more thorough clean, choose a model that comes with a detachable hose for spot cleaning and carpet cleaning.

Another method to cut dust is to invest in a robot that can vacuum and mop as well. Samsung Jet Bot+ is one of the robots that can do this and has a powerful system for cleaning. It comes with an intelligent power control that will automatically adjust the suction according to the type of floor. It has fibers in its brushroll that catch dust and fine particles, and five-stage HEPA filters.

The Roborock S8 is a sleek model that can vacuum and mop and self-empty its dust bin. It is able to detect carpets and even lift its mop pads. This model has dual rubber roller brushes and 6,000 Pa suction as well as Roborock's most advanced AI obstacle avoidance.

In the end, it's your choice to decide whether the added functionality of self-emptying robot vacuums is worth the extra price tag. It's a nice feature however, not everyone requires it. If you don't wish to spend more money, think about a robot that has smaller capacity dustbin.

Less mess

A self-emptying robot vacuum is a great option for homes with carpeting or low-pile rugs. It can also reduce the amount of dust that is in your house, especially if allergies are a problem. These machines usually pull debris into a dustbin or small storage system, which must be cleaned every two or three cleaning sessions. The machines can be loud and the dust particles released during emptying can cause respiratory issues for asthma sufferers.

A good self-emptying robot vacuum is designed to catch the majority of debris inside its interior storage system. It should be simple to access and easy to empty, but it's important to remember that the vacuum won't remove all the debris that is accumulated in your home. Even after cleaning, a vacuum with inadequate suction may leave behind dust and dirt. It is recommended to clean the filter of an older vacuum regularly to clear out clogs.

In addition to being simple to empty, a good self-emptying robot vacuum must have other convenient features. It should be connected to Wi-Fi and smart home devices, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, so that you can operate it from your smartphone or voice assistant. It should also have a large capacity for storing debris and be able to switch between vacuuming and mopping.

Many self-emptying robot vacuums are expensive, but some are less than others. For instance the Shark IQ XL is a high-quality smart robot vacuum that both vacuums and mopses for less than the majority of models. It has excellent navigation abilities, creating a detailed map of your home, and allows you to label rooms and create virtual "no-go" zones. It also comes with dual-mode mops that have a multi-surface rubber brush and an enclosed dirt container that is easier to empty than bags on other models.

A self-emptying robot vacuum and mop is a huge convenience but it's not necessary for the majority of homes. If you're considering the possibility of a robotic vacuum, take into consideration the layout of your house and whether it has hardwood or carpet floors. Consider how long you'd like to spend cleaning the room prior to beginning a cleaning process. Select a product that includes the features you're most likely to use.