Self-Empting Robot Vacuum and Mop

With a self-emptying robot mop and vacuum, you can enjoy hands-free cleaning without the machine constantly stopped to empty. As Mashable's Timothy Beck Wertz explains, this lets you focus on other tasks while the robot works.

Self-emptying models have a base station that connects to a dustbin and keeps debris in it until it's full, which happens less often than the onboard bin of the regular robot vacuum.

Less intervention required

The primary reason to purchase the robot vacuum cleaner is that it allows you to clean your home without having to be near the machine. If you have to stop each time you need to empty the bin on board, then it defeats the goal. Self-emptying models are a boon. They return to the charging dock when their bins on the board are full and dump their contents into a larger trash can there. It's still necessary to clean the bin regularly however it's not a big deal.

A self-emptying base allows you to run your robot vacuum cleaner more frequently without having to stop it each time. You can even do this when you're away from home using models that make use of IFTTT to trigger the cleaning cycle in response to events such as your phone's location or August smart lock locking the door, an Ecobee thermostat that goes into Away mode, and so on.

Self-emptying is also a great feature of robot vacuum-mop hybrids. Many of the top models, like our top pick one, the Combo J7, do not require any intervention from you to remove and replacing a mopping pad. The arm holds the pad in on the back of the robot when not in use, then lowers it when you're ready to mop. It's an amazing design and it worked reliably in our testing.

Some robotic vacuums and mop hybrids provide connectivity through an application that allows you to schedule your schedule, define rooms and use voice-activated assistants like Alexa. Some come with cameras to allow you to monitor your robot and manage it from an extended distance.

The most technological of these hybrids have sensors that can determine your floor plan and distinguish between different types of furniture and flooring. This is an excellent feature for large homes with a mix of hardwoods and carpeting, because it allows the robot to navigate more efficiently to avoid getting stuck between appliances or between rugs. Be aware of other features when selecting the best robot vacuum and mop with self empty, such as the battery's life, the rotating power cord and the infrared camera which lets you check the status of the brush roll.

Less noise

A common complaint with robot vacuums is that they generate some noise as they travel around your home by agitating and collecting dirt clumps. This is most noticeable when emptying the dustbin. Self-emptying models can avoid this issue since the dirt and dust is transferred from the robot's trash bin to its docking station, a storage system that usually requires emptying only every 30 or 60 days.

Self-emptying robot vacuums are an option to consider if you suffer from allergies or simply don't have the time to clean out the dust bin. Although a robot vacuum equipped with self-emptying bases is more expensive than one that doesn't it, the convenience and lower maintenance costs are well worth it.

A self-emptying robotic base can be quite large and can take up a significant amount of space in your house. This isn't a concern for the majority of people, but it could be something to consider in case you're short on space or prefer a smaller design.

Another thing to think about is that the process of transferring from your robot's dustbin to its base could be a bit noisy, depending on the model you pick. As Mashable's Leah Stodart once wrote in an evaluation of a robot vacuum, the sound generated can be startling to nearby pets and humans. This is is crucial to take into consideration if you have pets or live in a home with other living beings.

The j7 proved to be an efficient mop and vacuum cleaner during our tests. Its AI obstacle avoidance works best 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 tested. It's also a good option for families with young children since it can handle obstacles that would tripped up less intelligent bots.

This is a powerful, highly-recommended bot that does everything efficiently but has a tad less mopping performance than the other contenders in our list. It's still a very good bot and a great choice if you are seeking a single bot that can do all the cleaning.

Less dust

If you suffer from allergies or self-emptying robot vacuum and mop have relatives who suffer from an example, a self-emptying robotic vacuum can protect your lung by taking dust out of the air. The vacuum's inner bag can hold upto 60 days worth of dust. This means you don't need to touch or release the contents back into the air.

The disadvantage of the self-emptying base is that it's generally very heavy and takes up a lot of space when it's docked into the room. It can also be quite noisy when emptying, so if reside in a tiny house or apartment, it may not be the best option.

A basic robot vacuum that does not have a self-emptying dock could offer a great deal of convenience, especially when you have family members or friends who suffer from sensitive lungs or allergies. The majority of modern robot vacuums include a HEPA filter that is built-in to remove dust and dirt from the air. Select a model that has an hose that can be detached from the carpet or spot cleaning hoses if need to give your carpet an efficient clean.

Another method to cut dust is to invest in a machine that can mop and vacuum as well. The Samsung Jet Bot+, for instance, does exactly that and has an effective cleaning system. It is equipped with an intelligent power control and can adjust its suction depending on the floor type. It is equipped with fibers in the brushroll that catch dust and fine particles and five-stage HEPA filters.

The Roborock S8 is an elegant model that can vacuum, mop and self-empty the trash bin. It is able to detect carpets and even lift its mop pads. This model comes with dual rubber roller brushes and 6,000 Pa suction, and Roborock's most advanced AI obstacle avoidance.

In the end, it's your choice to decide whether the additional functionality of a self-emptying robot vacuum is worth the extra price tag. It's definitely a nice option to have but it's not a necessity for everyone. If you're hesitant to spend the extra money, opt for a robot with a smaller size dustbin that's cheaper.

Less mess

A self-emptying robot vacuum and mop with self empty vacuum is a good option for homes with carpets or rugs that are low-pile. It can also reduce the amount of dust in your home, especially if allergies are a problem. The machines typically move debris into a dustbin or small storage system, which is then emptied every two or three cleaning sessions. This can create quite a bit of noise and the process of emptying releases clumps of dust into the air, so it's not recommended for people suffering from asthma or other respiratory conditions.

A good vacuum cleaner that self-empties is designed to store the majority of debris in its storage system. It should be easy to access and simple to empty, however it's important to remember that the device won't capture all the debris that is accumulated in your home. Even after cleaning, a vacuum with inadequate suction can leave behind dust and dirt. If you have an older model, it is recommended to regularly clean and check the filter to clear out clogs.

In addition to being easy to empty, a good self-emptying robot vacuum must come with other features that are convenient. It should be connected to Wi-Fi, and self-emptying robot vacuum and mop smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa, or Google Home so that you can make use of your phone to control it. It should have a large capacity to keep debris in storage and switch between vacuuming and mopping.

Self-emptying robot vacuums can be expensive but some are more than others. For example, the Shark IQ XL is a high-quality smart robot vacuum that both vacuums and mopses for less than most other models. It has superb navigation capabilities, creating a detailed map of your house and allowing you to label rooms and create virtual "no-go" zones. It also features dual-mode mop technology with multi-surface rubber brushes as well as an enclosed dirt bin that's easier to empty than bags of other models.

Having a self-emptying robot vacuum and mop is a huge convenience, but it's not essential 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. Think about how long you'd like to devote to cleaning the room prior to running a cleaning cycle. Select a model with the features you are most likely to utilize.