Pros
ConsThe details
The core reason for investing in a robot vacuum is to cut down on the amount of time you spend cleaning your home. While most robot vacuums reduce the extent of work required in cleaning, they still need to be emptied and maintained.
If you run a tight schedule, you can easily forget to empty the bin. This is where the Shark IQ comes in handy. It has a massive dustbin in its dock station, which only needs emptying about once a month.
Features
As we mentioned earlier, its self-emptying mechanism is one of Shark IQ’s main strengths. The device comes fitted with two dustbins, which can hold dirt for up to a month.
The first dustbin is integrated into the vacuum itself while the second one makes up part of the base.
So whenever the bot returns to base, it generates a loud noise as it empties the contents of the bin to the docking station. The best part is that the base has a transparent window that lets you monitor the fill level.
Once it fills to the brim, simply press the release button on the base and the dustbin will slide out.
You’ll need to be holding this dustbin over a garbage can so the contents can be emptied into it. It’s a pretty clean process as you’ll barely come into contact with the trash. However, if you suffer from allergies, you can opt for a bagged model.
Shark IQ robot vacuum lets you choose from three power settings: Eco, Normal and Max. As implied in the name, Max offers the highest suction power, though it drains the battery quite fast.
Eco provides the least suction power but a longer run time, whereas Normal setting gives you the best of both worlds.
The recharge and resume is another feature that will impress you. This is particularly handy for cleaning bigger homes that will have the bot operating for an extended period. When engaged, it allows the robot vacuum to return to the dock, recharge then resume cleaning where it left off.
Also aboard this bot is an exceptional feature dubbed ‘evacuate and resume’. This is useful for homeowners who have pets. When enabled, it causes the vacuum to empty its bin so it doesn’t get clogged with pet hair.
Ease of use
Shark IQ vacuum was designed with ease of use in mind. To get started, all you need to do is get rid of the protective film from the base and clip the side brushes into position. Then once you’ve plugged it to an electrical outlet, switch the power on and it will spring into action.
The ability to schedule cleanings is another aspect that makes this vacuum user-friendly. This gives you a truly automated cleaning experience.
Furthermore, it employs cutting-edge navigation technology. It has the ability to map out your home in the app, giving you the freedom to pick the specific spots that you’d like it to clean.
It also comes with a boundary strip, allowing you to create no-go zones, like areas with pet bowls and power cords.
Battery life
The Shark IQ’s run time is fairly similar to the other robot vacuums we’ve looked at. It’s rated as having a 90-minute runtime per single charge, though it may last longer or shorter depending on the power level.
Value
Given all the superior features that it comes with, its slightly higher price tag is not much of a surprise. Still, it’s cheaper than other high-end models like the iRobot Roomba i7+.
For the price, you’ll get to enjoy sophisticated features like smart mapping, pre-scheduled cleaning, recharge and resume, evacuate and resume, and a self-emptying mechanism.
Final verdict
Shark IQ is best suited for homeowners looking to invest in a robot vacuum with premium features.
Its self-emptying bin has a generous capacity that only needs to be emptied after an entire month. It also employs an impressive mapping technology that lets you pick the specific areas to be cleaned.
Plus, it has a decent battery life, allowing you to clean a large space before recharging it.
