The Shark EZ Robot Vacuum RV915S aims to simplify your cleaning routine with its self-emptying base and hands-free operation. Designed for multi-surface cleaning and pet owners, this robot vacuum promises powerful suction and convenient app control. However, like all tech, it’s not without its drawbacks. This review dives deep into its design, performance, and features to help you decide if it’s the right cleaning solution for your home.
The RV915S distinguishes itself in the crowded robot vacuum market with its bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days of dirt and debris, freeing you from the chore of frequent emptying. Its row-by-row cleaning pattern and recharge-and-resume functionality ensure complete floor coverage, while app and voice control provide ease of use. However, its lack of advanced mapping features and high recurring costs might give some users pause.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The self-emptying base provides significant convenience, holding up to 30 days of dirt and debris.
- It offers strong suction suitable for both hard floors and carpets, effectively tackling pet hair.
- The robot uses a methodical row-by-row cleaning pattern for complete coverage.
- App and voice control (compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant) enhance usability.
- The Shark EZ Robot RV915S is a decent robot vacuum for bare floors. It clears pet hair and small debris without issue, though it struggles somewhat with bulky material. It feels well-built, has a long battery life, and offers a fairly wide range of automation features, including its self-emptying dustbin. However, many parts need regular cleaning, and recurring costs are high, with many components needing periodic replacement. Also, while it can do a good job of maneuvering itself, it generally won’t climb over obstacles like power cables and may treat them as solid barriers rather than low obstacles.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shark EZ Robot SELF-EMPTY |
| Model Name | RV915S |
| Dimensions | 18.5″ L x 11.42″ W x 13.38″ H |
| Weight | 12.23 lbs (5.55 kg) |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floor, Carpet |
| Special Features | Self-emptying, Automatic Dust Collection |
| Filter Type | Foam |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 minutes (Max mode), 140 minutes (Eco mode) |
| Dustbin Capacity | Holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris in the base |
| App Control | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Navigation | Row-by-Row Cleaning |
| Color | Black, Gray, White |
Price and Availability
The Shark EZ Robot Vacuum RV915S is available at major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Pricing can vary, but it typically ranges from $158 to $419. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts, especially during holiday seasons.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark EZ Robot RV915S features a typical circular robot vacuum design with a low profile, enabling it to navigate under furniture. The robot is primarily constructed from plastic, which feels sturdy enough to withstand daily use. The self-emptying base is a notable design element, providing a convenient and hygienic way to dispose of collected debris.
The robot’s top cover is a flat black plastic with a circular brushed metal Shark logo in the center. It includes a front bumper with a shiny silver strip. The undercarriage features two large wheels, two side brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll. The self-empty base is bagless, setting it apart from some competitors that use disposable dirtbags.
Compared to previous Shark models like the AV992 series, the RV915S boasts an automatic dirt disposal function. However, some users have reported difficulties in finding replacement parts, such as side brushes, which raises concerns about long-term usability.
Performance and Features
Cleaning Performance
The Shark EZ Robot RV915S delivers good performance on bare floors, effectively clearing pet hair and small debris. However, it may struggle with larger, bulkier items. On low-pile carpets, it requires multiple passes to thoroughly remove solid debris and pet hair. The robot is also capable of cleaning high-pile carpets, though it may have difficulty with fine debris embedded in the fibers.
The robot employs a methodical row-by-row cleaning pattern, ensuring complete coverage of the cleaning area. It also features dual spinning side brushes to effectively clean edges and corners. However, some users have noted that the robot’s navigation can be somewhat erratic, with the device repeatedly cleaning some areas while skipping others.
Self-Emptying Base
The self-emptying base is one of the standout features of the RV915S. It automatically empties the robot’s internal dustbin after each cleaning session, holding up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris. The base is bagless, which means you won’t need to purchase replacement bags. However, this also means that final debris disposal may not be as hygienic as systems that use disposable dirtbags.
App and Voice Control
The Shark EZ Robot RV915S can be controlled via the SharkClean app, which allows you to schedule cleanings and start or stop the robot remotely. The app is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control. However, some users have reported that the app can be buggy and slow to respond. Also, the app lacks advanced features such as mapping.
Battery Life
The Shark EZ Robot RV915S offers impressive battery performance. In “Max” power mode, it provides approximately 70 minutes of cleaning time. In “Eco” mode, the battery can last over 140 minutes. The robot also features a recharge-and-resume function, returning to the base to recharge and then picking up where it left off. The charging time is relatively quick.
Software and User Experience
The SharkClean app allows you to schedule cleaning, start or stop the robot, and control it via voice commands. The app also provides access to troubleshooting tips and FAQs. However, user reviews suggest that the app can be unreliable, with issues such as slow response times, repeated notifications, and occasional loss of room settings.
The robot does not feature advanced mapping capabilities like virtual no-go zones.
Comparison to Competitors
- Shark IQ Robot AV992 Series: The EZ Robot RV915S has an automatic dirt disposal function, charges slightly faster, and maneuvers over tasseled rugs with less difficulty. The AV992 has fewer parts that need regular cleaning and incurs lower recurring costs.
- iRobot Roomba 694: The Shark EZ Robot RV915S has a self-emptying feature and better maneuverability, and clears more debris on carpeted floors. The iRobot feels better built, has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, and incurs lower recurring costs.
- Eufy RoboVac 11S: The Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty is better than the eufy RoboVac 11S. The Shark EZ Robot vacuum is decent for bare floors. It clears pet hair and small debris without issue, though it struggles somewhat with bulky material.
- Yeedi Vac Station: The Yeedi feels better built, is less demanding in terms of maintenance, delivers a wider range of automation features, including virtual boundary markers, and is more maneuverable. Meanwhile, the Shark clears debris more effectively on low-pile carpets and takes less time to recharge, though its maximum battery life is slightly shorter.
- Shark Matrix Plus: The Shark Matrix Plus is better than the Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty. The Matrix Plus features a LIDAR navigation sensor that allows for quicker, more precise mapping and supports a wider array of automation features, including virtual no-go zones and room labeling. The Matrix Plus’ external dustbin also has a slightly greater capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Self-emptying base for up to 30 days of dirt and debris storage
- Strong suction power for multi-surface cleaning
- Effective pet hair removal
- App and voice control compatibility
- Row-by-row cleaning pattern
Cons:
- High recurring costs due to frequent parts replacement
- No advanced mapping features or virtual no-go zones
- App can be buggy and unreliable
- Struggles with bulky debris
- Can be demanding in regular maintenance
Value for Money
The Shark EZ Robot Vacuum RV915S offers good value for money if you prioritize convenience and hands-free operation. The self-emptying base is a major selling point, especially for those who dislike frequent vacuum maintenance. However, the high recurring costs and lack of advanced features may make it less appealing to budget-conscious consumers or those seeking more sophisticated navigation and customization options.
Who should buy this:
- Busy individuals who want a hands-free cleaning experience
- Pet owners looking for effective pet hair removal
- Those who value the convenience of a self-emptying base
Who should look elsewhere:
- Budget-conscious consumers
- Those who need advanced mapping features and virtual no-go zones
- Users who prefer a more reliable and feature-rich app experience
Verdict
The Shark EZ Robot Vacuum RV915S is a convenient cleaning solution with its self-emptying base and powerful suction. While it lacks some advanced features and has high recurring costs, its ease of use and effective cleaning performance make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a hands-free cleaning experience.
