Shark IQ R101AE: Robotic Cleaner with a Self-Emptying Base
The Shark IQ R101AE is an excellent choice for families with children and pets, as it is suitable for daily vacuuming. It comes with a self-emptying bin, so you can forget about dustbin emptying for a long time.
Dimensions
The unit is sized at 12.9 by 12.6 by 3.5 inches. Having 3.5 inches in height, this model is shorter than many similar models. It won't get stuck under most types of furniture. The weight of the cleaner is 13.2 pounds.
Features
The Shark IQ R101AE is widely regarded as the most direct competitor to iRobot's Roomba i7+. They both have a self-emptying feature, belong to the same price range, and even have very similar designs.
The current model comes with a self-emptying base that functions as a charging dock, so when the cleaner comes to recharge, it also empties itself, draining the dirt from the dustbin into that base (this process is accompanied by a loud noise). However, if you want to save money, Shark also sells this model without this base (this way, the cleaner will be about $100 cheaper). The manufacturer asserts that you will have to empty the base not more often than once per month.
The Shark IQ R101AE mapping uses laser-guided navigation to create your floor plan and then display it in the app. However, it should be noted that the cleaner may take a few attempts to map your floor. It cleans by row-by-row principle, ensuring almost 100% floor coverage.
The 5200 mAh battery allows the cleaner to work for 90 minutes without a break, giving it above-average battery life. The cleaning is carried out with the assistance of a self-cleaning brushroll, which prevents hair wraps. Thanks to that, this cleaner is a great option for pet owners. There are two side brushes as well.
The Shark IQ robot vacuum R101AE can be controlled by the SharkClean app or with the help of a voice assistant (Alexa or Google Assistant), so there is no remote control. It also has a voice announcement system that informs you about the cleaner's and cleaning process statuses.
This model offers a very convenient self-emptying feature, but it may have some issues mapping your floor and does not have long battery life. This way, I give it an 8/10.
Design
The cleaner features an all-black design. The sides are glossy, while the top and bottom are matte. Due to the presence of a protective bumper, the front part of the Shark IQ robot R101AE is a bit oversized. It serves as a protection from scratches and cracks when the unit accidentally bumps into any obstacle.
The top panel contains only Clean and Dock buttons that are located on either side of the laser navigation system. Small battery and Wi-Fi LED indicators can be found on the front of the top panel. The unit is propelled across the floor with the help of two rubber feet. The left side of the base has a transparent window that lets you see how full it is.
The design is simple, minimalistic, and convenient. This way, it deserves 9 out of 10 points.
Conclusion
As you can see from this Shark IQ R101AE review, this model is a low-maintenance option that saves you from having to clean the vac's dustbin several times per week. The self-cleaning brushroll provides a thorough cleaning and doesn't get tangled, so it won't require maintenance as well.