Rainbow E2 Black – is it worth the price tag?

Excellent filtration, a longer lifespan, strong suction, and versatile attachments. These words describe the Rainbow E2 line of vacuums from Rexair. Famed for their durability and unique filtration system, Rainbow cleaning devices are popular across the US and globally.

Rexair is an American vacuums company that has been around for almost a century. They are one of the few to use water filtration in vacuum cleaners, something that sets their devices apart. Although Rexair doesn’t regularly release new models as other manufacturers do, their existing vacuums have always outperformed and outlasted many other brands. Various features make Rainbow vacuums superior when compared to others on the market. Join me as I explore the latest of their models, the Rainbow E2 Black. As usual, we’ll start by looking at its design and its various specifications.

Rainbow E2 – features brief

Back to top

Design

Here’s a promo video that can give you a better glimpse of the product. Jump over at 2:02 to skip the “emotional” intro:

Back to top

Specifications

Suction/Cleaning Power

At the heart of the Rainbow E2 Black is a 1.5-horsepower motor which delivers 70 CFM suction. In other words, the suction system moves 70 cubic feet of air every minute. With that kind of airflow, the Rainbow E2 can clean almost every surface in your home from carpets, area rugs to dirty hard floors.

The main vacuuming head features a spinning brush roll. The brush swiftly excites dirt hidden in carpet fibers and similar surfaces. Thus you can expect the E2 to achieve impressive results when used on high pile carpets. On the sides are two round brushes. These also spin, directing dirt towards the suction inlet for enhanced edge cleaning action.

Bottom of the main brushroll

Besides these features, you can improve the versatility of this Rainbow vacuum tremendously by using various attachments. Some come with the new vacuum, while others have to be purchased separately. The E2 vacuums have an attachment for almost every surface from floors, upholstery, ceiling to baseboard edges.

Input Power

Being a corded vacuum, the Rainbow E2 operates off an outlet. Its motor is rated 9.5 amps (10.5 amps with the electric nozzle) and requires a 120V socket. According to the manufacturer, the vacuum uses switched-inductance, a technology that reduces power consumption. The power itself varies from 50 W to 1150 W, depending on the type of cleaning job.

Bin Capacity

The Rainbow E2 doesn’t use the conventional method to store vacuumed dirt. Instead of a dirt cup, it comes with a water bowl. All the dirt and debris that the vacuum picks up gets deposited in this bowl, where it’s trapped in the water.

The water bowl in the Rainbow E2 has a capacity of 2.5 quarts (2.36 liters), which is adequate for the cleaning requirements of a typical home. Just like the regular dirt bin used in other vacuums, the bowl requires cleaning after every vacuuming session.

Rainbow E2 water tank

Filtration Efficiency

Rainbow E2 vacuums use double filtration; water in a bowl to dissolve dirt and a HEPA filter for the exhaust air. The result is a True H13 class HEPA grade filtration.This kind of filtration is one of the features that sets Rainbow vacuums unique cleaning devices. Using water as a filtration medium offers several benefits. One, it ensures soluble allergens such as dust remain trapped in the bowl, making the vacuum one of the safest for use by allergy sufferers. The few microscopic particles that don’t get trapped in the water meet the HEPA filter on their way out where they get captured. Another major benefit of using water filtration is that it eliminates filter clogging issues. If you use a vacuum often, having a filter clog up is a common occurrence. Apart from reducing the suction power, dirt on the surface of the vacuum filter can mean having to incur replacement costs. With the Rainbow vacuum, such incidences are unheard of.

Weight and Dimensions

The vacuum weighs a hefty 19 pounds. To use it, the water bowl must be filled with clean water, which increases weight. While using the water bowl instead of the usual bin offers several benefits, you may not like the fact that it weighs the vacuum down. As a result, the Rainbow E2 is a little more difficult to lift during cleaning activities. Rexair realized that, though, and equipped the vacuum with 2 features to move it around more easily:

• On its top is a comfortable carry handle, just in case you have to haul it upstairs.
• Underneath the vacuum, five smooth-rolling casters allow you to push and pull the device effortlessly.

Unless you have to carry the E2 up or downstairs, its weight shouldn’t worry you much.  Besides, it’s a canister vacuum, and you only have the cleaning head in your hand most of the time.

Storage is facile, since the product measures 15.5 x 11.8 x 15.8 inches. However, if you do get all the attachments, you’ll need a bigger space to put everything.

Warranty

One of the most impressive things about the Rainbow E2 Vacuums is the warranty. It’s one of the longest you will ever come across from vacuum manufacturers. Each Rainbow E2 model comes with a 4-year warranty, and 8 years for the motor. However, this warranty can be increased to 10 years, if you buy directly from Rexair’s authorized sellers. To qualify for this lengthy guarantee, its advisable to buy your E2 Black edition from certified retailers.

Accessories

The E2 uses many accessories, and you will find some of them in the box. The vacuum comes with the motor unit and water bowl assembled and only a few separate parts. Among the free parts are the dolly, the nozzles (motorized power nozzle for carpets and floor nozzle), the handle, 2 stainless steel wands and the electrified hose.

Inside the box, you will also find these accessories: an upholstery tool, a crevice tool, dusting brush, refrigerator coil cleaner, inflator and deflator tool, Aerofresh cushion bag, and the user’s manual. Some of the accessories that you can buy later include AquaMate, RainJet, RinbowMate, and MiniJet. Here’s a chart to help you better understand where you can use each of them:

Accessories usability

Back to top

Special Features

The Rainbow E2 Black comes with features to make it effective, easy to use, and durable among other attributes. I highlighted some of the major ones which distinguish this vacuum from the others.

Powerful and Efficient Motor

The E2 uses a 12-amp, 1.5-horsepower motor. Rexair calls it a “hurricane” motor, perhaps to make a subconscious association between the power of a hurricane and the product’s ability to produce powerful airflow that lifts stubborn dirt off surfaces. The manufacturer also indicates that the motor uses technology to reduce its power consumption, making the device powerful yet energy-efficient. The motor is durable, seeing that Rexair backs it with an 8-year warranty.

Powerful Brush Roll

On the underside of this Rainbow vacuum cleaning nozzle is a sturdy, motorized brush roll. Most vacuums that come with a spinning brush can clean carpets impressively. The Rainbow E2 is no exception. With the strong suction created by the powerful motor and the action of the spinning brush, you can expect impressive cleaning results from this vacuum. The cleaning head is adjustable. That means you can lower the brush and suction inlet when vacuuming carpets for a more thorough cleanup. On hard floors, the switch allows you to increase cleaning head height for safer and more effective cleaning.

Rainbow E2 Black works great on carpet

Water and HEPA Filtration

This vacuum offers one of the most effective filtrations, using swirling water to capture particles. When wet, dirt, dust, and debris such as hair cannot fly around. That ensures no allergic particles escape the unit to cause a health risk for you or your loved ones. The smaller particles that may not be captured by the water get trapped by the exhaust filter. Being HEPA, the filter blocks 99.9% of these particles for an allergen-free home.

Air Purification

Setting the vacuum on the low power mode turns it into an air freshener. You only have to place it in the middle of the room, and the action of the water and HEPA filter will remove odors, dust, and other particles from the air in your home. That means you won’t be needing a separate device to clean the air of allergens and bad smells. The E2 will also deodorize surfaces during cleaning. Using Rexair’s fresh air solution or fragrances in the water bowl, you can get your home smelling fresh.

Fragrances and accessories

Sturdy Dolly and Smooth Casters

The casters that the E2 rolls on require minimal effort, plus they can move in all directions. The 360° swivel makes the vacuum easy to move around, especially when you have large areas to vacuum. The dolly is robust and features a rubber bumper all around to prevent your Rainbow E2 from causing damage to furniture and other objects in your home.

A Broad Range of Attachments

These increase the versatility of the vacuum to clean different places. Some, such as the crevice and upholstery nozzle come with the vacuum. The advanced ones require you to purchase them separately but offer higher cleaning abilities. Some even allow you to use the vacuum in ways you never thought you could. Here is a look at the attachments in detail.

• RainbowMate – it’s a motorized nozzle that extends the vacuum’s reach so you can clean spots that the main nozzle wouldn’t. Such surfaces include mattresses, upholstery hard-to-reach floors such as carpeted stairs and car interiors.

RainbowMate

• AquaMate – an attachment that helps shampoo your carpets using a special cleaning solution. It’s also a powered attachment with its own motor. The AquaMate comes in handy when you have wet messes to clean or stains on carpets.

AquaMate

• RainJet – this attachment works like a mop but reaches tight spots that would be inaccessible when using a mop. It’s a self-contained tool that comes equipped with a solution tank and two attachments (sponge and brush) for use on various surfaces.

RainJet

• MiniJet – a mini tool that you can quickly grab for slight tasks. The MiniJet allows you to shampoo smaller messes on carpets, area rugs or upholstery.

MiniJet

LED lights

The cleaning head of the E2 lights up its cleaning path and allows you to clean the dark areas of your home. You also have LED lighting on the water bowl, perhaps for decorative reasons. While the blue lights serve no useful purpose, they make the vacuum stylish.

LED strip on the power nozzle

Back to top

Usability

The vacuum requires little assembly, which should take you no more than a few minutes. Despite the different components, you will find it easy to use once assembled. Being a water filtration vacuum, it requires its water pan filled with water before you can switch it on to start cleaning. You have to take the bowl out for that, but the procedure to do so is smooth and straight forward.

Except for the canister weight, the Rainbow E2 comes with features to enhance usability. You get to control the brush roll from the handle on the go, which allows you to vacuum multiple types of floors at once. There’s also a switch on the handle that lets you control airflow. Shutting the vent produces maximum airflow for carpets while opening it allows you to vacuum sensitive surfaces.

Handle controls

To vacuum the tight surfaces, the Rainbow E2 comes with the necessary tools and attachments. You only have to connect the right accessory, and you’re good to go. Some of the attachments come with a spinning brush to enhance cleaning ability.

The Rainbow E2 is a multipurpose appliance. The high-speed setting allows you to use the device like a vacuum cleaner, while the low speed turns it into an air purifier – a great option for fresh air in your home.

Rainbow fragances

The casters used on the Rainbow E2 are free rolling and move in all directions. This allows you to clean without using a lot of effort to move the vacuum around. The only problem would present if you had to lift the vacuum, but which may not be frequent. A handle that’s conveniently located on the vacuum’s uppers side makes carrying the vacuum easy.

Back to top

Price in 2023

New Rainbow vacuums can be bought, depending on the retailer and on the attachments included, for as low as $1300 and as high as $3000. Occasionally, it may happen to find a deal for the newest Rainbow E2 Black under $1300. If you find it, I recommend you take it. Refurbished and used E2 Black vacuums cost anywhere between $600 to $1000.

Back to top

Rainbow E2 Black – Pro and Con Reviews

If you’re in a hurry or haven’t decided on whether to acquire the Rainbow E2 or not, this section is yours. It’s a summary of the good and bad sides of the vacuum which I’ve spotted over the last year of use.

Pros

• The vacuum offers powerful suction that suits a home with carpet floors
• The Rainbow E2 features efficient water and HEPA filtration that traps almost every airborne particle
• The various motorized attachments make the device super effective
• With water filtration, the E2 vacuums don’t experience clogged filters, and suction remains consistent for a long time
• The parts are highly durable and can last for more than one or more decades
• The 4-year warranty is large enough

Cons

• The price is high. As an option, you have the refurbished units which are available at much lower amounts
• It’s a heavy vacuum. You’ll notice this if you have to take it upstairs

Back to top

Rainbow Vacuum vs Quantum Vac vs Sirena

Rainbow Vacuum vs Quantum Vac vs Sirena

There are several options to Rainbow E2 Black edition. If you remember, I was talking about the Quantum Vac about a year ago. These units are also comparable with the Sirena canister. Here’s a breakdown of all 3 products:

Back to top

FAQ

Now that you have read our Rainbow E2 vacuum review. It is time to answer some frequently asked questions so that you know everything you need to know about this vacuum before you make your purchase. So, let us begin!

Q: Does the Rainbow vacuum lose suction over time?

A: The rainbow vacuum has great suction power and has a cleaning system like no other. Its strong suction does not deteriorate as the vacuum fills up, which is brilliant and shows you that this vacuum will last you a long time!

Q: Does the Rainbow vacuum use a HEPA filter?

A: Yes, it does! HEPA filtration systems have a great reputation and do a good job; however, you must ensure that you change your filter every two or three weeks for the best filtering results. 

Q: Can the Rainbow E2 be used on bare floors and upholstery?

A: The Rainbow vacuum cleaner has a motorized brush that will deep clean any surface. From upholstery to hard floors and even ceilings, this cleaning system will zap away all of the unwanted dirt. 

Q: Are the Rainbow Vacuum customer service team easy to contact?

A: If you run into trouble with your Rainbow vacuum cleaner, you can call the Service & Repair Department at 800-640-2033, or fill out a form on their website. 

Q: How much does a new Rainbow vacuum cost?

A: Prices vary greatly, starting from $1300 to $3000.

Q: Is Rainbow vacuum better than Dyson?

A: Rainbow vacuums have slightly weaker suction power than Dyson; however, Rainbow are very strong and long-lasting vacuums and are far more durable than Dyson. We feel that the Rainbow vacuum cleaner is better value for money, and therefore better than the Dyson vacuum cleaners.

Q: How long do Rainbow vacuums last?

A: It isn’t uncommon for Rainbow vacuum cleaners to last for upwards of 25 years. The company offers a 15-year warranty on their vacuums too, which gives customers great peace of mind. 

Final Comments

If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum that can clean every part of your home, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Rainbow E2. It’s the most effective vacuum series from Rexair, an established household name when it comes to quality products. The various attachments will help you to reach the unreachable areas, while simple controls make your cleaning activities a breeze. And with its great suction power, your carpets will never harbor dirt.

If you cannot stand allergens, this Rainbow vacuum should be the device to have. It sucks in dust and allergens, and doesn’t let them out. Moreover, the longevity of the Rainbow E2 is unquestionable. I’ve heard many owners using them for more than ten years without issues. The warranty is also one of the longest you can ever get for a vacuum. The E2 has its downsides, of course, such as the high price and weight. To obtain it within your budget estimates, consider scouting for discounts online. If you feel like it, please post here any valuable deals that you might find, it may help some people.