E2 Series

by Eric K.
(Broomfield, CO, USA)

The Rainbow E2 Series water-based vacuum is a novel technology that works very well and is likely superior in "function" than the competition.

But, a big but, is that Rainbow majorly fails to make its quality on par with the big price tag.

See below:

I paid $150 (too much after evaluating it) for a used E2 series that I'm going to overhaul for my personal use. I repair all kinds of stuff, from high-tech A/C units to world-class weather stations.

This said at first glance I'm severely disappointed with the overall quality of Rainbow's construction.

For the original price of $1100+ I expected sturdier, more ruggedly designed parts. Just about every plastic piece on it is breaking, cracking, and degrading from 8 years of use.

I don't blame the original owner because - in general - the quality of manufacturing, materials choice, and refinement is obviously lacking for a "legendary vacuum".

Reality check - I'd rank it as par to sub-par - some parts appearing a poorly conceived as the cheapest vacuum you can find at a big box store.

Perhaps I'm biased: years ago, I inherited a Hoover self-propelling upright from my Grandmother that at the time was considered a top model at around $300. The construction and design was simply better than the Rainbow on many levels.

The Hoover lasted a flawless 15 years of constant use. I ultimately donated it after my wife bought a much lighter vacuum - she grew tired of hauling this heavy Hoover up and down our tri-level home.

Anyway, back to the Rainbow E2: the level of overhaul I'm going to have to do to get it working nearly makes me want my $150 back. What a total and major disappointment.

I expected so much more from this brand. The following needs to be replaced just to make it usable:

1. Water Pan
2. Latch springs
3. Motor Bearings
4. Motor Seal
5. Main Hose

I also have many, many plastic parts that I'm going to try to repair/reinforce with plastic-epoxy and RTV.

Nearly every accessory has poor, cheaply made fasteners and it actually disgusts me that any mechanical engineer would sign off on it. There are so many design flaws that I'm forced to believe that Rainbow doesn't really care about quality.

Not having a 'true' lifetime warranty, which it should at its heafty price, speaks an lot of truth to what the Rainbow really thinks of their quality.

My recommendation to buyers is shop a used unit first. Don't pay full retail unless you plan to baby this vacuum for 20 years.

Honestly, if I didn't know the person who sold this to me, I'd hope this E2 was some cheap Chinese knockoff... but sadly it's the real thing.

I'm shopping parts on Ebay and those vendors who say 'Authentic Rainbow parts - not generic knockoffs' makes me laugh but in a sad way.

But hey - the vacuum works. That is when it ain't broke.