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Rainbow
E-Series
Rexair Inc.
Avg. Price: $1850
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Wet Dust Can't Fly, Or Can It?
by dualcyclone (theodds@webtv.net) of missouri
Posted on 9/1/2003 |
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The Rainbow E-Series made its launch in June of 1998. It was the first all-new model since 1986's D4. For the E-Series, a new motor was designed. It has only one suction fan (instead of the multiple fan design of old) but the motor turns much faster creating approximately the same suction (but higher airflow) as the old models D3 and D4. The Rainbow E-series motor is now made by a supplier and not by Rexair Inc. The motor is of the 'non repairable' type, which means if one of the bearings fail, they cannot be replaced. The entire motor must be replaced. This is needless and costly and doesn't help the consumer who has a unit that is no longer in warranty. The older models of Rainbow had motors that COULD be repaired, with individual parts available.
However, the motor of the Rainbow E-series DOES have an 8 year warranty, not counting normal wear and tear (a bearing failure from use would NOT be covered). Warranty work is obtained through Registered Rainbow Warranty Centers - connected to a Sales Distributor's office or a private vac shop designated by the distributor to do warranty work. The Rainbow warranty is provided by the Distributor to the Consumer. The manufacturer, Rexair, does NOT provide the consumer with a written warranty on its products.
The E-series Rainbow has a rinseable Hepa filter on its exhaust end. This makes the machine run MUCH cleaner than previous models, which were among the worst for exhaust emmisions of dust. Disconcerting is the wording in the Rainbow brochures about the Hepa Filter. It's claimed to be there to trap "non-wettable particles that may bypass our water wash system". But the truth is somewhat different. IF the Hepa filter truly trapped only 'non-wettable' particles, one could never 'rinse' them out of the filter with water - as they are 'non wettable'. But the truth is that the filter gets full of dust. Dust that escapes the water, due to the forced evaporation of the dirty water from the basin while in operation.
The Rainbow E-series uses two and a half quarts of cold water as its primary filter. This means the consumer needs to fill the basin of the machine BEFORE each cleaning. A moment's extra work - true. But there are no bags to buy. The Rainbow allows fragrances to be added to the water to perfume the exhaust air. Because water is used as the primary filter, the machine can also function as a wet vac - mopping floors and shampooing rugs.
The E-series is a canister vacuum cleaner, although the demonstration in the home will try to convince you that its much more than that. The machine rolls nicely in its dolly. The electric hose does not swivel at either end, an aggrevation in use. The cord from the power nozzle that runs up the back of the wand, must be inserted into the electric receptacle by hand (direct connect would be nicer and more convenient). The attachments (only three - not the floor tool) can be stored on the end of the wand or on the machine. Storing them on the front of machine is not as nice as it sounds. They tend to 'jutt out' from the front and scrape and mar walls.
The power nozzle is very nice, doing a great job of cleaning rugs. It finally (the first model) has a carpet height adjustor. The power nozzle features a center drive belt, which will leave a one inch wide 'uncleaned' swath as you pull the nozzle back. The brush roller has four replaceable brush strips with stiffener/beater bars, so it 'beats as it sweeps as it cleans' to borrow an old phrase. The attachments are very well made, and the dusting brush (with its horsehair bristles and oval shape) is a joy to use. All the tools lock onto the hose ends with a button-lock.
The Rainbow does not lose its power in use. The suction remains constant. But, the cleaner cannot be used on oily, or greasy compounds (like plaster dust, fire place ashes, road dust from cars, etc.). These pass through the water and are collected on the hepa filter, where they DO reduce the cleaner's suction. When the machine is ready to be put away, the dirty water needs to be emptied and the basin stored separately from the machine. The separator on the bottom of the motor unit must be cleaned with a brush (provided), dried and reinstalled. This is extra time that can have both an advantage as well as a disadvantage. The advantage is that a clean vacuum is always returned to the closet, and one doesn't have to 'store' dirt - also there's no odors that develop as they do in bag cleaners. The disadvantage is the time and effort required to obtain the advantage. Many people would prefer a bag, especially when the machine is used for very short cleaning times (like in a home with small children where the machine would be run several times a day for a few minutes each time).
The cord is average in length, but does not have an automatic retractor, so popular on canister vacuums today. It does feature a nice place to store it - on cord hooks in the back of the machine. The Rainbow has many optional attachments which may make it perfect for some rather unusual uses. For example, the machine can be had with a fifteen foot long hose, perfect for stair cleaning. It can be bought with a mini power nozzle for stairs, furniture and upholstery cleaning. It can be had with a 'steam' carpet shampooer attachment, eliminating the need for a separate shampooer. It can be had with a scrub brush and squeege for mopping and scrubbing bare floors.
It can be had with an extra capacity water tank for use whether vacuuming or for wet pick-up. And the optional 16 inch foor brush is perfect for the concrete basement or garage floors.
Does the Rainbow clean 'better' than other canister vacuums? No. Does it clean as well as the best canisters? Yes. Is the exhaust air 'cleaner' than other hepa filtered canister vacuums? Perhaps. Especially if the other canister doesn't use a very high quality, sealed filter. Is the Rainbow easy to use and sturdy? Yes!
Is it a good value for the money? You be the judge.
The new 2-speed model Rainbow, certified as an air-cleaning machine as well as a vacuum cleaner, is launching very soon. "Low" Speed will limit cleaner noise and provide a nicer sound when used for dusting and also provides a lower suction for curtains and throw rugs.
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Excellent filtration, no bags to buy, constant suction (qualified), wet pick up ability, high quality manufacturing, very long motor warranty.
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Astronomical purchase price, the 'home demonstration', additional work to get machine ready and to put machine away
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Date Purchased:
June 1998
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Price Paid:
$1899
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Recommended:
Yes
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