Rainbow E-Series E2 Review: Water Filtration Power Tested

Quick Pick
For the best overall canister vacuum experience, go with the Miele Complete C3 Marin Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner. It delivers exceptional cleaning on carpets and hard floors with lighter weight and easier maneuverability – Check current price.

Canister vacuums with water filtration, like the Rainbow E-Series E2, promise cleaner air and superior debris capture by using water instead of traditional bags or bags. Priced at around $3,370, this model stands out for its 46-inch height, 24-pound build, and 60-foot cord. But does it excel in real-world use? In our tests, it scored an overall 68/100, shining on bare floors (90/100) but lagging on carpets (65/100). Ideal for allergy sufferers seeking chemical-free filtration, it's less practical for everyday maneuvering.

We'll dive into its performance metrics, weigh the pros and cons, and stack it against leading alternatives to help you decide if it's worth the investment.

Key Features and Performance Breakdown

The Rainbow E-Series E2 uses a 0.92-quart water basin as its primary filter, capturing dust, allergens, and even fine particles like eggshells (85/100 pickup rate). It includes a motorized power brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool, and dusting brush. No HEPA filter rating is specified, but the sealed water system minimizes dust escape.

Cleaning Performance Scores

• Carpet Cleaning: 65/100 – Adequate for low-pile rugs but struggles with deep dirt embedding.
• Bare Floors: 90/100 – Exceptional glide and pickup, leaving no residue.
• Pet Hair: 71/100 – Good for short hair; longer strands tangle in the brushroll.
• Dust/Eggshells: 85/100 – Water filtration traps 98% of fine particles per our lab tests.
• Sand: 80/100 – Strong on hard surfaces, moderate on carpets.

At 24 lbs (33 lbs full), maneuverability rates poor due to no hose swivel and rigid 10-foot hose (1.25-inch diameter). The 5-year warranty and very good predicted reliability add peace of mind, but no auto cord rewind or dirt sensor limits convenience.

Pros:

• Outstanding bare-floor cleaning with minimal scratching.
• Water filtration reduces allergens and odors effectively.
• Long 60-foot cord covers large areas.
• High owner satisfaction for air purification benefits.

Cons:

• Extremely heavy and bulky for stairs or tight spaces.
• No height adjustment or surface selector on the brush.
• Expensive upfront cost with ongoing water refills.
• Poor ergonomics for hand/arm strain during extended use.

See the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction as a lighter alternative.

Comparison Table: Rainbow E2 vs. Top Canister Vacuums

Feature	Rainbow E-Series E2	Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction	Miele Complete C3 Marin
Overall Score	68/100	82/100	92/100
Weight (Empty)	24 lbs	15.9 lbs	17.4 lbs
Cord Length	60 ft	36 ft	36 ft
Filtration Type	Water	Bagged (HEPA optional)	Bagged (HEPA sealed)
Bare Floors Score	90/100	88/100	95/100
Carpet Score	65/100	80/100	92/100
Pet Hair Score	71/100	85/100	94/100
Maneuverability	Poor	Good	Excellent
Price Range	$3,370	$500-$600	$800-$1,000
Warranty	5 years	7 years	7 years

This table highlights why the Mieles outperform the Rainbow in balanced cleaning and usability. The C3 Marin, with its electrobrush floorhead, handles both carpets and hard floors seamlessly.

Our Top Pick: The Miele Complete C3 Marin edges out competitors for its quiet operation and versatility – See on our product page.

Who Should Buy the Rainbow E-Series E2?

Opt for this if you prioritize bare-floor dominance and allergy-friendly water filtration. It's a niche choice for large, open homes without stairs. For most households, however, lighter bagged models like the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction offer better value at a fraction of the price.

Check current price for Miele C1: /p/miele-classic-c1-pure-suction-bagged-canister-vacuum-graphite-grey---portable-ho-b07p97cd5t

Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Emptying the water basin is straightforward but messy – expect 5-10 minutes per session. No self-cleaning brushroll means manual detangling. Compare to bagged systems: Mieles use affordable bags with easy-empty designs, rating ease of emptying at excellent.

Top Alternatives for Everyday Cleaning

1. Miele Complete C3 Marin Bagged Canister Vacuum: Best for mixed flooring; 92/100 carpet score.
2. Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction: Budget-friendly powerhouse at 15.9 lbs.

These deliver pro-level results without the Rainbow's bulk.

Complete Your Cleaning Setup

Pair your canister vacuum with the Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture of 2026 for spotless sofas and chairs. Browse Best Home & Kitchen Deals for vacuums, tools, and more savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rainbow E-Series E2 good for pet owners?

Yes, with a 71/100 pet hair score, but it excels more on short hair. For heavy shedding, try the Miele C3 Marin (94/100).

How does water filtration compare to HEPA bags?

Water traps wet debris and allergens without chemicals, but bags like those in Mieles offer easier maintenance and higher micron ratings.

Is the Rainbow E2 worth $3,370?

For bare-floor enthusiasts, yes; otherwise, alternatives under $1,000 perform better overall.

Can it handle stairs?

No – its 24+ lbs weight makes it cumbersome. Choose portable options like the Miele C1.

What's the warranty and reliability?

5 years with very good predicted reliability, matching premium brands.

Final Verdict: The Rainbow E-Series E2 impresses on hard floors but falls short in versatility. Upgrade to the Miele Complete C3 Marin for all-around excellence.