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Discover if the Rainbow E-Series E2 canister vacuum lives up to the hype with its unique water filtration system. We break down performance scores, pros, cons, and compare to top alternatives like Miele models for bare floors, carpets, and pet hair. Find the best value for your home cleaning needs.
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.
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.
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:
Cons:
See the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction as a lighter alternative.
| 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.
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
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.
These deliver pro-level results without the Rainbow's bulk.
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.
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).
Water traps wet debris and allergens without chemicals, but bags like those in Mieles offer easier maintenance and higher micron ratings.
For bare-floor enthusiasts, yes; otherwise, alternatives under $1,000 perform better overall.
No – its 24+ lbs weight makes it cumbersome. Choose portable options like the Miele C1.
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.