Thread Number: 18525
Rainbow Performnce
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Post# 203596   10/12/2012 at 21:48 (4,184 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        

Hey guys!

I've recently gotten my hands on a 1997 Rainbow D4 SE and I have absolutely fallen in love with it! I got it for $40 and it came with the AquaMate still new in the box. However, I live in a two story house and I want to purchase a second Rainbow. I'm thinking about getting a new one, but I want to know what your opinions are between the performance of the first 1998 E Series model and the new E4 Black. I love how the water basin has LEDs in it and illuminates the water. Also, I'm glad that the new PN has the edge cleaning brushes and LEDs as well. Please share with me your thoughts and I'm sure they will help me make my final decision.

Thanks!!

Adam Mercer


Post# 203597 , Reply# 1   10/12/2012 at 21:55 (4,184 days old) by KirbyUltimateG (Troy Ohio 45373 USA)        

Hi Adam.
I would get the 1st E-Series Rainbow. That is closest to your Rainbow SE PE.
Rob


Post# 203599 , Reply# 2   10/12/2012 at 22:44 (4,184 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Hey Adam

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
that is a very good rainbow FINALLY welcome to water vacs take two .
Get the new Rainbow E4 Black I have it and its awsome very powerful and the LED`S are BANGING !!!
You can not go wrong with the E4 ...


Post# 203601 , Reply# 3   10/12/2012 at 23:20 (4,184 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        
...

Thanks y'all! How does the E compare to the E4?

Post# 203613 , Reply# 4   10/13/2012 at 05:54 (4,184 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
This shows how each model is different.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO mark40511's LINK


Post# 203618 , Reply# 5   10/13/2012 at 08:48 (4,184 days old) by kirbykid63 (Wilmington Delaware)        
My experiance tells me

Hi Adam,in my 13 years of working on rainbows I would say that the d4 Se is my favorite rainbow.This model has a twin fan motor that is easy to service ,my advice is remove the motor and give the fans a good soaking to remove all the dirt build up and replace the bottom seal.You may also want to repack or replace the lower bearing this is the one that gets corroded.

Enjoy your machine
Richard Groski
new2youvacuums on Ebay.


Post# 203655 , Reply# 6   10/13/2012 at 19:05 (4,183 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
Adam

Im shocked that you got one . Manly becuase you told me you didnt like them . Becuase you had one your teacher gave you hated it . But i can see not anymore . Congrats

Post# 203662 , Reply# 7   10/13/2012 at 22:11 (4,183 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        
...

Hey thanks guys! I think I'm actually going to purchase a new one. The Rainbow E4 Diamond Edition (Black). Josh I did have a Rainbow several years ago but it wasn't a complete one like the one I have now. I was missing all the attachments, PN,and the dolly. I did hate that one, but the one I have now cleans beautifully. I'm so anxious to try the new one though.

Post# 203663 , Reply# 8   10/13/2012 at 22:12 (4,183 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        
Josh

What model Rainbow do you have?

Post# 203664 , Reply# 9   10/13/2012 at 22:15 (4,183 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Adam

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
Just buy the new one it IS the best PERIOD !!!


Post# 203667 , Reply# 10   10/13/2012 at 22:38 (4,183 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
@adam

I have the one after. The se . When i bought mine i had the the choice between the se and the eseries which is the one i own . The guy was selling both but i only went with the e becuase the se had the old style power nozzel . And mine was a little up to date . And mine also had the shampooer. But now i want a Hyla

Post# 203674 , Reply# 11   10/13/2012 at 23:39 (4,183 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Dan:

kirbylux77's profile picture
If the current black Rainbow E4 is so good, then WHY is there talk that it's replacement is coming out soon?!

Besides a new hose handle, wand, lighted powerhead, lighted basin & dolly, it's pretty much the same as the other E-Series models. And maybe I am being too skeptical here, but IF, in the unlikely event I changed my mind & bought a Rainbow, I would be purchasing the first E-Series, as it uses a motor with carbon brushes & the HEPA filter isn't a Washable HEPA filter, like today's models are. I'm not willing to invest money in a switched-reluctance motor when the technology hasn't been proven long-term to be reliable.

As a matter of fact, a good reason to get an older model E-Series is that you could put any powerhead you want with it, perhaps a Wessell EBK340 or Eureka Express powerhead, & get rid of the Rainbow powerhead if you wish. All you would need to do is install the Rainbow powerhead cord on the new powerhead.

Rob


Post# 203679 , Reply# 12   10/14/2012 at 03:05 (4,183 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        
...

Dan: I plan to :)

Josh: I've heard great things about the Hyla. I say go for it.


Post# 203690 , Reply# 13   10/14/2012 at 09:49 (4,183 days old) by kirbyloverdan (Egg Harbor Twp . NJ aka HOOVERLOVERDAN ❤️)        
Great

kirbyloverdan's profile picture
Adam you`ll love it . I do love mine .

Post# 203778 , Reply# 14   10/14/2012 at 21:47 (4,182 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
What else can be done to improve the Black Rainbow? They've pretty much addressed most everything I can think of.

As far as the washable hepa filters and switch reluctance: The hepa filters past the E series one speed can either be washed and or replaced the same as a one speed. Mine is the Gold 2 speed and I have had no trouble with the motor.

I will mention ONE thing they can improve upon. Those little clips on the end of the hose that snap into the main unit. Those need to be made of something unbreakable. One day I was carrying the hose over my shoulder walking into another room and the end of the hose tapped the side of the wall in such a way that it broke part of the clip off. It was the non electric hose


Post# 203786 , Reply# 15   10/14/2012 at 22:15 (4,182 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Mark

Well, for starters they need to go back to making the HEPA filter non-washable. The FIRST E-Series E1 models apparently call for a different HEPA filter that is non-washable than the second E-Series E1 models that switched to the Ametek motor with carbon brushes. And they need to DRAMATICALLY improve the waterlift & airflow ratings!! Seriously, both the E-Series & E2 Gold machines with switched reluctance motors I have tried, I have been unimpressed with....I think even the D4 had better suction than they did! And I'm not a huge fan of that new powerhead....they need to come up with a better design.

By the way, speaking of the powerhead....this is what I have heard is the cause for the re-design & release of a new model. I have heard they are having problems with the new powerhead.

Rob


Post# 203807 , Reply# 16   10/15/2012 at 07:10 (4,182 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
I bought a new Rainbow a couple of months ago and so far I am very pleased with it. I have deep pile carpeting and the power head works very well although I think the side rotating brushes could extend further out. Because of the weight of the power head, it feels solid, unlike the FQ power head Just having one hose, the quick connect wands and the lighted water basin are great features.

Gary


Post# 203886 , Reply# 17   10/15/2012 at 20:53 (4,181 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

@Joshdonnell
Is your E Series single or two-speed?

I'm not so sure about buying the new E3; but what problems are going on with the new model?


Post# 203900 , Reply# 18   10/15/2012 at 22:05 (4,181 days old) by pr-21 (Middletown, OH)        
I sure like mine....

pr-21's profile picture
The only thing I noticed was on the goodvac site. They have changed the belt a few times. I am still on my original belt with no problems and have had the machine for about 3 months or so...The width is the only difference if you read the goodvac website. I did purchase a few that goodvac said was the latest, however when I bought my Rainbow, I got a few extra belts and they were identical to the ones I bought from Goodvac. This is by far the best power nozzle since the ones that looked like Eureka power nozzles.


Sincerely,

Bud Mattingly
PR-21


Post# 203901 , Reply# 19   10/15/2012 at 22:22 (4,181 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
I have heard of NO problem with the Black Rainbow at all. I know several people who have had them over a year. If you do run into problems, they have very LONG warranties. Rainbow pays MUCH attention to detail. That's ALL they make are Rainbows in the Michigan plant. Do not worry. Buy the Black Rainbow, take care of it and you'll be happy! Trust me.

Just be aware they take a wee bit more to get used to as you already know. Once you get into the groove, it's not a problem. And the suction may not be 100's of inches of water lift, but at least it's constant, 100 % as if you just put a fresh bag in the entire time you ever vacuum with it.


Post# 203926 , Reply# 20   10/16/2012 at 02:22 (4,181 days old) by adambomb (Undisclosed )        
Rainbow's Warranty

puts Kirby's warranty to shame!

New Kirby Sentria II - Three Year Limited Warranty

New Rainbow Black - 8 Year Warranty, the first 4 cover it bumper to bumper!

Kirby should have done that a LONG time ago, since they're so reliable.



Post# 203930 , Reply# 21   10/16/2012 at 07:34 (4,181 days old) by joshdonnell ()        
I am not liking

The new Rainbow or any of the E2. They are loud and and feel cheaply made. Kirby is a better vacuum then a Rainbow . The E2 will not out last any kirby . Kirby is the only company that can say this the last vacuum you have to buy. Now thinking back i should have went with an older Rainbow. I find the Hepa filter a little too much . Isnt water spose to do its job and filter well like they clam . I never liked having another filter besides the water. So if i buy another Rainbow i will be an older Rainbow.

Post# 203959 , Reply# 22   10/16/2012 at 14:52 (4,180 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Josh......You've always hated Rainbow. I don't even know why you comment on the Rainbow posts.

Post# 203976 , Reply# 23   10/16/2012 at 20:11 (4,180 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        
To be honest.

Since I brought the Heritage 2 and using a lot. I can smell difference on air with Rainbow and Kirby, The bag started to smell and it not full and it feels empty. I am using The white HEPA Bags. I still love my Kirby Heritage2 but I think time use rainbow. I have been lazy using the Rainbow. lol I wish I had the money buy the newest rainbow but I am happy with mine. Like Mark said It may not have suction of 100's of inches of water lift but it has full time suction never lose suction unlike bagless vacuums. lol I wish Rainbow do bristles much stiffer like Hoover Convertible for my Power nozzle.

Post# 203990 , Reply# 24   10/16/2012 at 22:14 (4,180 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)        

There are choices of brushes for Rainbow PNs; U can choose a stiff bristle or soft bristle w/beater bars.

@Joshdonnell
If U don't like the E-Series Rainbows, I may be willing to trade my old D4SE for the E?

I had a fire ant infestation in my house; & the Rainbow came to the rescue before the exterminators sprayed the outside & inside of the house. Bugs DON'T stand a chance with a RAINBOW!


Post# 204003 , Reply# 25   10/17/2012 at 02:19 (4,180 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Joel:

kirbylux77's profile picture
You bring up a VERY GOOD point when you mention Waterlift ratings....and for me, along with the filtration, it's a primary reason NOT to buy a Rainbow. When you use a new canister vacuum with 100" waterlift, like any Miele after 2004 with the Vortex motor, Sebo D4, Perfect metal canister....the list goes on from there....Yes, you WILL lose suction using the HEPA cloth bags, no doubt about it. BUT, if you filled up the bag over a month's time doing weekly or twice-weekly vacuumings, & then changed the bag when it was full & suction was low, before you put your next bag in, put a waterlift gauge on it. Chances are VERY GOOD that vacuum will be pulling AT LEAST 65-70" Waterlift through the hose. In other words, that bagged canister vacuum would still be cleaning as well as your Rainbow, & before that when the bag was new, it would be signifigantly outcleaning the Rainbow.

As for the smell from the Kirby bags- well that's just a natural advantage ANY bagless vacuum has,regardless of whether it uses water or not. You're disposing of the dirt each time you vacuum, empty the bin & clean your primary filter, assuming this is a filtered bagless vacuum & not multi-cyclonic or water filtration. Plus, the one advantage HEPA Cloth bags have over ANY bagless vacuum that uses a HEPA filter for the exhaust is the fact that every time you change your bag, you get a new filter. And for those vacuums that use both a HEPA Cloth bag & True HEPA exhaust filter, the HEPA Cloth bag is what's doing the majority of the filtration. As long as you're changing your bags when you're supposed to, you shouldn't be having a problem with smells, & if so, you can always look into scent tablets or perhaps pick up a little bit of carpet deodorizer.

I never have been, and never will be, convinced that Water Filtration vacuums are best. What convinced me is when I owned my Rainbow D4 Performance Edition many years ago....actually seeing the dirt on the Separator, it just makes no sense that the Water Filtration is doing the job it claims. Even if it does filter ok, it's just a good alternative to using filtered cyclonic vacuums & not cleaning a messy pleated primary filter, or having to deal with a dust cloud that can happen with dry bagless vacuums. The E Series models also have the disadvantage of using a Washable HEPA filter, which NEVER filters as well as a True HEPA disposable filter, & DOES lose it's efficiency with each washing. I will always believe that a bagged vacuum, either HEPA Cloth or paper bags, along with a HEPA exhaust filter on canisters, is the best approach to achieve superior filtration results.

Rob


Post# 204008 , Reply# 26   10/17/2012 at 05:22 (4,180 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
Kirbylux - I don't know what to tell you. How can the water not be filtering the dirt if I have a white hepa and clean smelling (on both sides) filter and clean fans on my Rainbow after over six years? After I'm done cleaning, I do clean the separator, but there's never any dirt on it when I do clean it........I've had those bagged vacs with super strong suction and I like them, but I do have to say that after cleaning top to bottom with the Rainbow vs the bagged vacuum, there is a difference. Can't explain it, but there is......I've never owned an SE Rainbow......Improvements perhaps over the years?

I do not have buyers remorse and I have not convinced myself that it's an awesome vacuum just because I paid so much for it. I would completely admit to that if that were the case. But after using it and being the super clean freak that I am, can tell you that it is an awesome vacuum..But it's not for everyone...There's NOTHING wrong with bagged vacuums. They are great, I love my Epic 6500....I just read so many negatives about the Rainbow and most of them have not been true at all and it URKS me.

Joel - You know what you can do to keep the bag from smelling? Take some Rainbow D&A (green) and soak a cotton ball with it and suck it up. There is something in it that kills bacteria and the bag won't smell for a long time! I think there's this stuff Kirby sells someone was telling me about called Odorific or something like that. I'm guessing it is the same thing. Both should work.


Post# 204068 , Reply# 27   10/17/2012 at 20:49 (4,179 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        

I learned changing the water more than what i used to. I don't see the separator dirt anymore since. I used to let the water get so dirty and the separator get dirty. Mark i did that on Lux I soak the cotton and suck it to bag. but the cotton soak the bag. Maybe because it's oil? How u do? Do u soak the cotton and let it dry?

Post# 204073 , Reply# 28   10/17/2012 at 22:33 (4,179 days old) by rainbowjoel (Dexter NM)        
floor-a-matic

I know you mean. I have cwp brush roll and original brush roll. I like little stiffer like other Hoovers.

Post# 204080 , Reply# 29   10/18/2012 at 00:04 (4,179 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        
Mark:

kirbylux77's profile picture
I can honestly say that my Rainbow experience has been far different than yours then. Back when I had my Rainbow D4 Performance Edition, I had it as well as my Fakir S220 German-made canister vacuum that has self-sealing paper micro-filtration bags & Encapsulated True HEPA filtration (meaning the HEPA is before the motor). I have a Eureka Express PN, Plastiflex hose & Dirt Sensor lower wand I use with it. I was sharing a house with 3 other people at this time, & the house had light brown, cut medium pile carpeting in the living room, dining room, & all the bedrooms. I used the Rainbow as my main vacuum when I vacuumed every couple of days, as I wanted to save money on bags, & didn't mind the setup & cleaning. This house needed it BADLY once every couple of days, due to the amount of foot traffic & sand. Now, once every couple of weeks, I would take my Fakir S220 out & use it....EVERY TIME I used it, I wound up having the Dirt Sensor go off CONSTANTLY when cleaning the living room & dining room, where the heaviest traffic was, On top of that, the bag would be 1/4 full of sand & fine dust....and these rooms would have JUST BEEN VACUUMED with the Rainbow. This was only to make sure everything was getting picked up. Now, bear in mind I was using the Rainbow properly, filling it to the proper level, changing water every 20 minutes, & cleaning it's Separator after each vacuuming. I never was impressed seeing the dirt on the Separator, & even less so with seeing the dirt in the bag on my Fakir canister. Just to give an idea of performance here....the Fakir canister I have pulls 90" Waterlift, Rainbow D4 60" Waterlift.

As far as your assertion you have never seen dust on your HEPA filter & it remains white & clean smelling, & you never see dust on your Separator or in your motor fans....don't take this the wrong way, but since you are a Vacuum Collector, you would have taken FAR BETTER care of it than the average consumer who probably just follows the instructions & maybe even some who downright abuse their Rainbow vacuums. Therefore, your results you have seen with yours are irrelevant when we're talking about dust emissions & what is actually getting to the HEPA filter. In my town, whenever we do see an E Series Rainbow come in for repairs, they ALWAYS have lots of dust on their HEPA filters, even if the Separator is clean. The fact of the matter is, THERE'S A REASON why Consumer Reports always gave Rainbow the lowest scores for dust emissions when the D3 & D4 were out....in my opinion, Water Filtration does NOT work as well as Rexair would have everyone believe, & it does let out a LOT of dust. Come on now! Can you NOT see that Rexair putting the HEPA filter on the E Series was basically an admission they KNEW their system was flawed?! Why would they go from 1936 to 1998, go all those years with water alone, & then suddenly add a HEPA filter to it? It's obvious that Consumer Reports's testing trapped them in a corner....and they knew it.

Mark, tell ya what....if you REALLY think your Rainbow is doing the job you think it is, try using ONLY your Rainbow for 6 months. Then give your carpets a thorough cleaning with your Electrolux with a fresh bag installed....and be prepared to be disgusted with the results! I respect your decision to use Water Filtration vacuums as your primary vacuum of choice, but until Rainbow DRAMATICALLY improves the Waterlift rating on the E Series, I won't even consider using one in my home, & I'll stick with Electrolux & high-end European canisters with HEPA bags & filters.

Rob


Post# 204081 , Reply# 30   10/18/2012 at 00:08 (4,179 days old) by kirbylux77 (London, Ontario, Canada)        

kirbylux77's profile picture
Oh, and one thing I nearly forgot....I agree with Josh when he says the Kirby is built better than the Rainbow. I have always felt the E Series was very plasticky & didn't have the feeling of quality. And like I said before, I don't like that the Switched Reluctance motor hasn't been in the market longterm with a proven track record of quality & reliability. For my home, Kirby is the way to go if you want a quality, long-lasting lifetime system.

Rob


Post# 204082 , Reply# 31   10/18/2012 at 00:33 (4,179 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        

mark40511's profile picture
I'm not a collector. I actually use my vacuums........I rotate with the Rainbow and the Lux......But I will tell you that I used my Rainbow only for way over six months before without using any other vacuum, especially the first two years, and I used it a LOT. I still do, but not as much as I did the first two years......and when I used the bagged canister, it still took a long time for the bag to fill. The Rainbow WAS doing it's job. Had it not been, I'm sure that all the dirt that you say was staying in the carpets and not getting properly cleaned would have eventually caused a dusty mess in my house just simply from walking on carpet and stirring dust up.

The E series has a different material and style separator than those earlier SE or D3 rainbows. I do remember those separators would get dirty and dirt would stick to them. My Grandma had a D3 in the 80s and I vividly remember cleaning it and it was a pain......However, we abused the hell out of that Rainbow. We didn't change the water and it would get thick.......I guess we didn't know any better. I honestly can't remember changing the water EVER when we vacuumed.....

Whatever material these E series separators are made of are different. Nothing sticks to them........OR.......If it does, it takes a LONG time for dirt to accumulate on them if you never clean them...

And regarding suction.........At least on my Gold 2 speed, the suction is more than adequate. It has a 14 foot non electric hose that I use and as an example, when I vacuum the blankets the cats lay on it tries to inhale them the suction is so strong.

I'm not really doing anything special. All I do is change the water, which NOW I usually only have to change it two to three times MAX to clean the entire house, clean separator and basin and put everything away. I've examined my hepa filter VERY carefully because I find it so hard to believe that it can still be good after all this time. Even Rainbow says the have it checked and possibly replaced after two years.......I bought a new hepa on Ebay for 15 dollars for my Rainbow. It's generic. I can't tell a difference at all.......But I put the new one on to see if the performance would change at all. No noticeable increase in airflow, the machine still runs cool, air pours out the back of the filter as if it was still new, so I put the old one back on and have the new one ready to use if I ever need it.......


Now with all of that being said.........Sometimes I DO NOT enjoy using it! Sometimes I don't even WANT to vacuum, period. I get tired of it. But the neat freak in me has to vacuum every day or at least every other day.

JOEL - I don't SOAK the cotton ball to the point that it's dripping wet. I just put a few drops on it.



SORRY to the OP.....Still on the topic of Rainbow vacuums, but I went off in another direction.


Post# 204091 , Reply# 32   10/18/2012 at 07:06 (4,179 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
Rob,

With respect to Rainbow adding the Hepa filter....almost every vacuum manufacturer added a Hepa filter, including Electrolux, to their machines as that seemed to be the 'in' thing of the time so why wouldn't Rainbow do the same thing? I don't think it has anything to do with them being cornered by Consumer Reports. I've used my black Rainbow for 2 months now on a weekly basis and all I can say is that I'm pleased with it. To each their own.

Gary


Post# 204093 , Reply# 33   10/18/2012 at 07:31 (4,179 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        
@ Rainbowjoel

eurekastar's profile picture

Rather than soaking the cotton ball, you might just try a few drops.  That's what I do.  I also just use a small piece of toilet tissue. 


Post# 204100 , Reply# 34   10/18/2012 at 09:12 (4,179 days old) by Floor-A-Matic (somewhere)        

CR used "wood flour" which is "non-wettable" & that's why Rainbows didn't score well on emissions.

I was disappointed when CR said the SE was the lowest rated vac back in 1993; a year after my parents bought the SE. I disagree with CR's ratings about the Rainbow; why did they say it scored Fair in deep cleaning, suction & noise level?


Post# 204185 , Reply# 35   10/19/2012 at 06:08 (4,178 days old) by electromatik (Taylorsville, North Carolina, U.S.A.)        

I'm glad someone besides me likes Rainbows and thinks they are quality machines, which they are. I've seen Rainbows last decades with no major repairs. I also find it funny that people on this forum take Consumer Reports' testing seriously. You all should know better, LOL. Years ago, when vacuum industry experts went to visit, they discovered thier "laboratory" for testing emissions was the lounge with plastic sheeting taped up. Not worthy of regard. Consumer Reports also informs people wrong on cleaning performance. For DECADES they rated the Kirby "below average" in rug cleaning ability. I mean really?? They're just not believable. Those magazine pages from 1954 and 1957 are posted right here on this forum, I read them recently. They always rated Elecrolux well and checked marked them as recommended, and a few times rated them the best (the 1205). Starting in the 1990's they rated the Electrolux EpicSR "very good" on carpets but noted on the side that "the machine shut off prematurely." Now they can't even recommend an Aerus new product at all. Did Aerus Electrolux get worse, or is something wrong with the methods used? For years they used a concoction called wood flour for the "dirt." Starting in the mid-1990's or so they switched to using SAND and TALCUM POWDER for the dirt. This gives most of the better cleaners a poorer rating in dirt pickup because most of the high filtration systems can't handle the talcum powder, which is deadly to suction/air flow. Aerus' new bags in particular can't handle it, the pores immediately start clogging and robbing it of airflow. All Luxes are automatic, and when airflow gets reduced they shut off. Same with Rainbows and Filter Queens. On Rainbows, the talcum powder is non-wettable and continues on to the HEPA filter and seals it. On Filter Queens the cone filters almost instantly seals with the powder, robbing it of airflow also. With regard to Consumer Reports, if you bought the LOWEST rated vacuums, you'd be buying the better cleaner/filtration vac. I read somewhere a vacuum collector club tried to replicate thier results with same methods and were unable. To me they are not worthy of a passing glace.

Post# 204193 , Reply# 36   10/19/2012 at 09:43 (4,178 days old) by rugsucker (Elizabethton TN)        
Consumer Reports

Among other comments from CR they stated that the Rainbow SE has NO way to store cord when every SE came with the tool rack with 2 cord hooks(one swivel).They also highly rated the Eureka Bravo which actually did well UNTILL it had repair problems,more often sooner than later.CR later tried to add information on expected reliabilaty,most likely after hearing from unhappy Bravo owners.

Post# 207014 , Reply# 37   11/18/2012 at 11:41 (4,147 days old) by shelly (california)        

Adam, I hope you made your decision. I have a new Rainbow Black and love it. I also have an older SE which I no longer use, the black is so easy and fun to use. If you fell in love with the water tank, as I have, then you'll love the new model, your house will feel and smell clean, your carpets will be beautifully groomed and hard floors will be perfectly swept. Of all the vacuums I've used, I love this new Rainbow best. Good Luck.

Post# 207096 , Reply# 38   11/19/2012 at 02:42 (4,147 days old) by thermokid (Casper, Wyoming)        
I Love my Rainbow

D4 SE PE vacuum, it has excellent suction and is very quiet compared to the E Series. I also have a E2 2 speed and I used it maybe three times and put it back in the box and sent it to the garage. But now I have one of the newest E Series (Black one) And so far I love it it is quieter and has great suction and those LED lights can't be beat and the new Power Nozzle should be great if I ever get to use it. My dog chewed the cord off of the vacuum. I spliced the cord back together but not sure if it is safe or not, so I bought a new cord for it and since there are no Rainbow Dealers in the state of wyoming I have to put the cord on myself. I just hope I can figure out how to do it.... Dan

Post# 207153 , Reply# 39   11/19/2012 at 18:02 (4,146 days old) by chris (WV)        

I have both. The E4 downstairs and a SEPE upstairs. Beleive it or not I like my SEPE more than the E4, don't ask me why because I don't know the reason myself. The SEPE gets used for everyday cleaning and the E4 once a week. As far as quality, I think they are both quality machines with the exception of the plastic clips on the E4 hose. To me the SEPE is not as heavy as the E4. I just replaced a latch on my aunts rainbow in august and it was bought new in 1986 and it was used EVERYDAY and I would hate to say how many times the latch had been latched and unlatched. For it to last this long that has to say something about the quality of a rainbow. If you can swing the money I would go ahead and get the new E4.

Post# 207185 , Reply# 40   11/19/2012 at 23:04 (4,146 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
"What else can be done to improve the Black Rainbow?"

I can only think of two things I'd change about my E4: get rid of those cheap casters on the dolly and replaced them with solid urethane easy-roll wheels. These caster wheels are the ones that look they belong on inline skates and well made rolling luggage. I'm actually looking for some to fit my rolling dolly because the machine gets caught on every area rug in my house and I'm afraid it's going to turn over on me one day. Other than that, I'd like to see a power nozzle with a cogged belt. It seems I have to replace my belt about every 3 months- and this is with low to medium pile carpet.

Post# 207200 , Reply# 41   11/20/2012 at 05:19 (4,146 days old) by mark40511 (Lexington, KY)        
I always hear

mark40511's profile picture
of people having to change their PN belt a lot.........It's so strange that every vacuum I've ever owned, I've never had to do this. I've never felt a slip or any sign that it needs changed......The Kenmore, the Phantom upright I had, the Rainbow, the Electrolux, all of them.......I've never had to change a belt.........Wouldn't there be some sort of obvious sign that they need changing? If there is, I haven't seen it on any vacuum I've ever owned.......I even changed my Rainbow belt once thinking it MUST need changing by now, and after changing it, there was absolutely no difference..

Post# 207201 , Reply# 42   11/20/2012 at 05:37 (4,146 days old) by williamr1248 (USA)        
Rainbow Performance

Mark,
I have had the same thing with my sweeper. I have not had to change the belt on my machine. I did it once just because I thought I should and I could not tell any difference in the sound,speed or performance and mine gets used every day.
I have had much better luck with the dolly on this machine with the added wheel and a lead castor than my previous Rainbow SE. The worst I have used was the dolly on the Filter Queen and the small wheels on my Miele. They seem to catch on every rug edge and you end up dragging the machine on it's side or in the case of the Filter Queen it tips over.
Still that is a good idea to change the wheels.


Post# 207205 , Reply# 43   11/20/2012 at 07:10 (4,146 days old) by countryguy (Astorville, ON, Canada)        

countryguy's profile picture
I like the wheels on the new Filter Queens. I find it rolls very easily on floors and carpet. And if the wheel is positioned right under the hose inlet then it should never tip over when pulling it. The problem I have with the dolly on the Rainbow E4 is that the middle set of wheels are always getting hung up on the cord.

Gary


Post# 207418 , Reply# 44   11/22/2012 at 09:21 (4,144 days old) by chris (WV)        

Not sure what is going on with the belts. My E4 is over a year old and no belt problems, and the belt on my SE is 6 years old and no problem. My aunt has an e-series she bought new in 2002 and has never changed a belt. My dealer told me before she went out of bussiness, that these belts are supposed to last ten years.

Post# 207960 , Reply# 45   11/27/2012 at 03:49 (4,139 days old) by luxlife (Under a Pecan Tree)        
Some of my carpets are medium to thick pile.

I usually notice when it's time to change the belt if the power nozzle doesn't seem as aggressive to move by itself and I can also hear the turning of the brush start to slow down. I don't mind. I'd gladly change belts to keep my performance where it should be.


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