Rainbow Technologies SE Cleaner

Almost bought a Rainbow about 5 years ago from a friend who sells them. I'm glad I didn't pay $1500+ for a new one then.
I picked up a couple used incomplete SE models and now have a wonderful cleaning system, with some extra parts for about $100. I was willing to pay up to $300 to complete my SE cleaner once I found out how well they clean. If you don't know about Rainbow and it's simple, yet amazing water filtration technology, it's time you did.

In my opinion, this cleaning system technology is the best available at and above it's pricepoint even at a discounted full price. I saw discounted because smart shopping means rarely paying full price.

Here's a good/bad twist. My wife and I keep a pretty clean living space these days, and yet my SE sucks up so much 'yuk' every few days that it's almost to the point of disgusting to see the contents of the water tray after cleaning with it. I'd rather see how much it's filtering out of my house than wonder how much is left behind.

With two cats, my wife was against getting a Rainbow thinking one would end up with a cement brick where the water was after cleaning around the litter box. I was convinced myself, but it's not so. This might vary depending on your litter choice.

We had berber carpet and now a cheaper 'plush' looking style and the SE rolls along quick nicely behind me as I navigate in around and under everything. The tools are easily changed out and are all carried on the main unit. Switching from the power head to the floor tools is just as easy. In my 45+ years of life, this is the best cleaning system I've used and now owned.

Still haven't tried the AquaMate carpet cleaner as I just recently purchased the missing part needed to complete that side of the system.

Highly recommend at least seeing if it will work for your situation.

I love it!

I use to own a Rainbow a long time ago but sold it. During Christmas of this year I borrowed one because my family was coming & we have cats in the house. After using it, I wished I had kept my Rainbow - what a difference it made. Everything looked so much cleaner. My Grandson was having trouble with allergies so we ran just to get the air clean - it helped. So I decided I wanted one again. After seeing what it picks up is amazing. this one was a great buy that I couldn't pass up & the seller was great. He took great care on how to pack it. I have brought several different attachments since then to add to my rainbow. I like it because you can use it in several ways - picking up water if you need to. I would buy this again - I know they are expenses but shopping on EBay has been great because you can get great bargins when you watch for them. This was a great buy. The only thing is cleaning it out when you are done but seeing what you got is worth it. Make sure that you do not let it set.

I have allergies and found that a rainbow vacuum is one of the best products for me to use. The water acts like a magnet for the dust particles so you don't get a lot of dust floating in the air while you vacuum. I have owned several name brand vacuums and was not happy with them because of the dusty air the create.
I like the fact that it has to different heads: one for a bare floor and one for carpet or large area rugs. They also can come with other attachments as well.
I also use a couple of drops of liquid febreze in the water but Rainbow does sell their own fragrance to add to the water. Another plus is you don't have to by bags and a lot of other junk for a rainbow.

I bought a used one because of the reputation and am pretty satisfied with the Rainbow for the price.

Pros:

-Really seems to pick up a lot of dust and pet hair each time as evidenced by all of the sludge in the water (uses a water canister instead of bags.) Very clean exhaust, with no dust or odor coming out.

-Great power head.

-Never need to buy bags.

Cons:

-If you're used to upright vacuums, you may find the canister design a little cumbersome, especially if going up and down stairs. The vacuum just sits in the wheeled base, so you have to be careful not to tip it over.

-The water needs to be filled and dumped every time, but I still prefer this over bags.

Summary:

I paid under $300 for mine used, and it is far superior to anything new for around the same price. The quality seems excellent and I expect this to last quite a few years, especially since parts are readily available. If I had a little higher budget, I might consider a little more modern or lighter design that is more maneuverable, but I imagine anything significantly better will cost close to $1000 new.

This is the best prodoct on the market. I have used many vacuums through the years and I bought my first rainbow in the early 70's and it was used. It saw its day so I then bought a second Rainbow in the early 1980 again used, I replaced the motor and bought other replacement parts and still have it. I bought this one for my step daughter who was stuck using other vacuums. When I went to visit her in North Carolina she said how she missed having the Rainbow. I never thought I would hear those words so I got on line as soon as I returned home and found a used one for her. She loves it. It is the best vacuum ever. Thank you to Rainbow Tech. Someday I hope to be able to buy another more up to date.