I've owned Rainbows in the past and they are excellent vacuums. This model is horrible. The cord is on the side not the back creating issues when vacuuming. Securing the water basin is ridiculous with its extra secure lock on the front, it doesn't work, but it does create issues getting the water basin on and off. For an older person using this, I can see the water basin being a big issue. It randomly goes into child mode and stops vacuuming because it ran over dirt. I am sorry I got rid of my older version for this one. Its horrible. If you want one of these look for an older version. Stay away from this one.

dee11111

Morrison, CO

I made a horrible mistake buying this. Sales person wouldn't take no for an answer. I gave up my Shark for this, bad mistake. It is hard to pull around through the house. It is heavy. Hate it

MarilynKT

Ocoee Florida

This vacuum has a powerful motor and is equipped with a hepa filter. If you are the only one using it and are diligent about changing the water every time you use it, then it will probably last as long as the loan you have out on it lasts. If you add up the loan payments, it totals over $4200.00 if you pay the minimum $80.00 a month. If you are late on a payment, the late fee is $140.00! You cannot vacuum up small dust particles like powder because it clogs up the filter. Replacement parts are also pricey. Do your homework before the salesman comes to your door.

kelliphd

West Michigan

This machine does filter the larger dirt particles into the water tub...........however it exhausts the smaller into the air through a hepa filter....For the price it's simply not worth it. The water bath is inconvenient to use. I have found other cleaners to be equal in cleaning power costing less, and also using a Hepa filter..

Right-On

Florida

I have kids, dogs and cats so I vacuum frequently! I love this vacuum. Sometimes it's inconvenient to stop and empty the water, but it's so worth the little extra effort. I love the fact that it's environmentally better and it cleans so well, too. I guess my only negative would be doing the stairs is a little challenging, but again, I would buy it again.

JaniceS1116

San Antonio, TX

As a recent purchaser, I have found suction power to be better than most typical household systems, the vacuum head detaches easily, and I enjoy the attachment to clean hardwood and tile flooring. I have also discovered some other concerns that make it a buyer's remorse burden for me, specifically, cost and ease of use. The power cord is too short for the large areas I need to cover, especially compared to our old system. It was recommended by the sales team to hang the cord over the shoulder to keep it out of the way, which shortens the length dramatically. I once had to change outlets once or twice, and now it is 4-5 times to reach areas, and to keep the cord out of my way (i.e. dragging the unit over the cord). The unit can be cumbersome, especially navigating around furniture, on landings, around corners, over rugs, managing the cord, etc. These units are probably best suited for a ranch style houses unless you find it enjoyable to lug it up and down stairs...full of dirty water, or it will need emptied for each level extending cleaning time and possibly cleaning up other areas depending where you choose to dump the dirty water. The design includes securing the attachment holder above the vacuum hose, and the attachments often collect the hose in the process of cleaning. The vacuum hose at times can be difficult to insert as it is not easily visible under the attachment, and it must be properly aligned to seat correctly, for both power and suction. The salesperson is undoubtedly a pro and makes it seem effortless, so give it a few tries to see if you have issues. I find vacuum hose is also short and requires constant tugging on the unit to keep up and falls over frequently if disturbed. I don't necessarily mind the dirty water, as it proves the suction power, but if you need a quick cleaning before company, or for whatever reason then you are stuck with letting it sit or cleaning it too. They will try and include taking your current vacuum as a prerequisite for a "discount", I would caution against this tactic and get the Rainbow for the same price, or cheaper...negotiate, negotiate, negotiate, and do not fall victim to the smoke and mirrors of the year supply of smelly oils (the "air freshening" dissipates quickly, but not before they get you to sign), "free" gift in the "Rainmate", and/or the calling the supervisor for "check-ins" and discount approvals. Bottom line is try their system in various rooms and areas, and not just in an open room over the spot your present vacuum failed to collect as much debris (which can be impressive depending on your present system). I kept my old primary system, and I am glad I did, as it remains ever useful. My old unit reminds me of its good qualities (ease of use/adequate capabilities), and I use the pricy, powerful and cumbersome Rainbow to augment it...when I have time to mess with it.

Viper930

USA

We recently purchased the Rainbow Canister Vacuum. As a child, I remember my parents purchasing one and the new model is very similar to the one we owned many years ago. The features I love the most are the addition of water in the cleaner and the ease of moving the vacuum around the house - as long as we're talking one story house here. I would have given this vacuum a 10, but for two reasons. One is that the vacuum is not easy to carry to another floor of the house once the water has been loaded in the base. The second reason is the nasty mess you have when you finish vacuuming and have to empty the water canister. Keep in mind that the water bowl has to be emptied after each and every use. Maybe my house is dirtier than yours, but, personally, I don't enjoy trying to get all the dirt out of the water bowl. Maybe I"m too particular in that I refuse to put the vacuum away until the water bowl is free of all the dirt that I vacuum up during each use. Maneuverability This vacuum is very easy to move around the house. I have hardwood floors in most rooms and several throw and area rugs throughout the house. This vacuum glides easily over all the surfaces. Now, when it comes time to move to the upstairs, I do not enjoy having to carry the vacuum up the stairs especially when the water basin is full. Guess I could buy two vacuums -one for downstairs and one for upstairs- but the vacuum is priced way too high for me to even consider this option. Ease of Maintenance I haven't had a single problem with this vacuum. The only part I really dislike is having to empty the water basin after each and every use. This is not fun as there are places in the basin that the dirt can get stuck behind. Suction Performance Absolutely GREAT Versatility This vacuum will reverse, but I haven't tried that yet. Durability The one my parents owned never broke. I'm hoping for the same performance with mine.

stovert1

Medon, TN

I paid twice the amount on review. I was told that if I got people agreeing to take a call from them that I would get the rest of the system - the shampooer. The people I had them call was a long list that I called and got their approval were smarter than I am as they refused. So I only got the vacuum and a small vaporizer but did manage to get a long vacuum hose out of them. This is heavy, huge (no closet will store it) doesn't clean as good as my Shark. I have cats and it doesn't clean up the cat hair well. The upholstery attachment broke and I couldn't get my dealer to answer the phone or return my calls. I contacted another dealer and he was nice and fixed the problem for me. I have to sent the piece in to him. Now less than a year of using it the "great" brushes are wearing out. Spend more money on this? Guess not. Anyone want to buy this cheap is welcome to it. It's too heavy, too bulky, doesn't clean well and I don't think it is controlling the dust any better than my shark! Maneuverability Bulky to get around chair legs easily. Ease of Maintenance Just a quick vacuum job before someone comes over is a job of cleaning and washing the tank. I would NEVER flush the contents down my septic system - I always dump outside. Suction Performance Still not enough for me! Versatility Have to store it in an empty room not in the closet where it would be easy to get out. Design Too big DON"T BUY THIS! Durability Lots of plastic for the price.

funneB

USA

Although there are now many vacuums that are bag-less canister types, back in 1999 my Rainbow was one of the only brands that offered this concept. I fell in love with my Rainbow at the first demonstration presented to me. The power was amazing and the water canister that captured the dirt was nothing I had ever seen and I was fascinated that not only did ALL the dust and dirt remain in the water and not back in the room air, but I could actually see and dispose of the dirt vacuumed up with little to no mess! I love this vacuum and with only a good cleaning and tune-up by a professional on one occasion, I am also thrilled on the longevity of this machine. Maneuverability Depending on your floor surface type, you can either pull the canister along with you by sliding it along the floor (carpet works best for this), or it comes with a base with wheels that you latch the canister into and pull it along behind you on any surface. The only problems I have ever had is the result of the maneuverability being almost too good. I have run it into door frames because it moves along so easy I don't realize how fast it is moving along. Ease of Maintenance The collection canister is easy-peasy to clean. Simply dump it outside (don't want to dump all the dirt into a sink drain) and rinse it out! The other maintenance needed is the occasional cleaning of the plastic water separator. A cleaning brush comes with the Rainbow to use to do this! Finally, one of my pet peeves....cleaning the hair and other string caught wrapped around the power brush. Many people overlook this small chore and wind up with a power brush that is no longer a brush, but rather a wad of hair spinning around that doesn't do a bit of good to your cleaning efforts! Suction Performance With no bag that allows for a loss in suction performance, this Rainbow has no issue with its performance. Versatility This machine came with many useful attachments that enable it to be used in many different applications. The power brush is amazing on carpet, the floor brush is used on hard flooring, there is an upholstery brush, a dust brush and a crevice tool. Finally because of the water collection tank , this vacuum is able to vacuum water up off a floor. A hose with no electrical wires is supplied to use for this type job so that there is no chance of any wires being exposed to water. The only issue I can see with this vacuum would be stairs! It is not a slender canister and the hose isn't long enough to reach from a landing to the top step. I have a ranch style home so I haven't had to use it on stairs, but I believe it could be a little cumbersome. Design This Rainbow design was thought out with the idea of keeping everything needed to use this vacuum all in easy reach. The accessories can be stored on the canister where they are in easy reach when needed. Durability My Rainbow is going on 15 years old and is still performing like a new machine! I have had no major issues with it, only once did I bring it to a professional vacuum repair shop to have it tuned up and gone over for any needed maintenance. Nothing major was needed and the extra belt I have kept on hand hasn't even been needed to be installed!

rvgypsyjj

USA

We are enjoying our Rainbow after seeing a demonstration of our Bissell not performing at the capacity of the Rainbow. It's very easy to maneuver and is light except for the canister part. You definitely see the results when your done. We have a dog and picking up hair is a big thing around our house. This machine does the job and then some. It can also purify the air, add a fresh scent to the rooms, and even be used as a wet vac. Maneuverability Easy to move around. Ease of Maintenance Just dump dirty water down the toilet and flush. You will have to rinse the bowl in the vac and refill with water. Even cleaning the part that is suppose to be cleaned once in a while wasn't too hard to do. Suction Performance Definitely powerful and then some. Versatility Like I said before. This machine can be used as several things. A wet vac, a deodorizer, and an air purifier. Design The design is alright. The only thing I have a problem with is the part where the extra accessories attach to the machine. It's like they don't all fit. Too many accessories and not enough knobs to place the attachments. Durability It seems to have a rubber molding around the base of the wheel unit so if it bumps into anything, it won't damage the unit.

Mreman

USA