Rainbow E2 Platinum or Sirena?

[brok423]

So after the HUGE help I received here leading me to my first TOL vacuum purchase of a new Riccar Immaculate, I definitely want to expand on the collection.

I now want a TOL water-based machine and was wondering what the pros and cons for each of these machines was. I have asthma and my entire household suffers allergies. There are amazing deals for the E2 Platinum in mint condition (technically used) on eBay all the time, which lines up with the same price of a brand new Sirena.

What are the pros/cons and experiences of the forum members who have one of these, or those who may not own one but know a lot about them? And which would should I go with if I get one?

As always, MANY thanks in advance.

 

[ultralux88]

I do not yet have a Sirena, but I would definitely like one. I do have a prototype for the US market (but sold in Europe already) Big Power that uses the same Rotafil made motor and separator. I also have a Rainbow E2 gold, which is mechanically the same as the platinum, both use the same motor.

The Big Power has about as much suction as a model D Rainbow, but seems like quite a bit more airflow and it cleans very well, as does the Sirena based on what I've seen. The Rainbow is definitely a more powerful machine, lots more suction, as much suction as a Miele with tons of airflow. I believe both use a HEPA filter on the exhaust for anything that manages to get past the water, since very little of the typical household dirt is this, very very little makes it to the HEPA and it should last a long time. I haven't paid more than $200 for a Rainbow myself, so thats why I haven't gone for a Sirena yet, thats a lot to spend! I did spend $500 on the Big Power, but I knew it was already a rare machine, and was NIB as well.

I guess I'm not much help, I honestly think both machines are excellent deep cleaners, both have the excellent water filtration, on wetable dirt, which really all the allergens and things that bother us in the air are, I think a separator based water filter vacuum will be more efficient than the HEPA filter at catching that stuff, because it doesn't matter how small the particle is, as long as it absorbs or sticks to water it will catch it. I think you'd love either of them. Personally I like the Rainbow more, because of the 'Hurricane' switched reluctance (brushless) motor. But the motor the Sirena and my Big Power use is a top quality motor as well.

 

[fandb22]

Love my rainbow!

I have the newest Rainbow Black with the changes made in the end of 13. I.e the power nozzle circuit breaker and the newest side belt power nozzle. The sirena looks nice, however it is basically the first generation e series without the ability to add the accessories such as shampooer, rainjet, supermop, and I'm not sure but I don't think a small power nozzle is available for stairs. I wouldn't be opposed to a sirena but I wouldn't give up my Rainbow to get it! The Aura Roboclean is nice too, I just saw one on eBay last night for $399. Good luck and let us know what you end up going with.

 

[ultralux88]

ACCESORIES!!!

I forgot about that one! The Rainbow does have a big advantage in the various things available for it.

 

[dysonman1]

Look at it this way, the Sirena is NEW. Never used. No one else's dirt. A used (even if 'rebuilt') Rainbow is a machine that someone DIDN'T WANT ENOUGH TO KEEP. They did NOT treat it kindly. You don't know exactly what they did or didn't do to it in the time they had it. You don't know before you buy if even the HEPA filter was replaced. If you start out New with the Sirena you won't be disappointed, and no one with allergies or asthma will mind you using it.

I got one of the very first Sirena cleaners and I also have the 75th Anniversary Edition Rainbow (the current model). While I like them both, they are truly different. I do not use my shampooer attachment on the Rainbow. As a vacuum cleaner only, both will clean the same amount of dirt from the rug.

 

[man114]

Power nozzle

I prefer the Rainbow's current power nozzle. As someone else mentioned it has lots of accessories. There is also the fact that it is USA made. They are both fine cleaners. The price spread on new machines between the two is huge, but if you are buying used and don't mind it, much less so.

 

[brok423]

Buying used

One thing I actually prefer in the Sirena is the larger (and blue colored) water reservoir. Seems like a huge plus.

The Rainbow seems to win in most direct comparisons even if ever so slightly. Be it tools (barely), hoses (length and no need to attach plug), number of attachments; and more importantly, warranty. At the end of the day though, I really want the machine that is going to have the superior PN that pulls the most gunk out of my home...period.

I also don't mind buying the Rainbow E2 used, since I could never afford $2,000+ for a new one. It's the lack of warranty if I do that which scares me most, and which leads me to a brand new Sirena.

How much wiggle room to dealers have for a brand new Rainbow E2 Blue Platinum?

EDIT: Tom, I just read your "A New Dawn" blog on the Sirena from the VDTA. Nice read!

 

[marcusprit]

Your Riccar will pull more dirt out of your carpet and filter as well as the Rainbow. The Rainbow is cumbersome and a pain to maintain. A friend of mine had one and he said it was the worst purchase he ever made.
I'd stick with the Riccar and save my money if it were me

 

[sptyks]

I agree with Mark 100% on this one. The Riccar will clean better than the Rainbow and there's no messy water bin to deal with after each use!


 


 


 

 

[ctvacman]

Anything over $1,500 for the rainbow and your getting ripped off.

 

[ultralux88]

I like dumping the water out, gets a good clean feeling knowing the vacuum id going away clean with no dirt. lol But I don't fin the water to be that much of a hassle really.

 

[marcusprit]

I'm not comfortable with the idea of mixing water and electricity. Plus all the mold and bacteria that can easily grow in a damp environment. Not for me.

 

[tolivac]

The Rainbow motor is double insulated.Been this way for years-and the motor is full bypass-the motor has its own cooling fan and not dependent on suction airsteram for cooling.When the Rainbow cleaner is emptied and stored properly in between uses-mold is not a problem.When you are thru using the Rainbow-empty,rinse out,and dry the water bin.Store it NOT mounted on the motor powerdome.

 

[marcusprit]

That's me told. Haha