Reliable EnviroMate E5 Steam Cleaner
Similar to the E3, the Reliable EnviroMate E5 is the least expensive, continuous steam steam cleaner that
Reliable offers. Affordable and efficient, the E5 offers similar performance as the E3 with 2 notable upgrades. We
tried out the sample model around the office, and this is what we found.
What I like about the Reliable EnviroMate E5
The most significant and difference between the EnviroMate E5 and E3 is that the E5 has the dual tank, continuous
steam system (CSS). This means that as you are steam cleaning, when the water runs low, you can simply remove the cold
water reservoir cap and refill the unit. Because the boiler system is separate, there is not wait time for this unit to reheat
once it has been refilled. For those who have larger jobs to tackle, this is a big plus.
While the E5 is a bit more expensive than the E3 model, you not only get the addition of a CSS but also receive a free
bonus accessory kit with this model. This kit includes nylon and stainless steel brushes as well as an extra extension wand,
jet nozzle, and drain cleaner. All of the additional pieces are similar to what comes standard with the exception being the drain
cleaning attachment. This small round attachment has a foam-like gasket on the end. Attach this to a jet nozzle, firmly place the
attachment over your drain and shoot it with steam. Though I had no clogged drains to test this on, we do have a sink that drains into a mini
sump pump. After detaching the line, I steamed the drain and did note some rather gunky debris being flushed by the hot
steam. Overall, the extra attachments are useful and help offset the price increase from the E3 model.
The actual steam this unit produces is a good quality steam. Though on the lower end of the price scale, both the E3 and E5 models
retain good pressure and emit a decent "dry" steam. This is ideal for allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers or anyone who wants to
get away from using bleach or ammonia cleaners around the house. The high temperature steam also kills dust mites and many of
the common bacteria, viruses and germs found around the home.
The steam volume control of the EnviroMate E5 is on the handle. This is more convenient than models with the adjustment on
the body. This steam handle fits really well in your hand, and the simple locking mechanism can help you avoid anyone or anything
accidentally getting steamed
While the carpet attachment gives you no real way to pick up or capture any debris or hair (like with a cloth), it does do a good
job of freshening carpet and helping to release some trapped odors. With the attachment the steam head glides across carpeted surfaces.
What I do not like about the Reliable EnviroMate E5
The heat up time for the model we tested took a hair over 8 minutes. This is a little longer than several units we tested, but
with the E5, you only have to wait for the boiler to heat once since it is equipped with the continuous steam system.
The mobility of this unit was not as good as units that come only with casters. The larger rear wheels do not swivel, so this
vapor steam cleaner doesn't glide along behind you as well as some other canister style steamers we have tested.
Lack of a tool caddy... You'll probably get tired of hearing me say this, but like many home appliances, if there isn't an easy
way to store accessories or attachments, they're more likely to end up getting lost or not being accessible when you need them.
Overall, the EnviroMate E5 is a decided step up from the E3. As a better introductory steam cleaner, the Reliable E5 is well-suited
for most homes and allows you to steam continuously without having to wait for the boiler to reheat. This vapor steam cleaner provides
the benefits of clean, powerful steam to sanitize nearly any area of your home without spending a lot of money.
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Extra Extension Wand
