Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400

The Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 comparison is one of the most common in commercial carpet extraction. All three are self-contained carpet extractor machines, meaning they inject solution, scrub, and vacuum dirty water back out in a single pass. 

The Tennant E5 is a compact machine with smaller tanks and a narrower path. The Advance ES300 & ES400 are mid-range extractors with significantly larger tanks, wider cleaning widths, and optional integrated hand tools - for about $1,000 less than the Tennant E5. They have far stronger water lift capabilities as well, at 120” vs 86”.

So which is right for you?

We carry all of them, backed by world-class customer service, competitive pricing, and hassle-free financing. We put together this comparison covering the specs, strengths, and trade-offs so you can pick the right one for your facility. Learn more below or get a personalized recommendation today!

Key Takeaways

• The Advance ES300 & ES400 have larger tanks (9-12 gal vs 5 gal), wider cleaning paths (16-18” vs 15”), and CRI Bronze Certification.
• The Tennant E5 is more compact, has a hygienic tank system, and a stronger warranty (3 years parts and labor vs 3/2/1).
• The ES300 XP and ES400 XLP have integrated hand tools for upholstery and spot work (E5 doesn’t).
• The ES300 ST is most affordable at $4,395. The E5 sits at $5,095. The ES400 XLP costs $6,494.
• Smaller facilities with lighter extraction needs might find the E5 better. Larger facilities and higher-volume jobs are better off with something from the Advance lineup.
• SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for commercial carpet extractors - we’ll talk over your company’s needs and give you a tailored recommendation.

Features and Benefits of the Tennant E5 Carpet Extractor

The E5 is Tennant's compact self-contained extractor. It’s great for high-traffic corridors, hotel rooms, offices, and other spaces where a full-size unit would only hold you back.

Key Features and Specs

• Cleaning path: 15”
• Solution tank: 5 gallons
• Recovery tank: 5 gallons
• Pump pressure: 65 PSI
• Water lift: 86”
• Power: Electric with detachable 50' cord
• Brush: Double-tuft, float-adjust (auto-adjusts to carpet pile height)
• Extraction type: Pull back
• Warranty: 3 years parts / 3 years labor
• Price: $5,095

What We Love About It

The T5’s float-adjust brush automatically adapts to different carpet pile heights without manual adjustment. That means less operator training and more consistent extraction across mixed-carpet facilities. 

The Hygienic tank design is fully cleanable and reduces the risk of mold and bacteria buildup between uses. Any facility will appreciate that, but especially healthcare, assisted living, and hospitality settings, where sanitation standards are extra strict. 

The 50-foot detachable cord gives you solid reach without an extension cord in most commercial spaces. But there are some downsides to be aware of…

Things to Consider

The 5-gallon tanks are the main limitation on the T5. You'll dump and refill more often on large-area jobs compared to the Advance models. The 15” cleaning path is also the narrowest in this Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 comparison. Expect more passes on wide-open carpeted areas. 

There's no integrated hand tool option either. You'd need a separate carpet spotter or a carpet extractor with wand for spot cleaning or upholstery work. That’s one of the main selling points of the other half of our carpet extractor comparison.

Features and Benefits of the Advance ES300 & ES400 Carpet Extractors

The ES300 and ES400 are Nilfisk Advance's mid-range self-contained extractors. The difference between them comes down to cleaning width and configuration options. You have the flexibility to match the machine to your facility's size and layout. 

Key Features and Specs

ES300:

• Cleaning path: 16”
• Tank options: 9 or 12 gallons (solution and recovery)
• Power: 120V electric
• Certification: CRI Bronze
• Water lift: 120”
• Variants: ST ($4,395) - standard; XP ($5,442) - includes integrated hand tool

ES400:

• Cleaning path: 18”
• Tank options: 9 or 12 gallons (solution and recovery)
• Power: 120V electric
• Certification: CRI Bronze
• Water lift: 120”
• Variant: XLP ($6,494) - includes integrated hand tool

Both models: 3 years parts / 2 years labor / 1 year technician travel warranty

What We Love About Them

Tank capacity is the biggest advantage at 9 or 12 gallons. You can cover far more carpet before stopping to dump and refill compared to the E5's 5-gallon setup. That makes a big difference in productivity (and cost) for large offices, conference centers, hotels, and multi-room facilities. 

The machines also have front-mounted drain hoses for effortless dumping, while the removable tank with a stowable handle makes the re-filling process way easier. Operators can easily get the hang of the machines with all cleaning modes mounted on the panel.

The CRI Bronze Certification means these machines meet the Carpet and Rug Institute's standards for effective soil removal without damaging carpet fiber. You won’t have to stress about causing more harm than good with your regular carpet maintenance tasks.

The XP and XLP variants include integrated hand tools, too, so you can handle upholstery, stairways, and spot work with the same machine. That might help you consolidate equipment in your janitorial arsenal. 

The large wheels also make these machines easier to move between floors and up stairs than most extractors in this class. There’s certainly a lot to love about the Advance carpet extractor lineup - but there are considerations. 

Things to Consider

Larger tanks and a wider cleaning path = a bigger machine. The ES300 and ES400 take up more storage space and are heavier to move when full. The extra capacity may be more than you need if your facility is primarily small offices and hotel rooms. 

The warranty is also slightly less comprehensive than the E5's. You get 2 years of labor coverage vs 3, and technician travel is only covered for the first year. But there are going to be trade-offs no matter which machine you go with. It just comes down to your priorities. 

Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400: Which Carpet Extractor is Right For Your Operation?

Honestly, these are some of the best carpet extractors in our collection at SweepScrub. The question is which one fits your facility's carpet area, cleaning schedule, and budget. Here's how the Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 stack up on the details that matter most.

Tank Capacity

Tank capacity is the biggest gap in the Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 comparison. The E5's 5-gallon tanks are fine for smaller jobs, such as a hallway, a few offices, or a hotel room block. 

On the other hand, the Advance's 9-gallon or 12-gallon tanks let your crew extract large carpeted areas and multi-room sections without constant interruptions. You get roughly double the runtime.

The larger tanks save significant time for water restoration work or high-volume commercial extraction. Whether you’re starting a restoration business or just trying to clean faster, this is a major selling point for the Advance ES300 or ES400.

Cleaning Width and Reach

You have quite a few options as far as cleaning path width:

• The E5 cleans at 15”
• The ES300 cleans at 16”
• The ES400 cleans at 18”

Those extra inches per pass add up to fewer total passes and less time on the clock in a large conference room or open office floor. But they might be more of a hindrance than a help if you’re trying to clean carpet in tight areas, like around desks or furniture. 

All three machines have a 50’ power cord, so that’s not a relevant point of comparison between the Tennant E5 vs Advance ES30 & ES400. Both machines have adjustable handles, too, so you can fit under desks or other things. 

Carpet Pile Versatility

The E5's float-adjust brush automatically adapts to carpet pile depth without having to adjust knobs or tinker with manual settings. This is useful in facilities with mixed carpet types across different rooms. 

The Advance models also use a floating brush head that automatically adjusts to the carpet in question, taking the guesswork out of carpet extraction.

Our guide on how to use a carpet extractor walks through the basics of getting consistent results with any machine. But, both of these machines have a relatively short learning curve.

Size, Storage, and Maneuverability

The E5 is the most compact machine in this comparison. Smaller tanks and a narrower body make it easier to store in a utility closet and maneuver through tight doorways. In contrast, the Advance models are larger by necessity. But their bigger tanks and wider cleaning heads take up more space. 

The E5 has the edge if storage is limited or your facility has tight access points. The Advance's size is a non-issue if you have a dedicated equipment room and open floor plans.

Cost Comparison

The price range across the Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 lineup spans over $2,000:

• ES300 ST: $4,395 - lowest cost, no hand tool
• Tennant E5: $5,095 - mid-range, compact, strongest warranty
• ES300 XP: $5,442 - adds integrated hand tool
• ES400 XLP: $6,494 - widest path (18”), integrated hand tool

The ES300 ST is the most affordable entry point, and you could make the case that it’s the best commercial carpet extractor for the money in this comparison. The ES300 XP and ES400 XLP add the integrated hand tool, which is worth the premium if you'd otherwise buy a separate spot cleaner.

The E5 costs more but you do get Tennant's superior warranty. Speaking of which…

Warranty and Support

The E5 is warrantied for 3 years of parts and 3 years of labor. The Advance models are backed by 3 years of parts, but only 2 years of labor and just 1 year of technician travel. 

That difference in labor and travel coverage matters over the life of the machine for facilities that rely on manufacturer service calls. The Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 warranty gap is worth factoring into total cost of ownership.

Let SweepScrub Help You Narrow It Down to the Right Equipment

We carry the full Tennant and Advance extraction lineup, and we know these machines well enough to help you match the right one to your facility. Every extractor we sell ships free to the lower 48, with most orders out the door within 48 hours. You’ll have access to hassle-free financing, too.

Not sure if extraction is the right approach? Our carpet extractor vs carpet cleaner and shop vac vs carpet cleaner comparisons cover the basics. We are always available to talk it over one-on-one, too. Get in touch today and get a tailored recommendation on the right cleaning solution for YOU!

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of the Advance ES300/400 vs Tennant E5 Carpet Extractors

The Tennant E5 vs Advance ES300 & ES400 decision depends on the scale of your extraction work. The E5 is the better fit for smaller facilities, mixed-pile carpets, and operations that value compact storage and Tennant's full 3/3 warranty. The Advance ES300 and ES400 are built for higher-volume jobs where bigger tanks, wider paths, and optional hand tools save real time. 

Both are solid machines. The right one is whichever matches your facility's carpet area and cleaning schedule. Browse our full extractor catalog to see everything we carry, or connect with our customer success team today for personalized guidance!