At Hand Dryers UK we are industry leaders in the supply of hand dryers. We pride ourselves not only on the size of our range, but also in our product expertise and customer support. We wanted to use this post to talk extensively about hands in hand dryers – what their advantages are and where they are best suited to being used.
What is a hands in hand dryer?
Let’s start with the basics, a hands in hand dryer is a unit where users put their hands into a slot from the top. As they draw their hands out powerful jets of air (sometimes known as ‘air blades’ due to their long-thin nature) blow the moisture off the hands. This is opposed to a traditional ‘hands under’ hand dryer in which either powerful jets of air, warm air, or a combination of both are used to dry the hands.
What benefits do hands in hand dryers have?
Hands in hand dryers have several benefits over traditional hand dryers.
- Very quick dry times. Due to their design and the high-pressure jets of air they dry hands remarkably quickly. Some models have a dry time of around 10 seconds. This is fantastic for high-traffic environments where the constant movement of people is needed to keep a washroom functional.
- They are quieter. Due to the blades of air they use, and that they frequently have anti-vibration technology, they are typically quieter than a more traditional hand dryer. This makes them suited to places where volume is key, such as schools, libraries or busy offices.
- They are tidier. As the water is collected in a tray at the bottom, they are typically much cleaner than traditional hand dryers which tend to blow the excess water onto the floor and walls. This wasn’t always the case, and early models didn’t account for the excess water, often creating a coating of mildew along the bottom of the dryer. Modern models have dealt with this issue and are much cleaner.
Disadvantages
There are elements to hands in hand dryers that means they might not be perfect for every scenario.
- Cost. Hands in hand dryers tend to be more expensive than their traditional hands under counterparts. They are also more costly to run as they have two motors in, rather than one.
- Size. They are also larger than traditional units, which means they might not be suitable for smaller washrooms.
- Increased maintenance. The drip tray mentioned above will need to be collected on a regular basis, and the internals will need to be cleaned in order to keep proper function.
Where are hands in hand dryers good for?
As is alluded to above, hands in hand dryers are made with high-traffic environments in mind. They are made to dry hands quickly and do it frequently. Given their ability to catch water they are fantastic for places like stadiums and venues. In these locations footfall is high and at times of intense usage the washroom will stay dry and tidy.
Having said that, there are other things to consider. Hands in hand dryers have an element of prestige associated with them. They are perceived to be more technologically developed and luxurious. Washrooms that have hands in hand dryers installed will have an effect on feel of the washroom which will change the perception of the brand.
As mentioned, they are also quieter than standard hands under hand dryers. This makes them suitable for schools, libraries, offices and other environments where noise management is key. The Mitsubishi Jet Towel Slim runs at 56db, which is amongst the quietest hand dryers available. That particular model also has adjustable motor speeds. This means you can have the same model throughout your building, but change the motor speed (and therefore volume) dependent on where it is being used.
Hands in hand dryer FAQs
We often get asked the same questions with regards to hands in hand dryers, and so thought it would be useful to answer those in this post.
Are hands-in hand dryers automatic?
Yes! A user simply has to place their hands in the middle and the hand dryer should start automatically.
Are hands in hand dryers noisy?
No! They are typically less noisy than traditional hands-under hand dryers. A lot of them also have anti-vibration technology which means that vibrations are also reduced.
Are hands in hand dryers hygienic?
Yes! The most important thing to keep your hands bacteria free is to dry them completely and quickly after you have washed them – regardless of whether you are using paper towels or a hand dryer. As hands in hand dryers dry hands so quickly they are amongst the most hygienic options available.
Do hands in hand dryers have HEPA filters?
Yes! Some hands in hand dryers do come with HEPA filters installed, further increasing hygiene levels. Examples of this includes the Dryflow Steelforce, Mediclinics Dualflow M14A and the Dyson AB14.
Still unsure as to whether a hands in hand dryer is right for you? Just drop us a line on 0114 322 3663, or contact us here. Make sure to check out our complete hand dryer range as well.
