Electric Hand Dryers

Shop for the Best Hand Dryers for Your Business

Hand dryers are an essential feature in any modern washroom and public toilet, offering an eco friendly and cost effective alternative to paper towels. Whether for a commercial, industrial, or educational setting, choosing the right hand dryer can significantly impact both user experience and energy consumption. The key to choosing the right hand dryer is to balance drying speed, energy efficiency, noise levels, and budget. High speed hand dryers offer the best performance, while quieter, compact models are perfect for smaller spaces. Whatever your needs, investing in a high-quality hand dryer will lead to long-term savings and improved hygiene.

Top Categories of Hand Dryers

1. Automatic Hand Dryers
Automatic hand dryers are activated by motion sensors, making them touchless and more hygienic. These models are popular in high traffic areas like shopping malls and airports.

2. High Speed Hand Dryers
These dryers are designed to dry hands in 10-15 seconds, significantly faster than the older traditional models. High speed hand dryers are growing in popularity due to their efficiency and user convenience.

3. Quiet Hand Dryers
Quiet hand dryers are specifically designed to minimize noise, making them ideal for environments where silence is essential, such as offices, libraries, and schools. These dryers may sacrifice a bit of speed for quieter operation but still offer efficient drying solutions.

4. Hands In Hand Dryers
Hands in hand dryers are designed with an innovative approach where users place their hands into a cavity or slot for drying. These dryers often feature high speed air blades that efficiently remove water from both sides of the hands. They're known for their fast drying times and advanced hygiene features.

5. Hand Dryers for Schools
Durable, quiet, and energy efficient hand dryers specifically designed for educational environments. These models prioritise low noise and long lasting performance, perfect for schools, colleges, and universities.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Hand Dryer

1. Drying Time
Faster drying times reduce wait times, improve bathroom traffic flow, and lower electricity costs. Most high speed hand dryers take around 10-15 seconds, while standard traditional warm air dryers may take 30 seconds or more.

2. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is vital for both environmental and cost saving reasons. Look for models that consume less energy per use while maintaining a fast drying time.

3. Noise Level
Hand dryers can vary widely in terms of noise output. While high speed dryers are generally noisier, there are models designed specifically for noise reduction. Consider the environment – a noisy dryer may not be suitable for settings like offices, schools, or libraries.

4. Durability and Build Quality
A hand dryer’s durability is essential, especially in high traffic locations. Models made from stainless steel or heavy duty plastic tend to last longer and withstand vandalism. A solid warranty is also a sign of a quality product.

5. Design and Aesthetics
Hand dryers come in various designs, from sleek, modern units to more industrial-looking models. Consider how the design fits into your washroom's overall aesthetic. A well designed dryer can blend seamlessly with the decor or even add a modern touch.

Top Hand Dryers of 2024

1. Dyson Airblade V: Ultra fast drying time (around 12 seconds) and HEPA filtration system, which removes 99.9% of bacteria from the air.
2. Excel Dryer Xlerator: This high speed hand dryer dries hands in just 10-12 seconds and is built for durability. It uses up to 80% less energy than traditional dryers.
3. Mitsubishi Jet Towel: A quieter option, it offers a quick 10-second drying time and an ergonomic design. It is ideal for environments where noise control is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to run a hand dryer?
The cost of running a hand dryer varies based on its power consumption and usage frequency. On average, hand dryers cost between £7 to £40 per year in electricity, which is significantly cheaper than using paper towels.

2. Are hand dryers hygienic?
Yes, most modern hand dryers are designed to be hygienic. Many high end models, like Dyson Airblade or Mitsubishi Jet Towel, come equipped with HEPA filters that remove up to 99.9% of bacteria from the air before it is blown onto the hands. Hands-free operation also reduces the chance of cross-contamination since users don’t have to touch any surfaces.

3. What are the benefits of using a high speed hand dryer?
High speed hand dryers reduce drying time to around 10-15 seconds, improving washroom efficiency, lowering energy costs, and enhancing user satisfaction. They’re also more energy efficient compared to traditional dryers.

4. How do hand dryers work?
Hand dryers use electrical energy to power a fan that blows air onto your hands. The air pushes water off the surface of the hands, drying them in a matter of seconds. Most modern hand dryers are sensor-activated, starting the drying process automatically when hands are placed under the dryer.

5. Which is more cost effective: hand dryers or paper towels?
Hand dryers are generally more cost effective than paper towels over time. While hand dryers have a higher upfront cost, they last for years with minimal maintenance. In contrast, paper towels involve recurring expenses for purchase, storage, and waste disposal. Hand dryers typically cost just a few pounds a month in electricity, whereas paper towels can cost hundreds or thousands annually depending on usage.

6. How long do hand dryers take to dry hands?
The drying time varies by model. High speed hand dryers can dry hands in 10-15 seconds. Old traditional hand dryers take around 30-40 seconds. High-speed models, like the Dyson Airblade or Excel Xlerator, use powerful air streams to achieve faster drying times.

7. Are hand dryers environmentally friendly and energy efficient?
Yes, hand dryers are considered more environmentally friendly than paper towels because they eliminate the need for paper waste. Even though they consume electricity, the energy use is minimal compared to the production and disposal of paper towels. Many modern hand dryers are also energy efficient, consuming less power and further reducing their environmental impact.

8. Are hand dryers noisy?
Hand dryers can be noisy, especially high speed models, which produce sound levels ranging from 70-90 decibels. However, some newer models are designed specifically for noise reduction, such as the Mitsubishi Jet Towel, which operates at a quieter decibel level. If noise is a concern, look for dryers with quieter motors or built-in noise reduction features.

9. How long do hand dryers last?
Most commercial hand dryers are designed to last for 7-10 years or longer, depending on the frequency of use and maintenance. High-quality models with durable materials, like stainless steel, tend to have longer lifespans. Regular cleaning and maintenance, especially for dryers with HEPA filters, can extend their lifespan significantly. Dryflow hand dryers come with a lifetime guarantee offering free repairs for life to keep your hand dryer in working order for as long as possible.

10. Do hand dryers require maintenance?
Yes, hand dryers require some maintenance, though it is minimal compared to other washroom equipment. Maintenance tasks include, cleaning the nozzle or air vents to prevent dust buildup, replacing or cleaning HEPA filters in models that have them, and regularly inspecting the dryer for wear and tear. Proper maintenance ensures the dryer operates efficiently and lasts longer.

11. Can hand dryers be used in homes?
Yes, hand dryers can be installed in homes, though they are more commonly used in commercial and public settings. Compact hand dryer models designed for smaller spaces can be a practical and eco friendly option for home bathrooms. However, the initial cost may be higher than traditional towels, making them more suitable for eco conscious households. In the UK you will also have to hard wire the hand dryer into a fused spur, so this needs to be taken into consideration.

12. Can hand dryers dry hands completely?
Yes, hand dryers are designed to dry hands completely. However, this depends on the drying time, model, and user technique. High speed models that blow air at high velocities are very effective at fully drying hands within 10-15 seconds. It's important to keep hands still under the airflow and spread fingers for best results.

Additional Resources

• Choosing the right hand dryer - a helpful guide
• The Best Hand Dryers to Buy in 2024
• What height should a hand dryer be installed at?