Types of Hand Dryers for Bathrooms

Types of Hand Dryers

The main differences between hand dryer models are whether they use heated or unheated air, whether they are automatic or manually operated, and the type of motor they use. We explain the nuances of these foundational differences, so you know which unit meets your needs.

1. Heated Hand Dryer

Heated hand dryers are a cost-effective, efficient hand-drying solution for commercial bathrooms. These dryers use a heating element and a motor to warm air, which is then pushed out at a moderate speed to dry hands. Older models dry hands in about 20 to 40 seconds, while newer models can dry hands in approximately 8.5 seconds. Typically mounted on the wall near the sink or mirror, heated hand dryers are practical for low-traffic bathrooms.

One of the main advantages of heated hand dryers is their lower initial cost, making them a budget-friendly option for many businesses. However, they're more expensive to run. Their heating elements consume a lot of electricity to evaporate water. They are simple to use, with easily accessible parts for maintenance. These hand-drying parts are also available for purchase. Installation is straightforward and does not require any special expertise, making them a convenient choice.

• Benefits: Low upfront cost, warm airflow, simple maintenance
• Considerations: Higher energy consumption, slower dry times than high-speed models
• Best Applications: Offices, small restaurants, low-traffic restrooms

2. Unheated Hand Dryers

High-speed no-heat hand dryers provide fast and effective hand drying. On average, their dry times range from 10 to 15 seconds, making them a popular choice for busy restrooms in commercial settings. A key advantage of high-speed unheated hand dryers is their energy efficiency. These units consume approximately 80% less energy compared to conventional hand dryers that incorporate heating elements. This energy-saving feature not only reduces operating costs by requiring less power to dry hands but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

It is important to note that while modern high-speed unheated hand dryers offer quick drying times, older or traditional unheated/low-speed units may take longer to dry hands. These older models can have dry times ranging from 30 to 45 seconds due to weaker airflow and less efficient technology. When choosing an unheated hand dryer, it is recommended to opt for a high-speed model to ensure efficient hand drying and energy savings.

• Benefits: Fast drying, energy efficiency, lower operating costs
• Considerations: Higher upfront investment, airflow may feel cool in colder climates
• Best Applications: Airports, schools, stadiums, high-traffic restrooms

3. Combination Heated/Unheated Dryer

Combination heated and unheated hand dryers offer flexibility by allowing operators to switch between warm and ambient-temperature airflow. This makes them an excellent choice for facilities located in regions with seasonal temperature changes, where user comfort may be a priority during colder months, but energy efficiency becomes more important during warmer weather. Businesses can adjust the dryer's settings to balance drying performance, user satisfaction, and operating costs throughout the year.

These units are ideal for offices, schools, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial facilities looking for a middle ground between heated and unheated models. When comparing options, consider factors such as drying time, energy consumption in each operating mode, noise level, and the ease of switching between heated and unheated settings. Although combination dryers typically cost more upfront than single-mode units, their versatility can help businesses optimize both restroom comfort and long-term energy expenses.

• Benefits: Adjustable warm or ambient airflow, customizable performance, improved user comfort
• Considerations: Higher purchase price than single-mode units, drying performance and energy use vary by setting
• Best Applications: Commercial facilities seeking flexibility, multi-season climates, offices, schools, and hotels

4. Push Button Hand Dryer

Patrons will operate your push-button hand dryers through manual force. The hand dryer turns on when the button on the front is pushed and runs for a predetermined amount of time. These dryers are designed to avoid sensor malfunctions, as they use basic mechanical switches or micro-switches for operation.

A preset internal timer controls the drying cycle, running for a fixed duration per push. However, it's important to note that multiple users touch the exact same mechanical button throughout the day, creating a surface for cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses. Additionally, push-button hand dryers may keep running even after a patron has walked away, potentially wasting energy.

• Benefits: Simple operation, dependable controls, reduced sensor-related failures
• Considerations: Requires physical contact, can contribute to cross-contamination concerns
• Best Applications: Industrial facilities, workshops, low-traffic restrooms

5. Hands-Free Automatic Hand Dryers

Equipped with infrared sensors, hands-free automatic hand dryers eliminate the need to push dirty buttons, reduce surface contact, and promote a more sanitary environment. Many modern high-speed automatic hand dryers are designed to turn off instantly when hands leave the sensor zone, running only for short 10-to-15-second cycles. This not only saves energy but also ensures quick and efficient hand drying for users.

Many high-speed automatic hand dryers operate between 65 and 85 decibels, which can be disruptive in quiet public spaces. When considering a hands-free automatic hand dryer for your facility, consider the noise levels to provide a comfortable restroom experience for your patrons. You can also select a unit with a noise adjustment knob, noise reduction nozzle, or an adjustable motor that can reduce sound and speed.

• Benefits: Touchless operation, improved hygiene, automatic shutoff
• Considerations: May be louder than conventional dryers; sensor maintenance may be required
• Best Applications: Restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, public restrooms

6. Brushed Motor Hand Dryer

Named for their ability to operate on both AC and DC voltage, brushed motor hand dryers are suitable for various power sources. The term "brushed" refers to the carbon brushes used for commutation within the motor. They offer good airspeed, a reasonable life expectancy, and cost-efficiency, making them a reliable option for drying hands quickly and effectively. Additionally, flow vacuum brushed motors have been integrated into high-speed hand dryers, boasting rotating speeds exceeding 20,000 RPM for enhanced performance.

However, a drawback of brushed motors is the wear and tear on carbon brushes over time. Regular maintenance is required to replace these brushes and ensure ongoing functionality. Despite this maintenance requirement, brushed motor hand dryers remain a popular choice for commercial environments seeking a balance of performance and affordability.

• Benefits: Lower purchase price, strong performance, widely available parts
• Maintenance: Requires periodic carbon brush replacement
• Best Applications: Budget-conscious commercial facilities

7. Brushless Motor Hand Dryers

Brushless motor hand dryers do not rely on carbon brushes for commutation. Instead, the commutation process is digitally controlled by a PCB board. This innovative design allows for a higher speed that is not limited by the friction of carbon brushes. The motor can be switched thousands of times per second, providing very high RPM that is not achievable with other types of motors.

The high cost of a good quality brushless motor is primarily attributed to the use of powerful rare earth magnets and sophisticated electronics for motor switching. While these components may have a higher initial carbon footprint, the longevity and reduced maintenance requirements of brushless motors often result in a lower lifetime carbon footprint compared to their brushed counterparts. This is a long-term smart choice rather than an upfront cost and environmental impact decision.

• Benefits: Long lifespan, reduced maintenance, high RPM performance
• Maintenance: Minimal routine motor maintenance required
• Best Applications: High-traffic restrooms and premium installations

Hand Dryer Installation Styles

Once you've selected the type of motor you want to invest in, a heated or unheated model, and your operational requirements, you can make more nuanced decisions about the placement of the unit and its appearance. From where patrons' hands go while using the machine to how it's installed, discover the stylistic nuances between various hand dryer models.

Paper Towels vs Hand Dryer Cost Efficiency

When comparing commercial hand dryers and paper towel systems, operators should look beyond the initial purchase price. Total operating costs should include both consumables and labor. Paper towel systems require ongoing employee time for inventory management, dispenser refills, waste collection, and trash removal, particularly in high-traffic facilities where dispensers and waste bins may need attention multiple times per day. Electric hand dryers largely eliminate these repetitive maintenance tasks.

Aside from routine cleaning and occasional servicing, hand dryers require minimal staff intervention. By reducing labor requirements and waste-handling expenses in addition to eliminating recurring paper towel purchases, electric hand dryers can provide a significantly lower total cost of ownership over their service life.