Best Commercial Hand Dryers (Touchless)

BLOW DRY YOUR HANDS AUTOMATICALLY, HANDS-FREE AND SUSTAINABLY
Updated on Mar. 22, 2021 | Author: Cara Dettmann

Are you looking for a sustainable, hygienic, and low-maintenance method for drying hands in the restroom of your office? Then it would be best if you looked into air hand dryers.

Touchless hand dryers are an eco-friendly alternative for cotton towels and paper towels. These towels are great for drying your hands, but they require regular labor for cleaning, refilling, and emptying overflowing trash and laundry bins. This labor costs time and thus money.

Best Hands-free Hand Dryers

• Check Top 10 at Amazon.com
• Check Top 10 at Walmart

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Hand dryers reduces the amount of paper waste in your office. Also the costs of running an average hand dryer are only $28 per year.Buffalo.edu

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Top 10 Best Commercial Hand Dryers

Below you can find our recommended hand blowers for commercial use. If you would like to know more about hot or cold air hand dryers before reading about specific models, then take a look at our hand dryer guide at the bottom of the page. Our top picks include the most common types of hand blowers. The list also covers hand dryers with unique features, such as recessed hand dryers or hand dryers with airblade or similar technology.

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#1 | AIKE AK2630S

Compact, high speed commercial and household dryer

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#2 | LS-PRO Hand Dryer

Sleek deign and powerful air flow

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#3 | VALENS Hand Dryer

With integrated high efficiency particulate air filter

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#4 | AjAir Hand Dryers (2 pack)

Convenient 2-pack for high traffic restrooms

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#5 | VALENS Hand Dryer

Simple, reliable, hygienic

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Warning: It is vital to keep the hand dryer and its immediate surrounding clean to ensure hygienic use.

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Hand Dryer Guide

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What is a hand dryer?

Hand dryers are electronic devices that blow hot, warm, or cold air in a directed stream and are meant to dry wet hands after washing them. These devices are commonly used in (public) restrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, or other areas where there is a need to dry wet hands. If used correctly, hand dryers offer a sustainable, effective and hygienic alternative to paper towels or cotton towels. As with most appliances, hand dryers have their ups-and downsides, most of which will be discussed on this page.

Electric hand dryers allow the user to easily and quickly blow dry their wet hands after washing them in the restroom or the kitchen. Most hand dryers don’t even require the push of a button, as the devices contain motion sensors to activate the dryer when it senses motion. This is more hygienic than a push function helping the user because it allows for touchless use, which causes less transfer of germs or bacteria.

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Hand dryer types

To begin your search for the perfect hand dryer, you first need to choose between the two main types of hand dryers, which are high-speed hand dryers and standard speed hand dryers, but there are multiple ways in which you can categorize hand dryers, namely:

• Shape:
  • Hands in – vertical hand dryer
  • Hands under – compact wall mounted hand dryer or recessed hand dryer
• Method of activation:
  • Fully automatic – touchless infrared sensor, turns on when you hold hand in or under dryer and turn off when you remove your hands.
  • Automatic – touchless motion sensor, timer activates when you hold hands in or under dryer, turns off when timer runs out.
  • Button activated – requires touch (push of a button) to activate timer which is less hygienic.
• Speed:
  • Stand speed hand dryers
  • High speed hand dryers
• Air tempurature:
  • Warm broad air stream
  • Cold concentrated jet stream of air (Airblade)

However, we believe that choosing between high speed and standard speed hand dryer is the most helpful for commercial use. High-speed hand dryers are powerful and fast. They make more noise than traditional hand dryers, which are less powerful and less noisy, and slower. Below you can find a comparison table on the two types with information that applies to most hand dryers within these categories.

Additional information:

* High-speed hand dryers without heated air are more energy-efficient than standard heated dryers. This has two benefits. Firstly, not having to heat the air saves electricity, while also drying faster due to the extra power. Secondly, 2 or 3 efficient dryers can be installed on one line which reduces installation costs.
** In terms of build material, standard hand dryers are more robust and durable as they usually have a metal case and are considered vandal proof. However, this doesn’t mean that high-speed hand dryers cannot take a beating. These machines have polycarbonate plastic which is also extremely durable and will not be damaged easily.
*** HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are more common in modern high-speed hand dryers and are strongly recommended. These filters clean the air before the dryer blows it on your hands. This allows for much more hygienic use of the dryer, which can especially benefit users with allergies. If you want to read more about HEPA filters follow this link to find out more.
**** An old fashioned, standard speed, button activated dryer works with a timer that is activated when the button is pushed. Meanwhile, automatic and fully automatic hand dryers are more hygienic as they don’t require physical contact for activation. The automatic hand dryer has a motion sensor that activates the timer, and fully automatic hand dryers have an infrared sensor that activates and deactivates the dryer as needed.

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Why use a hand dryer? And how to use it?

Why should you get a hand dryer?

There are four main reasons why electric hand dryers are a great solution for washrooms in an office environment or public space.

• #1 Convenience– Electric hand dryers are convenient for users because they are quick and easy to use and only require a hand wave or push of a button. But they are also suitable for the individuals maintaining the office. They require only occasional cleaning and never need to be refilled, unlike paper towel dispensers, which also produce a lot of paper waste to haul away.
• #2 Sustainability– While paper towels produce paper waste and cotton hand towels require frequent washing, electric hand dryers produce no waste and only use minimal electricity and no water. These factors make hand dryers more environmentally friendly to use in comparison to cotton or paper towels. Also, used paper towels can not be recycled or reused.
• #3 Cost– While a hand dryer device is not as cheap as towels, it is only a one-time investment. Next to the low electricity costs and occasional but regular maintenance, there are no other expenses. Meanwhile, the use of paper towels can be upwards of $900 per year, depending on how many people use the facilities.
• #4 Hygiene– If hand dryers are used correctly by all users, they are very hygienic machines. They require no physical contact for activation by the user and therefore don’t transfer bacteria or germs as long as the device is clean. Daily cleaning of the machine is advised.

It’s a matter of better hygiene, convenience, cost, and sustainability.

How to use a hand dryer properly

Hygiene is a common and justified concern for buying and using a hand dryer in an office environment. If a hand dryer is not used correctly by your employees, it can become a vehicle for spreading bacteria. The image below shows instructions on how to wash your hands properly when using a hand dryer.

Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and immediately dry them completely with the air dryer.

Using a hand dryer starts with washing your hands. It would be best if you always washed your hands with (antibacterial) hand soap to remove germs and bacteria. After your hands have been washed thoroughly, you can dry them with the hand dryer until your hands are dried thoroughly. Your hands mustn’t be wet anymore.

Hand dryers are only a hygienic concern if you still have germs on your hands when you use the device. Therefore, it is recommended not to touch anything else (faucet, sink, or soap dispenser) before using the hand dryer. Consequently, we recommend using automated devices in the restroom, such as touchless faucets and soap dispensers. But also think about a door that can get opened automatically without the need for your hands.

Automatic faucet and soap dispenser

Installing faucets and soap dispensers with sensors in office restrooms can help keep the office environment clean, professional-looking, and hygienic. Below are a few examples of automatic faucets and hand soap dispensers with sensors for touchless operation:

Tip: Learn more about touchless products you can use at home or the office.

Video: Dyson Airblade Tap Hand Dryer

Dyson developed a new 2-in-1 faucet and hand dryer. This hand dryer is integrated into the faucet. The main advantage is that the user doesn’t need to touch anything or move around during handwashing because the faucet and the hand dryer both work automatically via motion sensors.

 

Video: The Truth About Hand Dryers

This is a science-based video that Dyson has published as a response to some concerns that were expressed about the hygiene of their hand dryers. They find that the key to hygiene when using a hand dryer is washing your hands properly with soap beforehand and using a hand dryer that undergoes the regular recommended cleaning and maintenance.

 

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Pros and cons of hand dryers

The public opinion on hand dryers varies. While some argue that these machines are the best sustainable solution for hand drying, others argue that they are unhygienic, ineffective, and inefficient. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of hand dryers.

Pros:

• Sustainable solution with no waste production.
• No waste production means less waste collection costs.
• After device is purchased and installed the only costs are electricity use.
• Device does not need to be emptied or refilled, only cleaned.
• No more overflowing trash cans with used paper towels.
• Less labor for refilling paper or cotton towels in the restrooms.
• The device is electricity efficient (approx. electricity costs are $28 per year).
• Quality devices can dry wet hands within a few seconds, just as quick as a paper towel.
• Devices featuring sensors which automatically starts and stops the hand dryer.
• The devices rarely have issues.
• If used correctly it is a hygienic solution as most don’t require physical contact.

Cons:

• The device is a higher investment than a paper towel dispenser itself.
• Some models are hard to install, especially recessed hand dryers.
• Most models are quite noisy during use.
• If used incorrectly devices are unhygienic.
• Devices needs to be cleaned regularly.
• It can be difficult to find the right device for your company.

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How much does a hand dryer cost?

The cost of purchasing a hand dryer for your office depends on a few different factors, such as:

• Build quality – The quality in which the device is built and put together affects the device’s performance, lifespan, and price. Most hand dryers get made from plastic, but there are also metal ones, mostly stainless steel. The plastic models are cheaper, while the stainless steel models cost more.
• Visible design – The visual appeal of these devices also influences pricing. If you want a designer hand dryer, such as a Dyson dryer, you will end up at the top end of the price range.
• Brand – As with most products, the brand name represents a certain quality. This goes for hand dryers, too, so well-known brands are usually pricier than unbranded or less known products.
• Power – The power of a hand dryer typically decides how quickly the user’s hands will be dried. Quick-drying requires more power and is, therefore, more costly, but these do not `always require more electricity.

You can get hand dryers for as cheap as $30, but if you want a high-quality hand dryer, prices can go up to $2,000 for a more beautiful designer model. However, on average, a quality hand dryer will cost between $150 and $600.

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Specifications and features

Before purchasing an air hand dryer, there a few features to concern. This next list will provide you with several features you may want to concern in your search for a hand dry and explain why these features matter.

Specifications

• Build quality – As with any machine, a hand dryer with good build quality will last longer and are less likely to cause problems in its lifetime. With hand dryers, build quality also depends on the shell materials used, namely stainless steel or plastic. A hand dryer made of stainless steel is usually more durable than one made of plastic.
• Speed – How quickly a hand dryer completes, its job is often a deciding factor in choosing a specific model. To dry hands quickly, a hand dryer needs more power for a more powerful air gust. Hand dryers with Air Blade technology are known for getting the job done quickly. While some hand dryers can take 30 seconds to dry hands, others can dry them in only 10 seconds.
• IP rating – The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of a hand dryer tells you about how water and dust resistant the device is. A high IP rating is usually recommended for devices that will be used frequently. Good IP rates usually also indicate a high build quality.
• Number of users – Hand dryers with many users should have a high build quality and IP rating as this will ensure they will last longer. In other words, if your hand dryer will be in use 24/7, it is recommended to purchase a high-quality model that lowers the chance of possible defects.
• Size – Especially in smaller spaces, the dimensions of a hand dryer are important to consider. Although these devices usually do not take up a significant amount of space, some are larger than others. For small spaces, we recommend a recessed hand dryer. A recessed hand dryer is partly built into the wall, which takes up less space than a standard hand blower.
• Noise – Although noise is not a common concern with hand dryers, a quiet hand dryer may be appropriate in some environments. However, one should note that quiet dryers tend to have less power and therefore take longer to dry your hands effectively. The average noise level for a hand dryer is approximately 75 dB, comparable with a vacuum cleaner.
• Ease of installation – Some wall-mounted hand dryers need to be plugged into a normal electricity socket, while other hand dryers require a more complicated installation that is best done by a professional. It is strongly recommended to check how a hand dryer needs to be installed before purchasing the device. Easy to install plug-in hand dryers are also a good option if you have a limited budget or when you want to install a hand dryer at home.
• Warranty – Check the warranty of a hand dryer before purchase. The length of a device’s warranty can vary by brand and even model. Usually, the length of the warranty will also indicate the build quality of the hand dryer. A short warranty hints at a low build quality dryer, while a long warranty means that the manufacturer has confidence in its quality.

Features

• Sensor or button – Do you want your hand dryer to turn on with the push of a button or a wave of your hand? Hand dryers with motion sensors are considered more sanitary as you don’t need to touch the device. But if the hand dryer will have a few users and have a limited budget, then a hand dryer with button activation is a good alternative, but it is less hygienic in use since the user needs to touch the device to start the airflow.
• HEPA filter –Nowadays, most hand dryers have HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that filter the air before the dryer blows it on your hands. This filtration system can be especially helpful for users with allergies, but it also improves the device’s general hygiene. Therefore, we strongly recommend buying a modern hand dryer with HEPA filters.
• Recessed or non-recessed – A recessed or non-recessed hand dryer is also a decision you want to make before purchasing a device. The difference is that a recessed hand dryer is mounted into the wall. If the space you want to install the dryer in is small, then a recessed hand dryer is a good option to consider. This is because these hand dryers take up less space. However, the installation costs will be higher than a non-recessed hand dryer because the wall needs to be drilled out for the hand dryer to fit in.
• Backsplash – A backsplash is a metal plate that sits behind or under the hand dryer. This plate covers and protects the wall from possible water damage. If you don’t want droplets of water on your wall, we thus recommend purchasing a backsplash together with your hand dryer.
• Airblade – A hand dryer dries your hands in one of two ways depending on the model you choose. The first way uses widely concentrated gusts of warm air to evaporate the water on your hands. Meanwhile, the second method (which we recommend) uses a narrowly focused and powerful stream (or blade) of cool air to blow the water off your hands. This Airblade technology was first used by Dyson and is still their signature feature.
• Noise nozzle – Noise reduction nozzles are special funnels that you can install in some hand dryer models, which widen and weaken the air stream and decrease the dryer’s noise level during use. Excel dryers, such as the Excel dryer XL-C and the Excel Dryer XL-GR-ECO, are compatible with such a noise nozzle. To find out more about noise reduction nozzles and quiet hand dryers, you can follow this link.

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Installation and repair

The installation of a hand dryer can vary greatly depending on the brand and model. Some hand dryers can be easy to install by yourself, while other hand dryers, especially recessed models, demand a professional’s assistance. Generally speaking, installing a non-recessed wall mounted hand dryer does not require the help of a professional and can be done by the following steps:

1. Mount the included bracket to the wall, which will hold up the device. This needs to be done with precision so that the dryer is mounted straight and at the correct height.
2. When the bracket is installed, continue by opening the dryer’s lid and hanging the device on the bracket.
3. Afterward, an appropriate power supply must be installed, and this could be from an electrical socket or directly from cables within the wall. How you can power the device depends on the model of the hand dryer.
4. Finally, the hand dryer itself should be locked into place on the wall with screws and covered with the supplied lid. Now the hand dryer is ready to use for the first time.

How complicated or simple the installation of your hand dryer is can be found on the manufacturer’s websites or in the installation booklet or user manual that comes with the hand dryer if you have already purchased it.

Some hand dryers can be plugged into everyday power sockets, while others require special wiring.

Below you can find a few helpful videos on how to install hand dryers. Please note that we recommend consulting the installation manual before purchasing the device. If the installation is beyond your abilities, choose another model or hire a professional to install the device for you.

Video: Installation of a Dyson Airblade AB07 and AB14

Video: Installation of a Dyson Airblade V AB08 and AB12

Video: Installation of a XLERATOR Excel Dryer

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Maintenance and cleaning

As hand dryers are products related to hygiene, which means to have a long lifespan, it is vital to maintain and clean them properly. How often and how thoroughly you need to clean your hand dryer can vary slightly depending on your chosen model. This is something to research before purchasing a hand dryer.

Some hand dryer models only need to be cleaned with a soft towel or microfiber cloth from the outside, which is easily done and regularly scheduled restroom cleaning. One should note that cleaning a hand dryer also includes paying attention to the surfaces around it, such as the floor and walls. Meanwhile, other hand dryer models require additional maintenance such as cleaning filters, vacuuming inside the dryer, or emptying water collection containers.

Hand dryers are low maintenance machines, but cleaning is vital.

Vertical hand dryers such as the Dyson Model AB 14 or the Aike AK2005H are very popular at the moment, but they are also strongly criticized for being unhygienic. However, vertical hand dryers are just as hygienic as any other hand dryer model, as long as the water collection container is emptied during the regular cleaning that all hand dryers should get. The image below shows an extreme example of a vertical Dyson hand dryer that was not cleaned as it should be.

Overall, most hand dryers require only minimal maintenance and don’t break down often. However, they do require frequent cleaning to ensure hygienic use. Lastly, it is recommended to give them a routine inspection every 12 months.

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Hand drying and the environment

Hygiene in public bathrooms or large office restrooms is a big concern and part of everyday life. After using the toilet and throughout the day, it is strongly recommended to wash your hand with water and soap. But what to do with your wet hands? Wipe them on your pants or skirt? You may be forced to do this in some situations if the hand or paper towels have run out again.

Hand dryers energy costs average around $28/year while paper towels costs around $900/year.
Source: Constellation.com

There are several hand drying methods that public or office bathroom may provide, namely:

• Paper towels dispensers
• Reusable cotton hand towels
• Hand dryers
• Cloth towel dispensers

Of these options, hand dryers are by far the most sustainable and cost-efficient in the long run. Paper towels, even recycled or biodegradable ones, produce the most waste and are high cost because they are not reusable. Meanwhile, cloth and cotton towels require regular replacement and frequent laundering, which produces water waste. In contrast, hand dryers are a reliable one-time investment that produces no waste during use and only has minimal electricity consumption.

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Hand dryer manufacturers

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Alternatives to hand dryers

Hand dryers may not be the best solution for everyone or every environment, so what are the alternatives? Here more practical alternatives you may want to consider if hand dryers are not for you.

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Paper Towels

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Small Washable Cotton Towels

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Cloth Towel Dispenser