Electric hand dryers have become a convenient and practical replacement for towels. Most often they are used in public bathrooms, but recently began to be used in everyday life. A huge amount of germs settles on ordinary towels. In addition, you need to constantly monitor their cleanliness. The appliance maintains a high degree of hygiene and eliminates unnecessary problems. How to choose a hand dryer among a variety of models? Our experts will help you learn about the main parameters of dryers and what to look for when buying.
Content
Key Features of Hand Dryers
The hand dryer is a small electrical appliance attached to the wall of the bathroom. The device is designed for non-contact drying of hands with warm air after washing. Simplicity in operation, a high degree of hygiene that meets the requirements of sanitary standards, made such devices very popular. They are ideal for restaurants, cafes, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, airports, train stations, shopping centers and any other public institutions. They are often purchased at the office and installed in all business centers.
Hand dryers are very easy to install, and anyone who first encounters such a technique can learn how to use them. Even a three-year-old will cope with drying. Due to such convenience and high hygiene, devices are increasingly began to buy for the home.
How a hand dryer works
The electric hand dryer is equipped with a switch or non-contact infrared sensor that responds to hand movements. To use the device, you need to place your palms directly under the air blowing hole.
After activation, the device instantly begins to supply hot air under high pressure, quickly drying the hands set under it. A man holds his palms under the pressure of air until they become dry. Usually 10-20 seconds are enough for wet palms to dry.
Depending on the model, dryers can have different temperature settings, air flow rates. Some devices have timers through which you can set the maximum operating time, after which the drying will automatically turn off.
In general, the system of such devices is simple. It consists of a heating element, a fan and an activation mechanism (sensor or button). The principle of operation is similar to a hair dryer. All this is clad in a body that can be made of various materials.
Types of dryers and their features
Hand dryers, which are today in our market, are divided into three types:
- Ordinary. They can have mechanical or non-contact inclusion, a plastic or metal case. Dry the skin due to the intense supply of hot air that evaporates moisture. Size and design may vary by model. Oriented for operation in protected public places and at home.
- High speed. Their principle of operation is slightly different from the above. Hand drying occurs due to the very high air flow rate. The flow temperature is not very high. Air under such pressure does not evaporate, but blows off all drops of water. Moisture is collected in a special tank, from where it passes through the filter and sent to the sewer. Such devices have a larger case and due to the powerful fan emit more noise.
- Anti-vandal. These devices have enhanced durability and protection against fraud by users.They are installed in unguarded bathrooms, where hypothetically people with a low level of culture and poor education can harm the equipment, trying to break it.
How to choose a hand dryer
To correctly choose an electric hand dryer, we will find out what technical characteristics the devices have.
Body material
The body material of the dryers can be made of metal or plastic.
Plastic have a lower price. The quality of the plastic varies in density, impact resistance. Choosing a model from this material, you need to make sure that the plastic is not flimsy, and does not play in the places where the parts join.
Plastic enclosures can be painted metal. Visually distinguish their quality is impossible. This case design is more attractive in appearance, but does not affect the strength. Therefore, it is worth paying more attention to the quality of the plastic, and not to its decor. The most durable are hand dryers made of polypropylene or polycarbonate.
Metal cases come in stainless steel or anodized aluminum. Usually an anti-vandal dryer is made of durable metal so that it cannot be bent. Such devices are relevant for public places with high traffic.
Way of inclusion
A mechanical switch in the form of a button is almost never found in modern dryers. This method is contrary to hygiene. After all, if a button will be pressed by a large number of people, then a lot of microorganisms will gather on it. And as you know, many infectious diseases are transmitted by contact. Moreover, if you constantly touch the button with wet hands, moisture can get inside the device and damage it. The only plus of the mechanical switch is that the device does not activate independently.
The most common option for turning on the device is an infrared sensor. When a person brings his hands closer to the dryer, the sensor detects movement and starts the device. The non-contact activation system is completely antibacterial and safe in terms of hygiene. When the user removes his hands, drying is immediately turned off.
There is one minus to such a system - the sensor can respond to any movements recorded in the range of its action. False device operation consumes electricity. To avoid the problem, you must carefully consider the location of the device.
Power
Power is important in the dryer, as the speed of work will depend on it.
According to this parameter, devices are divided into three types:
- reduced power - 0.8-1 kW;
- average power - 1-2 kW;
- high power - more than 2 kW.
It should be borne in mind that the power of the heating elements is about 90-95% of the total power of the electric drying engine. The data is indicated on the packaging or in the model passport. Many high-quality models have a power regulator, which allows you to configure the device as you wish.
The lower the indicator, the less energy the device will spend. But drying time will need more. Therefore, it is better to give preference to medium or high power indicators. But too powerful models (2400-2600 W) adversely affect the state of the hands. Intensive hot air drains the skin.
Drying time
The time required to thoroughly dry your hands after washing depends on the power of the device. For example, a high-speed electric dryer will do its job in 10-15 seconds. It may take 25-30 seconds to dry in a medium or low power model. Of great importance is the heating temperature of the device. Warm air evaporates moisture much faster than cool air.
Noise level
Unfortunately, automatic dryers are not too quiet. The basis of their work is the ventilation system. To achieve its silent operation is technically impossible. But there are devices with a denser body that isolates noise. Of course, they do not completely reduce the fan volume, but slightly lower it.
In public places, especially in noisy places like a train station, disco bar or airport, this criterion does not matter. But in the house, the noise from the device will spread to all the nearest space. This nuance should be considered when buying. If the bathroom in the apartment has good sound insulation, then the drying volume will not be a problem.
Appearance
Many try to choose an electric hand dryer, not only according to technical characteristics, but also according to external data. Today, manufacturers offer a wide variety of dryer designs - from classic to the most avant-garde. Orientation here is based on the type of room and interior style.
If in doubt, a universal classic style in the form of a rectangular or slightly rounded case will be a win-win option.
Rating
We present you the rating of 2019, which included the best electric hand dryers. All models have the best combination of technical characteristics, price and quality.
Electrolux EHDA / N-2500
- Power - 25 kW
- Airflow Speed - 30 m / s
- Type of inclusion - IF sensor
- Vandal Protection
- Strong metal case.
- Compactness.
- High power.
- Dries hands quickly.
- Heavy (6 kg), requires very careful fastening.
This dryer is designed for installation in public places. It can be installed in a school, in a club, in the toilet at a park or entertainment facility. The strong case from stainless steel reliably protects "interiors" of the device. It will not break even if you hit it with a heavy object. The dryer has enhanced protection against vandalism. The case is presented in two colors - silver and gold.
Dyson ab14
- Power - 1.6 kW
- Airflow up to 35 l / s
- Air speed: 690 km / h
- Type of inclusion - IF sensor
- Heating temperature - from 0 to + 40 ° C
- Vandal Protection
- Auto shut off after 30 seconds of continuous operation
- Noise Level: 82 dB
- Stainless steel case.
- High power and blowing speed.
- Dries hands in a few seconds.
- Suitable for different types of rooms.
- Expensive.
- Large dimensions.
This is a high-speed type of drying. The model is equipped with Airblade technology, which provides two powerful flat air flows through 3 mm wave-like openings. The device also has antibacterial substances embedded in the surface structure, inhibiting the growth of secretive microorganisms. A high-quality dryer is suitable for those who care about the health and hygiene of the room.
G-teq 8814 PW
- Power - 0.8 kW
- Case material - plastic
- Airflow rate: 10 m / s
- Type of inclusion - IF sensor
- Simple and inexpensive.
- Dries hands well.
- Easy.
- No vandal protection.
- It is unlikely to withstand high loads.
This is a very simple model of an automatic dryer, which is ideal for homes, small offices, small cafes and restaurants, hotel rooms. Compact body, light weight, classic design are the main advantages of the device.
Puff 8826
- Power - 1650 W
- Case material - stainless chrome steel
- Air speed: 16 m / s
- Heating temperature - + 40-55 ° C
- Type of inclusion - IF sensor
- Stylish silver case.
- Compact size.
- Simple and comfortable.
- Durable.
- Not found.
The model harmoniously combines the original appearance, technical data and cost. The dryer will look great in the business center, and in the night club, and in the apartment. The metal case protects the device from mechanical damage. Optimum power and air velocity will quickly dry wet palms.
NeoClima NHD-2.2M
- Power - 22 kW
- Case material - stainless steel
- Air speed: 25 m / s
- Outgoing air temperature - + 74 ° С
- Type of inclusion - IF sensor
- Small but sturdy case.
- Anti-vandal protection.
- High power.
- Convenient operation.
- Noisiness.
The automatic electric dryer is designed for increased loads and is not afraid of external influences. The compact metal case in silver is suitable for any interior.The device quickly dries hands due to high speed and air temperature.
