Standard Versus Blade Hand Dryers

In this sixth of an eight-part Manufacturer Roundtable, Facility Cleaning Decisions took the compilation of questions we received from readers and asked hand dryer manufacturers to weigh in. Here are their responses:

What are the benefits between standard blow dryers and blade drying options?

It is really just a difference in dryer style, the drying times are the same. With a “hands in” style dryer, water is contained in a removable drip tray, which keeps waste water off of the floor. However some people prefer the “hands under” style dryers to ensure that they do not touch the unit after washing their hands.
– Andrew M. Hansen, New Business Development Manager, Palmer Fixture in Green Bay, Wisconsin

It depends on the end-user’s preference. Some users may prefer vortex hand dryers, or “hands-under” hand dryers, rather than having to place their hands in the cavity of a “hands-in” dryer; it’s a matter of user preference.
– Dan Storto, President, World Dryer Corporation in Berkeley, Illinois

Standard hand dryers are generally more accepted among consumers.  They are easy to use, easily accessible and in many cases, easier to maintain.
– Jim Fisher, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, American Dryer, Inc. in Livonia, Michigan

The use of blades spreads the air across a wider area so that both hands can be dried separately, but at the same time. With a standard hand dryer, the air flow is often directed over a smaller area, requiring users to juggle both hands within the airflow.  The blades assist users to dry their hands more efficiently, so that they walk away from the hand dryer with dryer hands and reduce the transfer of bacteria.
– Rob Green, Senior Reliability Engineer, Dyson in Chicago, Illinois