Why Shop with ProDryers®?
- Excellent customer satisfaction. We encourage you first to take a look at our genuine customer reviews to see why we've earned their trust.
- We've been specializing in the industry of hand dryers since 2003, giving us almost two decades of experience and expertise.
- We provide one of the widest selections of industry-valued and trusted brands like Excel Dryer, Dyson, World, American Dryer, Bobrick, ASI, Saniflow, Sloan, and much, much more.
- We keep our 4 warehouses fully stocked with today's top brands of hand dryers and more.
- Certified Master Distributor, meaning not only are we the source of the best in the industry, but we also supply the suppliers!
- Our hand dryer prices are always competitive, with deals nearly impossible to beat anywhere else.
- Get free shipping, and most orders ship on the same business day if ordered before 2 PM EST.
What To Consider Before Ordering?
Before you order the hand dryer for your needs, we think it's important to consider everything you're looking for. Why? This helps ensure that you get the perfect model that suits your precise needs and ensures that you're guaranteed satisfaction. Here are the things to consider before ordering:
- Are you looking to replace an old model with a newer model from the same brand?
- Are you trying to move away from paper towels for economic, environmental, and vandalism prevention reasons?
- Are you looking for a more modern design to fit your renovated or updated restroom?
- Do you want more hands-free options, which means less contact activation for a more hygienic environment?
- Are you simply looking to save costs?
If you'd prefer, call us at 888-503-7937 and let us walk you through a variety of choices. Otherwise, keep reading our in-depth FAQS for further assistance in narrowing down your options.
Which is the Best Hand Dryer?
It may be easy to assume that our suggestions are formed from opinion alone. In reality, our recommendations come from the foundation of almost twenty years of sales, expertise, and knowledge in the industry. This allows us to know which dryers are the most trustworthy and reliable and interact with the industry and customers alike to narrow down further those that outperform continuously over the years.
While our manufacturers may not be pleased with recommending one brand over another, ProDryers® is committed to providing nothing less than the best, which means being completely honest to our customers. We created ProDryers® so that customers can always have a variety of brands to compare to and make the best purchasing decision based on data, materials provided and covering their specific needs all at once. Our reputation stands on customer satisfaction.
Therefore, we highly recommend considering the high-quality, well-reviewed, made in the USA brand: Excel Dryer XLERATOR® to start with. That's not because other brands are unreliable, but this is based on our factual sales data, customer response, and the XLERATOR® warranty that is rarely needed but exceptional for a hand dryer.
How rarely needed is the warranty on an XLERATOR® hand dryer? Based on the 600 to 900 units sold every month, we at ProDryers® experience less than 1% of calls based on the warranty, and keep in mind that the warranty lasts for 7 years while the unit itself has a long life of up to 10 years, and in many cases, longer.
Our next highly recommended brand to consider is the Dyson Airblade® V, as our customers tend to compliment and report high user satisfaction with this model. This model also has a very sleek and stylish design that is wall-mounted and offers a high-tech user experience while also being very reliable and durable.
Which Brands are Known for High-Performance Design?
Suppose you have a restroom that is always busy. In that case, you'll not only want but need a hand dryer that has the highest performance, exceptional power, and longest-lasting design that helps move people in and out of your restroom. Powerful features and performance assist with congestion, less downtime, and higher satisfaction for your customers or employees all around.
If this sounds like what you've been searching for, you will want an XLERATOR® commercial hand dryer. It's a brand almost unmatched for superior reliability, speed, and materials while drying hands well and fast.
Which Brands are Known for Attractive Design?
This is a bit tougher to answer, as many factors into an attractive design must be considered. Are you looking for:
- A hand dryer with color options that will meld seamlessly into your established or planned bathroom décor?
- A hand dryer with a sleek, minimal yet futuristic look and feel?
- A hand dryer with unique image covers for further customization?
As the idea of attractive design is often very different for each customer, we encourage you to feel free to reach out to our expert customer service team and us with what you're looking for. We'd be happy to present several options that may fall into the stylish category you are looking for.
What Sort of Cost Savings Can I Expect Using a Hand Dryer?
When it comes to saving you cash, here are a few ways are using a hand dryer will help you spend less yearly:
- By eliminating the need to purchase paper towels. Depending on the size of your facility, the larger the building, the more washrooms are needed. With multiple restrooms, you often need larger orders of paper towels, and by installing a hand dryer, you no longer need to budget for paper towel usage.
- While it is true that hand dryers require electricity, with today's innovative technology, commercial hand dryers use a minimal amount. Some business hand dryers with warm-air heating elements cost less than 50 cents per 1,000 uses, while some non-heated, cool air units cost roughly 20 cents per 1,000 uses. And in some cases, with non-heated hand dryers, you may be able to install multiple dryers on a single electrical line—depending on the brand. For example, XLERATOR® and ExtremeAir EXT are designed without a heating element for your maximum electrical cost savings.
- Lowered maintenance costs since the use of continuous paper towels, replacement, and waste management and removal are not necessary. Additionally, there is no need to constantly monitor the paper towel stock, find where to buy them in bulk, decide how to store them, not to mention the ongoing costs of vandalism or misuse, such as paper towel stuffing in toilets.
Can I use Paper Towel and buy Hand Dryers?
As a business owner, no doubt you understand your employees, customers, or audience best. For some, they prefer paper towels, while others prefer to utilize a hand dryer, many for the cost-saving benefits listed above. Before buying hand dryers, we always encourage customers to factor in what your intended audience will use best. The end goal should be to eliminate paper use over time, especially in large buildings like rest areas, schools, stadiums, universities, and other facilities, which may not be challenging. For example, when it comes to a small, family-run business or a smaller restaurant, it may be wise to keep some paper towels after installing a dryer. In the example of a small business, your employees and customers may prefer using a paper towel to open or touch door handles. If so, we suggest moving your paper towel dispenser closer to the door with a waste receptacle nearby and installing your dryer nearer to a sink.
Is Shipping Really Free? Shipping is Always Free to the Lower 48 States.
Shipping is always on us! Don't pay for shipping ever again. If you need two-day air, many of our top-selling commercial bathroom dryers have an option on the product page to choose free 2-day air. For those customers that need the product quickly, as a convenience, we can cover the 2-day air costs on items such as the XLERATOR, Dyson Airblade, ExtremeAir, and some other units. On specific products, we also have discounted next-day air. As a true leader in the restroom B2B supply industry, we have all bases covered.
Understanding the Differences of Various Brands
We have made the process of shopping for an electric hand dryer as simple as possible. This page offers several different sub-categories to choose from. We have broken the shopping process down by style, manufacturer, and most popular choices based on over 10 years of historical purchases. We also consider the reliability, energy efficiency, and warranty to make our best-selling list. Our overall menu design should provide one of the most effortless online shopping experiences found anywhere! Find the information you need quickly to make an educated purchase decision. Call 888-50-DRYER if you prefer to talk over the phone.
The Bottom Line
Commercial hand dryers offer a distinct advantage over paper towels. A dryer can be installed by wall-mount or surface-mount (in most cases) and provide significant cost savings. At ProDryers®, the top brands are always on sale. A high-quality electric hand dryer can be purchased for an average of $400 and lasts 7-10 years on average. Prices range from under $200 up to $2000. Our highly-trained sales staff can help you buy the best solution for your exact needs. Call 888-503-7937 or buy online now!
Paper Towel Production: A Look Behind the Scenes
Here's a breakdown of the paper towel production process, its environmental impact on natural resources, and the transportation footprint:
The Process:
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Pulp Production:
- Trees are harvested, often from natural forests.
- Wood chips are obtained and treated with chemicals to break down the lignin (a binding agent) and separate cellulose fibers (the building block of paper).
- This process uses significant amounts of water and energy.
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Bleaching (Optional):
- Pulp is often bleached with chlorine-based chemicals to create a bright white appearance.
- Chlorine byproducts can pollute waterways if not properly treated.
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Stock Preparation:
- Bleached or unbleached pulp is mixed with water and additives to create a slurry.
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Paper Machine:
- The slurry is spread onto a moving mesh screen, where water drains out, leaving a wet paper web.
- The web is pressed and dried through heated rollers.
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Embossing and Converting:
- The paper sheet is embossed with patterns for absorbency and texture.
- The large sheet is then cut into individual paper towels and packaged for distribution.
Environmental Costs:
- Deforestation: Paper towel production is a major contributor to deforestation, as trees are a primary raw material.
- Water Consumption: Huge quantities of water are used throughout the process, from pulping to cleaning.
- Chemical Use: Bleaching chemicals and other additives can pollute waterways if not properly managed.
- Energy Consumption: The entire process, from pulping to drying, requires significant energy.
Transportation Footprint:
- Long-Distance Transport: Paper pulp or finished paper towels might be transported long distances to processing plants or end users, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through truck or ship fuel.
- Distribution Network: The finished product is distributed through a network of warehouses and trucks, adding to the transportation footprint.
Paper towel production has a significant environmental impact, consuming valuable resources and contributing to climate change. While some manufacturers are adopting sustainable practices like recycled paper pulp, the overall environmental cost remains high.
Now, Consider the Hand Dryer Production Process
Let's delve into the world of hand dryer manufacturing and explore its environmental and cost benefits compared to paper towels. We'll use prominent brands like Excel Dryer, World Dryer, and Dyson as references.
Hand Dryer Manufacturing Process:
The specific process might vary slightly between brands, but here's a general breakdown:
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Component Manufacturing:
- Individual parts like the motor, housing, heating element (if applicable), sensor (if applicable), and nozzle are manufactured.
- Materials used can include steel, plastic, and electronic components.
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Assembly:
- Manufactured parts are assembled on a production line.
- This can involve welding, screwing, and electrical wiring depending on the model.
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Testing and Quality Control:
- Finished hand dryers undergo rigorous testing to ensure functionality, safety, and noise levels.
- Defective units are identified and corrected.
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Packaging and Distribution:
- Hand dryers are packaged and shipped to distributors or retailers.
Cost Advantages:
- Lower Material Costs: Compared to paper towels, hand dryers require less raw material, leading to lower production costs.
- Durable and Long-lasting: Well-made hand dryers can last for years with minimal maintenance, reducing replacement costs over time (brands like Excel Dryer and World Dryer are known for their durability).
- Energy Efficient: Modern hand dryers use minimal electricity compared to the constant production and transportation of paper towels.
Environmental Savings:
- Reduced Deforestation: Unlike paper towels, hand dryers don't require cutting down trees, protecting forests and biodiversity.
- Lower Water Consumption: Hand dryer production uses significantly less water compared to paper towel manufacturing.
- Minimal Waste Generation: Hand dryers have a much smaller waste footprint compared to the constant production of paper towels and their disposal in landfills.
- Reduced Transportation Footprint: The overall transportation required for hand dryers (from raw materials to finished product) is less compared to the continuous production, distribution, and disposal of paper towels.
The Dyson Airblade is a Unique Example:
Dyson, known for its innovative technology, uses a different approach in their Airblade hand dryers. Instead of heated air, they utilize a high-velocity jet of air to remove water from hands. This method reduces energy consumption compared to traditional hand dryers.
Overall Impact:
Hand dryers offer a significant environmental advantage over paper towels. They require fewer resources to produce, have a much smaller ongoing footprint, and contribute less to deforestation and water consumption. While the upfront cost of a hand dryer might be higher than a pack of paper towels, the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits make them a more sustainable choice.
Additional Notes:
- Brands like Excel Dryer and World Dryer emphasize sustainability in their manufacturing processes and highlight the environmental benefits of their products.
- While some hand dryer models might have higher initial costs (like Dyson Airblade due to its technology), their energy efficiency can lead to significant savings over time.
Opting for hand dryers over paper towels is a win-win situation. It reduces your business's environmental impact and offers long-term cost savings.
Choosing the Perfect Hand Dryer: A Buyer's Guide for Commercial Restrooms
Switching from paper towels to a hand dryer in your commercial restroom offers several benefits: reduced waste, lower operating costs, and a more modern feel. But with a variety of hand dryers on the market, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will equip you to make an informed decision by considering these key factors:
Understanding Your Needs:
- Traffic Volume: High-traffic areas like office buildings or restaurants need robust hand dryers with fast drying times (ideally under 15 seconds) to handle the constant use.
- User Demographics: Restrooms frequented by children or the elderly may benefit from lower noise levels and automatic sensor activation for ease of use.
- Accessibility: The hand dryer's placement should comply with ADA guidelines, ensuring easy reach from a wheelchair.
Hand Dryer Features:
- Drying Speed: Prioritize faster drying times, especially in high-traffic areas. High-speed dryers (often utilizing jet blade technology) achieve this but can be louder.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star certified models to minimize running costs and environmental impact.
- Durability: Choose a hand dryer built with sturdy materials, particularly for high-traffic areas. Consider vandal-resistant features if necessary.
- Antimicrobial Technology: This feature helps reduce the spread of bacteria, ideal for healthcare facilities or high-hygiene environments.
- Activation Mechanism: Automatic sensor dryers offer a more hygienic, touch-free experience. Push-button models are generally less expensive but require physical contact.
- Air Temperature: Warm air dryers offer comfort in colder climates, while cool air dryers are more energy-efficient.
Additional Considerations:
- Cost: Hand dryers range from under $100 for basic models to over $1000 for high-tech options. Set a realistic budget before shopping.
- Maintenance: Consider ease of filter replacement, cleaning routines, and potential repair costs.
- Warranty: A good warranty protects your investment. Opt for longer warranties on more expensive models.
- Style: Hand dryers come in various styles and finishes to complement your restroom's décor.
Pro Tip: When comparing hand dryers, consider decibel level (noise output). While high-speed dryers excel in drying time, they can be uncomfortably loud in certain settings.
Here's a quick comparison table to summarize key features:
By carefully considering these factors and your specific needs, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect hand dryer for your commercial restroom, promoting hygiene, convenience, and cost savings. Call us at 888-503-7937 with any questions. We have been in the commercial restroom business since 2004!
Still unsure? Consider the savings in a very simplified hand dryer vs. paper towel scenario:
Hand dryers offer significant cost savings compared to paper towels. Here's a breakdown:
Cost Savings:
- Lower Operating Costs: Hand dryers typically use minimal electricity (often under 10 cents per dry cycle). In contrast, paper towels require constant refilling, which translates to ongoing expenses.
- Reduced Waste Removal: Eliminating paper towels minimizes waste disposal fees, especially in high-traffic areas.
Savings Calculation:
It's difficult to provide an exact figure as factors like traffic volume and paper towel quality vary. However, here's a general comparison:
- Paper Towels: Assume a high-traffic restroom dispenses 200 paper towels daily at 1 cent per sheet. This translates to $730 per year (200 towels * $0.01/towel * 365 days).
- Hand Dryer: Considering a usage cost of 5 cents per dry cycle (on the higher end) and 1000 dries per day, the annual cost would be $1825 (1000 dries * $0.05/dry * 365 days).
Savings Potential: In this scenario, the hand dryer offers a potential saving of $5475 over a year ($730 paper towel cost - $1825 hand dryer cost). This is a significant saving, but remember, the initial hand dryer purchase price needs to be factored in.
Environmental Positives:
- Reduced Paper Production: Paper towel production requires cutting down trees, consuming water and energy. Hand dryers eliminate this environmental impact.
- Less Landfill Waste: Millions of tons of used paper towels end up in landfills, taking years to decompose. Hand dryers significantly reduce this waste stream.
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Paper towel production and transportation contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Hand dryers minimize this impact.
Green Choice: Hand Dryers
Overall, hand dryers are the greener option. They reduce the environmental impact associated with paper production, waste disposal, and energy consumption. While the initial cost of a hand dryer might be higher, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make them a more sustainable choice.
Hand Dryers vs. Paper Towels: Busting Myths and Examining the Science (Funding Included)
Hand dryers are a ubiquitous restroom fixture, but their effectiveness and hygiene compared to paper towels remain a topic of debate. Let's explore common misconceptions and see what science tells us, while acknowledging the potential bias of funding sources in some studies.
Myth #1: Hand dryers are germ factories.
Studies haven't shown a significant increase in germs with hand dryers compared to paper towels, as long as hand washing is thorough. However, both methods can pick up residual germs if hands aren't fully dry.
Myth #2: Hotter air equals better drying and sanitation.
The focus should be on drying time, not scorching temperatures. Extremely hot dryers can be uncomfortable and may not be effective for everyone. Look for dryers with strong airflow for efficient drying.
Myth #3: Hand dryers are less eco-friendly than paper towels.
This depends on usage habits. If paper towels are constantly used in half-wet states, they can be more wasteful. Modern hand dryers are often energy-efficient, and their long lifespan can outweigh the environmental impact of paper production and disposal.
Studies and Funding:
Here's a glimpse into some studies on this topic, highlighting the funding sources to allow for a more critical evaluation:
- Studies favoring paper towels:
- A 2000 study by Charles P. Gerba of the University of Arizona found bacteria transfer with hand dryers (funded by a major paper towel manufacturer).
- The Harvard University study easily found online doesn't explicitly mention funding, but some sources claim it aligns with a major paper towel manufacturer.
- Studies favoring hand dryers:
- A 2014 University at Buffalo study found Dyson Airblades (hand dryers) to be more effective at removing bacteria than paper towels (funded by a state pollution prevention institute).
- Neutral studies:
- A 2011 Mayo Clinic review highlighted conflicting results from various studies, some funded and some not.
- A 2020 University of Arizona review aimed to identify unbiased studies and concluded there's no clear hygienic advantage for either method based on existing research (funded by the National Institutes of Health).
The Verdict:
Both hand dryers and paper towels have their pros and cons. The key to hand hygiene lies in proper hand washing and thorough drying, regardless of the method chosen. For the most eco-conscious approach, consider using hand dryers efficiently and letting them fully dry your hands before exiting the restroom. Remember, thorough hand washing is the most crucial step for hand hygiene, regardless of drying method.
A History Lesson on the Evolution of the Hand Dryer:
The history of hand dryers dates back to the early 20th century when the need for a more hygienic and efficient hand drying solution emerged. Before the invention of hand dryers, people used towels or cloth to dry their hands after washing them. However, this method was not only time-consuming but also unhygienic as towels could harbor bacteria and germs.
The first hand dryer was invented in the 1920s by George Clemens, an American inventor. Clemens' hand dryer was a very basic machine that blew warm air to dry hands. It was not very efficient and took a long time to dry hands. Over the years, several inventors worked on improving the design and functionality of hand dryers.
In the 1940s, R.B. Hull, another American inventor, patented an improved version of the hand dryer. His design incorporated a heating element to produce warm air, which helped in drying hands faster. This innovation marked the beginning of the modern hand dryer era.
In the 1950s, the push-button hand dryers were introduced. These machines were operated by pushing a button to start the airflow. While they were an improvement over previous models, they were still slow and inefficient. The push-button hand dryers became popular in public restrooms and commercial spaces.
In the 1970s, the first automatic hand dryers were developed. These hand dryers used infrared sensors to detect when hands were placed under the airflow, eliminating the need for physical contact. This innovation not only improved hygiene but also made hand drying more convenient and efficient.
The 1980s saw the introduction of high-speed hand dryers that used powerful airflow to dry hands quickly. These hand dryers were more energy-efficient compared to previous models and gained popularity in public restrooms and commercial buildings. In recent years, there have been further advancements in commercial hand dryers. Manufacturers have focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing noise levels, and enhancing the overall user experience.
One notable development is the introduction of eco-friendly hand dryers. These hand dryers are designed to minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. They use advanced technology to provide quick and efficient hand drying while using minimal power. Some models even have adjustable heat settings to further optimize energy usage.
Noise reduction is another area that manufacturers have focused on. Many commercial hand dryers now come with noise reduction features, such as insulated casings and advanced motor systems. This helps create a more pleasant restroom environment and reduces noise pollution for users.
Another key aspect of commercial hand dryers is their durability. These machines are subjected to heavy usage and need to withstand constant demand. Manufacturers are now using high-quality materials and reinforced construction to ensure longevity and reliability.
In terms of design, commercial hand dryers have also evolved. They are now available in sleek and modern designs that complement the aesthetics of commercial spaces. Some hand dryers come in various color options, allowing businesses to choose a model that matches their interior decor.
Maintenance and hygiene are also essential considerations for commercial hand dryers. Manufacturers now offer features
In the early 2000s, Dyson revolutionized the hand dryer industry with the launch of the Airblade hand dryer. The Dyson Airblade used high-speed, HEPA-filtered air to dry hands in just a few seconds. It was not only fast and efficient but also more hygienic compared to traditional hand dryers.
Here are some of the top brands on the market today:
- Excel Dryer - XLERATOR Hand Dryer: Known for its high-speed drying time of 8 seconds, the XLERATOR Hand Dryer is equipped with a patented technology that dries hands quickly and efficiently.
- Dyson - Dyson Airblade V: The Dyson Airblade V stands out for its sleek and futuristic design, as well as its hygienic drying process using HEPA filters to clean the air. It dries hands in less than 12 seconds.
- Bradley - Aerix High Speed Hand Dryer: The Bradley Aerix Hand Dryer offers adjustable speed options and consumes 80% less electricity than traditional hand dryers. It is well-suited for high-traffic areas.
- ASI - TURBO-Pro High Speed Hand Dryer: The ASI TURBO-Pro Hand Dryer is ADA compliant and comes equipped with a HEPA filter to purify the air before drying hands. It is known for its high speed and hygienic drying process.
Today, hand dryers have become an essential fixture in public restrooms, commercial spaces, and healthcare facilities. They have evolved from slow, inefficient machines to fast, energy-efficient dryers that provide a hygienic hand drying solution. With advancements in technology, hand dryers continue to improve in performance, energy efficiency, and hygiene standards.
The invention and evolution of hand dryers have transformed the way we dry our hands after washing them. From the basic warm air dryers of the 1920s to the high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers of today, the journey of hand dryers reflects the continuous innovation and improvement in the field of hygiene and sanitation.