Choosing the correct hand dryer

Choosing the correct hand dryer can be daunting, especially with the number of different products on the market. Many factors should be considered including style, cost, durability, hygiene and many more. We consider all these factors throughout this article in helping you choose the correct product for your project.  

Style

In today’s washroom environment people expect a quality design, however, energy efficiency and hygiene also play a crucial part in deciding on the right hand dryer. As demand has risen, so has the number of products on the market. One of the most important considerations when specifying hand dryers and other washroom accessories is the user and footfall of the washroom, so choosing a stylish yet speedy hand dryer could be the best choice for you. There are now products available on the market to dry hands within 10 seconds, which are more convenient for high usage washrooms and negates the need for paper towels.

Style can also vary depending on the setting of the washroom, for example, in a school with young children it is important to encourage them to dry their hands correctly. Hand dryers can often be very loud and daunting for young children, therefore it is important to consider installing a quieter, child-friendly hand dryer and there are plenty of designs on the market that will encourage this. In particular, Franke’s new DRYX500N is only 69dB, one of the quietest on the market!

The character and atmosphere of any washroom is arguably one of the biggest influences on leaving a long-lasting impression and there are many stylish hand dryers on the market that don’t limit the functionality and performance of the dryer. In busier settings such as hotels or retail environments style is very important, but so is energy efficiency. Franke has a whole range of hand dryers to suit an array of washroom environments, from basic to contemporary and even a hands in option. Extra details like mirrors and matching accessories can also be added to make the washroom feel like an all-important part of the building and much more than an afterthought. Franke has a range of Exos. luxury accessories which can be incorporated in to any style washroom. 

To explore the range of hand dryers click here.

Cost

Hand dryers with adjustable air and heat features could significantly reduce running costs. For example, turning the heat off in the summer when not required can be used to limit your energy usage and therefore save costs. The elegant DRYX500N high speed “hands-in” dryer from Franke is designed to be highly efficient, quiet and hygienic. With a dry time of between just 7 and 10 seconds, the DRYX500N is extremely cost-effective. You can find out more about how much you could save by using an energy efficient hand dryer over paper towels by viewing our cost-saving example here. It is also important to consider hand dryers with an auto-shutdown function to prevent any misuse and save costs. The DRYX500N is powered by a sensor with an automatic switch off after 25 seconds, saving energy and running costs.

Hygiene

It is often perceived that hand dryers are unhygienic due to water spilling or splashing on to the wall or floor and creating bacteria. The Franke DRYX500N hand dryer includes a drip tray, meaning any spilt water is scraped off the hands and collected in the removable tray, preventing water from running onto the floor or walls. The DRYX500N is manufactured from antibacterial plastic and an integrated HEPA filter which kills 99.97% of airborne bacteria. The HEPA filter sanitizes the air flow, whilst the water channel and tray are easily cleaned providing a hygienic, clean hand drying solution. Hand dryers that are touch-free and have integrated filters are the best option if optimal hygiene is of importance.

Choosing the correct hand dryer depends on the particular washroom situation. However, choosing an all-round high performing hand dryer with hygiene features, for example, the DRYX500N would be the ideal option for most washroom specifications.

For more design inspiration and case studies, get in touch with a member of our team who can offer advice and support on creating the perfect washroom…