What is a Hot Hand Dryer?

When most people think of a hot air hand dryer, they think of a traditional slow airflow motor with high heat. Bringing to mind dryers like the below. 

Traditional hot air hand dryers work by using a coiled heater element to rapidly heat up the airflow. These dryers were expensive to run and not particularly efficient.

What is a Cold Hand Dryer?

All dryers used hot air until the mid 2000’s, when the Airforce and Dyson came along and completely turned conventional design on its head. They removed the heater element and focused on airflow speed and dynamics to create a faster, more efficient dry. Other brands quickly followed. 

Cold air hand dryers work using a high revolution motor, similar to a vacuum which generates far greater airspeeds, this literally forces the water from a person’s hands. These motors also generate their own heat.

Our top picks for cold air hand dryers

Combining the two types of Hand Dryers

Nowadays many models now have the ability to turn the heat on/off to suit or intelligent heating systems that activate the heater elements only when the air temperature falls below a certain level.

These heater elements never overheat and consume much less energy than hot dryers, they provide extra comfort and some evaporation that improves dry times.

Forget traditional models, they are expensive to run, take longer to dry and are not as good for the environment. They also pose a greater risk when faulty. Our top 5 hot air hand dryers all have optional heat settings and have more effective airflow dynamics and evaporation.

Our top picks for optional heat setting hand dryers

Still not sure? Speak to an expert.