How to choose a high-quality and reliable hand dryer
Electric hand dryers have become a convenient and practical replacement for towels. Most often they are used in public bathrooms, but recently they have been used in everyday life. On ordinary towels accumulates a huge number of germs. In addition, you need to constantly monitor their purity. The appliance maintains a high degree of hygiene and eliminates unnecessary problems. How to choose a hand dryer among the variety of models? Our experts will help you to learn about the main parameters of the dryers and what to look for when buying.
Main features of the hand dryer
The hand dryer is a small electric device attached to the wall of the bathroom. The device is intended for contactless drying of hands with warm air after washing. Ease of 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 facilities. They are often purchased in the office and installed in all business centers.
Hand dryers are very easy to install, and anyone who comes across this technique for the first time will be able to learn how to use them. Even a three-year-old can handle the drying. Due to this convenience and high hygiene, devices are increasingly began to buy and for the home.
How the hand dryer works
An electric device for drying hands is equipped with a switch or a non-contact infrared sensor that reacts to the movement of hands. To use the device, you must substitute the palm directly under the hole blowing air.
After activation, the device instantly begins to supply hot air under great pressure, quickly drying the hands placed under it. Man holds his palms under the pressure of the air until they become dry. It usually takes 10-20 seconds for wet hands to dry out.
Depending on the model, the dryer can have different settings for temperature, air flow rate. 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 hairdryer. All this is encased in a body that can be made from various materials.
Types of dryers and their features
Hand dryers that exist on our market today are divided into three types:
Ordinary. They can have a mechanical or contactless inclusion, plastic or metal housing. Dry the skin due to the intensive supply of hot air that evaporates moisture. Size and design are model specific. Are focused on operation in protected public places and in life.
Speedy. Their working principle is slightly different from the above. Drying of hands occurs due to a very high air flow rate. The flow temperature is not very high. Air under such pressure does not evaporate, but blows away all the water droplets. Moisture is collected in a special tank, from where it passes through the filter and is sent to the sewer. Such devices have a larger case and due to the powerful fan make more noise.
Anti-vandal. These devices have enhanced durability and protection against unfair actions on the part of users. They are placed in unguarded sanitary rooms, where, hypothetically, people with a low level of culture and poor education can harm the equipment, trying to break it.
To correctly select the electric hand dryer, find out what specifications have devices.
Body material
The body material of the dryers can be made of metal or plastic.
Plastic have a lower price. Plastic quality 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 joints of the parts.
Cases made of plastic can be painted with metal. Visually distinguish their quality is impossible. This design of the case is more attractive in appearance, but does not affect the strength. Therefore, it is worthwhile to pay more attention to the quality of plastic, and not to its decor. The most durable are hand dryers made from polypropylene or polycarbonate.
Metal cases come in stainless steel or anodized aluminum. Usually the anti-vandal dryer is made of durable metal so that it cannot be bent. Such devices are relevant for public places with high traffic.
Inclusion Method
The 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 is 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. In addition, if you constantly touch the button with wet hands, moisture can get inside the device and damage it. The only plus mechanical switch - the device is not activated independently.
The most common option for turning on the device is an infrared sensor. When a person brings his hands to the dryer, the sensor detects the 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, the drying is immediately turned off.
Such a system has one minus - the sensor can react to any movements recorded in the range of its action. False actuation of the device spends electricity. To avoid problems, you must carefully consider the location of the device.
Power
Power is important in the dryer, as it will depend on the speed of work.
By this parameter, devices are divided into three types:
It should be borne in mind that the power of the heating elements was 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 that allows you to customize the device on your own.
The lower the indicator, the less energy the device will spend. But it will take more time to dry. Therefore, it is better to give preference to medium or high power ratings. But too powerful models (2400-2600 W) adversely affect the state of the hands. Intense hot air blowing dries out the skin.
Drying time
The time required for thorough drying of the 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 temperature of the device. Warm air evaporates moisture much faster than cool.
Noise level
Unfortunately, there are no too quiet automatic dryers. At the heart of their work is the ventilation system. To achieve its silent operation is technically impossible. But there are devices with a more dense housing, which isolates noise. Of course, they do not remove the volume of the fan completely, but slightly reduce it.
In public places, especially in such noisy ones as the train station, disco bar or airport, this criterion does not matter. But in the house the noise from the device will apply to all nearby space. This nuance should be considered when buying. If the bathroom in the apartment has good noise insulation, then the volume of drying will not be a problem.
Appearance
Many try to choose an electric hand dryer not only for technical characteristics, but also for external data. Today, manufacturers offer a variety of designs dryers - from classic to the most avant-garde. The focus here is on the type of room and interior style.
If in doubt, the universal classic style in the form of a rectangular or slightly rounded body will be a win-win option.
Rating
We present you the 2018 rating, which includes the best electric hand dryers. All models have the best combination of technical characteristics, price and quality.
