Hand Dryers Types

Explore Commercial Hand Dryer Types for UK Washrooms

Choosing the right type of commercial hand dryer depends heavily on your facility’s daily traffic, noise considerations, hygiene priorities, and budget. At Simco Direct, we supply an extensive selection of electric hand dryer types engineered to perform in every commercial setting—from busy restaurants, schools, and offices to high-footfall public venues and healthcare facilities.

Upgrading your washroom with the appropriate dryer style can lower operational running costs by up to 95% compared to single-use paper towels, while creating a cleaner, lower-maintenance environment. Explore our primary hand dryer categories below to find the perfect solution for your space.

Find the Right Hand Dryer Type for Your Facility

Different washroom environments call for distinct airflow mechanics, housing materials, and sound profiles. Select a category below to explore dedicated models:

  • Hands-In & Blade Hand Dryers: Designed for high-speed drying (under 10 seconds), these units use dual airflow blades to strip water off both sides of the hands simultaneously. Ideal for high-traffic venues where keeping foot traffic moving is essential.
  • Hands-Under Hand Dryers: The classic, versatile design featuring downward air delivery. Available in compact, low-cost, and heavy-duty configurations suitable for standard commercial washrooms.
  • Eco & Low-Energy Hand Dryers: Engineered to consume as little as 350W–1000W per cycle, these eco-conscious dryers often feature switchable heating elements to minimize electricity consumption and keep utility bills down.
  • Quiet & Low-Noise Hand Dryers: Operating at reduced decibel levels (60–75 dBA), these models are designed for noise-sensitive locations like primary schools, nurseries, libraries, and quiet office corridors.
  • Vandal-Resistant & Heavy-Duty Dryers: Built with robust 304 stainless steel or thick steel casings, tamper-proof screws, and reinforced air nozzles to withstand heavy use and abuse in unmonitored public spaces.

Why Source Hand Dryer Types from Simco Direct?

Simco Direct is a trusted UK supplier of heating and commercial washroom equipment, helping businesses and contractors find reliable hardware backed by professional support.

  • Trade Savings & Bulk Discounts: Enjoy competitive pricing across all types, with volume discounts available for multi-site outfitting.
  • Prompt UK Delivery: Get fast, reliable shipping straight to your job site or premises.
  • Comprehensive Warranties: Full coverage and robust manufacturer warranties across all models for peace of mind.
  • UK Technical Guidance: Unsure whether a hands-in or hands-under model fits your wall footprint or electrical setup? Our UK team is available to offer advice.

FAQs

  • What is the difference between hands-in and hands-under hand dryers?

    Hands-in (or blade) hand dryers require users to insert their hands into a trough where high-speed air blades strip water off both sides at once, typically drying hands in under 10 seconds. Hands-under dryers direct airflow downward onto hands held underneath the unit. Hands-under units are usually more compact and cost-effective, while hands-in models excel in high-footfall environments.

  • Which hand dryer type uses the least electricity?

    Eco or low-energy hand dryers consume the least electricity. Many of these models operate between 350W and 900W by eliminating or allowing you to turn off the heating element, relying solely on high-speed air motion to remove water. This allows them to cost less than 1p per 10–12 second dry cycle.

  • What hand dryer type is best for schools or nurseries?

    Low-noise or quiet-marked hand dryers are best for schools, nurseries, and special education environments. Young children can be easily startled by loud acoustic blasts, so selecting a dryer operating at 70 dBA or lower with adjustable air speeds ensures a comfortable user experience.

  • Are hands-in hand dryers messier on the floor than hands-under models?

    High-end hands-in dryers are designed with internal water collection trays at the bottom of the unit to trap excess water droplets, keeping floors dry and slip-free. Standard hands-under dryers push water downward onto the floor unless paired with an absorbent wall guard or splash pad.

  • What mounting height is required for different hand dryer types?

    Mounting height depends on the unit style and user demographics. Standard hands-under models are typically installed 1200mm above the finished floor for adult men and 1120mm for women. Hands-in blade dryers are mounted lower so the top rim sits around 900mm–1050mm off the ground, allowing comfortable insertion from above. Always consult the specific product installation manual and UK accessibility guidelines.