Updated 26/2/2020

Here’s Your Alternative to the Dyson Airblade

This post was last updated 10 April 2019

Our customers tell us “I want a Dyson Airblade but it’s too expensive. Can you find me something similar?”

Of course, the Dyson model is the Airblade of choice. Why? Because:

• It is one of the fastest hand dryers on the market
• It’s had significant investment in research and development to make sure its quality and performance are the best in the business
• It uses the advanced hygienic properties of the HEPA filtration system, which traps 99.9% microbes and bacteria before they enter the airflow.   
• It contains silver ion antimicrobial technology to preserve the surface and prevent degradation caused by microbial growth

Even with all these reasons, people want to know what alternatives are available. And no, it’s not just related to the price.

Consumers are aware that the Airblade doesn’t have a water collection system. This means, excess moisture ends up on the floor. This can cause a headache for users and domestic teams.

Another concern is the noise level of the AB14.

Although it is quieter than its predeceasing model, it has a reputation for being loud. This is inevitable if performance is the main criteria for choosing a good quality hand dryer.

So, what alternative is available?

From our research, we believe we have found the best alternatives that have the same quality of the Dyson Airblade AB14.

The best alternatives are:

• Dryflow® Vapordri hand dryer
• Dryflow® Tri-Jet hand dryer
• Mitsubishi Electric Jet Towel

 

Dryflow® Vapordri hand dryer

In summary

	Dyson Airblade AB14	Dryflow® Vapordri
Dry time	11 seconds (in house tested)	11 seconds (in house tested)
Rated power	1600W	1005W - 1550W
Cost per 1000 dries	$1.47	$0.97 – $1.42
Guarantee	5 years	5 years
Finishes available	Grey / white / black	Graphite
Suitable daily use	500+ uses a day	500+ uses a day
Average price (ex GST)	$1490.00	$1227

Matching the dry speed to the AB14 in our testing means no user will be disappointed with the performance of the Vapordri when in use.  This European manufactured hand dryer is extremally compact, which makes it an attractive alternative when space is limited.

A large, long lasting H14 HEPA filter, capable of removing 99.5% microbes is easy to access and clean.

Other enhanced hygienic properties include antibacterial ABS with the plastic injected with silver ions. This prevents the growth of bacteria, fungi and mould.

In terms of energy efficiency this unit will work at just 1.05kW, most of the time, compared to 1.6kW of the Dyson. This is because of the intelligent heating system.  When the temperature of the room is above 25 degrees Celsius the heater element doesn’t engage. However, if the room temperature drops, heat will be added automatically for comfort.

The sound of the unit is a low 65.6db from a 2 metre distance, as noted by the Technical University of Valencia.

One last feature that is popular with designers and end users, is the modern blue LED light trail down the side of the hand dryer.

 

Dryflow® Tri-Jet hand dryer

In summary

	Dyson Airblade AB14	Dryflow® Tri-Jet
Dry time	11 seconds (in house tested)	11 seconds (in house tested)
Rated power	1600W	1760W
Cost per 1000 dries	$1.47	$1.62
Guarantee	5 years	7 years
Finishes available	Grey / white / black	Silver / white
Suitable daily use	500+ uses a day	< 300 uses a day
Average price (ex GST)	$1490.00	$1304.00

In terms of performance both the AB14 and the Tri-Jet are very similar. 

This European manufactured hand dryer is built to high quality standards and is backed by a seven-year guarantee, which is longer than the Dyson Airblade.

A water collection system is included as a standard feature.  

In addition, you can purchase a HEPA Filter H12, which has a total retention rate of 99.5% microbes.

To add to that, microban antimicrobial protection prevents the growth of bacteria, mould and mildew. It will not wash away or wear out during the life of the product, which gives a superior level of germ-free protection compared to the continuous use of disinfectants.

Mitsubishi Electric Jet Towel

In summary

	Dyson Airblade AB14	Mitsubishi Electric Jet Towel
Dry time	11 seconds (in house tested)	11 seconds (in house tested)
Rated power	1600W	550W - 1240W
Cost per 1000 dries	$1.47	$0.64 - $1.12
Guarantee	5 years	5 years
Finishes available	Grey / white / black	White / silver/ black
Suitable daily use	500+ uses a day	500+ uses a day
Average price (ex GST)	$1490.00	$1352.00

As a world-renowned brand, Mitsubishi Electric is very reliable. At the time of writing we have never had one unit become faulty out of the thousands we have sold.

In fact, we are so confident in the reliability of the Jet Towel that we offer a seven-year guarantee, which is significantly more than the industry standard of just three years.

Matching the dry time of the Dyson has been achieved without the impact of increasing the noise levels. This Quiet Mark approved hand dryer delivers high speed drying whilst being one of the quietest hand dryers in its class.

A drip tray is included with the added bonus that the side of the hand dryer can be removed to allow for a thorough clean of all aspects of the water collection system.

There are a number of models… one that has no heater element, or three heated versions that allow for heat to be added if required.  

These dryers are very energy efficient and will not have a massive impact on the environment or energy bills.  You can run this dryer at just 0.55kW and still have a dry time of around 14seconds.

The Jet towel is Greenspec listed, which means that the hand dryer unit undergoes stringent testing to ensure the quoted energy efficiency and dry times.

Finally, this hand dryer has received the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) award because it has an antibacterial resin inserted into all plastic parts, increasing the hygienic properties. An anti-microbial filter is also fitted; however, you have the option to upgrade to a high quality HEPA equivalent.

Are there any others to look at?

There are other blade style hand dryers that although they may not match the performance of the Dyson Airblade AB14, they are close.  They may be more suitable to your facility, budget and daily use.  

If you have a facility with low washroom traffic under 100 uses a day, then the Jet Force Junior is certainly worth investigating. The motor life in the Jet Force Junior will give years of service in low use facilities.  

If you want the same style and similar performance of the Dyson Airblade, but you don’t need the motor to be able to withstand high traffic volumes, then this could be great option at around $822.00.

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For more information or for help in finding your ideal hand dryer, please call us on 1300 HANDRY or (+61) 1300 426 379, use our contact us page or email us at info@intelligenthanddryers.com.au.

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