Choosing between electric hand dryers and paper towels comes down to what matters most for your building.
Paper towels do a great job removing bacteria and most people like using them, while electric hand dryers help cut costs and waste over time.
Both options work well when they’re properly maintained and matched to your needs.
Factors to Consider
Here are the key differentiators that make it easier to choose between electric hand dryers and paper towels;
Hygiene
Paper towels work well for removing bacteria because of the physical wiping motion.
Modern electric hand dryers use HEPA filters to clean the air before it touches your hands.
Most health organizations say both methods work fine when used correctly.
Key hygiene factors to consider:
Paper towels:
- Physical friction removes bacteria effectively
- No risk of water splashing back onto hands
- Each use gets a clean, fresh surface
- Can be used to open door handles afterward
- Single-use prevents cross-contamination
Electric hand dryers:
- HEPA filtration cleans air before use
- No-touch operation reduces contact points
- Antimicrobial surfaces prevent bacteria growth
- Fast drying encourages complete hand drying
- No paper waste to clean up
Noise
Hand dryers can be loud. Some sound like a jet engine, which isn’t great in quiet places like offices or cafes.
Newer models dry hands fast, but that usually means more noise. Some come with settings to turn down the speed, but that also slows drying time.
Paper towels are quiet. No one ever complained about the sound of someone grabbing a paper towel.
Durability & Lifespan
Paper towel dispensers are cheap but break often. They jam, run out fast, and need constant refilling.
Hand dryers last years without needing much attention. Some can take a beating in public restrooms without breaking.
They do need cleaning and the occasional filter swap, but that’s easier than fixing a dispenser or dealing with clogged sinks full of wet paper.
Related: How hand dryers have evolved over the years.
Cost Comparison
Paper towels look like the budget-friendly choice at first. Each paper dispenser costs around $30, making initial setup affordable.
The ongoing costs tell a different story. You’ll spend hundreds each month on new towels, staff time for restocking, and waste removal.
Electric hand dryers require more investment upfront, with units costing around $400 plus installation.
Monthly expenses drop significantly after installation. You only pay for minimal electricity and occasional maintenance, leading to savings within the first year.
Emergency Consumption
Hand dryers do use electricity, but the newer ones barely make a dent in energy costs—like less than a cent per use.
Paper towels, on the other hand, need to be made, shipped, and thrown away constantly, which adds up.
Some dryers only use around 1,000 watts per cycle, so in the long run, they’re cheaper and better for the planet.
Environmental Impact
Walk into any restroom with paper towels and you’ll spot the overflowing trash bins. Every one of those towels needs to be collected, hauled away, and replaced with new ones.
The cycle never ends. Fresh boxes of paper towels arrive while bags of used ones head to the landfill. Even recycled paper towels create this constant stream of delivery and disposal.
Three clear ways these choices affect your facility:
- Paper towels fill up dumpsters fast, often needing extra pickups
- Electric dryers cut your waste removal needs dramatically
- New dryer models use much less power than old ones
Electric dryers change the picture completely. No more paper waste to manage, just a small amount of power use during operation. Many buildings find their waste pickups drop by half after switching.
Real-World Experience
Universities and businesses across the country have made the switch from paper towels to electric hand dryers. Their experiences offer valuable insights for other facilities considering the change.
Saint Joseph’s University initially faced pushback when removing paper towels from restrooms. Students wanted both options available, especially for cleaning spills and opening doors.
The solution came through proper planning and communication. Many facilities now keep a small paper towel supply for special needs while using hand dryers as the primary method.
What Users Really Want
People care most about getting their hands dry quickly and easily. The latest hand dryers match this need with faster drying times and simple operation.
Location and accessibility make a big difference in user satisfaction. Units need proper mounting heights and clear approach spaces to serve everyone effectively.
Good planning helps prevent common complaints about noise or splash-back. Modern units offer adjustable settings that help you balance performance with comfort.
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Making the Right Choice
Both paper towels and hand dryers have their pros and cons—it all comes down to what fits your space best.
If reducing waste and long-term costs is the goal, modern hand dryers offer an efficient solution. If noise or user preference is a concern, some facilities choose to keep both options available.
Interhasa’s range of hand dryers combines efficient drying performance with features that matter for your facility. Browse our hand dryer collection or contact our team for expert guidance on selecting the perfect unit for your needs.
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