Paper Towels vs Air Dryers
Paper Towels vs Air Dryers
What You'll Learn
In this guide you'll discover:
✔ The differences between paper towels and electric hand dryers.
✔ The hygiene advantages and limitations of each system.
✔ Why many healthcare and food businesses still prefer paper towels.
✔ How maintenance and operating costs compare.
✔ Which solution best suits different commercial workplaces.
Choosing the Right Hand Drying System
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses, but effective hand drying is equally important. Damp hands are known to transfer microorganisms more readily than dry hands, making proper hand drying an essential part of every washroom hygiene programme.
The question many businesses ask is simple:
Should we install paper towels or electric hand dryers?
There is no universal answer. Both systems have advantages, and the best choice depends on the type of workplace, expected traffic, hygiene requirements and maintenance priorities.
Paper Towels
Disposable paper towels remain one of the most widely used hand drying methods throughout New Zealand.
They are particularly popular in schools, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, offices and food preparation areas.
Advantages of Paper Towels
- Fast hand drying.
- No waiting for drying cycles.
- Suitable for high-traffic washrooms.
- Can help remove remaining moisture from the hands.
- Can be used to turn off taps or open doors after washing.
- No electrical installation required.
- Compatible with a wide range of commercial dispensers.
Modern paper towel systems also offer controlled dispensing, helping reduce waste while maintaining excellent hygiene.
Air Dryers
Commercial air dryers have improved significantly over recent years.
Modern units often provide:
- Touch-free operation.
- Lower paper consumption.
- Reduced waste generation.
- Modern washroom appearance.
- Low day-to-day consumable costs.
They are commonly installed in shopping centres, airports, public amenities and office buildings.
Hygiene Considerations
The hygiene performance of paper towels and air dryers has been widely studied.
Research has shown that high-speed jet air dryers can disperse water droplets and microorganisms into the surrounding air under certain conditions, particularly when hands have not been washed thoroughly before drying.
For this reason, many healthcare providers and food preparation facilities continue to favour paper towel systems as part of their infection prevention programmes.
Paper towels remove moisture directly from the hands and may also remove some residual contamination during the drying process. They can also be used to minimise contact with taps, door handles and other frequently touched surfaces after washing.
Air dryers remain an appropriate solution for many commercial environments when properly maintained and installed.
However, regardless of the drying method used, effective hand washing remains the most important factor in maintaining good hygiene.
Running Costs
The purchase price of a hand drying system tells only part of the story.
Paper Towels
Consider:
- Paper towel consumption.
- Refill labour.
- Waste collection.
- Storage requirements.
- Dispenser servicing.
Air Dryers
Consider:
- Electricity usage.
- Installation costs.
- Equipment servicing.
- Cleaning filters and air intakes.
- Equipment lifespan.
Calculating the total cost of ownership provides a far better comparison than simply comparing purchase prices.
Environmental Considerations
Many organisations include sustainability when selecting washroom equipment.
Modern paper towels are increasingly manufactured from recycled fibre or responsibly sourced paper, while many commercial dispensers reduce unnecessary paper consumption through controlled dispensing.
Modern air dryers have also become more energy efficient than earlier models.
The most sustainable solution often depends on building usage, maintenance practices and an organisation's environmental objectives.
Which System Suits Your Workplace?
Schools
Paper towels are often preferred because they dry hands quickly and cope well with busy break periods.
Healthcare
Many healthcare facilities continue to choose paper towel systems because they align with infection prevention procedures and provide rapid hand drying.
Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants and cafés often favour paper towels because they provide an excellent customer experience while maintaining high hygiene standards.
Offices
Both systems can perform well.
The decision often depends on building design, maintenance preferences and sustainability objectives.
Public Facilities
Air dryers are commonly selected in airports, shopping centres and public amenities where reducing consumable usage is an important consideration.
Should You Choose One System or Both?
Many organisations successfully use both systems throughout their buildings.
For example:
- Paper towels in healthcare areas.
- Paper towels in food preparation areas.
- Air dryers in public amenities.
- Different solutions for staff and visitor facilities.
Selecting the right solution for each location often provides the best balance between hygiene, maintenance and operating costs.
Common Questions About Paper Towels and Air Dryers
Which dries hands faster?
Paper towels generally dry hands more quickly, allowing users to leave the washroom sooner.
Why do many hospitals still use paper towels?
Many healthcare facilities continue to use paper towels because they provide immediate hand drying and support infection prevention practices. Research has also suggested that high-speed air dryers may disperse droplets and microorganisms more widely under certain conditions, particularly if hands have not been washed thoroughly.
Are air dryers unhygienic?
Not necessarily. Modern air dryers can provide effective hand drying when properly maintained. However, the suitability of any system depends on the environment and the hygiene requirements of the workplace.
Are paper towels more expensive?
Paper towel systems have ongoing consumable costs, while air dryers have electricity and maintenance costs. The total cost depends on usage, maintenance and the type of facility.
Which system should I choose?
There is no single answer. Schools, healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses and offices often have different priorities. The best solution balances hygiene, operating costs, maintenance and user experience.
Need Help Choosing the Right Hand Drying Solution?
HBPCS supplies a comprehensive range of commercial hand towel systems, dispensers and washroom consumables for schools, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, offices and industrial workplaces throughout New Zealand. Our experienced team can help you compare the available options and recommend the most suitable solution for your facility.
Article Information
Published: June 2026
Category: Washroom Hygiene
Reading Time: Approximately 7 minutes
Disclaimer
This article is intended as a general guide only. The suitability of paper towels or air dryers depends on your workplace, expected usage, maintenance programme and hygiene requirements. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and relevant industry guidelines when selecting and maintaining commercial washroom equipment.