Thinking about purchasing commercial drying equipment? Good decision. From salons to veterinary hospitals to industrial laundries, professional dryers save you time and money. Read on to learn how to choose the right one for your business.
Know What You Need to Dry
Take a moment to consider the items you will be drying. This may seem obvious, but it’s an important first step. Hair dries differently than clothes. Thick carpets require different dryer specs than thin towels.
Also, consider how many items you’ll need to dry daily. Obviously, a small pet grooming service will have different needs than a large industrial laundry. You cannot use the same equipment for both!
Likewise, make note of the space you have available for drying equipment. Do you have room for a floor dryer? Or do you need something that will hang on the wall? Measure your space and take notes. Then, when you shop you won’t waste time looking at equipment that can’t fit in your space.
Dryer Types
Commercial dryers come in various shapes and sizes. Here is a quick rundown of the most common types:
- Cage dryers blow air into a cage that a pet sits inside of. These are very popular with professional groomers. Many models allow you to tend to other pets while one is drying. But you must keep an eye on the temperature settings to avoid injuring any animals.
- Stand dryers can be moved around to suit your needs. Position them right over the problem area if necessary. They are great for spot drying or concentrating on one specific area. It’s not uncommon to see a business owner keep several of these on hand.
- Cabinet dryers allow you to dry several items at once. Simply load ‘er up, set the timer, and walk away. Businesses that need to dry large quantities of towels quickly will love these.
- Air movers are industrial strength machines that push large volumes of air. Restoration businesses often use them after floods or water damage. While effective, they are noisy. Therefore, these are not ideal if you work in a quiet environment.
- Desiccant dryers actually pull moisture from the air. These are extremely effective in humid environments but will cost you a pretty penny. You’ll typically find them in museums and archives.
Features to Look For
You’ll find certain features are important when comparing different dryers. Here are a few to look for:
- Heat settings – You want control of the temperature. Look for dryers with variable temperature settings.
- Airflow – How powerful is the air stream? Check the CFM rating on each model. This stands for cubic feet per minute. The higher the number, the faster your items will dry. Bigger CFM means higher energy bills as well.
- Timer – Some dryers allow you to set a timer so you can walk away. Others will even power off automatically when the drying cycle is complete. This saves energy and prevents over-drying.
- Noise Level – Air movers are loud. That’s just the nature of them. However, you should still pay attention to the dB rating on desktop models. Quieter units cost more but create a more comfortable environment for clients.
Other items such as portability should also be considered. Wheels? Handles?
Lightweight construction? These features will make your life easier.
Safety
When purchasing any type of professional equipment safety should be your number one concern. Commercial dryers get hot and run for long periods of time. They need safety features built in.
Automatic shut off – If possible, purchase a dryer that will automatically shut off if it gets too hot. This prevents fires and will save you from ruining products or equipment.
Overheat protection – The best units have some sort of built in overheat protection. They monitor themselves and reduce power or shut off if they get too hot.
For pet dryers, you’ll also want to look for temperature sensors. You do not want to overheat an animal. Be sure the equipment you choose has precise temperature controls and a clear digital display.
Lastly, look for equipment that is properly electrical certified. UL and ETL labeled equipment has been tested by safety experts. Never purchase equipment that hasn’t been certified, regardless of the price.
Be Energy Efficient
Your dryer will likely be operating for hours on end each day. Energy efficiency should be a huge consideration when making your purchase.
First, look for ENERGY STAR models whenever possible. Not only will they run on less power, but they also dry efficiently. You’ll pay more money up front, but you’ll save on monthly energy bills.
Also look for heavily insulated models. Well insulated dryers reach desired temperatures quicker and maintain temperatures with less energy. Lastly, variable speed motors can help you save money on energy. These motors only use as much electricity as needed. They don’t always run on high.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you want to spend before you shop. Professional equipment is expensive, but it’s also worth it.
Remember, when calculating the price keep the total cost of ownership in mind. Don’t forget about energy expenses, maintenance costs, and even future replacement parts. You may find that the cheaper model ends up costing you more over a five year period.
Good equipment should come with an adequate warranty. A manufacturer that offers a one year warranty obviously believes in the longevity of their product. Shoot for two years of warranty coverage or higher.
If your budget is limited, consider financing options. Many suppliers offer payment plans when it comes to purchasing professional equipment. This allows you to equip your business without breaking the bank.
Ready to Choose
Purchasing the correct equipment for your business is a big decision. Take your time. Jot down your requirements and prioritize them. Should your dryer have features A and B? Or are features C and D more important?
Look at least three different models. Read reviews from other business owners. What do they like about the product? What isn’t working for them? Keep an eye out for recurring themes in these reviews.
Whenever possible, ask for a demo. There’s nothing like seeing a product in action. Once you see how it works, you may find you need features that you hadn’t originally considered. Finally, listen to that gut feeling of yours. If something doesn’t seem right about a product or company, move on. You will find the right equipment, we promise.
Case Study: Commercial Flood Damage Restoration With Drying Equipment
An actual before-and-after case study that illustrates industrial‑grade drying equipment in action to remediate water damage and salvage buildings — the kind of situation your article discusses:
Commercial Flood Damage Restoration With Drying Equipment
Universal House experienced flooding inside their office building. Ideal Response was brought in to perform emergency restoration work. Water extraction equipment was used to remove bulk water after which carefully placed drying equipment – consisting of high‑volume dehumidifiers, air movers and moisture probes – was used to return the building to a dry and occupiable condition. Note how they continually monitored for moisture during the drying process and moved equipment around as needed. Drying equipment was run 24/7 to pull moisture out of building materials such as walls, floors and ceilings. The office space was deemed partially usable about one day after drying equipment was put into place. After about two weeks, the water damaged property was completely restored and ready for full use.
➡️ Source: Universal House Case Study https://www.idealresponse.co.uk/case-studies/commercial-flood-damage-restoration-for-universal-house-management/
As you can see from this case study, industrial strength drying equipment (much more powerful than everyday fans/dehumidifiers you might find in a house) is essential for quickly drying out a structure after water damage.
FAQs: A Complete Guide to Buying Professional Drying Equipment
What do we mean by professional drying equipment?
“Professional drying equipment” can mean any industrial‑grade machines used in commercial applications and restoration — think air movers, high‑capacity dehumidifiers, structural drying systems, and moisture meters, not your small residential counterparts. This equipment is built tougher, provides more power, and can run for hours.
How does commercial drying equipment differ from home appliances?
Commercial equipment is designed to process much higher volumes of moisture in a shorter time frame compared to residential units. Think industrial air movers with much higher CFM airflow and evaporate drying capacity or heavy duty dehumidifiers that can extract several times more water from the air. This equipment is made for use in businesses, restoration projects, and large scale laundries.
What types of drying equipment should I look into for my business?
Here are some of the most common commercial drying equipment types:
- Air movers — Also known as blasters, these units have higher velocity airflow that pushes air over materials to hasten surface drying.
- Commercial Dryers — Heavy duty machines designed to dry large loads such as towels, textiles and more.
- High‑capacity dehumidifiers — Full size dehumidifiers that can help reduce moisture levels in indoor air quickly.
- Desiccant Dryers — These commercial grade units are specially designed for drying processes where moisture loads are high or air conditions are cold.
- Cabinet and Stand Dryers — Ideal for businesses with specific needs such as salons, vet clinics, etc.
What features should I look for when purchasing a dryer?
Seek out dryers that have:
- Adjustable heat settings to accurately match temps to your load.
- High CFM airflow ratings to dry things faster.
- Timers and auto shut‑off to reduce energy costs and accidental damage.
- Safety features like thermal protection and certified electrical safety standards ( UL or ETL).
- Wheels or handles if you’ll be moving it often.
Will energy efficiency and running costs be a concern?
Definitely — especially since some dryers may be running for days in some scenarios. Units with variable speed motors, insulated cabinets, ENERGY STAR ratings, and/or smart features can save you energy and money over time.
How do I budget for commercial drying equipment?
As with any business appliance, factor in the total cost of ownership when budgeting. Purchase price is only part of the expense; you should account for:
- The cost to operate (energy usage + maintenance),
- Availability of spare parts & warranty, length of warranty,
- Machine longevity, and
- Loss of income if the equipment breaks down during a job.
An equipment that costs a little more but lasts twice as long and comes with a bonus year of warranty may end up costing you less.
Can I finance professional drying equipment?
Yes, some dealers offer payment plans or equipment leasing. This could be a great option if you own a small business or are just starting out.
How can I be sure I won’t hesitate to use the wrong equipment?
Research, ask questions, and DON’T rush buying!
Measure your space and dry volumes.
Understand ambient humidity levels will vary from season to season and location to location (some areas may be hot & humid while others may be cool and damp)
Make a list of what you need versus what you want. Bonus points if you can quantify your needs!
Compare at least 3 models online and read reviews from other business owners.
If at all possible, request a demo from the supplier. Physical demonstrations allow you to see the equipment in person and ask any lingering questions.
