Cool Hunting

Dyson's futuristic Airblade hand dryer has been around for about a year. It seems awfully good on paper (faster dry time, more hygienic and increased energy efficiency over conventional driers) but we needed to see it to believe it. So, to test the Airblade's claims, we installed a couple in our office. And after a few months of dry hands and conserved paper towels, the Airblade has become an integral part of daily life.

The touch-free operation lets you dry your paws without soiling them by touching any less than sanitary surfaces. Simply place your hands in the internal cavity and a sensor initiates two precise shafts of air on either side of each hand. After slowly removing your suddenly dry hands, it automatically shuts off. The whole process clocks in close to Dyson's claim of 12 seconds. Its powerful 1400w digital motor makes a noticeable roar, even despite the noise-suppression technology, but a few seconds is too small an interval to cause any real disturbance.

Granted, the Airblade might not be perfect for everyone. Drying anything besides your hands isn't really feasible. If you're the type who likes to wash your face in public restrooms, you may have to air dry. But for the rest of society, the Airblade works perfectly as a bathroom's sole drying method.

The Dyson Airblade runs for about $1,250, a price Dyson assures will be quickly recouped from dramatically decreased energy and paper towel costs. It is currently available at a few online retailers, or you can contact Dyson directly.