When you're outfitting a commercial washroom, the question isn't usually whether to choose between hand dryers or paper towels but how to ensure your guests have the best experience by offering both.

Each option brings real value to your space, and together they create a more complete guest-friendly washroom.

Let's walk through what each option brings to the table.

The Benefits of Installing a Hand Dryer

Lower long-term operating costs

Hand dryers like the Frost 1198 hand dryer require a one-time installation followed by minimal upkeep. Once the unit is in place, you're looking at very little ongoing expense. Over time this makes them an economical choice that just keeps paying off.

Cost factors include:

• One-time equipment and installation investment
• Minimal maintenance and repairs needed
• No regular supply purchasing or restocking labor
• Reduced disposal and waste management expenses

A cleaner, more polished space

Without paper towels accumulating in bins throughout the day, your washroom stays noticeably tidier.

The washroom feels more organized and well-maintained which directly impacts how your guests will perceive your facility. And less janitorial work means your staff can focus on other priorities.

Environmental responsibility

Hand dryers support sustainability initiatives without compromising cleanliness or hygiene. You entirely eliminate paper waste, reduce packaging and reduce transportation emissions.

All these factors demonstrate a commitment to environmental concern and it's a meaningful way to align your business with eco-conscious values.

Some environmental benefits include:

• Zero paper waste in landfills
• Reduced packaging and transportation emissions
• Lower overall resource consumption
• Demonstrates commitment to green practices

The Benefits of Using Paper Towel Dispensers

Speed and convenience

Paper towels like the Bobrick 72860 paper towel dispenser, offer quick, no-fuss drying that we have found many guests prefer. Paper towel dispensers work instantly without waiting, and they move people through the washroom line efficiently if it's busy.

In high-traffic commercial environments this kind of efficiency matters because it keeps traffic flowing smoothly and it’s also great because having both a hand dryer and a towel dispenser provide those specific options that some patrons need to feel properly cleaned.

Guest comfort and control

People appreciate having control over their hand-drying procedures. Some people don’t believe a hand dryer fully dries their hands, but paper towels let guests dry their hands exactly how they see fit. There's a comfort factor that comes from having that choice.

Paper towels are versatile and practical

Paper towels actually serve multiple purposes beyond just drying hands. You'll notice your guests will use them to dry their faces, make quick adjustments to their appearance, clean stains on their clothes, blow their nose or clean up spills.

Those are the kind of options that make them quite invaluable in a commercial setting where the washrooms need to be flexible and responsive to people's different needs.

Benefits of paper towel dispensers at a glance:

• Immediate, reliable drying without waiting.
• Guest autonomy and personal preference.
• Multiple uses beyond hand drying.
• Familiar and intuitive for all users.

Using Both Options Creates the Best Experience

The best approach is to instal both hand dryers and paper towel dispensers in your washroom. Having both works so well because people have genuine, legitimate preferences, and offering both options respects that reality.

Some guests will always reach for paper towels for their speed and convenience. Others will prefer the efficiency and environmental benefits of hand dryers. By providing both, you're not forcing anyone into a compromise and you're giving every guest the option that works best for them in that moment.

Having both options also projects a sense of professionalism, thoughtfulness and elegance. It signals that you've considered your guests' needs and don't cut corners. It makes your washroom feel more upscale and complete which positively reflects on your entire business.

Decision factors to consider:

• Higher-traffic spaces benefit from having multiple drying options.
• Different customer bases may have different preferences.
• Plan for the investment in both options as part of your overall facility.
• Ensure you have room for proper placement of both.
• Budget for upkeep of both systems.
• Both options demonstrate a commitment to guest experience.
• The combined benefit outweighs the costs.

The small additional investment in both options pays dividends in guest satisfaction and your facility's overall reputation.