Head-to-Head Hand Dryer Comparison: XLerator XLGR Vs. Warner Howard PHS SR1100F
So, let's talk hand dryers, folks! There's a whole bunch out there, from the cheap ones that kinda do the job to the fancy, high-tech ones that practically launch your hands into the future. It can be a bit much, right? Well, fear not! We've got your back with two solid choices: the XLerator XLGR in Graphite and the Warner Howard PHS SR1100F. We're breaking them down for you, making it a breeze to pick the perfect no-nonsense, black hand dryer.
About Excel/XLerator & XL-GR
Excel Dryer is a company that has been making waves in the hand dryer industry. They're known for their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Vastly popular in the USA, one of their flagship products, the XLERATOR, has gained popularity here in the UK for its high-speed, energy-efficient hand drying and robust design.
"World's Finest Commercial Hand Dryers" - Excel
About Warner Howard/PHS & SR1100F
Warner Howard is a company known for providing a range of hand dryers and other washroom equipment, with a focus on delivering efficient and hygienic solutions for commercial and public spaces. Their latest Vitesse range is sleek, modern, and compact, offering top-of-the-market speed and efficiency, improving the whole washroom experience whilst keeping costs at a minimum.
"Commercial Hand Dryers From Washroom & Hygiene Specialists" - Warner Howard/PHS
How do they stack up?
- Build Quality & Features
Let's start off by looking at some core features of the XL-GR. The unit comes with a neat, seamless casing design, made from die-cast zinc alloy. The unit comes with adjustable heat settings at the point of installation, allowing for low, medium, or high settings, for adjustment for all environments. These units also feature a noise-reducing nozzle, and adjustable sensor range, making them adaptable for many different use environments. The SR1100F features a thin high-powered blade that will dry your hands like an air curtain. It features a composite anti-microbial casing, which is designed to kill any bacteria that may land on it from touching the dryer/airflow and spray etc. It also comes with an easy-to-install click-on and-click-off back plate, allowing even a non-qualified electrician to set these units up in a matter of minutes. The SR1100F also, crucially for many specifiers, comes with HEPA filtration as standard.
- Price, Size, & Running Costs (prices correct at time of writing 24/10/23)
So - let's continue by looking at the pricing. The XLerator comes in at £499.00 exVat, a significant investment. This compared to the SR1100 running at £390.60 exVat for a comparable product, the Warner Howard/PHS clearly edges it out here.
When it comes to size, the SR1100F is a little smaller a footprint on the wall. The XL-GR sits at: H (mm) 313 W (mm) 290 D (mm) 170 Compared to the SR1100's: H (mm) 260 W (mm) 282 D (mm) 152. All in all, if you're concerned about washroom space, go with the SR1100F.
Lastly, we'll look at running costs. At just 1100 Watts, compared to 1450, in terms of power alone the SR1100 require less, so on a compatible basis, it has a clear advantage over the XL-GR as the unit shall take less electricity for the same X number of uses. There is a guide to estimate running costs available for the SR1100 found Here, to help users get a clear picture of usage potential.
- Warranty and Support
The warranty is a clear area in which the XL-GR will win out over the SR1100F. The XL-GR has an incredible 7-year warranty, which is definitely rare to find in the Hand Dryer market. This compared to the SR1100F's 3 years should stand as a clear reason to choose it. In terms of support, the Excel dryer is primarily sold in America, and so much of its brand recognition and support work is focused overseas. For familiarity and recognisability in the Washroom fit-out community, the Warner Howard/PHS brand name is easily recognised, and their base in Caerphilly lends a localised feel to the support available both directly and within the community of users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whilst both dryers are incredible options, overall we personally prefer and would recommend the SR1100F unit. PHS./Warner Howard's quality design, ease of installation and better running and purchasing costs we feel offset the benefits the XLGR Can provide. All in all, though, the XL-GR is a great option for sturdiness, and for longer-term "buy and forget" style purchases e.g. pubs or single-unit environments. Adversely, for larger-scale projects or commercial space, the benefits of the SR1100F might shine through. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to contact us on 01934 253600 to discuss your requirements. Many thanks for reading!
