Re-introducing Our Dyson Airblade dB – The First Hand Dryer We Ever Launched

Dryer: A Brief History from Concept to Innovation and now the return of an icon

The story of the Dyson Airblade dB hand dryer began in the early 2000s, as Dyson set out to solve inefficiencies in traditional hand-drying methods. Most dryers of the time were slow, energy-intensive, unhygienic, and often relied on heated air that simply evaporated moisture rather than removing it.

Dyson’s engineers worked for over three years, conducting extensive research into airflow dynamics and filtration. In 2006, Dyson launched the original Airblade hand dryer, which quickly gained attention for its unique use of high-speed sheets of unheated air to scrape water from hands in seconds. Iterative improvements led to the Airblade dB (Model AB14), which brought reduced noise levels and further improvements in efficiency, hygiene, and durability.

In 2019 Dyson introduced new hand drying technology with the Dyson Airblade 9kj and discontinued the Dyson Airblade db. Since then, Dyson had feedback that some customers really wanted a hands in hand drying solution so in 2025 Dyson is brining back their iconic original dB hand dryer.

Key Features of the Airblade dB

1. Fast Dry Time

The Airblade dB can dry hands in 10 seconds—significantly faster than traditional dryers that can take up to 43 seconds or more. This speed reduces queue times and maintain restroom traffic flow.

2. Hygienic Performance

Unlike many dryers that simply blow ambient air, the Airblade dB uses a HEPA filter to remove 99.95% of bacteria and viruses from the air before it reaches your hands. This addresses concerns hand dryers could recirculate germs.

3. Airblade™ Technology

Two high-velocity sheets of air (sourced from a V4 digital motor spinning at up to 90,000 rpm) scrape water from both sides of the hands simultaneously, rather than evaporating it with heat. This method is both efficient and effective.

4. No Heat Element

Airblade dB uses unheated air, reducing energy consumption and avoiding the discomfort caused by hot air in some other hand dryers.

5. Sustainability

Switching to Airblade dB can help organisations greatly reduce paper towel waste and lower energy usage compared to warm air dryers, contributing to both cost savings and environmental goals.

6. Durable and Robust Design

Engineered to withstand heavy usage in high-traffic areas, the Airblade dB features a tough polycarbonate casing and a touch-free design, further reducing potential points of contamination.

7. Reduced Noise

The “dB” in its name refers to its lower decibel level. Enhanced motor tuning and optimized airflow pathways reduce noise, making it suitable for sensitive environments.

Why Is the Dyson Airblade dB Better?

Efficiency

• Dry Time: Airblade dB typically dries hands up to three times faster than conventional dryers and is much faster than paper towel methods.
• Energy Use: Certified by independent energy assessors, the Airblade dB consumes up to 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers.

Environmental Impact

• No Paper Waste: By eliminating paper towels, maintenance costs and landfill waste are dramatically reduced.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Airblade hand dryers offer a smaller carbon footprint per dry compared to both paper towels and many other electric dryers.

Cost Savings

• Less Maintenance: No need for constant paper refilling or waste bin emptying.
• Running Costs: Lower electricity usage results in significantly reduced operating costs over time.