In modern restrooms, hand dryers have become essential fixtures, balancing hygiene, efficiency, and sustainability. Among the many options available, the Nova 2 Hand Dryer has gained significant attention for its speed, energy efficiency, and sleek design. But how does it stack up against leading hand dryer brands? Is it truly a worthwhile investment for businesses, public facilities, and high-traffic areas?
In this article, we provide a detailed comparison between the Nova 2 Hand Dryer and some of the top competitors in the market, including Dyson Airblade, Excel Dryer’s Xlerator, and Mitsubishi Jet Towel. We'll evaluate them based on performance, energy consumption, noise levels, design, cost, and hygiene standards to help you decide whether the Nova 2 is the right choice.
1. Drying Speed and Performance
Nova 2 Hand Dryer boasts an impressive drying time of 10-12 seconds, which places it among the fastest dryers on the market. Quick drying times are essential in high-traffic restrooms to prevent congestion and promote user satisfaction.
Dyson Airblade V: 10-12 seconds
Excel Xlerator: 8-10 seconds
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: 9-11 seconds
While Dyson and Excel offer slightly faster drying speeds in some tests, the Nova 2 holds its own with a competitive performance that doesn't sacrifice comfort.
Verdict: Nova 2 is on par with leading brands in drying speed, offering an efficient solution for busy environments.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is a critical factor in choosing a hand dryer. More efficient dryers reduce operational costs and support eco-friendly practices.
Nova 2 Hand Dryer: Consumes only 550-1200 watts depending on the heat setting. It features an adjustable heating element to further control energy use.
Dyson Airblade V: Uses about 1000 watts with no heating element, relying on high-speed air for drying.
Excel Xlerator: Consumes up to 1500 watts, though newer models allow adjustable heat settings.
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: Consumes approximately 1070 watts in eco-mode.
Nova 2 stands out for its low minimum wattage, giving facilities the flexibility to prioritize energy savings without sacrificing drying speed.
Verdict: Nova 2 offers excellent energy efficiency, particularly in low-heat or no-heat settings.
3. Noise Levels
Noise can be a significant concern, especially in environments like schools, offices, and healthcare facilities where quieter operation is preferred.
Nova 2 Hand Dryer: Operates at 70-72 dB, which is considered moderately quiet for a high-speed dryer.
Dyson Airblade V: Operates at 79-81 dB — noticeably louder.
Excel Xlerator: Known for being one of the louder dryers, averaging 90 dB.
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: Offers one of the quietest experiences at around 64-67 dB.
While Nova 2 isn't the quietest on the market, it is significantly less noisy than the Dyson and Excel models, striking a balance between power and acceptable sound levels.
Verdict: Nova 2 offers a good compromise between speed and noise, suitable for most commercial spaces.
4. Hygiene and Air Filtration
Post-pandemic, hygiene is a top priority in restroom equipment. Hand dryers that feature HEPA filtration and touchless operation are especially desirable.
Nova 2 Hand Dryer: Fully touchless with HEPA filter to capture 99.97% of bacteria and particles.
Dyson Airblade V: Equipped with HEPA filters and touch-free activation.
Excel Xlerator: Some models include HEPA filters, but it's typically an optional upgrade.
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: Features antibacterial surfaces and built-in air filtration.
Nova 2 meets the modern hygiene standard with touchless activation and reliable air purification, matching the industry’s top contenders.
Verdict: Nova 2 is fully competitive in hygiene, offering built-in HEPA filtration as a standard, not an upgrade.
5. Design and Installation Flexibility
Design can play a crucial role in selecting restroom appliances, particularly for businesses aiming for a contemporary, streamlined look.
Nova 2 Hand Dryer: Features a compact, sleek design with multiple color options. It’s wall-mounted and ideal for tight spaces.
Dyson Airblade V: Ultra-thin, stylish, and designed to minimize wall protrusion.
Excel Xlerator: Bulkier than Nova 2 and Dyson, with a utilitarian design.
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: Offers a hands-in drying style, which is larger and requires more installation space.
Nova 2 shines in terms of flexibility, thanks to its compact form and lightweight design that allows easy wall mounting in a variety of environments.
Verdict: Nova 2 competes well with Dyson’s modern aesthetic and offers better space efficiency compared to Excel and Mitsubishi.
6. Cost and Value
Initial cost and long-term savings are crucial in investment decisions.
Nova 2 Hand Dryer: Typically priced in the mid-range (~$400-$600), offering excellent value with low energy consumption and minimal maintenance.
Dyson Airblade V: High-end pricing at $800-$1200.
Excel Xlerator: Mid to high range around $600-$900.
Mitsubishi Jet Towel: Premium pricing from $1000-$1500.
Nova 2 provides a highly cost-effective solution without compromising on features, making it particularly attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
Verdict: Nova 2 offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the market.
Final Verdict: Is Nova 2 Worth the Investment?
When comparing the Nova 2 Hand Dryer with leading brands like Dyson Airblade, Excel Xlerator, and Mitsubishi Jet Towel, it becomes clear that Nova 2 holds its own across all major categories:
Speed: Comparable to top-tier dryers
Energy Efficiency: Among the best in its class
Noise: Quieter than many competitors
Hygiene: Meets the highest standards with HEPA filtration
Design: Compact and modern
Cost: Excellent mid-range pricing
Key Advantages:
Competitive drying speed
Lower energy consumption
Built-in HEPA filter
Quiet operation
Affordable pricing
Potential Limitations:
Slightly louder than ultra-quiet models like the Mitsubishi Jet Towel
May lack the brand prestige of Dyson
Overall, the Nova 2 Hand Dryer is a smart investment, especially for businesses seeking a balance of performance, cost, and hygiene. It competes effectively with market leaders without the premium price tag, making it a versatile option for modern restrooms in schools, offices, restaurants, and public spaces.
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient, hygienic, and fast hand dryer at a reasonable cost, the Nova 2 is absolutely worth considering.
