Excel Dryer offers several commercial hand dryer models, each designed to meet different performance, accessibility, and sustainability needs. From high-speed drying in busy airports to sleek, integrated systems for premium office buildings, selecting the right model depends on your facility's priorities. Factors like restroom traffic, energy consumption, ADA compliance, and design all play a role in finding the best fit.

This guide compares the most popular Excel Dryer models, including the XLERATOR, XLERATOReco, and ThinAir. You'll learn where each model performs best, how they differ, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you're specifying products for a new construction project or replacing outdated hand dryers, this comparison will help you choose the right solution with confidence.

Why Excel Dryer Is a Leading Choice

Excel Dryer has been a trusted name in commercial restroom solutions for more than 50 years. Its hand dryers are engineered to reduce maintenance, lower operating costs, and deliver reliable performance in demanding environments. From schools and healthcare facilities to airports, manufacturing plants, and office buildings, Excel Dryer products are designed to stand up to heavy daily use while helping facilities move away from paper towels.

One of the company's most recognized innovations is the XLERATOR®, which set a new standard for high-speed hand drying. Since its introduction, Excel Dryer has continued to expand its product lineup to meet a wider range of installation requirements, accessibility standards, and sustainability goals without sacrificing performance.

Key benefits of Excel Dryer hand dryers include:

• Fast drying performance: High-speed airflow helps reduce wait times and keeps restrooms moving efficiently during busy periods.
• Energy efficiency: Adjustable speed and heat settings allow facilities to balance performance with energy consumption, helping reduce operating costs.
• Built for commercial environments: Durable construction and vandal-resistant designs make Excel Dryer models well suited for high-traffic public restrooms.
• Accessibility options: Models like ThinAir are designed to help facilities meet ADA protrusion requirements where wall space is limited.
• Touchless hygiene: Automatic activation minimizes touchpoints and supports cleaner restroom environments.
• Multiple finish options: Stainless steel, white enamel, and specialty finishes allow facilities to match a variety of restroom designs.

With several models available, Excel Dryer makes it easier to match hand dryer performance to the specific needs of your facility rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all solution. The following sections compare each model to help you determine which option is the best fit for your application.

Excel Dryer Models at a Glance

While every Excel Dryer is built for commercial use, each model is designed with a different priority in mind. Some focus on maximum drying performance for busy public restrooms, while others emphasize energy savings, accessibility, or modern restroom design. Understanding these differences can help narrow your options before looking at individual features.

Although the models share Excel Dryer's reputation for durability and reliability, they are not interchangeable. A busy airport restroom has different demands than a healthcare clinic or corporate office. The following sections take a closer look at each model, including where it performs best, its standout features, and the factors to consider before making a purchase. 

XLERATOR®: The Industry Standard for High-Traffic Restrooms

When people think of Excel Dryer, they often think of the XLERATOR®. Introduced in 2001, it helped redefine expectations for commercial hand dryers by dramatically reducing drying times while using significantly less energy than traditional warm-air units. Today, it remains one of the most widely specified high-speed hand dryers for commercial facilities.

The XLERATOR is designed for environments where reliability and throughput matter most. Its powerful airflow helps users dry their hands quickly, reducing lines and improving restroom efficiency during peak traffic.

Key Features

High-speed drying performance: The XLERATOR dries hands in as little as eight seconds, making it well suited for facilities that serve hundreds or even thousands of users each day.

Adjustable speed and heat: Facility managers can customize airflow speed and heating elements to strike the right balance between drying performance, energy use, and noise levels. This flexibility allows the dryer to adapt to different building requirements.

Durable commercial construction: Built with heavy-duty components and available in multiple cover options, including stainless steel and specialty finishes, the XLERATOR is designed to withstand years of daily use.

Touchless operation: An automatic infrared sensor activates the dryer only when needed, reducing touchpoints and minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.

Ideal Applications

The XLERATOR is a strong choice for:

• Airports
• Stadiums and arenas
• Schools and universities
• Manufacturing facilities
• Shopping centers
• Office buildings
• Restaurants and food service facilities

Considerations

The XLERATOR prioritizes performance, which means it can produce higher noise levels than quieter models when operated at maximum speed. Fortunately, adjustable motor controls allow facilities to reduce sound output if needed.

Because of its size, many installations use a recessed wall kit to maintain ADA compliance in corridors or restrooms where protrusion limits apply.

For facilities that need fast hand drying, dependable performance, and long-term durability, the XLERATOR remains the benchmark against which many commercial hand dryers are measured.

XLERATOReco®: Built for Energy Efficiency

For facilities focused on reducing energy consumption without sacrificing performance, the XLERATOReco® offers an excellent balance of speed and efficiency. It delivers the same commercial-grade reliability Excel Dryer is known for while using less power than the standard XLERATOR, making it a strong choice for organizations with sustainability initiatives or long-term operating cost goals.

The XLERATOReco is designed to maximize energy savings through lower wattage and customizable operating settings. Facilities can fine-tune motor speed and heat output to meet their specific performance requirements while minimizing electricity use.

Key Features

Lower energy consumption: The XLERATOReco uses less power than the standard XLERATOR while still providing fast hand drying. This can help reduce utility costs, especially in facilities with frequent restroom use.

Adjustable performance settings: Like the XLERATOR, the XLERATOReco allows users to adjust motor speed and heating elements. These settings make it easier to optimize for energy savings, sound levels, or drying speed.

Supports sustainability initiatives: Lower energy use can contribute to green building objectives and may help support projects pursuing LEED certification or other sustainability programs.

Commercial-grade durability: Designed for continuous use, the XLERATOReco features the same dependable construction expected from Excel Dryer products, making it suitable for demanding commercial environments.

Ideal Applications

The XLERATOReco is well suited for:

• Schools and universities
• Office buildings
• Government facilities
• Healthcare facilities
• Commercial buildings pursuing sustainability goals
• Businesses looking to reduce operating expenses

Considerations

While the XLERATOReco offers impressive drying performance, its slightly lower airflow means drying times may be marginally longer than a standard XLERATOR configured for maximum output. For most facilities, the difference is small and is often outweighed by the long-term energy savings.

If reducing electricity usage and supporting sustainability goals are top priorities, the XLERATOReco provides an efficient solution without compromising the reliability expected from an Excel Dryer product.

ThinAir®: The Best Choice for ADA Compliance and Compact Spaces

Not every restroom has the wall depth needed for a traditional high-speed hand dryer. That's where the ThinAir® comes in. Designed with a slim profile, the ThinAir projects less than four inches from the wall, helping facilities meet ADA protrusion requirements without the need for a recessed wall box.

Its compact design makes it a practical solution for schools, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and other locations where accessibility is a priority or available wall space is limited.

Key Features

Slim, ADA-friendly design: With a projection of less than four inches, the ThinAir can be surface mounted while helping facilities comply with ADA accessibility guidelines. This simplifies installation and can reduce renovation costs.

Quiet operation: The ThinAir is engineered to operate at a lower noise level than many high-speed hand dryers, making it a good choice for environments where sound is a consideration.

Efficient hand drying: While its drying time is slightly longer than the XLERATOR and XLERATOReco, the ThinAir still delivers fast, touchless hand drying that supports a positive restroom experience.

Simple installation: The compact footprint makes the ThinAir easier to install in restrooms with limited wall space or where recessed installation isn't practical.

Ideal Applications

The ThinAir is well suited for:

• Schools and universities
• Healthcare facilities
• Libraries
• Government buildings
• Office restrooms
• Public buildings requiring ADA compliance
• Restrooms with limited wall depth

Considerations

The ThinAir is designed to prioritize accessibility and compact installation over maximum drying speed. Facilities with extremely high restroom traffic may prefer the faster throughput of the XLERATOR, while locations where accessibility and ease of installation are more important will appreciate the ThinAir's thoughtful design.

If your project requires a hand dryer that balances performance, accessibility, and a compact footprint, the ThinAir is one of Excel Dryer's most practical solutions.

Which Excel Dryer Should You Choose?

The best Excel Dryer model depends on your facility's traffic levels, restroom layout, accessibility requirements, and operational goals. While all three models deliver reliable, touchless hand drying, each one is designed to excel in different environments.

Choose the XLERATOR® if...

The XLERATOR is the right choice when fast drying times and high throughput are your top priorities.

It's an excellent fit for:

• Airports and transportation hubs
• Stadiums and entertainment venues
• Manufacturing facilities
• Schools and universities
• Shopping centers
• High-traffic office buildings

If your restrooms see a constant flow of users, the XLERATOR's industry-leading drying speed helps reduce wait times and keep traffic moving efficiently.

Choose the XLERATOReco® if...

The XLERATOReco is ideal for organizations looking to reduce energy consumption while maintaining excellent performance.

Consider this model if you:

• Have sustainability goals or green building initiatives
• Want to lower long-term operating costs
• Need a balance between drying speed and efficiency
• Are replacing older, less efficient hand dryers

It's a smart option for schools, healthcare facilities, government buildings, and commercial offices focused on energy savings.

Choose the ThinAir® if...

The ThinAir is the best option when accessibility and available wall space are your primary concerns.

It's a strong choice for:

• Schools
• Libraries
• Government buildings
• Healthcare facilities
• Office restrooms
• Renovation projects where recessed installation isn't practical

Its slim profile helps facilities meet ADA protrusion requirements without sacrificing the convenience of touchless hand drying.

Still Not Sure?

If you're comparing multiple facilities or specifying products for a new project, it helps to consider a few key questions before making your decision:

• How much daily restroom traffic will the dryer need to handle?
• Are energy efficiency and operating costs major priorities?
• Does the installation need to meet ADA protrusion requirements?
• Is the project a renovation or new construction?
• Are aesthetics and restroom design important factors?

Answering these questions will quickly narrow your options and help you select the Excel Dryer model that best fits your application. If you need additional guidance, the team at Berl's Commercial Supply can help you compare models, identify compatible accessories, and choose the right hand dryer for your facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the XLERATOR® and XLERATOReco®?

The biggest difference is energy consumption. The XLERATOReco is designed to use less electricity while maintaining fast drying performance, making it a great choice for facilities focused on sustainability and lower operating costs. The standard XLERATOR prioritizes maximum drying speed and throughput, making it ideal for the busiest commercial restrooms.

Which Excel Dryer model is the quietest?

The ThinAir is the quietest model in the Excel Dryer lineup. Its compact design and lower operating noise make it well suited for schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, and office buildings where a quieter restroom environment is preferred. The XLERATOR and XLERATOReco also feature adjustable motor speeds that can help reduce noise levels.

Are Excel Dryer hand dryers ADA compliant?

Yes, Excel Dryer offers solutions that can help facilities meet ADA requirements. The ThinAir is specifically designed with a slim profile that projects less than four inches from the wall, making it an excellent choice for ADA-sensitive installations. The XLERATOR and XLERATOReco can also meet ADA protrusion requirements when installed with the appropriate recessed wall box.

Which Excel Dryer model is best for schools?

The best choice depends on the school's needs. High-traffic schools often benefit from the XLERATOR because of its fast drying performance, while schools focused on energy savings may prefer the XLERATOReco. For hallways or restrooms where ADA compliance and limited wall space are concerns, the ThinAir is an excellent option.

Can Excel Dryer hand dryers replace paper towels?

Yes. Excel Dryer hand dryers provide a cost-effective alternative to paper towels by eliminating ongoing purchases, reducing waste, and lowering maintenance requirements. Many facilities switch to hand dryers to reduce custodial labor, minimize restroom waste, and improve sustainability.

What warranty does Excel Dryer offer?

Most Excel Dryer hand dryers are backed by a limited manufacturer's warranty, although coverage can vary by model. Always review the warranty details for the specific product you're considering or contact Berl's Commercial Supply for assistance selecting the right model and understanding available warranty coverage.

Find the Right Excel Dryer at Berl's Commercial Supply

Excel Dryer offers a hand dryer for virtually every commercial restroom application. Whether you need the high-speed performance of the XLERATOR®, the energy savings of the XLERATOReco®, or the compact, ADA-friendly profile of the ThinAir®, choosing the right model comes down to your facility's specific needs.

Consider factors like restroom traffic, installation requirements, accessibility, energy goals, and overall design when comparing models. The right hand dryer can help reduce operating costs, improve the user experience, and minimize maintenance for years to come.

At Berl's Commercial Supply, we carry a wide selection of Excel Dryer hand dryers and accessories to help you find the best solution for your project. Whether you're outfitting a new facility, upgrading existing restrooms, or specifying products for a commercial build, our team can help you compare models and select the right equipment with confidence.

Browse our Excel Dryer collection or contact Berl's Commercial Supply to speak with a product specialist who can help you choose the best hand dryer for your facility.