The device nobody knows about but everyone should
The bath towel has been with us since the Romans bathed in their thermae. Over 2,000 years using a piece of fabric to dry ourselves. And look, it works. But if someone tells you there’s a device that dries your entire body in 3-5 minutes with a column of warm air, without touching anything, without rubbing, without physical effort… wouldn’t you at least be curious?
Bathroom body dryers have existed for years in luxury spas and rehabilitation centres. But until recently they were expensive, bulky and frankly ugly. That has changed. Today there are models that mount on the wall like a shower bar, consume less than a hair dryer and cost the same as a good thermostatic mixer.
And here’s the big part: for people with reduced mobility, arthritis, fibromyalgia or any condition that makes the act of towel-drying difficult, a body dryer isn’t a luxury — it’s a life-changer. In our accessibility renovations in Valencia, more and more clients are requesting them. Let’s share everything we know.
How a body dryer works
The basic principle
A body dryer generates a column of warm air (between 30°C and 45°C, adjustable) that travels over your body from top to bottom. The air is projected from multiple nozzles distributed along a vertical bar or column, covering from shoulders to feet.
It’s not a focused jet like a hair dryer. It’s an air envelope that surrounds you. The sensation, according to first-time users, is “like being inside a warm breeze.” Sounds like a cologne advert, but it’s quite accurate.
Types of body dryers
Vertical column (wall-mounted)
The most widespread format. A 1.60-1.80 m column fixed to the wall of the shower or next to it. It has between 18 and 27 nozzles distributed vertically. You stand in front of it, press a button (or it activates via proximity sensor) and the air envelops you.
Drying time: 3-5 minutes depending on flow and temperature. Consumption: 800-2,200W, similar to a conventional hair dryer.
Platform unit (floor unit)
Less common in residential settings. It’s a platform you stand on and the air rises from below. Used more in spas and commercial changing rooms. It takes up floor space, which in an average Valencia apartment bathroom is a luxury we can’t usually afford.
Ceiling unit (overhead)
Rare but existing option. Mounted on the shower ceiling like a rain showerhead, but projects air instead of water. Doesn’t dry the lower body areas well. More novelty than functional, to be honest.
Main brands on the market
Valiryo
The benchmark. Spanish company (yes, from here) that has democratised the concept. Their main model:
- Price: €1,290-1,590 (depending on finish)
- Power: 800-2,200W (5 levels)
- Nozzles: 27, distributed in a 1.62 m column
- Temperature: 30-45°C adjustable
- Finishes: White, matte black, chrome
- Installation: Wall, requires earthed electrical point (not exposed to direct water)
- Drying time: 3-4 minutes
- Website: valiryo.com
What we like: Spanish manufacturing, accessible technical service, discreet design that integrates well. What we don’t: the entry price is still high for many renovation budgets.
Tornado Body Dryer
American manufacturer with growing European presence:
- Price: €900-1,400 (imported to Spain)
- Power: 1,200-1,800W
- Format: More compact column
- Temperature: Adjustable with control
- Strength: Somewhat lower price than Valiryo
- Weakness: Spare parts availability in Spain more complicated
Full Body Dryer (Orchid)
British brand with platform model:
- Price: €1,800-2,500
- Format: Floor platform
- Power: 2,400W
- Ideal for: Commercial installations, spas
- Less ideal for: Residential bathrooms (takes up too much space)
Accessibility: where the body dryer makes the difference
Let’s be clear. If you’re a 30-year-old with no mobility issues, a body dryer is a pleasant luxury. But if you have any of these conditions, it goes from luxury to near-necessity:
Reduced mobility
Drying with a towel requires raising arms, turning, bending down, rubbing. For someone in a wheelchair, with a recent hip replacement or joint problems, each of those movements can be painful or outright impossible without assistance.
With a body dryer, you position yourself in front of it (standing or sitting on a shower seat) and the air does the work. No rubbing, no turning, no bending. Pure autonomy.
Arthritis and fibromyalgia
25% of the population over 65 has some degree of hand arthritis (data from the National Statistics Institute). Gripping a towel and rubbing hard enough to dry causes pain. A body dryer completely eliminates that motion.
Sensitive skin and dermatological conditions
Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, burns. Rubbing a towel over irritated or injured skin is torture. Warm air dries without contact, without friction, without irritation.
Elderly people living alone
The bathroom is the most dangerous place in the home for an elderly person. 40% of domestic falls occur in the bathroom. Stepping on a wet towel, slipping while drying a foot… these are real and frequent scenarios. A body dryer lets you dry without moving from the spot, drastically reducing fall risk.
In our accessibility projects we combine the body dryer with an anti-slip shower tray, fold-down seat and grab bars to create a fully autonomous bathroom. It’s a combination that changes lives — without exaggeration.
Energy consumption: the real data
One of the most common questions is: “How much does it cost in electricity?” Here are the numbers:
| Parameter | Body dryer (2,000W) | Hair dryer (1,800W) | Washing machine (drying, 2,500W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usage time | 4 min | 10-15 min | 45-90 min |
| Consumption per use | 0.13 kWh | 0.30-0.45 kWh | 1.87-3.75 kWh |
| Cost per use (at €0.18/kWh) | €0.024 | €0.054-0.081 | €0.34-0.67 |
| Monthly cost (daily use, 2 people) | €1.44 | €3.24-4.86 | — |
€1.44 per month for two people. That’s what it costs to use a body dryer daily. Less than a coffee. And if you add that you no longer need to wash, dry and iron towels (4-6 fewer towels per week), the net energy saving is probably positive.
A washing machine uses about 1.5 kWh per cycle. With two fewer machine cycles per month (the towels you no longer wash), you save 3 kWh/month. The body dryer consumes ~4 kWh/month. It practically evens out. And that’s without counting the water you save on those machine cycles: about 100 litres per month.
Installation requirements
Electrical
- Dedicated circuit: Recommended, 2.5 mm² with 16A protection
- Earth connection: Mandatory
- Distance from water: The connection point must be outside zone 1 and zone 2 (per REBT). In practice, this means the dryer’s electrical connection must be more than 60 cm from the shower or bathtub
- Residual current device: 30 mA (bathroom standard)
If you already have an electrical point for the instantaneous water heater or electric towel rail, the electrician can branch from there. In a full renovation with Bathscape, we always include provision for additional electrical points because you never know what you’ll want to install in 5 years’ time.
Space
- Vertical column: You need a clear wall section of 170 cm high x 15-20 cm wide next to the drying area
- Distance to user: 15-30 cm between nozzles and your body
- Ideal location: On the wall adjacent to the shower, just outside the direct splash zone
In a 4-5 m² bathroom (standard for an 80s apartment in Valencia), it can be installed without problems. In smaller bathrooms under 3 m², the layout needs to be studied case by case. Use our renovation calculator to see options based on your square metres.
Plumbing
None. It’s purely electrical. No water supply or drain needed. That enormously simplifies installation.
Body dryer vs towel: honest comparison
| Aspect | Towel | Body dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | €10-40 | €900-1,600 |
| Hygiene | Bacteria accumulate after 3-4 uses | No contact, no accumulation |
| Accessibility | Requires full mobility | Suitable for reduced mobility |
| Drying time | 1-2 min (with friction) | 3-5 min (effortless) |
| Maintenance | Wash every 3-4 days | Clean filter every 3-6 months |
| Environmental impact | Frequent washing = water + detergent | Minimal electrical consumption |
| Durability | 1-2 years (intensive use) | 10-15 years |
| Space | Requires towel rail + storage | Column on wall |
If we talk money only, the towel wins. €30 vs €1,300 is no contest. But if we talk total cost of ownership over 10 years (including replacement towels, washing, drying, storage space), the difference narrows to around €400-600. And if we talk accessibility, the towel simply can’t compete.
Integration in modern bathroom design
The good news about current body dryers is that they’re no longer an industrial tube bolted to the wall. Finishes in matte black, white or chrome integrate perfectly with fixtures and fittings.
In our minimalist bathroom designs, the dryer column can even become a design element: a vertical line that adds symmetry.
Some integration tips:
- Coordinate finishes: If your fixtures are matte black, choose the dryer in matte black
- Position: Ideally at the exit of the walk-in shower, not inside it
- Lighting: A vertical LED strip alongside the dryer creates a visual effect that draws the eye
- Complement with electric towel rail: For those who want both options. They’re not incompatible. In Valencia ambient humidity is high and having an electric towel rail for hand towels still makes sense
If you’re thinking about how a renovation with us works, we include technology accessory proposals as part of the project. Not as a last-minute add-on.
Is it worth it? Our unfiltered opinion
Let’s be direct, as is our style.
It is worth it if:
- You have or live with someone with reduced mobility
- Your renovation budget exceeds €8,000 and you can add €1,300-1,600
- You hate damp towels hanging around the bathroom (and in Valencia with the humidity we have, they take an eternity to dry)
- You’re looking for a zero-friction daily-use bathroom
- You like technology and want a bathroom that reflects it
It’s not worth it if:
- Your budget is tight and every euro counts
- Your bathroom is 2.5 m² and there’s no free wall space
- You don’t mind drying with a towel and have no mobility issues
- You’d rather invest that money in better cladding materials
At Bathscape we’re pragmatic. We don’t sell smoke. If a body dryer fits your project, we recommend it enthusiastically. If it doesn’t fit, we tell you. Simple as that. You can take the renovation quiz to see what technology level makes sense for your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can a body dryer be installed in an already-renovated bathroom?
Yes, as long as you have an accessible electrical point nearby. If you don’t, an electrician can install one. The additional cost for the electrical installation is €150-300.
Is it safe to have an electrical device so close to the shower?
Absolutely. Approved body dryers comply with IP regulations (water protection). Valiryo, for example, has IP55 certification. And the electrical connection is located outside the risk zones per the REBT.
How much noise does it make?
Depends on the model and selected power level. At maximum power, between 55-65 dB (similar to a normal conversation). At medium power, 45-50 dB. It’s not silent, but not bothersome either.
Does it work well with long hair?
For the body, perfectly. For hair, it doesn’t replace a conventional hair dryer. The air column doesn’t have the concentrated power that long hair needs to dry. Use it for the body and then the hair dryer for the head.
Does it need much maintenance?
Minimal. Clean the air intake filter every 3-6 months (remove it, wash with water, put it back). Clean the nozzles with a damp cloth monthly. That’s it. No complex moving parts or consumables.
Is it compatible with a classic-style bathroom?
Aesthetically it may clash. If your bathroom has rustic Valencian style with artisan tiles and retro fixtures, a body drying column looks out of place. In that case, a classic electric towel rail is more coherent. But if your style is contemporary, minimalist or tech-forward, it fits like a glove.
Conclusion: the innovation that isn’t yet mainstream
Body dryers are where smart toilets were 10 years ago: everyone who tries one falls in love, but most people don’t even know they exist. We believe that in the next 5 years they’ll become normalised, especially in the accessibility segment and in mid-to-high-end renovations.
If you’re planning a renovation, at least consider it. Request the electrical provision to be included even if you don’t install it now — doing it later costs more. And if accessibility is a priority, the body dryer is one of the best investments you can make.
Check our completed projects to see bathrooms where we’ve integrated body dryers, or configure your own bathroom in the 3D configurator to see how it would look. And if you have questions, our team advises with no obligation. Read what our clients say in reviews — transparency is our best calling card.