Features
- Compact and lightweight (approx 8 lbs)
- Attractive, durable ABS plastic casing
- Securely and easily attaches to shower wall
- Two speed settings, simple and safe to operate
- Powerful, energy efficient 220v / 12.5amp motor
- Proven reliability / 1-Year warranty
- Patented airflow design creates a tornado-like vortex of air providing a powerful,
yet gentle, breeze of warm air flowing evenly from head to toe
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does it work?
The top of the dryer (called the “pod”) contains a heating element, a fan and a motor to power the fan. Attached to the underside of the pod and forming the leg of the dryer is an air tube. The air tube contains holes, or air jets. When the dryer is turned on, the fan forces warmed air down the tube and out of the air jets.
The air jets are created by the injection mold itself and are pre-set at different and specific angles so that, for example, the air exiting the holes near the bottom of the tube is aimed somewhat downward to ensure drying of the feet even if the bottom of the tube is elevated some inches above the shower floor or bottom of a bathtub. Also, the specially designed air tube causes the air to circulate in a swirling motion throughout the shower enclosure and the force of air is almost the same at the bottom as that exiting near the top, thus promoting the even drying of the entire body from head to toe.
The design of the air tube and the resulting air flow is so unique that it has been granted a patent!
2. How long will it take to dry my body after showering?
Typical users report they spend approximately 2 - 3˝ minutes drying their bodies with the dryer. The time required by any specific user will vary depending on the shower enclosure, body size, body hair, etc. Tips on how to maximize performance of the dryer are contained in #16 below.
3. Is it safe?
Yes! The dryer is perfectly safe to operate within the shower. To ensure safety, the dryer must be installed by a qualified electrician following the instructions provided. These instructions include routing the electrical cable outside the shower area and connecting to a power source utilizing a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter).
4. How much energy does it use?
The dryer is very energy-efficient. The use of low wattage components coupled with the unique air circulation system keeps power (wattage) requirements to a minimum. The unit operates on 220v/12.5 amps. Nominal output is 2.9 Kilowatts. Our tests indicate the Tornado Body Dryer consumes 70% less energy compared to washing/drying towels (each towel used multiple times with several towels per laundry load).
5. How warm is the air that comes out of the air jets?
The air coming out of the jets will feel comfortably warm, but not excessively hot. Since the dryer circulates air within the shower enclosure (warming it during the process), the actual temperature coming out of the dryer is dependent on the temperature of the air going in (i.e., the temperature in the room). The air coming out will be a few degrees warmer than the temperature in the room.
6. What maintenance is required?
There is no maintenance required other than ensuring the air intake and air jets remain clear of obstructions. The motor, heating element and fan are all contained in the sealed pod. The pod should not be opened and the components are not to be tampered with.
7. How many of the units have been sold? / Is the body dryer reliable? / Is there a warranty?
The body dryer is an extremely reliable, proven product — over 15,000 have been sold and there has not been one reported product failure; this despite the fact that many hundreds of these patented body dryers have been in daily use for over 10 years. Reliability is so high that we provide, not ninety days, but rather a full one-year warranty.
8. Can the unit be installed in any shower?
Most showers are enclosed on all four sides by walls and a door or curtain. If a shower curtain is used, it should be weighted at the bottom, or made of material that will not be blown about. We have tested for drying effectiveness in enclosures with no door or with an open window present or with an air vent turned on directly above the shower enclosure and have found that these variables have minimal, if any, impact on performance. For a related discussion, see #16 below. If you have a unique shower installation and have questions, please contact Support (see #13 below).
9. Can the unit be used with a bathtub instead of a shower?
Usually, but modifications may be required. Ultimately, it depends on the design of the tub – read on:
The dryer is designed as a vertical, ceiling to floor (i.e., head to toe) unit. It is designed to be installed on a wall (preferably in a corner) that allows the dryer to be flat up against the wall from top to bottom, and come to rest on the floor.
Bathtubs usually do not have such a wall. Rather, bathtubs typically have ledges, or rims around the top of the tub and these ledges/rims would not allow for a head to toe installation flat against the wall. However, there are possible solutions:
> A simple ledge-width build-out can be added above the tub so the body dryer can be affixed to the build-out, thereby allowing the air tube to extend down into the tub.
> Up to 18” can be trimmed from the bottom of the air tube without degrading performance to an unacceptable level. This would allow installation on the wall surrounding the tub, assuming the rim/ledge is not more than 18” from the bottom of the tub and if the rim/ledge is wide enough to support the bottom of the air tube. (Note: The cap supplied with the unit and intended to fit on the bottom opening of the air tube must be modified to fit the new opening created when the air tube is trimmed.)
> Another alternative is to utilize a drying cabinet/enclosure separate from the tub.
> For other special or unusual situations, please contact Support (see #13 below).
10. What is the dryer made of and what are the dimensions?
The casing/housing is made of made of high-quality, injection-molded, ABS Plastic. The dryer is compact and light weight. It measures approximately 6’ 8” (80”) from top to bottom and the shipping weight is approximately 16 lbs.
11. How is it installed?
The dryer is shipped with a mounting plate that attaches to the shower wall using the appropriate screws. The pod has holes so that it can be hung on hooks that protrude from the mounting plate. The air tube gets inserted to the underside of the pod and rests on the shower floor, providing additional support for the entire unit.
Taking measurements, attaching the mounting plate, hanging the pod and inserting the air tube, typically can be completed within 60 - 90 minutes.
In addition to the above, the dryer must be connected to a 220v circuit. This must be done by a qualified electrician and the time required for this varies widely based on the existing wiring configuration in the house or facility.
12. How do you turn it on and off?
The unit comes with a pressure-activated (bellows) switch that can be placed on the shower floor for foot activation, or mounted on the wall for hand-activation. The switch provides three positions (off, low-speed and high-speed).
13. Is there a Support Line to answer other questions I may have?
Yes, support is available during normal business hours. Customers may call 317-896-1111, send a fax to 317-867-3212, or send an email to support@tornadobodydryer.com.
14. How is the Tornado Body Dryer different than others?
The Tornado Body Dryer is not the only after-shower body dryer on the market…just the best!
> Some of the other models can’t be installed directly in the shower and require you to step out of your warm shower and dry in a separate area.
> One of the other models dries by blowing water off your body. The force of air is so harsh that you feel like a car in a carwash.
> With another model, the air blows only from above, drying your head much quicker that the rest of your body.
> Another model is so big, you need to build a castle just to house it.
The Tornado Body Dryer is compact and dries you evenly from head-to-toe with a gentle breeze of warm air while you stay in the same warm space where you showered.
15. What does the unit cost and how do I purchase one?
Please send an email with your questions to RichardB@tornadobodydryer.com or call 760-274-6199 for purchasing information.
16. Do you have any tips on how to best use the dryer?
Listed below are some tips for maximizing the performance of the dryer:
> Turn the dryer on (using low speed) when you first enter the shower. This initiates the warming and circulating of the air. When your shower is complete, switch the dryer to high speed to complete the drying process.
> To speed the drying process, you may as an option, swipe off excess surface water from your body using your hands, squeegee, etc.
> Stand or sit near the air jets and rotate your body to expose all parts to the jets — not absolutely necessary, but it does speed the drying process.
> After a couple of minutes, you will be mostly dry, but your skin may feel slightly damp. This is due to the humidity created within the shower cabinet. If you exit the shower at that time, you will find that the last bit of moisture will quickly evaporaate.
> If there is an exhaust fan near your shower, try using the dryer with the fan off for a few times and then with it on. The exhaust fan will decrease the humidity within the shower cabinet and may speed the drying process. However, at the same time, the exhaust fan will also decrease the warmth within the shower cabinet and may delay the drying process. Experiment to find what works best for you.
|
