Dryers - Yes Again!

[Blue Fox 001]

I have read all the posts on various dryers and I have narrowed it down to either an Oldfield or Double K. I can't afford to buy two dryers at present and need to make the best choice for a good allround dryer.

For a good allround machine for our small boarding kennel/grooming salon is a force dryer or a stand dryer the better option?

I am wondering if the Double K Airmax with a groomers arm would be OK to blow water off dogs in the bath and also for fluff drying those that need it.

OR

Should I get a stand dryer probably the Oldfield with the hose attachments and be able to do the same thing but not need a groomers arm?

A couple of the posts indicated the hose attachments on the stand dryers blow off or melt - has anyone had any experience with this?

Are the groomers third arm a good idea or do they just get in the way? Are the force dryers quieter cause you can put the motor further away than a stand dryer?

Ahhh so many questions - anyone with some experience who would like to share your thoughts would be most appreciated as always.

[Rascalmyshadow]

If you can only afford one I would stick with a force dryer, they can still be used to fluff dry and a good one will be powerful enough to do all breeds.

If you were to use a stand dryer only and you needed to do a double coated dog ie. GSD, samoyed etc it would take forever.

Force dryers also do a much better job of removing loose undercoat.

[Doggrooma]

Without even thinking I would always pick a force dryer. Less time for a start. Yes they are noisy but id rather dry a dog in a couple of minutes in some cases than half an hour of cage drying, not to mention trying to dry a double coated large breed!! Never used the brands you are looking at, heard they are good though, the oldfield I have tested (Not on a dog) and I found it wasnt overly powerful to what I'd previously used.

If you are wanting a force dryer I'd suggest you buy a twin motor. I use a Liberty, and its so powerful and RELIABLE. Melbourne Dog Centre dryers are excellent for power, but too are noisy and have to be serviced alot!! There are pros and cons with them all but shop around and make sure you know whats on the market before you buy. Its better to spend a little bit more than that little bit less.

[cowanbree]

I have both a force dryer and a liberty stand dryer for shelties and Persians. The force dryer is a lot quicker but doesn't give the finish of the stand dryer and the dogs don't like it. The stand dryer does take slightly longer but the dogs enjoy it and it is brilliant for hands free when you are doing the cats and need to groom at the same time.

I mainly use the stand dryer with the hose attachment on heat. I have heard the heat can melt the hose but if you angle the dryer down you won't have a problem. I do have a problem with the hose heating up though and making it uncomfortable to hold. I have done 3 in a row (3hrs grooming) but I had to put it on cool towards the end. The hose is not easily removed for hands free.

In short if I could only buy 1 and was grooming pets I would buy the best force dryer I could find and save for the stand

[poodle3081]

If you can only afford one dryer then go for a forced air dryer such as the twin motor Double K Airmax. The Oldfield stand dryer has only a single motor and therefore suited to fluff drying. A forced air dryer can be used to fluff dry if you remove all the attachments and run only one motor, and I have also seen a stand device for holding the hose enabling the barrel dryer to be used hands free. Be wary of spending too much on dryers as they basically have the same brand motor inside. For example the Melbourne Dryers have two Ametek motors and sell for over $1000, the Oldfield twin motor dryer has the same motors and sells for $700 and the Double K has the same motors and sell for $400.

[Blue Fox 001]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I will go for the Double K Airmax and if the kennels and salon go as planned I will buy a stand dryer as well. I got my Furminators today that I ordered from Hong Kong - these are trully awesome! I didn't realise what a bad job I was doing of the GSD until today.