Every time you touch your car with a towel, you risk scratching it.
This is why professional detailers switched to air drying years ago. But for a long time, you had two bad choices: buy a cheap leaf blower that is heavy and awkward, or spend $300+ on a “dedicated” car dryer that is just a glorified vacuum cleaner in reverse.
The game has changed.
Modern cordless blowers (specifically from EGO) are now so powerful they can dry a car faster than the expensive “Pro” machines. But the “Pro” machines still have one advantage: Warm, Filtered Air.
We analyzed r/AutoDetailing to settle the debate: Do you need a fancy heated dryer, or is a leaf blower actually better?
EGO Power+ 650 CFM
The Brutal Verdict: Buy this if you hate cords. It is vastly more powerful than dedicated car dryers and clears a whole SUV in 4 minutes. Just be careful not to hit the paint with the long tube.
Check Price on Amazon →
Adam’s Polishes Air Cannon
The Brutal Verdict: Buy this if you want Warm, Filtered Air. It dries water spots faster than cold air and is safer for delicate paint. But dragging the cord around is annoying.
Check Price on Amazon →
Ryobi One+ 18V Compact
The Brutal Verdict: Buy this only for door jambs, grills, and wheels. It is too weak to dry a whole car, but it’s perfect for the spots your towel can’t reach.
Check Price on Amazon →1. EGO Power+ 650 CFM Leaf Blower
EGO Power+ 650 CFM Cordless
- Cordless Freedom: No cords dragging across your wet driveway or hitting your paint.
- Raw Power: 650 CFM clears a ceramic-coated hood in seconds.
- Battery Tech: The 56V battery lasts long enough to dry two full-sized SUVs.
Why Everyone Loves It:
The EGO 650 is a powerhouse. Hit the “Turbo” button. Water blasts out of every crack, mirror, and lug nut. It’s cordless. Walk freely around your car. No more power cords scratching your fresh paint. That freedom? Detailers swear by it. They never switch back to cords.
Marketing vs. Reality Check:
They call it “Lightweight.” Truth? With the big battery, it’s heavy. Drying a minivan one-handed? Your wrist will ache. The stock tube is too long for cars. It feels like drying your car with a telephone pole. The fix: Buy an aftermarket “Stubby Nozzle” (a short plastic tip). Without it, this tool frustrates.
“I returned my Adam’s Air Cannon for the EGO. Cords annoyed me. Add a stubby nozzle? Perfect.”
— u/DetailingPro
The Verdict:
✓ Buy if: You crave speed. You hate cords.
✗ Avoid if: Your wrists tire easily. Or you refuse to buy extra parts.
2. Adam’s Polishes Air Cannon
Why Everyone Loves It:
This is the “gentleman’s blower.” Unlike the EGO, it heats its air. It blows warm, filtered air. Why care? Warm air dries faster in cold weather. It beats hard water spots. The motor stays on the floor. You hold just a light nozzle on a 30-foot hose.
Marketing vs. Reality Check:
They promise “The Safest Way to Dry.” Truth? The air is safe. The machine isn’t. It rolls on wheels. Yank the hose too hard? It crashes into your car door. Always park it carefully.
“Heated air dries wheels in seconds. But dragging that hose? I feel like I’m vacuuming my driveway.”
— Verified Amazon Review
The Verdict:
✓ Buy if: You live somewhere cold. Or you hate dust on wet paint.
✗ Avoid if: You lack garage space to store a big unit.
3. Ryobi One+ 18V Compact Blower
Why Everyone Loves It:
This is the “smart sidekick.” Already own Ryobi tools? Perfect. It’s small. It’s light. Its rubber nozzle won’t scratch paint. It blasts water from tricky spots: grilles, mirrors, door handles, and lug nuts.
Marketing vs. Reality Check:
Some try to dry whole cars with it. Big mistake. It lacks power for big jobs. Drying an F-150? You’ll spend 45 minutes and drain three batteries. Truth: It’s a “spot tool.” Not a full dryer.
“Great for door jambs and wheels. Useless for roofs. Don’t ditch your towel—but keep this handy.”
— u/WeekendWarrior
The Verdict:
✓ Buy if: You just need to blast water from mirrors and wheels.
✗ Avoid if: You expect to dry entire cars without towels.
Final Verdict: Which One Fits Your Job?
Pick your perfect match:
- For Speed & Freedom (Best Overall):
EGO Power+ 650 CFM
Cordless power rules. Pro tip: Always add a stubby nozzle. - For Warmth & Safety (Cold Climates):
Adam’s Air Cannon
Heated, filtered air saves time. Worth the cord hassle. - For Quick Touch-Ups (Lazy Detailer):
Ryobi One+ Compact
Keep it on your shelf. Blast water from wheels in seconds.
Your car stays drier. Your arms stay happier. Win-win. 💨
