Are you tired of tangled and knotted hair dryer cords? In that case, you should consider getting the best hair dryer with a retractable cord instead. Unlike typical power cords, these hair dryers have a built-in cord reel that recoils the wire inside the hair dryer. It’s compact, easy to store, and perfect for traveling.
Below, I reviewed three of my top picks when it comes to hair dryers with reel-in cords. See which one haas the features that match your needs.
Why consider a hair dryer with reel-in cord?
Hair dryers with reel-in cords have an advantage over traditional ones. The following are some of them:
Keeping things organized
Many of us are guilty about having a drawer full of styling tools with a noodle soup of power cords. It’s messy and frustrating to untangle once you have to use a specific tool.
Instead of dealing with this, a blow dryer with a reel-in cord solves the problem by reeling the wires inside the handle. It saves you from the hassle of untangling it from the rest of your styling tools.
Preventing wire damage
Power cords can get damaged easily, especially if used regularly. I’ve had many hair dryers before with power cords that get broken faster than the tool itself. It’s a waste of money, which makes a reel-in cord a cost-effective option.
As a hot tool, hair dryers consume too much power. A damaged cord can be a big hazard in this case. It will cause electrical leakage or even circuit breaker tripping.
Travel-friendly
If you’re traveling, a hair dryer with a reel-in cord is a great choice. Since the wire wounds inside the dryer, you’ll save space in your luggage. Aside from that, there’s no need to think about how you’re going to stash the wires in a small bag.
If these benefits suit you well, you should consider these three hair dryers. Aside from reel-in cords, these options are also efficient styling tools.
Best Hair Dryer With A Retractable Cord – Top 3 Picks
1. OUR TOP PICK: Sunbeam HD3010-005 Hair Dryer with a Retractable Cord
When it comes to the best hair dryer with a retractable cord, I swear by the Sunbeam HD3010-005. This model works in a 1,875-watt motor with a 5.5-foot reel-in cord for your convenience.
Aside from that, this hair dryer has three air and heat settings with a cool shot button for versatile styling. It also uses a tourmaline ionic technology that dries the hair fast while preventing frizz.
- 1875 watt handheld hair dryer, stores conveniently with folding handle.
- 3 air/heat settings, 5.5 ft retractable cord.
- Tourmaline Ionic technology for fast drying.
- Cool Shot Button provides cool air for setting styles.
- Concentrator attachment included. Removable back cover for easy cleaning.
Moreover, this hair dryer has a folding handle that makes it compact for storage and travel purposes. If you’re looking for a portable hair dryer, you’ll never go wrong with the Sunbeam HD3010-005. When in use, this tool measures 9” x 9.5” 3.5”. Folding the handle will reduce the length by around two inches.
This has a removable back cover for easy lint cleaning. And aside from the hair dryer, you’ll also receive a concentrator attachment.
While the air and heat settings aren’t separate, I still think that this is a well-designed dryer for such a price. Also, I just want to mention that this thing is loud. It’s not banshee-loud, but it’s noisier than other portable hair dryers I’ve tried.
Lastly, this hair dryer is backed by a three-year warranty, which is already a steal for this price range.
Pros
- Foldable handle with reel-in cord
- Tourmaline ion technology
- 1,875-watt motor
Cons
- This hair dryer is loud.
2. Conair 223RX Cord Keeper Ionic Hair Dryer
Another hair dryer with a reel-in cord I recommend is the Conair 223RX Cord Keeper. Like the Sunbeam hair dryer, this model works in a 1,875-watt motor, but with a tad shorter retractable cord that’s 5 feet long.
This hair dryer has three heat settings and two airspeed adjustments. It’s paired with a cool shot button so that you can lock in your hairstyle.
Moreover, the Conair 223RX has an ionic technology paired with tourmaline ceramic technology for smooth hair. Even if you use high heat settings, the tourmaline element will reduce potential damage by emitting even temperatures.
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At the other end of the hair dryer, there’s a removable filter to clean the collected lint. It’s also bundled with a concentrator and a diffuser nozzle. For this price range, I’m quite happy with the performance and inclusions of this Conair hair dryer.
I’ve owned several Conair hair dryers before, and it’s one of my trusted brands when it comes to hot tools. The 223RX Cord Keeper lived up to the brand’s reputation, but I have some caveats.
First, the cord is short, and I have to stay close to the outlet. It’s also slightly heavier for its small size, but I think it’s reasonable enough given its wattage.
Pros
- Tourmaline ceramic technology
- High-torque motor
- Ionic technology
Cons
- It feels a bit underpowered, but it does the job nonetheless.
3. Andis Compact Fold-N-Go Ionic Hair Dryer
The Andis Compact Fold-N-Go Ionic Hair Dryer is a good choice for those looking for a travel hair dryer. This has a reel-in cord and a folding handle for easy storage. Overall, this is my go-to hair dryer whenever I’m traveling. However, it’s not suitable for international use since it only works in 125V outlets.
Nevertheless, this Andis hair dryer has Lifeline anti-shock protection for your safety. Aside from that, this has three air and speed settings combined in a sliding button on the handle.
Aside from that, this hair dryer has ionic technology that prevents frizz. It will also give your hair a bouncy and shiny finish.
This budget-friendly hair dryer comes with a concentrator nozzle. While it’s not the biggest dryer set, it’s a handy option since it fits on gym bags and small pouches.
Take note that this hair dryer is quite loud, which is surprising for its small build. But for this price range and convenience, it’s a bargain I can live with. It dries fast, which is exactly what you’d want with a hair dryer despite the noise.
Pros
- Compact design
- Shock protection
- Ionic technology
Cons
- Noisy operation
How to choose a hair dryer with reel-in cord
If you’re scouting for the best hair dryer with a retractable cord, you should consider the following points:
Heating technology
I always swear by ceramic and tourmaline heating for hair dryers. These two coatings produce negative ions that help reduce frizz and moisture loss on your hair. Also, it ensures that the heat is distributed evenly for fast drying.
All hair types will benefit from ionic technology, especially those with brittle and damage-prone curls.
No matter what heating technology you choose, make sure that there are multiple heat and speed adjustments. This will let you tweak the hair dryer to suit your styling needs.
Consider the cord length
When it comes to reel-in cords, the cord length is pretty limited. A 5-foot cord is usually enough for this design. You can’t expect a full 9-foot cord to fit inside a small handle, right? This is a trade-off if you want to enjoy the convenience of retractable cords.
Check the reel-in mechanism
Hair dryers with pull-in cords usually have a button that triggers the recoil mechanism. You only have to pull the plug to unwind the wire inside, and it will lock in place.
Make sure that the recoil mechanism inside doesn’t snag or damage the wire. I had a hair dryer before with a problematic recoil system, which ended up scraping the wire coating and damaging the cord.
Decide about the wattage
Another important feature you should check when buying hair dryers is their wattage. This will dictate how powerful the hair dryer will be. A 1,875-watt hair dryer is a standard choice among most users.
But if you want to perform aggressive styling, you may need a much bigger engine with 2,000-watt power. However, I haven’t seen such wattage paired with a pull-in cord.
Factor in the noise level
One of the common issues with hair dryers is their noisy operation. This is related to the wattage, chassis design, and engine quality. In my opinion, the noise level is an acceptable trade-off if you want portability.
If you’re bent on finding a hair dryer with a low-noise operation and a reel-in cord, I suggest investing more bucks for a premium model.
Size and weight
If your hands get tired easily, you should consider a light hair dryer. However, this is usually at the expense of wattage and other features.
As for the size, you should consider your hand size and the storage you can manage. Most travelers will opt for a compact option with a foldable handle. Again, the smaller the hair dryer is, the less power it has.
Extra accessories
Accessories like a diffuser and concentrator attachments are a must-have for more styling options. Other hair dryer models are bundled with brushes and combs to suit various hair types.
Price
Lastly, always consider the value for money of the hair dryer you’re going to buy. Prioritize the quality and performance above the price tag. This way, you’ll get a tool that will last for long.
The good news is that you don’t have to splurge top dollar just to find options that work. The three hair dryers I reviewed above will surely give you excellent results without boring a hole into your pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a hair dryer trip a breaker?
A: Yes, a hair dryer can trip a breaker if you don’t use it well. Failure to clean the filter will cause dust to block the airway. In the long run, the hair dryer will suck in more power to compensate for the blockage. Once it reaches the tipping point, the hair dryer will get busted, and your circuit breaker will trip.
Q: Why do hair dryers use so much power?
A: Hair dryers use heat to style your hair, which requires a large amount of electricity. This is the reason why hair dryers can cause a substantial increase in your energy bill, especially if you use them frequently. To reduce the power consumption of hair dryers, consider using lower heat settings.
Q: Can you replace a hair dryer plug?
A: You can always cut off your hair dryer’s plug and replace it with a safer one, say an ALCI-type. But if you don’t have experience fiddling with electric wires before, I suggest asking a professional to do it for you. This is to prevent hazards like electrocution, circuit tripping, and even a house fire.
Q: Can I plug a hair dryer into an extension cord?
A: Any hot tool should never be plugged in an extension cord. You should use it on a dedicated outlet or even a separate circuit breaker if possible. A hair dryer consumes high electricity, especially in high-heat settings.
Q: Can a hair dryer explode?
A: Basically, anything that you can plug in an electric outlet has a risk of exploding, including hair dryers. This could happen if you don’t use the tool properly. Avoid plugging hair dryers in extension cords and never use a faulty outlet. Also, you should handle the hair dryer properly.
Final words
With the best hair dryer with a retractable cord, you can now say goodbye to cable clutter. Just make sure that you get one with the power and features that match your needs. If you want to skip the hassle, the options from Sunbeam, Conair, and Andis I reviewed above are excellent picks.
What do you think of these hair dryers? Share your thoughts below!