Frequently Asked Questions

• WHY THE NAME PUELCHE?   HOW IS IT PRONOUNCED?

We have spent a lot of time in southern Chile, a place we appreciate for its beauty, mountains, and people. A “Puelche” is a strong, hot wind, named after Indigenous people of the region, that blows in from Argentina over the Andes at times in the summer. It is pronounced “pwel-chay”.

• What are the company and product design philosophies?

Puelche™ Dryer’s business philosophy may be a bit old fashion:  We strive to produce the best possible product using modern fabrication techniques where applicable but with a personal touch and a commitment to satisfying our customers’ dreams.  I believe that some simple tasks do not need to be automated.  Push buttons and toggle switches are better than touch screens.  Every Puelche™ Dryer product should be durable, simple to operate, and repairable.

 

• How are Puelche Dryers different from other brands?

What differentiates Puelche™ Dryers from other brands is the patented feature of pegs that retract into the face of the dryer.  This not only saves space, but saves energy by closing off air to unused pegs.  When installed in a wall, the closed unit takes up zero floor space and On-The-Wall units retract into a 3” thin panel. 

• What models are available?

Standard models are 2 to 12 pair but we design for pretty much whatever capacity you need and can work with you to fit your space and requirements . We have done locker rooms in a large homes with multiple units with one pair of boots and gloves in each locker. We have made 24 pair units for ski schools. We have built 24 pair glove dryer assemblies for elite hockey teams.  A recent project is a custom assembly for 15 pairs of gloves and 15 pairs of boots for a special project in Utah. 

We can provide team-scaled models in wall-mount and portable units. Call or email us about custom designs .  

• What is the difference between On-The-Wall and In-The-Wall models?

An On-The-Wall unit can be installed on any wall where there is an outlet.  An In-The-Wall unit is best for a renovation project where the walls are opened up and the electrical system can be modified to power the unit.  The On-The-Wall units are about 3" thick but the In-The-Wall units hide away almost entirely and take up no floor space.  

• CAN I CONVERT AN ON-THE- WALL UNIT INTO AN IN-THE-WALL UNIT OR VICE VERSA?

An On-The-Wall unit is not easily modified to go in the wall. A shallow cabinet can be made for an In-The-Wall unit to convert to an On-The-Wall unit.

• WHAT IS NORMAL DRYING TIME?

Puelche™ Dryers are made for warming and drying gear safely in about two to four hours, depending on how wet the gear is. Included with all dryers is an easy to use timer.  The dryer can be set to run constantly or for as little as 1 hour and longer in 2-hour increments up to 8 or 12 hours. Air can be heated or can be ambient temperature. The warm air temperature is limited to 120 degrees F (50C), which is appropriately warm without damaging the gear. Bottom line: A soaked boot will normally dry in about 4 hours. Gear that is just damp will dry faster, of course.

• IF FEWER PEGS ARE IN USE, WILL BOOTS DRY FASTER?

Yes.  There will be more air flow to the pegs in use if fewer pegs are open. This is something that differentiates Puelche from other dryers. With the “porcupine” dryers where the pegs do not retract, all the pegs blow air even if there is only one pair of boots drying on the dryer.

• WHAT KIND OF HEATER IS USED? 

We use positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters, commonly used in all kinds of products including appliances because they are efficient, powerful, and safe. They have an inherent characteristic of self-limiting the element's temperature. It does not glow warm and will not ignite paper in direct contact with it.  A thermal switch is also included to limit the air temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (50C) ideal for safely drying shoes and boots.  Typically, the air cools some as it moves thru the dryer, and the temperature drops a few degrees to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit (45C). 

• WHY LIMIT THE AIR TEMPERATURE TO 120 DEG F?

120 degrees Fahrenheit (50C) is typically the highest temperature recommended to safely dry footwear, especially ski boots with form-fitted liners, custom footbeds, and plastics.

• WHAT IS THE AIR FLOW IN EACH PEG? 

One of the performance factors that differentiates Puelche from competitors is that warm air is directed only to the pegs that are in use thru the use of our patented smart airflow ™ valve at each peg.  Because of this, the airflow changes.  Puelche dryers are designed to provide ample drying power for even the wettest boots and gloves. With fewer pegs in use, the air flow is even greater.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF ALL THE PEGS ARE CLOSED AND THE FAN AND HEATER ARE ON?

Not much happens. The internal thermostat will still control the temperature to avoid overheating.  There may be a bit of air noise as it tries to escape thru the closed valves.

• HOW STRONG ARE THE PEGS?

We don't recommend it, but an adult could stand on one peg without damaging the unit. 

• IS THERE A TIMER ON THE UNIT? IS IT SAFE TO RUN OVERNIGHT?

Absolutely, Puelche driers are designed for drying in two to four hours or overnight drying, which is perfect in most cases. A simple to use timer is provided with all dryers. The dryer can be set to run constantly or for as little as 1 hour and longer in 2-hour increments up to 8 or 12 hours. Air can be heated or can be ambient air temperature.

• CAN I GET A DIFFERENT VOLTAGE UNIT?

Standard voltage for all Puelche units is 110V – In-The-Wall units are connected directly to building electrical system and On-The-Wall units plug in to a standard outlet.  We can make 220 V systems on request.  

• WHAT ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED?

In-The-Wall Puelche Dryer models F2, F4, FJ6, F7, FJ10, F12 are certified to UL499 for Electric Heating Appliances as well as CSA 22.2#46.  (model FJ8 coming soon) 

• CAN I GET CUSTOM PAINT?

Yes! We offer a quality, durable powder coat and can offer any RAL color to meet your specifications.    https://www.ralcolor.com/  

• WHY ARE LEAD TIMES SO LONG?

Almost all our dryers are made on order at our small facility.  We stock only a limited supply of completed units.  We are working long hours this summer and plan to have some On-The-Wall W4 and W8 units in stock for (northern hemisphere) fall of 2026.  We suggest ordering in October if Christmas delivery is important.  We continue to see increased orders and are challenged to keep up.  Typically we work on a first come, first served basis. 

• WHAT HAPPENS IF IT IS DAMAGED IN SHIPPING?

These days shipping is quite unreliable.  We try to make deliveries in person if we can, but certainly can not deliver all. We have not found it possible to insure as the "insurance" companies do not honor their commitment and once there is a claim, they no longer allow us to use even sign up for their poor services.  To self-insure, all shipping is marked up to cover for this.  If delivery time frame is not critical you can request we put it on our dedicated vehicle but delivery schedule may be extended.  If yours is damaged in shipping, we will exchange it as soon as possible, but it could be several weeks.  

• WHERE CAN I SEE A DEMO?

We can arrange an in-person trial in our shop or can bring a demo unit to you. This video gives a good overview.

• CAN I GET DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS OF DRYERS?

Several of our designs are results of customer requests.  We can make custom dryers per your requirements. Call or email us.

• WHAT IS THE WARRANTY?

Electrical Parts are warrantied for 1 year.

• DO YOU OFFER TRADE DISCOUNT?

Please email or call us to discuss.

• DO YOU SHIP OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA?

Yes. We can provide systems for use with 220V systems and provide shipping for locations outside North America. 

• OTHER QUESTIONS?

Call us up!  We are real persons and will call you back if we miss your call.