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 hot dry 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”.

• CAN I GET A UNIT FOR MORE THAN 4 PAIRS?

We design for pretty much whatever size you need from 2 pairs to 12 pairs in standard models. We can also accommodate team-scaled models in wall-mount and portable units. Call or email us about custom .

• 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 and 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 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, say, a 12-pair 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 at the heater 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. This is more efficient and less noisy.  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.

• HOW IS THE AIR SHUT OFF TO THE CLOSED PEGS?

A Puelche patented valve is incorporated that shuts off air when the peg is closed.

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

Not much happens. The temperature switch will still control the temperature.  There may be a bit more noise as the air 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 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.

• WHAT ELECTRICAL CERTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED?

Fans are CE certified. Heaters, and timers are UL certified.

• 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/

• CAN I GET THE FACE PLATE AND PEGS MADE OF TITANIUM?

Yep!  Be the first in town to have a titanium Puelche, which is lighter, but harder to work with so it costs more.

• 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?

We can make custom dryers per your requirements. Call or email us.

• WHAT IS THE WARRANTY?

Mechanical parts are warrantied for 2 years.  Electric parts are warrantied for 1 year.

• CAN I BE A DEALER?

Please email or call us to discuss.

• DO YOU SHIP OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA?

Yes. We can work up shipping costs for locations outside North America.

• OTHER QUESTIONS?

Call us up!