uksparky, I wonder if you can use the hairdryer as a hot air gun? Perhaps Braun's numbers are just a lot of hot air?

Yes, Mike, it is always input power. Thus, the less efficient the machine, the bigger figure to boast on the nameplate. [Linked Image]
I once sold vaccum cleaners among other things and a key selling point was to point out that the actual suction power of the vaccum cleaner was higher than cheaper competitors despite a lower nameplate wattage. A vaccum cleaner puts out maybe 300-400W of actual suction power when the nameplate reads 2000W. In other words, it is primarily a very noisy way of heating a room. Cleaning is secondary [Linked Image]