With rising energy bills and persistent damp weather, drying laundry indoors has become a common challenge for many households across the UK. Heated clothes airers have surged in popularity as a cost-effective alternative to tumble dryers, promising to dry clothes without the high running costs or noise. But do these appliances live up to the hype? Over the past 18 months, we rigorously tested 17 best-selling models to identify the top performers that can truly save you time and money.
Why Trust Our Review?
Our testing process was thorough and methodical, designed to provide clear, quantifiable results. We evaluated each heated airer based on drying speed, energy efficiency, ease of use, and overall value. Tests included measuring how quickly identical loads of laundry dried, monitoring temperature changes with an infrared thermometer, and calculating running costs using the January 2026 default energy tariff of 27.69p per kWh. Room temperature was maintained at a steady 19-20°C throughout to ensure fair comparisons.
Key Testing Metrics
We conducted half-hourly weigh-ins for both small (4kg) and large (8kg) laundry loads to track moisture loss until fabrics were completely dry. Additional measurements included dimensions, heated bar length, heat-up times, and power usage. This comprehensive approach allowed us to distinguish between models that merely claim efficiency and those that deliver it in real-world conditions.
Top Picks for Heated Clothes Airers
Best Overall: Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Airer and Cover
Priced at £244.98, the Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe stands out as the most efficient barred airer in our tests. It features a ventilated heat-retaining cover that helps dry a 4kg load in just two hours, nearly matching tumble dryer speed but at a fraction of the cost—approximately 9p per hour compared to £1.11 for a tumble dryer. The airer heats up quickly, reaching 27°C within 30 seconds and maxing out at 50°C, and includes a user-friendly timer for safe overnight use. While it is an investment, its three-year warranty and energy-saving benefits make it ideal for families looking to reduce tumble dryer reliance.
Best Budget Option: Black+Decker Heated Winged Clothes Airer
Available from £47.99, the Black+Decker winged airer offers excellent value for money. It is lightweight, easy to fold for storage, and runs at about 10p per hour. Although it maxes out at 33°C, making it suitable for delicates and light fabrics, it dried a small load in just over four hours with some manual rearranging. Its compact footprint and affordability make it a smart choice for those on a tight budget or with limited space.
Best for Fast Drying: Minky SureDri Heat Pod Drying System
Starting at £49.99, the Minky SureDri system transforms a standard clothes horse into a heated dryer using a waterproof cover and an electric heater. It blitzed through drying tasks, handling an 8kg load in three hours on its highest setting, which costs about 25p per hour. While it can be noisy and fiddly to set up, its speed and versatility—compatible with existing airers—make it perfect for fast laundry turnarounds, such as for work clothes or school uniforms.
Other Notable Models
Several other heated airers performed well in specific categories. The Dunelm XL 3-Tier Square Heated Airer (£125) is ideal for large loads, drying a 4kg batch in two hours, though its size may be prohibitive for smaller homes. The Aldi Ambiano Winged Heated Airer (£34.99) is a budget-friendly pick that dried small loads in just over four hours, but it lacks power for full loads on cold days. The GlamHaus Digital Electric Clothes Airer (from £129.99) offers features like a timer and digital controls, though it didn't dry as quickly as the Lakeland model.
Essential Tips for Using Heated Airers
Running Costs and Drying Times
Heated clothes airers are praised for their low operating expenses. Standard barred models, running at around 320W, cost approximately 9p per hour under current energy prices. Drying a full load typically takes an afternoon, but faster options like the Minky SureDri can reduce this time significantly, albeit at a higher hourly cost. To maximise efficiency, always spin clothes thoroughly before drying and lay items flat across bars rather than hanging them, as this speeds up evaporation.
Safety and Damp Prevention
Most barred airers are safe to leave on overnight, similar to a fridge freezer in power usage. However, fan-heater types should be used with caution. To prevent dampness, ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using extractor fans. Placing the airer in the middle of the room, away from walls, can also help avoid moisture buildup. Using a dehumidifier alongside the airer can further reduce humidity and accelerate drying.
Making the Most of Your Airer
Covered airers can cut drying times by almost half, but a fitted sheet can achieve similar results if vented properly. Avoid using heated airers in bathrooms due to damp air and electrical risks. For best results, operate in a bedroom with a slightly open window to allow moist air to escape, enhancing drying efficiency and preventing musty odours.
Conclusion
Heated clothes airers offer a practical solution for drying laundry efficiently and affordably, especially in the face of high energy costs and unpredictable British weather. Our top picks—the Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe for overall performance, the Black+Decker for budget-conscious buyers, and the Minky SureDri for speed—demonstrate that there is a model to suit every household's needs. By following our tips on usage and maintenance, you can enjoy faster drying times, lower bills, and fresher laundry all year round.
