As a deep freeze grips the nation, UK households are searching for effective ways to stay warm and dry without facing astronomical heating costs. This weekend, budget supermarket Aldi is launching a product that has received the backing of consumer champion Martin Lewis, offering a practical solution to common winter woes.
Martin Lewis's 'Savvy Swap' for Costly Tumble Dryers
Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder Martin Lewis has frequently advocated for dehumidifiers as a clever way to manage household energy consumption. He has discussed their benefits on his BBC Sounds podcast and ITV show, highlighting their role in tackling dampness and drying clothes indoors more affordably than using a tumble dryer.
Lewis brands them a "savvy swap" for expensive, high-wattage "demon appliances," noting that dehumidifiers cost just pennies per hour to run. In contrast, he has pointed out that a single tumble dryer cycle can cost around £1. With Ofgem's energy price cap setting the average electricity cost at 27.69p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from January to March 2026, his advice remains highly pertinent for cost-conscious consumers.
How a Dehumidifier Cuts Costs and Condensation
Dehumidifiers work by extracting excess moisture from the air, which helps prevent the growth of mould and condensation—common issues during cold, snowy weather. By lowering humidity, they also make it more efficient to dry laundry indoors, reducing the need for costly heating or prolonged use of a tumble dryer.
Lewis provided a clear cost example, explaining that a 200W dehumidifier uses a fifth of a kilowatt per hour. At a typical rate, this would cost roughly 7p per hour to operate, a fraction of the expense of running many other household appliances.
Aldi's SpecialBuy Launch: The £89.99 Midi Dehumidifier
This Sunday, January 11, 2026, Aldi will add a dehumidifier to its 'Winter Warmer' Specialbuy range. While Martin Lewis does not endorse specific brands, Aldi's offering provides a budget-friendly option for shoppers acting on his general advice.
Priced at £89.99, the Aldi Midi Dehumidifier is designed for "speedy drying" and "managing moisture in the air during colder months." Key features include:
- The ability to remove up to 12 litres of water per day.
- A two-litre tank and a drainage hose for continuous use.
- Adjustable humidity settings and a 24-hour timer.
- A quiet operating mode and wheels for easy mobility.
- A simple touch-screen display.
The device forms part of a broader winter range launching the same day, which also includes heated airers, draught stoppers, and a heated mattress pad.
Staying Warm and Dry on a Budget
With snow affecting much of the country and energy prices still a significant concern for families, finding smart ways to manage the home environment is crucial. Aldi's dehumidifier launch offers a tangible, Martin Lewis-approved strategy to combat damp, dry laundry, and potentially lower energy bills this winter. Shoppers keen to purchase one are advised to check their local Aldi store from Sunday, as Specialbuy items are often subject to high demand and limited availability.
