Heated clothes airers are emerging as a popular alternative to traditional tumble dryers, offering significant savings in both time and money, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis. This review evaluates several best-selling models, assessing their drying speed, value for money, and overall performance.
The Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe 3 Tier Heated Clothes Airer, while pricey at £179.99, provides ample drying space (21m) and operates at a low cost of 9p per hour. Its wide design allows easy access, and the optional cover (£44.99 extra) enhances efficiency. This airer is ideal for large households and justifies its higher initial cost with long-term savings. The Swan 3 Tier Heated Clothes Airer also earns high marks for its expansive 21.5m drying space and efficient drying performance, although the frame’s flimsiness is a slight drawback. Its higher running cost (10.1p/hour) is offset by its speed.
The Beldray Heated Airer with Wings (£52.99) presents a more budget-friendly option with collapsible wings for flexibility and a capacity of 15kg. Although not as fast as covered airers, its compact design and reasonable price make it a practical choice. Similarly, the Asda Silver Heated Winged Clothes Airer (£40) offers good value with a decent capacity and compact storage, though its short cable and slower drying time are minor inconveniences.
The Dunelm Silver Heated Airer with Wings (£40) provides a basic yet effective solution with 12m of drying space and a low running cost of 5p per hour. While its drying speed is slower than larger models, its affordability and space-saving design make it suitable for smaller households. A separate cover can be purchased to improve drying time.
The Daewoo 3-tier Heated Airer with Cover (£79.99) disappoints despite its relatively low running cost (6p per hour). Limited drying space (11m), slow drying times, and an unattractive cover detract from its overall value. The Argos Home 3-Tier Heated Airer (£105) fares even worse, suffering from flimsiness, slow drying times, and a high price point, making it a poor investment.
In conclusion, heated clothes airers offer a practical and cost-effective solution for drying laundry. The Lakeland and Swan models excel in terms of drying speed and capacity, while the Beldray and Asda models offer budget-friendly alternatives. The Dunelm model is a suitable basic option for smaller households. The Daewoo and Argos models, however, fall short in performance and value. When choosing a heated clothes airer, consider your household size, budget, and desired drying speed. Remember to compare prices across various retailers to secure the best deal. Tools like Google Shopping, Price Spy, Idealo, and CamelCamelCamel can assist you in finding the most competitive offers.
