This year, you may have been spending a fair amount of time thinking about how to cut the cost of your bills, whether it's only heating certain rooms or reducing the number of times you use appliances that need a lot of energy. If you have a tumble dryer, for example, you've probably already tried to stop using it quite so much. On that note, our guide to the best heated clothes airers might allow you to save money on your energy costs - and even more of a bonus thanks to Black Friday 2024 deals.
In the colder months, it's just not possible to dry your clothes effectively outside - and they take a lot longer to dry inside, sometimes leaving a slightly damp after-smell. An airing cupboard is a good solution, although lots of properties don't have one. And, tumble dryers cost significantly more to run. Another, more cost-efficient method, is investing in a heated clothes airer.
Grazia's Best Heated Clothes Airers, At A Glance
Best Heated Clothes Airer Overall: Dry Soon Mini 3-Tier Heated Airer, £149.99 on Lakeland
Best Heated Clothes Airer Pod: Dry Soon Heated Clothes Airer Drying Pod, £109.99 on Amazon
Best Heated Clothes Airer For Flat Drying: Minky Wing 12m Heated Clothes Airer, £60 on Argos
These look like normal airers except that the rails heat up so that your clothes will dry no matter the temperature. Unlike a tumble dryer, a heated clothes airer is portable and can be placed in warmer parts of the house, saving you both drying time and energy output.
According to the product description of Dry Soon's, which is available for £149.99 on Lakeland, its heated airer is economical to run with a small footprint and large capacity, kinder to your clothes than a tumble dryer and more efficient than laying laundry on a radiator.
So, ready to cut down on costs? We've found the best heated clothes airers to shop now.
Shop: 8 Best Heated Clothes Airers Of 2024
Best Heated Clothes Airer Overall
lakelandwww.lakeland.co.uk
The Dry
Pros
- Holds 15kg of laundry
- Compact and foldable for easy storage
- Costs 6p per hour to run
Cons
- Some reviewers say drying time is too long
Best Heated Clothes Airer Pod
amazonAnother fantastic option from Dry
Pros
- A fast and efficient drying method
- Compact and foldable for easy storage
- Auto shut-off timer
Cons
- Not the highest capacity compared to other tiered dryers
Best Heated Clothes Airer For Flat Drying
www.argos.co.uk
For more delicate items such as wool or silk, drying them flat is much safer and kinder to them. Therefore, if you've got a lot of delicate clothing, we suggest opting for the Argos 12m Heated Clothes Airer from Argos. Reviewers state that the co-ordinating cover makes drying much quicker.
Pros
- Suitable for up to 16kg of washing
- Can be quickly folded flat for convenient storage
- Features 12m of drying space
Cons
- Has a lower capacity than other tiered dryers
Best Heated Clothes Airer For Big Drying Space
dunelmwww.dunelm.com
If you're looking to dry big pieces of material such as bedding or tablecloths, the Dunelm 3-Tier Heated Airer is your new companion. This three-tier airer features a vertical design that folds away neatly after use, perfect for saving valuable space in your home. Reviewers are raving about the fact that this heated airer is sturdy, as well as being reasonably priced.
Pros
- Features a large, 20m drying space
- The running cost is approx 10p per hour
- Suitable for up to 15kg of washing
Cons
- The rungs on the rack heat up at different levels, which may not suit some
Best Heated Clothes Airer With Long Power Cable
robert dyaswww.robertdyas.co.uk
There's nothing worse than buying an electronic and realising you can't put it where it's needed because the power cable is too short. Never be caught short again with the Black and Decker 3-Tier Heated Airer, available on Robert Dyas. It is versatile and holds up to 15kg of washing on 21m of drying space, spread over three tiers. One reviewer claimed that the airer is incredibly cheap to run, costing approximately 7p per hour.
Pros
- Comes with a 1.6m power cable length
- The max weight load (spread evenly) is 15kg
- No assembly required, just fold out and plug in
Cons
- Buying the cover bundle dries clothes quicker, but you can chuck a sheet over top and it functions very similarly
Best Heated Clothes Airer With Timer
lakelandwww.lakeland.co.uk
If you're worried about forgetting to turn your heated clothes airer off and wasting extra energy on bills, get yourself a timer version. The Dry
Pros
- Features a handy timer functionality
- Holds approx. 2 average loads of washing
- The running cost is 9p per hour
Cons
- Shelf rests can be dislodged, which is a bit tricky to fix whilst loading it up with washing
Best Heated Clothes Airer With Foot Rack
amazonAnother great option you can snap up from Amazon, this three-tier electric air dryer contains high-powered 300w heating mechanisms evenly spread across to efficiently dry your clothes. It also comes with an added foot rack for socks and smaller garments. Reviewers claim that it's lightweight, foldable and easy to transport.
Pros
- Has an added foot rack as a special feature
- Compact and foldable for easy storage
- Its running cost is 6p per hour
Cons
- May not be as effective on thick clothes
Best Compact Heated Clothes Airer
Dunelmwww.dunelm.com
Ideal for smaller spaces or bathroom settings, Dunelm has this heated ladder airer that's compact in height and width but still allows you to try items such as towels and smaller clothing items. With an approximate running cost of 2p per hour, this heated airer is suitable to hold up to 5kg. One reviewer commented that it uses very little power, but heats up effectively and dries clothes quickly.
Pros
- Suitable to hold up to 5kg
- Its running cost is approx. 2p per hour
- Doesn't take up too much space
Cons
- Has a much lower capacity than other tiered dryers
How Does A Heated Clothes Airer Work?
A heated clothes airer, also known as a heated drying rack, operates by using electric heating elements to warm up the bars or racks where you hang your clothes. These heated bars provide a gentle and efficient source of warmth, helping to evaporate moisture from your clothing. As the air circulates around your garments, it speeds up the drying process - no more hanging clothes on your radiator. It's an energy-efficient alternative to traditional tumble dryers, and it's especially useful for drying delicate items that can't withstand the heat of a dryer.
Are Heated Clothes Airers Safe To Use?
Yes, like heated throws, heated clothes airers are generally safe to use when used according to instructions. They are designed with safety features to prevent overheating, and many models have timers and automatic shut-off functions to ensure that they don't operate for extended periods unnecessarily. However, it's important to follow safety guidelines, such as not overloading the airer and ensuring proper ventilation in the room. Also, make sure to keep it away from water sources, and never cover the airer with clothing or any flammable materials during operation.
How Much Electricity Do Heated Clothes Airers Consume?
The electricity consumption of heated clothes airers varies depending on the model and its wattage. On average, a typical heated clothes airer consumes between 100 and 300 watts per hour. To put this into perspective, running a 200-watt heated airer for 4 hours would use 800-watt-hours (or 0.8 kilowatt-hours) of electricity. Keep in mind that the energy efficiency may vary between models so it's a good idea to check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer to get a more precise estimate of energy consumption. Generally, they are considered more energy-efficient than tumble dryers.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).