Heated Airer vs Tumble Dryer: Which Is Cheaper to Run in the UK?

Looking for a real-world heated airer vs tumble dryer cost comparison UK ? You’re not alone. As electricity prices rise, many people are switching from high-energy dryers to heated airers, which promise similar drying power for a fraction of the cost. But how much could you actually save? Let’s break it down.

This article is part of our Laundry & Drying Efficiency hub, focused on practical UK advice for drying clothes indoors faster, avoiding damp, and keeping energy use low.

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🔹 Energy Use and Running Costs

A typical tumble dryer uses between 2.5–4.5 kWh per cycle, costing 65p–£1.15 depending on energy tariffs.
By contrast, most heated airers use just 200–300 W, which means they draw around 0.2–0.3 kWh per hour — only 6p–10p per hour of use.

💡 Example:
Drying one large load on a tumble dryer for 90 minutes:
≈ £0.90
Drying the same load on a heated airer for 4 hours:
≈ £0.30–£0.40

👉 That’s a 60–70 % saving every load — and even more if you combine with a dehumidifier for faster drying.

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🔸 1️⃣ Lakeland Dry:Soon 3-Tier Heated Airer – 300 W

• 21 m drying space — ideal for family laundry
• Folds flat for compact storage
• Works quietly in small rooms
• Compatible with optional cover for faster results

💡 Why it saves money: Runs for just pennies per hour, perfect for daily drying without huge bills.
👉 View on Amazon

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🔸 2️⃣ Status Heated Clothes Airer – Aluminium 3-Tier (~220 W)

• Three-tier aluminium drying frame, with around 220 W heating power — very efficient for indoor drying.
• Foldable design that saves space when not in use — ideal for flats and smaller homes.
• Includes safety thermal cut-off and rapid heat-up time to maximise drying speed.
• Suitable for typical household loads: towels, delicates, everyday laundry.

💡 Why it saves money: Uses far less energy than a tumble dryer (just a few pence per hour), and the lighter build means you’ll likely keep the heating off more often.
👉 View on Amazon

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🔸 3️⃣ Hotpoint 8 kg Condenser Tumble Dryer – Energy Class B

• 15 drying programmes including sensor dry
• 8 kg capacity suitable for families
• Energy-efficient motor but still high usage
• Easy-clean lint filter

💡 Why it costs more: Even with a B rating, it draws around 3 kWh per load — 10× higher than a heated airer.
👉 View on Amazon

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⚖️ Running Cost Comparison (Based on £0.30/kWh Tariff)

Appliance	Power	Average Cycle	Energy Used	Cost per Load	Yearly Cost (3 loads/week)
Heated Airer	300 W	4 hrs	1.2 kWh	£0.36	~£56
Tumble Dryer	3 kW	1.5 hrs	4.5 kWh	£1.35	~£210

💰 Annual saving: roughly £150 per year by switching from tumble drying to a heated airer.

If you’re deciding between dryer types, this comparison of heat pump vs condenser vs vented tumble dryers shows which models are cheapest to run in UK homes.

When choosing between a heated airer and a tumble dryer, cost is usually the deciding factor. Our breakdown of the cheapest way to dry clothes in the UK shows where heated airers actually sit compared to all other drying methods.

🔥 Get the Best of Both Worlds

If you prefer low-cost drying, pair your heated airer with a laundry dehumidifier to speed things up. Or try dryer balls to shorten drying time in either method. For small homes, our compact washing machine guide fits perfectly into an efficient laundry setup.

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🔍 FAQs

Q: Are heated airers safe to leave on overnight?
A: Yes, most have automatic shut-off or low-heat safety systems — but always check manufacturer guidance.

Q: Do they cause damp?
A: Only slightly. Use in a ventilated room or pair with a small dehumidifier to remove moisture.

Q: What’s the drying time difference?
A: Heated airers take longer — about 3–5 hours for a full load compared to 1.5 hours in a tumble dryer — but at a fraction of the cost.

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🧠 Energy Tip

Place a small fan or dehumidifier near your heated airer — airflow speeds up drying by 30–40 % while keeping costs low.

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🏁 Final Recommendation

If you value convenience and speed, a tumble dryer still wins — but if cutting costs is the goal, the Lakeland Dry:Soon Heated Airer is the clear champion.
💡 Both are practical, but heated airers are now the best alternative to tumble dryers in the UK for affordable, low-energy laundry drying.

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Discover faster, cheaper ways to dry clothes in our Laundry Efficiency Hub — Dry Clothes for Less in 2025 featuring heated airers, dehumidifiers, and time-saving laundry tips.

If you want straightforward, non-commercial advice on cutting bills and understanding UK energy costs, Citizens Advice has excellent resources.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/energy/