Overview

• Latest comparisons using October 2025 UK electricity rates put most heated airers at 200–300 watts, costing roughly 50p–70p over eight hours and about 60p–£2 per full drying session depending on conditions.
• Typical vented or condenser tumble dryers use about 2.5–4.5 kWh per load (£0.75–£1.35), while modern heat‑pump dryers use around 1.5–2 kWh per load (£0.45–£0.60).
• Heated airers dry slowly and mainly where fabric touches the rods, often requiring rotation, with optional covers providing only a modest boost.
• An appliance repair expert says heated airers or drying pods can cost roughly 2p–26p per hour versus about 75p per hour for some dryers, with good ventilation and product safety checks recommended.
• A Daily Record reviewer who bought a heated airer for about £95 and later tried a £40 model reported limited results and now prefers a dehumidifier for routine drying.