For residents of compact UK homes and flats, the perennial winter struggle of drying laundry efficiently is a familiar headache. Tumble dryers, while fast, carry a hefty price tag both upfront and in running costs. Standard clothes horses, though cheap, often leave washing damp for days, fostering an unwelcome musty odour. The solution, as discovered by this writer, lies in a clever, energy-efficient appliance: the heated clothes airer.
The Space-Saving, Cost-Cutting Laundry Revolution
Since moving into a small flat, the author has become a complete convert to using a heated airer. Previously faced with the dismal choice between laundry languishing for days or watching energy bills soar with a tumble dryer, the introduction of a three-tier heated model from Dunelm transformed laundry day. This appliance can dry up to two full loads of washing in merely a couple of hours, eliminating the constant eyesore of a traditional airer.
Priced at £95 from Dunelm.com, this model stands out as one of the most affordable three-tier options available. It boasts generous dimensions of 138cm high by 72cm wide by 78cm deep, with a substantial capacity for up to 15kg of laundry. Despite its size, its clever design features folding wings, allowing it to be stored flat in an airing cupboard, a crucial feature for space-starved homes.
Performance and Practicality Put to the Test
In rigorous testing conducted over more than a year, the Dunelm airer proved its worth across a wide range of laundry. The review process, led by Senior Shopping Writer Daisy Lester on Monday 05 January 2026, assessed drying performance, usability, speed, and running costs.
Smaller items like underwear and socks were bone dry within two hours, while T-shirts typically took three. For bulkier items such as jumpers, jeans, towels, and bed sheets, the key was to drape them across multiple rails; these larger loads took approximately six hours to dry completely. A significant advantage is the airer's safety for unattended use, meaning it can be left on overnight or while at work, allowing users to return to fully dried laundry.
An unexpected benefit in colder months is that the appliance gently warms the immediate area around it, providing a welcome touch of extra heat. With a wattage of 330W, Dunelm calculates the running cost at about 7p per hour. On days with extended six-hour use, energy bills remained noticeably lower compared to the significant spike caused by using a tumble dryer.
Why This Heated Airer Earns Its Stripes
The final verdict is clear: for anyone seeking a space-saving, rapid, and economical method for drying clothes during the UK's damp winters, the Dunelm three-tier heated airer is a standout investment. Its efficient design means full loads are dealt with swiftly, turning a chore into a breeze. The ability to run it safely unattended, coupled with its minimal operating cost, presents a compelling case for ditching more expensive and bulky alternatives.
The independent testing by IndyBest, which applies strict criteria to all product reviews, confirms this model's credentials. It represents a smart, sustainable choice for modern living, making it an essential home efficiency product for 2026 and beyond.
