Damp, chilly winter weather presents a perennial laundry dilemma for households across the UK. With outdoor line drying often impossible and expensive tumble dryers hiking energy bills, finding an efficient drying solution is crucial. Retailer Lakeland is offering a potential answer with a significant price cut on its popular Dry:Soon Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Clothes Airer as part of its Boxing Day promotions.
A Cost-Effective Drying Solution
The Dry:Soon Deluxe, a Which? Best Buy product, has been reduced from £199.99 to £149.99. The sale is part of Lakeland's up to 50% off event, which continues until 14 January 2025. A key selling point is its remarkably low running cost of just 9 pence per hour, a fraction of the £1 or more that a conventional tumble dryer can consume.
This heated airer is designed for substantial capacity, capable of holding up to 15kg of wet washing – approximately two full machine loads – across 21 metres of drying space provided by 36 heated bars. Its three-tier aluminium construction is lightweight yet sturdy, and it folds down to just 8cm deep for compact storage when not in use.
Features and Expert Endorsement
For added convenience and safety, the unit includes a built-in timer that can be set for anywhere between one and 12 hours, after which it switches off automatically. The Manchester Evening News reports that the brand recommends using an optional custom cover to trap heat and accelerate drying, though some users find a simple bed sheet works similarly.
Emma Gill, Family Editor at the Manchester Evening News, is a vocal advocate for the dryer. She highlights its dual function: "What I really like about it is that when it's in use I don't need to turn the radiators on, as it generates enough warmth to heat me as well as dry my washing." She notes it can make a room "toasty warm" and that residual heat helps finish drying thicker items.
Emma also praised its practicality for families dealing with school uniforms and sports kits, mentioning that optional wheels (£7.99) make it easy to move. The accompanying cover doubles as a storage bag.
Customer Acclaim and Alternatives
The product has garnered nearly 500 reviews, with customers describing it as a "life changer" and "the best thing since sliced bread." One reviewer noted a visible drop in their electricity usage after switching from a tumble dryer. Another stated it was "amazing for drying my wet walking gear and washing whilst keeping the chill off the living room."
Some minor critiques were mentioned, such as the small six-peg sock hanger being insufficient and the cover being tricky for shorter people to manage. However, overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, labelling it a "must-have household item."
Shoppers seeking more budget-friendly options can consider alternatives currently on sale. At Dunelm, the Black and Decker 3 Tier Heated Airer is priced at £70 (down from £100), while Argos offers the Argos Home 21m 3 Tier Heated Airer for £69.99, reduced from £105. Both offer similar 21m drying space and 15kg capacity.
The Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe and cover can also be purchased as a bundle for £204.98, reduced from £244.98. With the ongoing energy crisis making efficiency paramount, this heated airer presents a compelling option for tackling winter laundry without resorting to costly radiators or tumble dryers.
