Running cost by type
At the Ofgem cap of 26.32p/kWh (Oct–Dec 2026), from rated power. The 6-hour column is an assumed drying time, not a measured one.
| Type (example) | Power | Per hour | 6 hours |
|---|
| 3-tier rail airer (Lakeland, Beldray, GlamHaus, Minky) | about 300W | 7.9p | 47.4p |
| VonHaus Large 3-tier | 298W | 7.8p | 47.1p |
| Dunelm 3-tier | 330W | 8.7p | 52.1p |
| Heated drying pod (Lakeland, Beldray) | about 1000W | 26.3p | 157.9p |
The Independent measured the Beldray pod at about 26p an hour, close to our 26.3p estimate. Dunelm’s listing claims about 4p an hour, but 330W at the cap works out at about 8.7p.
FAQ
How much does a heated airer cost to run per hour?
Most rail airers are about 300W, so about 7.9p an hour at 26.32p/kWh. A 1000W pod is about 26.3p an hour.
Is a heated airer cheaper than a tumble dryer?
Usually, per hour, because a heated airer draws far less power. But it dries more slowly, so the total depends on how long you run it. Use a timer and a cover to keep the hours down.
Which heated airer has a timer?
In our list: the Lakeland Dry:Soon Deluxe (1–12 hours), the GlamHaus Digital (9 hours) and the VonHaus Large. The Beldray EH3786, the Lakeland standard 3-tier and the Minky 4-tier have no timer.
Does a cover make a heated airer cheaper to run?
A cover traps warm air around the clothes, which testers say speeds up drying, so you need fewer hours of power.
Did you measure the running costs?
No. We calculate from rated wattage at the Ofgem cap, and quote the Independent’s measured figure for the Beldray pod.