Short answer: a 300W heated airer running for six hours costs about 47.4p, much less than a full load in a vented or condenser tumble dryer (£1.27 and £1.25 on their energy labels). A heat pump tumble dryer costs 49.2p for a full 8kg load, so it is close to an airer and dries far more, far faster.
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Costs on this page use 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026) and update automatically when the price cap changes. Data checked 11 October 2026.
Cost per load compared
| Appliance | Example model and energy basis | Cost per load | Cost per year (3 loads a week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated clothes airer | Dry:Soon 3-Tier, 300W × 6 hours (our assumption) | 47.4p | £73.91 |
| Vented tumble dryer, 8kg, class C | Beko DA8012GA, 4.84 kWh full load | £1.27 | £198.73 |
| Condenser tumble dryer, 8kg, class B | Beko Pro B3T4811DW, 4.75 kWh full load | £1.25 | £195.03 |
| Heat pump tumble dryer, 8kg, A++ | Bosch Series 4 WTH85223GB, 1.87 kWh full load | 49.2p | £76.78 |
| Heat pump tumble dryer, half load | Bosch WTH85223GB, 1.14 kWh | 30.0p | £46.81 |
Run your own numbers with the appliance running cost calculator.
Default rate: 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026). Starting figures are typical values, not your model: check the rating plate or energy label and change them. Appliances with a thermostat (ovens, heaters) cycle on and off, so running at full rated power is an upper estimate. Standing charges are not included.
How we worked this out
Tumble dryer figures are the energy use for the standard cotton programme from each model’s official energy label data. Those are lab figures for a set load, so your result will vary. The heated airer figure is its rated 300W multiplied by six hours. Six hours is our assumption for a typical load; thick towels take longer and light shirts less. We do not measure appliances ourselves. See how we pick and calculate.
What changes the number
- Load size. An airer holds less than an 8kg drum, so a big wash may need two sessions. That doubles its cost.
- Drying time and room. Airers dry slower in a cold, damp room, and the moisture goes into your home. Many people run a dehumidifier alongside, which adds cost.
- Spin speed. Clothes spun at a higher speed in the washing machine hold less water, so any dryer finishes sooner.
- Dryer type. Heat pump dryers cost more to buy but use well under half the energy of vented or condenser models on these labels.
FAQ
Is a heated airer cheaper than a tumble dryer?
Cheaper than a vented or condenser dryer per session, yes. Against a heat pump dryer the difference per load is small, and the dryer handles bigger loads much faster.
How long does a heated airer take to dry clothes?
It depends on the fabric, how wet the clothes are and the room. Six hours is the assumption we use; adjust it in the calculator.
Should I cover my heated airer?
Covers trap warm air around the clothes and can shorten drying time, which cuts the cost. Only use a cover made for your airer.
What about drying clothes on radiators?
If your heating is on anyway, it adds little cost, but it adds moisture to the room and can make the boiler work harder. It is outside the scope of this electric-only comparison.
Sources
- Ofgem: changes to the energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- Beko DA8012GA 8kg vented dryer, energy class C: 4.84 kWh full-load cycle (EU product fiche)
- Beko Pro B3T4811DW 8kg condenser dryer, energy class B: 4.75 kWh full load, 561.1 kWh a year (Currys)
- Bosch Series 4 WTH85223GB 8kg heat pump dryer, A++: 1.87 kWh full load, 1.14 kWh half load (Bosch data sheet)
- Dry:Soon 3-Tier Heated Clothes Airer: 300W (Lakeland)
Data checked 11 October 2026.
