The longer top rack is a clever design feature too, as any washing that drapes over the edges won’t touch the items on the smaller racks beneath.

Whether you are washing for a family of five, or you’re living in a small studio flat with very little floor space, we’ve got you covered. The flat design is ideal for drying smaller garments, but testers noted that the legs were stiff and wobbly at times. I purchased this clothes airer several several months ago thinking it would last with the metal drying area and the sturdy build. It's stable, easy to erect, has plenty of rails arranged well, plus a section at the top for drying items flat and it fits perfectly in the bath which is out of the way but gets good sunlight.John lewis has also added some versatility to the design; the three tiers open independently allowing different shelves to dry either larger bed sheets or lots of clothing.

Sure, they’d do the job but they’re certainly not ‘the best’ considering you could have to repurchase them more often. Designed to sit inside a bathtub, this airer has a 35cm-deep base and strong and secure rungs, which hold damp and heavy items well. Offering a contemporary twist on a classic design, the rungs of our traditional-style clothes airer are made from aluminium rather than wood to help prevent your clothes being marked or stained while they dry.I chose this airer although I felt it was expensive as Lakeland products are usually of a higher quality. Grooves in the base allow you to choose between two height settings, and little wooden bars at the bottom twist into position to hold the airer securely in place.