Best Rowing Machines in the UK in 2022
Many are turning to fitness in order to keep themselves healthy and occupied. But what is an effective and worthwhile exercise that works more body parts than just one? The answer is rowing machines. Rowing machines provide a full-body workout that will have you feeling fit and healthy. Indoor rowing exercise benefits include; weight loss, toning, muscle building, and increased stamina. Providing an aerobic workout that is low impact and easy for all ages and fitness levels. Home rowing exercise can also boost your immune system due to its aerobic effects. The release of endorphins while working out is an effective way of helping your mental health. It is a lifestyle change that can change both body and mind. Sometimes the most difficult part about working out, is thinking about working out. An easy way to combat this is to find a simple, effective, and convenient way of working out. A home rowing machine is your answer to all those groans that come with thinking about having to workout. They are a reasonably affordable, easy to use, and fun solution that provides your body with many health benefits.
So what are the best rowing machines for home use in the UK? There are many different rowing machines available on the market, air rowing machines, magnetic rowing machines, water rowing machines, ones that have wireless connectivity, machines that are foldable, quiet rowers, adjustable ones, and there are different types of monitors. With all the different features available, this guide will look at all the best rowing machines in the UK and review them in order for you to find the best home rowers in the UK. After all, finding the most adequate rower for your home is what will urge you towards a lifestyle change through the use of indoor rowing exercise benefits. Here is a list of some of the best rowing machines in the UK:
Compare The Best Rowing Machines in the UK
| Number | Name | Resistance | Folding | Bluetooth | Capacity | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concept 2 Model D | Air | Yes | Yes | 227 kgs | High-Rise |
| 2 | Sportstech WRX700 | Water | Yes | Yes | 200 Kgs | Low-Rise |
| 3 | Topiom Water Rower | Water | No | No | 145 Kgs | Low-Rise |
| 4 | JLL Ventus 2 Air rower | Air-Mag | Yes | Yes | 120 Kgs | High-Rise |
| 5 | Sunny SF-RW5713 | Water | No | No | 136 Kgs | Low-Rise |
| 6 | V-fit Tornado Air | Air | Yes | No | 115 Kgs | High-Rise |
| 7 | Capital Sports Rowlympic | Water | No | No | 150 Kgs | Low-Rise |
| 8 | Sportstech RSX500 | Magnetic | Yes | Yes | 120 Kgs | High-Rise |
| 9 | Dripex Magnetic Rower | Magnetic | No | No | 120 Kgs | High-Rise |
Editor’s Best Rower Choice in the UK!
Water Resistance
Sportstech Novelty- Folding Frame
- Natural Sound
- Dynamic Resistance
Air Resistance
Concept 2 Model D- Dynamic Resistance
- Low-Maintenance
- Bluetooth Monitor
Magnetic Resistance
Sportstech RSX500- Bluetooth Monitor
- Quiet Resistance
- Foldable Frame
Top 10 Rowing Machine Picks in the UK:
Table of Contents
Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor
The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor is the best selling indoor rower in the world. Competitive rowers cite the rower as being the go to for indoor training. At a fraction of the cost of many other home fitness equipment, the Concept 2 Model D Rower with PM5 Monitor provides a reliable full body workout. The machine is said to last a lifetime and offers an olympic standard piece of equipment at a great value. Don’t be put off by the fact that it is used by experts, this machine is perfect for beginners too who are looking to simply improve their lifestyle.
The rowing machine measures just 2.44 x 0.61 x 1.13 metres, a reasonable size for such an advanced machine. It weighs only 57 pounds and is therefore light enough to be moved around. The seat height also has a low profile at 35.6cm and there is a quick-release framelock mechanism that requires no tools, allowing you to take the machine apart into two pieces for storage. The bottom of the machine has heavy-duty wheels making it easily portable around your room. Overall, it is an easily portable rower that is reasonably sized for your home. The rower has a maximum capacity of holding 227 kilograms, meaning that it is a sturdy machine that caters to many different body types and experience levels. The handle of the machine has a 10 degree bend that allows for rowing with a natural arm and hand position, the position of expert rowers. There is also an adjustable seat and footrests that provide maximum comfort, and maximum encouragement to change your lifestyle.
It is an air rowing machine, meaning that its resistance is created by the flywheel fan attached to the machine. The flywheel fan responds to your movements, meaning that you are in control of the resistance and your level of difficulty. The spiral damper lets you adjust the level of resistance/airflow to flywheel with ease to suit your level. The flywheel minimises the level of noise output and has a design that provides extra comfort through its smooth feel.
The PM5 monitor provides accurate and reliable data that keeps track of your progress for every row. The easy to use monitor is compatible with USB’s, allowing you to store your workout data easily. It also has the function of wirelessly monitoring your heart rate while you work out. The monitor can even be adjusted to sit where you prefer.
Conclusion
The Concept 2 Model D Indoor Rower with PM5 Monitor is a top-level machine that is available for a mid-range price of around £850. It is an easily adjusted, and easily movable rower that can also be taken apart and built with ease. The machine promises to last a lifetime, and so your investment is relatively safe in this purchase. It is a high-quality and highly reliable machine suitable for beginners and experts.
Pros
High quality, Durable, Easily stored, Easily moved, Reasonably sized, Adjustable resistance, Compatible with USB, Wirelessly monitors heart rate, and Foldable
Cons
Is a fan so can be quite loud, Quite expensive
Sportstech WRX700 Water Home Rowing Machine
The Sportstech WRX700 Home Rower is a stylish and unique design made with a wooden frame that will look great in your home. The WRX700 provides an extra calm and realistic rowing experience with the sound of the water rowing machine. The machine is made from ash wood and is therefore a durable and high quality machine. The resistance of the machine is created by the level of water in the tank, the more water, the higher the level of resistance.
The machine is fully foldable and has a home-developed safety lock. The machine has wheels on the bottom that allow for it to be easily moved. The machine is reasonably sized at 2.08 x 0.55 x 0.56 metres, and 1.13 x 0.55 x 0.86 metres when folded. It weighs 37.3 kilograms, and can hold a weight of 200 kilograms. There is a comfortable, ergonomic seat that has an anti-slip design and let’s you exercise comfortably. The rail system is quiet, enabling you to hear only the sound of the water displacement and the sound of your music or training video.
The machine is console compatible and is controllable from your smartphone or tablet. The app available on your smartphone or tablet contains video events that encourage your fitness progress as well as 8 + 1 training sessions for all levels of difficulty. You can watch these videos by sitting your phone or tablet on the provided stand. The fully wireless connection brings easy use, and the LCD monitor display provides a simple overview of your rowing data and progress.
The water resistance system has two chambers that are individually adjustable for your level of resistance using the two rotors in the system. The amount of water to be displaced increases or decreases your level of resistance. The more water to be displaced, the harder the level resistance. It is an authentic way of rowing and provides calming noises as the water is displaced. The machine also comes with a pulsation belt and a starter kit that includes a heart rate belt, an electric water pump, and chlorine tablets.
Conclusion
It is an authentic rowing machine that brings rowing outdoors, indoors with a calming element brought by the noise from the water displacement. It is easily foldable and movable, but many of the reviews criticise its wireless ability and the monitor for not being accurate enough. It is a unique design that will look great in your home, and has a quiet, high quality performance, however, if monitoring your progress on your machine is an important factor in your decision – this machine is not for you. Especially for the price being around £900, the performance doesn’t seem to live up to that price.
Pros
Extremely quiet, Has 8 training programmes, Easily stored, Easily moved, Reasonably sized, Adjustable resistance, Durable, High quality, Wirelessly controlled, Foldable
Cons
Monitor isn’t always accurate, Heart rate monitor doesn’t always connect, and Quite expensive
Topiom Home Water Resistance Rowing Machine
The Topiom Home Rowing Machine is a water rowing machine that provides a full body workout. The design is functional, with a unique style that will look aesthetically pleasing in your home. The machine is handmade and tested afterwards to ensure that the product is high quality. The Topiom is a reasonably priced, cheaper alternative to some other water rowing machines on the market at only £699.
The rowing machine is reasonably sized at 2.08 x 0.565 x 0.51 metres and weighs a reasonable 58.64 pounds. The rower can hold a weight capacity of 145 kilograms, slightly less than some of the other machines offer. The machine can easily be moved with the use of the transport wheels. It can also stand upright, making it easily stored.
The Topiom is a good rowing machine that is available in the United Kingdom. It is noise optimised, meaning that it is quiet besides from the calming noise that comes from the water displacement. The flywheel spins as you pull the handle, displacing the water in front of it. Therefore, the water in front of the flywheel causes the resistance. Therefore the amount of water dictates the level of resistance when rowing, meaning that the level of resistance is easily adjustable.
As Well as adjustable resistance, the footplates are also adjustable providing you with a machine that can be tailored to your ergonomics. The seat is also comfortable, letting you exercise comfortably. The LCD performance monitor on the machine has bluetooth and target functions that provide accurate and detailed data on an easy to use screen.
Conclusion
The Topiom Home Rowing Machine is a high quality, and durable machine that is quiet. The soothing water noises are a bonus with this machine, and provide adjustable resistance. The reasonably sized machine can be easily moved and stored, but it doesn’t fold. The lack of connection to smart devices may also be a turn off for many.
Pros
Quiet, Durable, Reasonably sized, High quality, Easily stored, Easily moved, and Adjustable resistance
Cons
Doesn’t fold and not easy to store the rower standing. Also the warranty is not specified
JLL Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine
The Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine contains many features that allow you to exercise comfortably in your own home. It has dual resistance, meaning that it is both an air and a magnetic rowing machine. The air resistance works in the way that the faster you row, the more air is sucked into the flywheel, in turn turning up the resistance.
The rowing machine is reasonably sized at 2.14 x 0.54 x 1.15 metres and weighs 34.7 kilograms. The height is slightly taller than other rowing machines due to the tall front console. However, the machine does fold up giving you more room when it is stored. It is easily storable due to its lightweight and the wheels provided on the base. The machine has a maximum capacity of 120 kilograms which is lower than some of the other options available and is therefore not as sturdy. The machine claims to have a solid and stable feel to it, with the aluminium frame also providing a smooth glide. There is a high grade adjustable foot platform that lets you tailor the machine to your specifications. The handlebars are coated in sweat resistance and non-slip plastic that allows your workout to be irritation free. The machine also has an inbuilt fan that works by your own accord.
The LCD monitor features 11 functions that allows you to track data including time, strokes per minute, distance, calories, and pulse. Keep in mind that pulse rate can only be tracked if you have a compatible heart rate band. The monitor also has space for your tablet or smartphone, allowing you to watch exercise videos or television as you workout. The monitor angle can be conveniently angled to suit your height.
The magnetic resistance allows you to select from 8 different resistance levels that suit your needs. The adjustable lever for your choice of resistance is easily reachable and manageable. The magnetic resistance promises a quieter and smoother workout. The chair also allows for a smoother workout with the heavy duty roller underneath the seat. The seat also provides maximum comfort with the padded foam material.
Conclusion
The Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine is a strong competitor. If you are below 120 kilograms and aren’t looking for a particularly quiet rowing machine, then the Ventus 2 Air Resistance Home Rowing Machine is a good option that provides an overall high quality machine with several functions to suit your needs. It’s also reasonably sized, foldable, and can be easily moved. For the price of around £480, I think that this rowing machine is a high quality towing machine that provides everything you need and is half the price of some of the other rowers on the market.
Pros
Reasonably sized, Durable, High quality, Easily stored, Easily moved, Foldable, Has an inbuilt fan, and Adjustable resistance
Cons
Maximum capacity of 120kg and Has a fan so can be quite loud. Also, there is no wireless connectivity (Bluetooth or ANT+)
Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Use
The Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Use has a large tablet holder, and 15 levels of resistance as well as an LCD monitor and a sturdy design to accommodate all users.
The machine is reasonably sized at 1.79 x 0.529 x 0.763 metres, and it can be stored upright. The machine does not fold, but the screen can fold making it easier to store. The weight of the machine is unclear so it is difficult to say whether the machine is easily movable, however, it does have wheels which makes the movement process easier. The maximum weight capacity for 120 kilograms which is lower than some of the other rowing machines available on the market and perhaps means that the machine is not as sturdy.
The magnetic resistance has 15 different levels, meaning that it is a versatile machine that caters to many different levels of workout. The level of resistance can be easily adjusted with the simple turn of a wheel that is easily accessible. The super silent aluminium frame has a double sliding rail that provides sturdiness and a smoother slide. There is a non-slip handlebar that provides you maximum performance for your workout. There is also adjustable foot pedals and straps that let you tailor the machine to your height and body type.
The LCD monitor is adjustable and allows you to move it to suit your height. It is also foldable for when you store your machine. The monitor has capabilities such as time, calorie count, and distance as well as others.
Conclusion
The Dripex Magnetic Rowing Machine for Home Use is an extremely quiet machine that is high quality and durable. It has many configurations of resistance and the monitor also has a variety of features. The downfall is that it has a maximum capacity of 120 kilograms, and it is not foldable, however, the screen is foldable. The price is attractive as it is only around £320.
Pros
Reasonably sized, Quiet, The screen can fold, Durable, High quality, Easily stored, Easily moved, Adjustable resistance
Cons
Not foldable and Maximum capacity of 120kg. Also, the monitor is not backlit and difficult to see the stats in the dark.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-RW5713 Water Rower
The Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian SF-RW5713 Water Rowing Machine is a high quality machine that has an LCD monitor, a sturdy design, and is reasonably sized for storing. The machine is 2.03 x 0.56 x 0.86 metres, a reasonable size for a rowing machine and it can be stored upright. The machine is easily movable, weighing only 41.6 kilograms and featuring wheels for easy movability. The maximum suggested weight capacity is 113 kilograms, this is lower than many other rowing machines on the market.
The machine has a wide cushioned seat allowing for comfort while you row yourself to a new lifestyle. There are adjustable pedals that let you tailor your machine to suit your own specifications, and there are non-slip handlebars that allow maximum performance when rowing.
The water rowing feature creates a smooth and quiet rowing experience with only the calming sound of water being displaced. The steel fan blades are durable and allow for adjustment to the resistance. In order to change the resistance, you simply need to alter the amount of water in the tank. The more water in front of the blade, the higher the resistance.
The digital monitor screen allows you to easily track your progress with the option to track time, distance, goals, and progress. As well as the option to purchase a heart rate strap separately so that the monitor can also track how fast your heart is beating.
Conclusion
The Sunny Health & Fitness Obsidian SF-RW5713 is a high quality and durable water rowing machine for a cheaper price of around £425. It has a digital screen with many features and is reasonably quiet with only the calming sound of the water movement that allows for adjustable resistance. The downfall is that the machine has a maximum weight capacity of 113 kilograms, this is lower than most other rowing machines on the market.
Pros
High quality, Durable, Quiet, Reasonably sized, Easily stored, Easily moved, and Adjustable resistance
Cons
Maximum capacity of 113kg and Not foldable. It also doesn’t have a media shelf to keep your phone/tablet.
V-fit Tornado Air Rowing Machine For Home
1 used from £263.47
The V-fit Tornado Air Rower is a robust rowing machine with a steel frame and aluminium rowing rail that offers smooth movement. It is affordably priced at around £390 and contains a monitor.
The machine is reasonably sized at 2.12 x 0.44 x 0.74 metres and it folds for easy storage. It is also incredibly light, weighing only 19.5 kilograms, meaning that it is easily movable although there are also wheels that help with the movement capabilities. The maximum suggested weight capacity for the rowing machine is 115 kilograms, therefore it is less than many others available on the market. There are oversized footplates that allow for comfort when rowing, as well as velcro straps that can keep your feet from moving too much as you exercise. The seat is padded and roller mounted for smooth movement and extra comfort.
The air rower works with a multi-vane air fan and provides speed proportionate resistance by adapting to your own speed. This resistance adjustment capability means that it adjusts to your own level of difficulty based on your ability. The faster you row, the more the resistance will increase.
The 6 function LCD monitor has features such as strokes per minute, distance, calories burned, time, speed, and number of strokes. The monitor is a helpful feature that allows you to track your progress accurately.
Conclusion
The V-fit Tornado Air Rower is a high quality and affordable alternative to other more expensive and advanced rowers on the market. The monitor has all the features that a beginner will need. It is reasonably sized, easily moved, and easily stored with the ability to fold it.
Pros
Foldable, High quality, Durable, Reasonably sized, Easily stored, Easily moved, and Adjustable resistance
Cons
Maximum capacity of 115kg and Has a fan so can be quite loud. The monitor is not backlit and difficult to see in the dark.
Capital Sports Rowlympic Water Rowing Machine
The Capital Sports Rowlympic Water Rowing Machine is a high quality rowing machine with a natural rowing experience. The machine has an LCD monitor to track your performance.
The water rowing machine is 2.1 x 0.55 x 0.55 metres and weighs a reasonable 32 kilograms. The weight means that it can be easily manoeuvred, but it also has wheels that make movement even easier. You can sit it upright for storage purposes, but it cannot be folded. The maximum weight capacity is 150 kilograms which is reasonable and more than many other rowing machines available. It does not require any construction and footrests with adjustable straps and size adjustment for a more comfortable workout. The seat is comfortable and slides smoothly along the aluminium rail.
The large water tank provides natural water resistance. The adjustable resistance is dictated by the amount of water in the tank, the more water that the blade has to push, the higher the resistance. Water rowing machines are quiet, with only the comforting sound of the water displacement, providing an extremely authentic exercising experience.
The simple and easy to use LCD display monitors your performance, distance, and calories burned making it easy to track your progress and performance level. The ease of use encourages you to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
The Capital Sports Rowlympic Water Rowing Machine has a stylish design but it lacks other features for its price of around £650. The LCD monitor is handy, but it only seems to contain three features, when many of the lower market rowing machines have more features available for half the price. It seems that this rowing machine is very simple and you are paying for the durability and style, with minimal features.
Pros
High quality, Durable, Quiet, Reasonably sized, Easily moved, Easily stored, and Adjustable resistance
Cons
Not foldable so you need floor space even when not using the rower and also Not a lot of features on monitor
Sportstech RSX500 Indoor Rowing Machine
The Sportstech RSX500 Rowing Machine is a high quality rower that offers a range of possibilities with its app compatible console that allows you to track your progress easily.
The machine is 1.545 x 0.57 x 0.79 metres, a reasonably sized machine and it can be folded to 800 x 440 x 1455 mm, allowing for easy storage. The machine has a maximum capacity of 120 kilograms which is less than other higher priced products on the market and it weighs 32.5kg. The weight is reasonable and means that it can be easily moved, especially with the help of the wheels. The seat is comfortable with ball bearing meaning that it runs smoothly along the aluminium rail. The pedals on the machine have adjustable webbing.
The control panel is easily visible and controllable with a choice of 12 pre-installed programmes that can aid you in your workouts. There is the option of HRC training, competition mode, and manual mode. There is also an app that allows you to connect your monitor to your smart device wirelessly, and a USB port. The app provides 12 training programmes and 4 pulse based programmes. It is heart rate belt compatible, and the belt is provided with the machine. A heart rate belt helps to improve your workout by accurately monitoring your intensity level and capabilities.
The magnetic rowing machine provides 16 different levels of resistance, and provides a relatively quiet workout. The magnetic brake allows for the 16 levels of resistance and provides a smooth, high quality, and comfortable workout.
Conclusion
The Sportstech RSX500 is an extremely high quality rowing machine with a range of features. It provides everything you could ask for, a monitor with countless features, the ability to link to your smartphone, an app with many programmes, a smooth workout, a quiet workout, and many different modes of resistance. It is also easily movable and storable. It is worth its price of £600, and is still cheaper than many other machines, yet it has more capabilities. The only con of this machine is that it has a maximum weight capacity of 120 kilograms, so if you are over that, then this machine is not for you yet.
Pros
Range of settings and workouts, Reasonably sized, Quiet, Durable, High quality, Foldable, Easily moved, Easily stored, App connectivity, and Links to smartphone.
Cons
Maximum capacity of 120kg
A Buyer’s Guide to Rowing Machines In Britain
There are many different types of rowing machines so it is important to know which kind you are looking for. The main factor when deciding on a rowing machine is whether you want one that is magnetic, air, or water.
Air
Air rowing machines use a built in flywheel, this creates resistance when you pull away. It is a more accurate representation of a real rowing experience due to the ability to respond to your speed by upping or lowering the resistance level itself. The harder and faster you pull, the more resistance you will feel. They do tend to be noisier than magnetic and water machines.
Magnetic
Magnetic rowing machines use a magnetic brake in the flywheel to increase or decrease the resistance. Magnetic rowing machines allow the user to tailor the resistance setting to their own preferred level, usually with the use of a dial or a button. These are the most quiet of the three, but it depends whether this is a factor in your buying.
Water
Water rowing machines have a water tank with paddles inside. When you pull, the paddles spin, therefore in order to adjust the level of resistance, you have to adjust the amount of water you have in the tank. The more water the blade has to push, the stronger the resistance. Also, the faster you paddle, the more water that needs moved and therefore the stronger the resistance. Water machines are quiet, with the only noise coming from the water being displaced which is quite calming.
The Final Verdict
The purpose of this review has been to find the best home rowers in the UK. For the highest quality rowing experience, we recommend either the Sportstech RSX500 or the Ventus 2 Air Resistance rowing machine. Both are high quality and durable machines with many functional abilities and are easily stored. The Sportstech RSX500 is the perfect option if you have slightly more money due to its larger range of functional abilities and the app connectivity, £600 is a reasonable ask for such a high quality machine. If you want to spend slightly less, the Ventus 2 Air Resistance rowing machine is £480 with a wide range of capabilities and it is still a high quality machine. As long as you don’t mind the fan noise. These are two of the best rowing machines for home use in the UK.
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