Is a rowing machine worth buying?

Do you have the space?

Start with the tape measure. Full-size rowers are often around 1.8 to 2.4 m long, and you need extra room around them to get on and off. Concept2, for example, suggests an area of roughly 2.7 m by 1.2 m for its RowErg. Compact magnetic rowers can be nearer 1.6 m long.

Then think about storage. A rower that stands upright, such as the WaterRower range or the MERACH Q1S manual, needs little floor space when put away but a fair amount of height. A folding rail helps in smaller rooms. If the rower will live out all the time, check it will not block a door or walkway. Our guide to rowing machine dimensions has a table of typical sizes.

Will the noise be a problem?

Noise varies a lot by type. Air rowers make a steady whoosh from the fan that rises the harder you pull. Water rowers make a swishing sound that many people find pleasant but is still noticeable. Magnetic rowers are the quietest, with the seat and strap making most of the sound.

In a flat, vibration through the floor can matter as much as noise in the room. A good mat helps, as does rowing at sensible times. If you share walls or floors, a magnetic rower is usually the easiest to live with.

How often will you use it?

This is the honest question. A rower that lives in a spare room behind a closed door is easy to forget. One in a living space, set up and ready, is easier to use. Think about when you will row, where the machine will be at that time and whether you will need to unfold it first.

Data and apps can help some people keep a routine. Many rowers connect to apps over Bluetooth, and some offer programmed sessions or scenic routes. Others prefer a simple monitor and a fixed plan. If you are not sure, a basic machine with a clear console is a sensible start. You can see console and app options in our best smart rowing machine guide.

If you have a medical condition or have not exercised for a while, ask your GP or a physiotherapist whether rowing suits you before you buy.

Upkeep and running costs

Rowers need little in the way of running costs, but each type has its own small jobs. Air rowers need the fan cage cleaned and the chain oiled now and then. Water rowers need a purification tablet at the interval the maker suggests. Magnetic rowers need little beyond a wipe of the rail.

Electromagnetic rowers and models with large touchscreens plug into the mains. Their power use is modest, but you will need a socket nearby. Manual magnetic and many water rowers run their consoles from batteries.

• All types: wipe the rail, check bolts and the strap or chain.
• Air: clean the flywheel housing and oil the chain as the manual says.
• Water: add purification tablets and keep the tank out of direct sun.
• Electric models: keep the lead clear of the seat and rail.

Note:Many rowers weigh 25 kg or more. Use two people to unbox and move them if the manual suggests it, and follow the maker's assembly steps.

Resale value and which types hold it

If you are unsure how long you will keep a rower, resale is worth a thought. Long-established brands with spare parts on sale, such as Concept2 and WaterRower, tend to be in steady demand second-hand. That can soften the cost if your plans change.

Lesser-known budget models tend to be harder to sell, and electromagnetic models with built-in screens depend on the maker continuing to support the software. Whatever you buy, keep the manual, any tools and the box if you have room.

For a starting shortlist across all types, see our best rowing machine UK guide. If budget matters most, our best rowing machine under 500 guide focuses on lower-priced models.

See our rowing machine picks →

Frequently asked questions

Is a rowing machine better than an exercise bike? They do different jobs and take different space. A bike is shorter and simpler to fit in a room, while a rower is longer but works through a full stroke. Our comparison of a rowing machine vs exercise bike covers space and noise side by side.

Is a cheap rowing machine worth it? It can be, if it fits you. Check the rail length against your height, the maximum user weight and what the console shows. Lighter, cheaper models may feel less smooth and are harder to sell later.

Which rowing machine is best for a flat? Usually a quiet magnetic rower that folds or stores upright, used on a mat. See our best rowing machine for small spaces guide.

Is a rowing machine suitable for everyone? If you have a medical condition, an injury or any doubt, ask your GP or a physiotherapist before you start using one.