Best Rowing Machines in the UK

The Model D is a great rowing machine produced by Concept2, which remains the best-seller on the market. Let's see what makes it so popular.

First things first, the Concept2 Model D is a conventional mechanical rowing machine with a flywheel. The resistance of this model is created by the air and propeller. It has a simple design yet it's very convenient and allows users to benefit in multiple ways.

For starters, the machine doesn't require any special maintenance nor does it need filling with water or plugging in the mains. It is ready to use out of the box. Secondly, it has user-friendly and simple controls, making it a breeze to use. Thirdly, it features 10 resistance levels, so you can progress gradually once you feel you're ready for that. Finally, the Concept2 Model D comes with a damper, which changes the resistance of the machine by controlling the amount of air.

Speaking of build quality, the unit has a robust and durable steel frame that is able to withstand the maximum weight up to 230 kg. This makes it suitable for almost anyone, even if you're somewhat on a heavy side.

The Ventus 2 is more advanced than many other rowing machines, however, its price is very conservative, which makes it a perfect mid-range home rowing machine with a top-level spec.

Taking a closer look at the rower, it has been recently improved and sports a number of novelty features such as the "dual resistance" setup, a type of resistance, which can be rarely seen in trainers like this. Furthermore, whereas most other rowers offer either magnetic or air resistance, the Ventus 2 has them both. This allows it to provide ultimately smooth and consistent motion, giving the rower a feel of a commercial-grade gym machine. The principle of work is simple: the harder you pull, the more air will be allowed into the flywheel, and the higher overall training resistance will be. Such combo allows for a more challenging row when you reach the top of the resistance levels (there are eight of them), which makes it suitable for novice users and for more experienced rowers too.

To check your progress, the Ventus 2 features a large, well-readable LCD monitor. It sits nicely at your eyes level and shows such key data as strokes, strokes per minute, total strokes, time per 500 metres, calories burned, overall distance, pulse rate, date/time and even temperature. Plus, there is a tablet holder right about the display, a handy addition which can be used to hold your mobile gadgets while you row. It is shaped as a simple curved cradle and has generous arms to fit anything from small phones to full-sized tablets. Besides, unlike most other rowing machines, it doesn't block the console, so you can watch videos on YouTube and keep an eye on your fitness performance at the same time.

Sunny Health & Fitness is a respectable company that has its made by providing high-quality fitness equipment at very affordable price tags, and the SF-RW1205 isn't an exception. It's definitely one of the most budget-friendly and popular rowing machines not only in the Sunny Health & Fitness lineup but in the whole industry. Due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability, the machine has a nearly 5-star rating and more than a thousand positive reviews on Amazon. Most customers report that this rower has passed their expectations and actually offers more than its retail price. Let's check what you get.

The SF-RW1205 has a single hydraulic piston to provide enough resistance for your workouts. The cylinder attaches to the front part of the frame and the pulling bar, and at the point where it connects to the pulling bar, there is a simple knob for adjustment. In total, the machine offers 12 resistance levels to choose from, which should give you good control over your workouts. But take note that you should adjust the height of the piston rather than turn a handy dial to set the resistance level.

As for other parts, the seat on the SF-RW1205 rower is well-padded and generally not less comfortable than the rest of the competition. The footplates here are also quite large and can keep your feet in a comfortable position. They pivot a little back and forth as you row.

When it comes to the monitor, it's quite basic and only tracks time, calories, the number of rows per workout, and total rows. There’s also a scan feature that will cycle throughout all monitored values if you prefer. Nothing fancy but for the price, we're surprised it comes with a monitor at all.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly magnetic home rower, you can't go wrong with the Dipex machine. While many other models with the magnetic type of resistance are rocketing up in price, this one is a really welcome sight. Yet, despite its low retail price, it's a sturdy piece of equipment with strong triangular support and adjustable metal floor pads. Fitted with a double sliding rail and shock absorber, it also remains very quiet no matter how hard you’re working out. Even on the highest resistance level, there will be little noise. With that, your ride will be not only extra quiet but smooth too.

As far as the design is concerned, the Dipex rower has a 3-kg flywheel, making it great for individuals up to 120 kg. The dual-rail length is generous and can fit people of different builds comfortably without the fuss of changing multiple heights. The foot straps are also easy to adjust between users. The seat is comfortable and ergonomic, while the handlebars are fairly soft but retain their grip well.

V-Fit is a well-known brand in the fitness industry that has a growing reputation for delivering good-quality budget and mid-range sports equipment for home use. And the Tornado rowing machine is one of its best models with good customer feedback.

Right out-of-the-box, the machine is quite simple and straightforward to put together. The instructions are clear and helpful. Upon the assembly, the first thing you'll probably notice is the striking colour scheme. Completed in silver, black and orange, the machine looks very modern and substantial.

The rower is made up of steel, aluminium and polyurethane, the perfect combo of materials that gives it sturdy but lightweight construction. That's especially handy if you’re going to move the rower around your house. Plus, there are also wheels at the bottom of the trainer to aid with portability. The air rower looks solid, robust and very secure, however, it fails a bit when it comes to max user weight (115kgs only). That's the cost for portability and light weight.

To continue on a positive note, this rower has a split display, which is a big advantage over single-display machines. The numbers are visible and clear; the display shows you the speed, distance, calories burned, stroke rate, stroke counter, and time. Three of these readouts are shown at any time, while the others are hidden. To see the other ones, you simply need to push the orange button below the screen.