Best Hair Dryer Kmart: Anko Reviews and Buying Guide

Walk into any Kmart store and you’ll spot a row of Anko hair dryers selling for under $30. At that price, the obvious question is whether they actually work — or if you’re better off saving for something pricier. This guide puts Kmart’s budget blowers to the test by comparing what you get for the money against models that cost ten times more.

Kmart Hair Dryers Range: Quick dry to salon blowout · Travel Model Features: 2-speed settings, foldable handle · Anko Brand Origin: Kmart private label · Top Models: Travel Hair Dryer Black, Ionic Hair Dryer · Pricing: Famously low prices

Specifications for Anko dryers reveal surprisingly competitive hardware against premium alternatives.

Are Anko Hair Dryers Good?

CHOICE independently reviews hair dryers for performance, putting the Anko QL-5916AC through the same tests as models costing ten times more. The independent testing organization (Australia’s peak consumer advocacy body) found that Anko dryers punch above their weight in essential categories.

User reviews tell a similar story. The Anko Travel RCY-82 scores 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 45 customer reviews on ProductReview.com.au, with buyers highlighting its lightweight build and quick heat-up time as standout features for travel use.

The Anko Air Styler positions itself as an affordable alternative to premium salon tools. YouTube reviewer Deborah After 50 tested the model and found it delivers respectable results for everyday styling, though it naturally can’t match the output of professional-grade equipment costing significantly more.

Reviews of Anko Travel Hair Dryer

The Travel RCY-82 earns praise for portability. Reviewers on ProductReview.com.au describe it as efficient and quick-heating, though the compact design means fewer heat settings compared to full-size models.

Performance and user feedback

Anonymous users on ProductReview.com.au highlight the 2000W RCY-106 model as “very cheap and effective for budget users,” with one reviewer noting it simply works without fuss. The pattern is consistent: at these prices, expectations calibrate around basic functionality rather than salon-grade performance.

What is the Best Hair Dryer to Buy?

The honest answer depends on your priorities. If you’re spending $300+ on a premium model like the Dyson Supersonic, you’re paying for advanced motor technology, premium materials, and brand cachet. Whether those improvements matter to you comes down to how often you style your hair and what results you expect.

Best hair dryers for 2026 tested

Premium hair dryers in 2026 continue to push innovation with ionic technology, multiple heat settings, and premium motor designs. Independent testing from CHOICE benchmarks these features against budget alternatives to determine where value actually lives.

Kmart options vs top picks

Anko dryers compete favorably with Big W’s range, which similarly targets the budget market with affordable options exceeding 2000W power (per Reviews.org comparisons). The two retailers offer comparable value propositions, with both brands prioritizing essential features over premium extras.

Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Hair Dryers?

Yes — but the differences may matter less than you think. According to Reviews.org, budget hair dryers from Kmart and Big W “tick key boxes like power and settings” that most buyers actually use. Premium models add advanced ionic or nanoe technology, premium build materials, and extended warranty coverage that justify higher prices for some users.

Decoding the splurge

Premium brands justify higher prices through motor engineering, material quality, and technology features. The Dyson Supersonic, for example, uses a microphone to measure heat output and adjust temperature in real-time — a feature that genuinely reduces heat damage but costs significantly more.

Worth it analysis

One YouTube reviewer testing the Anko blow dryer noted it produces “really high-end quality” results with “silky hair” and reduced frizz — claims that, while anecdotal, suggest budget models close the gap on everyday styling outcomes.

Where are Kmart Anko Products Made?

Anko is a global sourcing brand operated by Kmart Australia. The brand aggregates products from multiple manufacturers rather than producing everything from a single location. This sourcing model allows Kmart to offer products at aggressively low price points by optimizing global manufacturing costs.

The exact manufacturing locations for specific Anko hair dryers aren’t publicly disclosed by Kmart, which is standard practice for private-label brands. What is known is that the Smart Dryer operates on 220-240V power suitable for Australian markets, indicating design optimization for local conditions.

Manufacturing details

The Smart Dryer SKU P_43536382 lists dimensions of 29cm × 13.9cm × 7.1cm on the official Kmart product page, confirming it’s designed as a compact, travel-friendly unit with a magnetic concentrator attachment included.

Brand background

Anko serves as Kmart’s private-label brand across multiple product categories. The brand generates global attention as an example of how budget retail can offer functional products at accessible prices. Anko dryers are available at both Kmart and Target stores across Australia.

Can Hair Dryers Cause Itchy Scalp?

Hair dryers can contribute to scalp irritation when used improperly or excessively. The primary concern is heat exposure — sustained high temperatures can dry out the scalp and cause itching or flaking. Users with existing scalp conditions should be particularly mindful of heat settings and usage frequency.

Potential side effects

Research and user feedback suggest that excessive heat styling can contribute to scalp dryness and irritation. Anko’s multi-temperature settings — ranging from 40°C to 90°C on the Smart Dryer — allow users to select lower heat levels for regular use while reserving higher temperatures for occasional deep drying.

Scalp health tips

Dermatologists generally recommend limiting heat styling frequency, using lower temperature settings when possible, and maintaining distance between the dryer and scalp. The Smart Dryer’s cool shot function provides a finishing option to set styles without additional heat exposure.

Five models represent the current Anko range, each targeting different user needs. The Smart Dryer leads with high-end specs, while the Travel RCY-82 and 2000W RCY-106 serve distinct use cases. The Air Styler positions itself as a salon-tool alternative at a fraction of the cost.

Performance testing reveals the most important specs to check before buying.

Model-by-model comparison shows distinct positioning across the Anko lineup.

The comparison reveals distinct use cases for each model. The Smart Dryer targets users who want premium features at budget pricing. The Travel RCY-82 serves travelers needing portability. The 2000W RCY-106 addresses users with thicker hair who need more power.

Five key specs separate budget from premium hair dryers. Motor speed, wattage, temperature range, voltage compatibility, and included attachments define what you’re actually getting for your money.

Detailed specifications show how the flagship Smart Dryer compares against travel and standard models.

The Smart Dryer outperforms the travel and standard models across most specifications, justifying its position as the flagship Anko model. The travel model prioritizes portability over power, while the standard QL-5916AC delivers basic functionality at the lowest price point.

What Are Customers Saying?

User reviews provide ground-level insight into real-world Anko performance. One YouTuber testing the Anko blow dryer reported it produces high-end quality results with noticeably reduced frizz and silky hair after use. This anecdotal evidence aligns with the pattern of budget models closing the performance gap on everyday styling outcomes.

“It works amazing… quality of it is really high-end. It produces such silky hair afterwards. I find when I use this blow dryer, it really reduces the frizz.”

— Hair Styles By J (YouTube reviewer)

“Very cheap, very good. I like this because it simply works. It’s affordable for my poor student budget.”

— Anonymous User (ProductReview.com.au)

“This hair dryer always stays in my luggage and has been travelling with me overseas several times already. It is light and efficient.”

— Anonymous User (ProductReview.com.au)

The pattern across reviews is consistent: budget buyers appreciate functional performance without the premium price tag. Students, travelers, and occasional users form the core satisfied customer base.

Summary

The trade-off between budget and premium hair dryers boils down to what you’re actually paying for. Budget models like the Anko Smart Dryer sacrifice advanced technology and premium build materials to deliver functional performance at accessible prices. Premium models justify their cost through motor engineering, ionic technology, and extended warranty coverage.

For Australian buyers weighing options, the math is straightforward: spend $30 on an Anko model and accept functional basics, or invest $300+ for advanced features and premium durability. The right choice depends entirely on how often you style your hair and what results you expect from a tool you likely use multiple times per week.

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