Best Aldi Specialbuys, from air fryers to inflatable paddling pools
You never know what you’ll find in the famous middle aisle
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Aldi has become a go-to shopping destination for affordable (and sometimes quite random) stuff that we never knew we needed, thanks to its Specialbuys range. From garden furniture to beauty and beyond, you never quite know what you’re going to find in the famous middle aisle (which is part of the fun).
For the uninitiated, we see Specialbuys land in stores every Sunday and Thursday, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. With that said, as the Aldi Specialbuys veterans that we are, we know that popular products sell out fast. We’ve been tracking the Specialbuys for quite some time and have noticed some products return year after year owing to popular demand (hello, hanging egg chair).
Owing to the fact Aldi’s Specialbuys are now an in-store only affair (the supermarket stopped stocking its products online in July 2023), make sure you give yourself a chance to snap up the best buys (think air fryers, festival gear and even paddling pools) before the crowds get to them. Here, we’ve shared some of the latest Aldi Specialbuys and what we anticipate to be some of the most popular drops to look for.
Ambiano air fryer 6.2l: £49.99, Aldi.co.uk
If you’re yet to invest in an air fryer, Aldi’s £50 appliance will be landing in the middle aisle from Sunday and, owing to the ongoing air fryer hype, we’re predicting it will sell out fast. With a roomy 6.2l capacity, 60-minute timer and choice of eight cooking functions to help with hassle-free cooking, it will have you whipping up crispy fried foods with little to no oil.
Ambiano handheld garment steamer: £16.99, Aldi.co.uk
A travel essential that will keep your clothes feeling fresh and looking crease-free, this is one of the cheapest garment steamers we’ve seen. Touted for removing creases and ousting bacteria and odours from clothing, head down to the middle aisle from Sunday and you can snap up the £20 appliance for yourself.
Bestway airbed with built in pump: £49.99, Aldi.co.uk
An airbed will prove to be a worthy investment for your sleep routine while you’re away from home. Helpfully, this queen sized bed from Aldi comes with a built-in pump for ease, a pillow for comfort, and is said to inflate in as little as four minutes – so at the end of the day, you can just tumble into bed.
Dreamworks Gabby’s tri scooter: £16.99, Aldi.co.uk
Providing stability for little ones who are learning to ride their first scooter, Dreamworks’s tri scooter has three wheels, which should help them whizz around with ease. There are also adjustable handlebars to accommodate kids as they grow, an anti-slip footplate and puncture-proof tyres for a smooth ride. And they’re off!
Crane jumbo pool: £14.99, Aldi.co.uk
Summer seems to be racing by but this large paddling pool will help you make the most of the remaining sunny days. Touted as easy to inflate, the pool holds around 400ml and features a cup holder and water drain valve.
Adventuridge children’s sleeping bag: £14.99, Aldi.co.uk
Whether it’s for a camping adventure with the whole family or a sleepover with friends, these fun animal design sleeping bags for kids will be a smash hit, we’re sure. Offered in four different designs including a fox, owl, deer and bear, the bag comes with a convenient carry bag for portability, while the length of the bag can be adjusted to ensure a good fit.
Ecoir folding slide: £27.99, Aldi.co.uk
Designed for outdoor use, this folding, space-saving slide will lend itself to small gardens and tight outdoor spaces as it won’t contribute to garden clutter when it’s not being used. What’s more, it’s also ready to be used as soon as it’s out of the box, as there’s no assembly required.
Crane badminton set with net: £24.99, Aldi.co.uk
Keeping everyone entertained while you’re outdoors isn’t always easy, which is where a great garden game can help. This badminton set is quick and easy to set up, and comes with everything you need to get started, including rackets and shuttlecocks. A great way to encourage active fun outdoors, it can be packed away and carried home in its portable carry case.
Last week’s Specialbuys to have on your radar
Casalux rechargeable three-in-one touch table lamp: £14.99, Aldi.co.uk
This rechargeable table lamp would make a simple, stylish addition to your home decor. It features a soft white light and an ambient theme, and you can switch between them using a simple touch sensor. It’s rechargeable too, so there are options with positioning – whether you want it to be freestanding or placed in a bottleneck, bringing some flair to your inside space.
Avenue adults trekking shoes: £16.99, Aldi.co.uk
Walking shoes can be expensive but, true to form, Aldi has this design at an excellent price point. Incorporating a water-repellent membrane, recycled polyester and memory foam, they come in sizes four to seven in blue or, if you want a green pair, sizes seven to eleven.
Crane adults towelling poncho: £14.99, Aldi.co.uk
From pool days to long weekends by the coast, pack this towelling poncho for all your waterside excursions this summer. It features a cosy-looking hood and a useful kangaroo pocket to store holiday essentials. Made from 100 per cent cotton, it’s sure to be soft against the skin.
Kirkton House picnic blanket: £4.49, Aldi.co.uk
Should you be planning to make the most of the sunny weather (here’s hoping), nothing says summer like a picnic. And you can complete your al fresco lunch set-up for less with this super affordable picnic blanket. With a plastic waterproof backing and a cosy finish to the fleece material on top, it’s also easily portable thanks to a foldable design.
Avenue kids sandals: £4.99, Aldi.co.uk
With the summer holidays now fast approaching, it won’t cost the earth to kit the little ones out with suitable footwear, thanks to these sandals. Available in navy or rainbow, the shoes feature a preformed footbed, padded leather and adjustable buckles, so they should be comfortable all day long.
Licensed character drinkware: Aldi.co.uk
From Peppa Pig to Squishmallows, this practical water not only features fun designs but comes with a handy compartment for storing smaller snacks. With a capacity of 600ml, it should also be easy to clean at the end of the day thanks to being dishwasher safe and complete with an easy clean lid.
Bestway three-ring pool: £3.99, Aldi.co.uk
Aldi launches budget-friendly inflatables year on year, and 2024 is no exception. According to the budget-friendly supermarket, it’s quick and easy to set up. It also comes with a patch, should it ever need to be repaired. Available in animal, dinosaur or whale designs, and guaranteed to be on kids’ wishlists, it comes at a brilliant price point at less than £5, too.
Aldi Specialbuys FAQs
What days does Aldi Specialbuys go on sale?
The budget supermarket launches new Specialbuys every week on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
What happens to unsold Aldi Specialbuys?
In the rare case some items are left over, they will remain on sale until they are sold out. There is also a chance that some Specialbuys could be discounted every four to six weeks, depending on how much stock is remaining.
How does Aldi’s Specialbuys work?
Aldi’s special deals are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so shoppers need to be one of the first through store doors, to ensure they get their hands on their item of choice. Since July 2023, Aldi only sells its Specialbuys in its stores, as opposed to online.
Does Aldi repeat Specialbuys?
Due to increasing popularity, many of the supermarket’s deals sell out extremely quickly. But, fear not, because you could get another chance to snap up one you missed. While some of Aldi’s Specialbuys are limited-run and only launch at a specific time of year, some are brought back, owing to popular demand, such as its famous Gardenline egg chair, which has sold out every time it has been relaunched.
Voucher codes
For the latest discounts on household essentials, try the links below:
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our round-up of the best outdoor pizza ovens