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A rowing machine works your legs, core, back and arms in a single movement, and it is low impact on the joints. That is why it is often the first big piece of kit people buy for a home gym. The harder question is which type to choose, because rowers use different kinds of resistance and each one feels and sounds different.
Merach, a home fitness brand that sells directly in the UK, offers all three main types: magnetic, water and air. In this guide we compare six of its models using the specifications and prices listed on the Merach UK website on 2 November 2026, so you can match the machine to your space, budget and training style.
In this guide
The Three Types of Resistance in Plain English
- Magnetic: magnets act on a flywheel. You choose a level and the resistance stays consistent. These are usually the quietest option, which suits flats and early morning workouts.
- Water: paddles spin inside a tank of water. Resistance depends on how much water is in the tank and how hard you pull, and the swoosh sound feels closer to rowing on a river.
- Air: a fan flywheel creates resistance that rises the harder you pull. Air rowers are popular for high intensity sprints and interval training, but they make more noise.
Magnetic Rowers: Merach Q1S and R15
The Merach Q1S Smart Magnetic Rowing Machine is the entry point at 169.99 pounds on 2 November, down from a listed 269.99 pounds. Merach lists a 5.5 kg flywheel, 16 resistance levels with peak resistance up to 30 kg, manual adjustment, an LCD display and dual sliding rails. The brand recommends it for users between 1.50 m and 1.80 m tall, so taller rowers should look further up the range.
The Merach R15 Magnetic Rowing Machine costs 209.99 pounds (listed at 349.99 pounds). It also has 16 resistance levels, but Merach states a higher 40 kg peak resistance, a 160 kg weight capacity and a 130 cm extended rail. It adds Bluetooth and the free MERACH app with race maps and scenarios, arrives 90 percent pre-assembled and supports foldable rails or vertical storage.
Water Rowers: Merach R28R1 and R23R1
The Merach R28R1 Water Rowing Machine is priced at 289.99 pounds. Merach highlights a 180 degree foldable design, upright storage, wheels for moving it, a 14 litre leak-proof tank and a 180 kg weight capacity, the highest of the six models here. Resistance is set by the water volume and how fast you row, and an integrated Bluetooth receiver works with the training monitor.
The Merach R23R1 Water Rowing Machine sits higher at 439.99 pounds. According to the brand, its 12 enhanced water blades give 45 percent more resistance, and it has a 15 litre tank, raised rails, an improved leather handle, adjustable footrests and a backlit LCD with Bluetooth. Merach says it suits users up to 2.0 m tall and supports up to 160 kg, and it can be folded or stored upright.
Air Rowers: NovaRow R50 and R50 Pro
The Merach NovaRow R50 Air Rower costs 431.99 pounds. It has 10 air resistance levels, a 160 kg weight capacity and up to 50 kg maximum resistance, according to Merach. It is foldable for vertical storage and comes 90 percent pre-assembled.
The newer NovaRow R50 Pro Air Rower is 599.99 pounds. It keeps the 10 resistance levels and adds three training modes (Manual, Interval and Target), an upgraded backlit LCD and a high strength steel frame with a stated 158 kg capacity. Merach lists a suitable user height of 1.19 m to 2.10 m, the widest range of the six. On 2 November the homepage also advertised an extra year of warranty on the R50 Pro.
Side by Side Comparison
| Model | Type | Price (2 Nov 2026) | Levels | Max user weight | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1S | Magnetic | 169.99 pounds | 16 | Not stated | 5.5 kg flywheel, 1.50-1.80 m users |
| R15 | Magnetic | 209.99 pounds | 16 | 160 kg | Bluetooth, app, 130 cm rail |
| R28R1 | Water | 289.99 pounds | Water level | 180 kg | 14 L tank, wheels, folds |
| R23R1 | Water | 439.99 pounds | Water level | 160 kg | 12 blades, users up to 2.0 m |
| NovaRow R50 | Air | 431.99 pounds | 10 | 160 kg | 50 kg max resistance |
| NovaRow R50 Pro | Air | 599.99 pounds | 10 | 158 kg | 3 modes, 1.19-2.10 m users |
How to Pick the Right One
- Small budget or occasional use: the Q1S keeps things simple, as long as you are within its recommended height range.
- Quiet training with app tracking: the R15 combines magnetic resistance with Bluetooth and a longer rail.
- A natural feel and good looks: the water rowers have a wooden style frame, and the R28R1 has the highest stated weight capacity.
- Taller users: the R23R1 and the R50 Pro list the widest height ranges.
- HIIT and sprint sessions: the air rowers reward harder pulls with more resistance, and the R50 Pro adds interval modes.
Storage matters too. Every model except the Q1S mentions folding or upright storage in its description, which is useful if your workout space is also your living room.
Before ordering, measure the floor area where you will row. A rower is long when in use, so allow room behind the seat and in front of the footrests, and check the ceiling height if you plan to store the machine upright. If several people in your home will use it, compare their heights against the ranges Merach lists, and choose a model with a weight capacity that leaves some margin.
Delivery, Returns and Warranty
On 2 November 2026 the Merach UK site advertised free shipping, 30 day returns and a 2 year warranty, along with Black Friday savings across its range. Prices on fitness equipment change often in the run up to Black Friday, so check the current price on the Merach rowing machine range before ordering, and look at the latest Merach offers for bundle deals.
Specifications and prices are taken from uk.merachfit.com on 2 November 2026 and may change. Performance figures are as stated by Merach. This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Speak to a doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
