The foot spa also includes a handy pedicure kit with a nail file, brush, scissors, tweezers, and toe separators – all the tools you need to completely transform those tired feet. Use mild cleaning liquids to clean it. We used Milton sterilising tablets. Avoid using solvents, abrasive cleaners and harsh detergents. We love just how portable and compact this spa is as when you are finished using it, it can be cleverly collapsed until flat, to be stored away easily - making it the ideal solution if space is at a premium.

Portability: Most spas are lightweight, but soon become heavy when filled with water. Look for models that have a handle and a built-in drain, too.Between soothing bubbles, motorized rollers, vibration, and a foot scrubber, we loved how the Costway Foot Massage Bath Massager was both a massager and a home pedicure spa all in one. While you won’t get a full massage experience with a foot spa-type massager, the built-in rollers and balls felt great on our feet, and we liked being able to adjust the pressure settings to our preference. While the massage factor was lower (you have to manually massage your own feet using the nodes on the bottom of the spa), in testing, we noticed that this product does have some nice perks: you can turn it on and off with your toe, and buff away calluses and rough skin with the removable pumice stone. We also like the foot callus-removal attachment, water temperature control, infrared light treatment and carry handle. The FB35 is easy to use, although it might take a while to familiarise yourself with the attachments. It’s surprisingly affordable, too, but it isn’t the quietest. The foot spa is easy to set up, although you’ll have to heat the water to the right temperature first. The water stays warm for long periods and pours out easily afterwards, thanks to a handy spout. Weaknesses include the noise levels and the short cable, but neither are deal-breakers. Two pumice stones are included: a coarse one to exfoliate and a fine one to polish.

Other than the foldaway HoMedics foot spa we tested, all foot spas are fairly bulky products, so may not be ideal for if you have limited storage space. If you are wanting to invest in a more luxurious and high-tech foot spa, then the Rio Scandinavian spa is for you. This is ready to go as soon as you get it out of the box, so there will be no need to faff about with complicated instructions – although be warned that it is on the heavy side. Once your feet are in, though, it’s instantly relaxing, with the reflexology foot rollers doing their job on the key pressure points when you move your feet up and down. Vibrations and hydrotherapy jet massage are the icing on the cake, especially for sore, tired feet and those affected by arthritis.If you’d like to combine your foot massage with a soothing foot soak, see our list of the best foot spas. When should I not use a home foot massager?

More features – especially features such as rollers or automatic temperature sensing – will tend to mean a more fully relaxing experience, but also a more expensive unit. If you primarily want a foot spa in which to soak your feet prior to giving yourself a pedicure, a more basic unit with fewer features may be perfect for your needs. However, if you’re serious about footcare, then you may want to invest in a more sophisticated model.We start by noting the various settings available, and following any special instructions required before using the massager. Next, we use the massager for one full cycle (usually around 15 minutes), paying attention to any relaxing and muscle releasing effects on the soles of the feet, immediately after use and over the course of a typical working day. We also confirm the weight and dimensions of the massager and note any extras included in the box. Throughout the testing process we evaluate each massager’s overall ease of use, plus ease of portability and storage. We found the water stayed warm and the settings – for massage only, heat only, heat and massage, and heat and bubbles – mean you can play about until you find the most comforting option to suit your needs. While it claims to fit up to size 13 feet, bear in mind that this probably won’t leave enough space to make the most of the rollers. A foot spa is not only a great cosmetic must-have to keep at home for a bit of luxury, it's also worth investing in a good foot file for aftercare. Cosmetic or not, it's a good solution to consider if you suffer with aches and pains in your feet too. The Beurer FB35 stands out for its aroma container with a built-in filter, allowing you to bathe your feet in your preferred bath salts or crystals. Prepare to feel soothed and serene – aromatherapy is known for helping to relieve inflammation, too. Relaxation is further enhanced with the inclusion of three massage functions: vibration massage (which helps stimulate circulation), bubble massage (for relaxing) and foot reflex zone massage (to massage the soles of your feet with removable roller attachments).