Decades ago, a towel radiator or heated towel rail was considered something of a luxury. Nowadays, it’s an essential in the modern British home. If you’re planning on revamping your bathroom or ensuite, get comfortable and read on to find out about the benefits of towel radiators, the brands to look out for and the best time to purchase one.

The Evolution Of The Towel Radiator

While heated towel radiators may have been the preserve of the rich in times gone by, intelligent engineering and increased competition in the industry now mean that heated towel rails are affordable, accessible and essential for a variety of drying and heating functions in all UK homes.

With so many great brands (such as Reina, DQ, Carisa, Vogue, Ultraheat, Aeon, Eskimo and Aestus) offering affordable bathroom radiators, there’s no excuse for not installing one. When you finally get round to fitting a heated towel rail, you’ll be pleased that you did – particularly when the winter rolls around. Just think – no more cold towels on a frosty morning, and no more shivering during those early morning trips to use the toilet. Having a heated towel radiator is no longer a convenience – it’s a necessity.

With so many different options available, it can be confusing trying to decide on the best heated towel radiator for your bathroom. There are a number of things you’ll have to consider which will inform your choice of the radiator, including energy use, power type, space limitations and building regulations.

Towel rails are available in a variety of finishes. This means you’ll have to decide which finish matches your existing décor. We’ve got all manner of models available, including stainless steel radiators from Reina, aluminium towel radiators from Carisa and electric towel radiators from DQ.

If you’re still unsure of which make or model of heated towel rail to opt for after reading this article, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts, who will be happy to discuss your options with you.

SALE: Lux Heat Chrome Towel Radiator in a chrome finish.
aeon vera stainless steel towel radiator

Heated Towel Rail Uses

Before splashing the cash on a heated towel rail, it makes sense to take a moment to consider how you’ll use it. For most people, the first thing that comes to mind is a heated radiator affixed to the wall in the bathroom – and it’s important to realise that you aren’t limited by room type at all.

Many people choose to install modern towel rails in utility rooms, kitchens, cloakrooms or ensuite bathrooms, too. Wherever you choose to install your heated towel rail, there are three main ways to use them and three ways your rail can be powered.

Central heating towel radiators

Most households in the UK have a central heating system installed. This is arguably the easiest way to connect your new towel radiator – simply plumb your new purchase into your existing central heating system via a pair of radiator valves. If you’re replacing an existing towel radiator, you might not even need to replace the existing radiator valves.

Connecting a towel radiator to your central heating system is the easiest and most popular way to ensure towels are kept warm and dry. It also means that your new towel radiator will function in the exact same way your conventional home radiators do. However, it’s important to understand that a centrally heated towel radiator won’t provide as much energy/heat output as an electric convector radiator.

SALE: Lux Heat Brass Towel Radiator in a brass finish.

 

Electric-only towel rails

Electric-only towel radiators are suited to high-rise buildings, flats and apartments. This is because the pressure required for central heating can be more difficult to achieve in the higher storeys of multi-occupancy buildings. Electric towel rails may be your only option if your property has no gas or central heating system whatsoever.

Electric towel radiators are easy to set up, although they must be installed or inspected and “signed off” by a qualified electrician. They’re also cost-effective to run, and modern electric towel radiators have aesthetic designs which can add real value to your bathroom.

While they’re more common in flats and apartments, you don’t have to live in a multi-occupancy building to benefit from electric towel radiators. For example, if you wanted to heat a conservatory, it might be easier and more cost-effective to install an electric towel radiator instead of paying for a plumber to extend your existing central heating/plumbing system. This particular scenario could also require planning permission, whereas the installation of an electric radiator won’t.

Towelrads Elcot Electric Stainless Steel Towel Radiator.

 

Dual fuel towel rails

Why not get the best of both worlds with a dual fuel heated towel radiator which features an electric heating element while being simultaneously connected to your central heating system? One of the added benefits of a dual fuel towel rail is that you can avail of warm towels all year round, even during the summer months when your central heating system is inactive.

 

Heated Towel Radiator Installation

There are several factors which will affect how and where you can install your new heated towel radiator, including:

• The shape of the room
• The dimensions you have to work with
• Existing pipework
• The size of your appliance
• Positioning of doors and existing bathroom fittings (such as the bath, sink, shower or toilet)
• The type of towel radiator (plumbed-in, electric or dual fuel)

You’ll also have to take the following into consideration:

• If you’re completely redecorating your bathroom, it will be easier to perform tasks like painting or retiling before you fit your new radiator.
• If you already have a plumbed-in towel radiator and you want to move your new radiator to another location, be sure to measure the correct dimensions and distance between any pipe inlets – and take these into account when purchasing a new appliance.
• Slim-line models may require some slight changes to existing plumbing/pipework – particularly if the plumbing comes through the floor as opposed to running parallel to the wall.
• If you’re installing an electric-only heater, you’ll need to ensure that electrical cables are sufficiently protected from water exposure, as per UK regulations. You may need an electrician to help with this.

Heated Towel Radiator Advantages

Still not sure? Why not consider the following benefits of heated towel radiators:

• Warm towels all-year-round
• Heated bathroom during the cold winter months
• More hygienic than leaving cold, camp towels around the house
• Stylish addition to the bathroom
• Choice of heating options
• Space-saving option for towel drying
• Easy to install
• Energy-saving (dry towels using your existing central heating setup)

If you’d like to know more about heated towel radiators and the options available to you, please get in touch with us today. A member of our friendly and experienced team will be able to advise you on the best heated towel rail for your space, style and budget.

At Just Radiators, we stock a wide range of radiators. From column radaitors to vertical radiators and compact radiators. We have it all. If you're looking for reliable at great prices then check out our radiators on sale.