BUYING A HEATED TOWEL RAIL
Although we may have already covered purchasing a towel radiator, and we’ve also done the rounds about dual fuel towel rails, this ultimate buying guide is going to be more thorough. We’ll show you some new products and ideas, and give you all the details on how to get heated towel rails.
You can remodel your bathroom or make an addition to it. Or maybe you just want to change the look of your bathroom heating. We’ll show you how to buy heated towel rails.
You might also find this useful if you are heating a kitchen.
HOW TO BUY A HEATED TOWEL RADIATOR
A heated towel rail, or towel radiator, was once a luxury that was only available to the wealthy.
You know the kind of people who have monogrammed towels or dressing gowns? ).
Ignoring the jokes, heated towel bars are now an affordable and essential item that can be used to provide heating and drying functions in all bathrooms.
How do you choose the right towel radiator for you home? And how can you spend your hard-earned cash to make the best decision?
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR HEATED TOWEL RAIL
Before you decide to go out and purchase a heated towel rail, make sure you know exactly how you will use it.
The bathroom is obviously the most obvious place to see a heated towel rail, but it’s not the only one.
A towel radiator can be placed in a utility or kitchen area, so it’s not unusual. And, of course, there’s the ensuite or cloakroom suite if you’re fortunate enough to have either one or both, as I mentioned.
However, regardless of where you install it, there are three main ways to use a towel radiator at your home, and three ways to power them up.
1 – CENTRAL HEEATING TOWEL RAIL
The majority of UK homes have a central heating system. This allows you to simply plug your towel rail into an existing central heating system using a pair or more of radiator valves.
This is the most popular way to use towel radiators to keep towels warm and dry. It also means that your heated towelrail will work the same way as a traditional radiator.
It is important to keep in mind that the heat output of this radiator won’t be as high as that of a convector radiator. But, we’ll get to that in a moment.
2 – ELECTRIC ELECTRIC TOWEL RAIL
A towel radiator that is electric-only is best suited for flats and high-rise buildings, where central heating pressure may not be possible or properties without gas or central heating.
An electric-only heated towel radiator is very easy to install (by a qualified electrician). It can also be cost-effective and provide towels with warmth and dryness. Modern models are beautiful and fun to look at.
To enjoy electric only towel rails you don’t need to live in a high rise building
If you’re looking to heat your conservatory, an electric variant can be cheaper than a plumbed. You won’t have to expand your plumbing system. In most cases, planning permission will be required to add a radiator to an existing central heating unit.
3 – DUAL FUEEL TOWEL RAIL
A dual fuel heated towelrail is a popular option for those who want to have both central heating and electric. It can be plugged into your central heating system and has an electric heating element.
It works by disconnecting the appliance from central heating using a TPiece fitting. This allows it to be used without the need for supplementary heating.
You can have warm towels all year long, even during the summer months when your central heating system may be shut off.
WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL A HEATED TOWEL RAIL?
The location of your heated towel rail depends on many factors.
Your bathroom, cloakroom, or ensuite shape.
These are the dimensions of the space.
Existing pipework.
Doors, pipes, and existing bathroom fittings (bathroom, sink, toilet, etc.)
It can be either plumbed, electric, or dual-fuel.
You need to choose the right size appliance.
For convenience and ease of use, it is important to think about where your towel radiator will be placed in relation to your other rooms.
It is easier to paint the walls behind your towel rail before you install it if you are doing a complete remodel or re-modeling of your bathroom.
We have a guide to help you remove and decorate it if you don’t have the time.
If you have an existing towel rail or plumbed radiator in your bathroom, and you don’t plan to move it, make sure you get the right dimensions and distance between the pipe outlets. This will allow you to use the same measurements when purchasing your new appliance.
If you have accurate measurements it will be possible to make a straight old to new swap. This will also save you some money as your plumber won’t need to move any pipework.
Towel radiators with a slim profile might require some modifications to the plumbing and pipework, especially if they are installed from the floor.
Any additional modifications to the underfloor plumbing will need to be made. If you’ve already laid new flooring, be aware that costs can quickly escalate and headaches may be in your future.
You should also consider that you will not get the same savings if you swap out an old towel rail or ‘plumbed radiator for an electric radiator. Your electrician or plumber can advise you on where to place your new appliance and whether it is worth the effort.
WHERE IS BEST TO HANG MY TOWEL RAIL?
Modern homes have improved insulation so you can mount your heated towel rail anywhere you like. However, it is best to place it on the coldest wall in the room.
This is usually the exterior wall of your space. If you are able to, attach your towel rail or radiator to the wall using a window or any other external wall.
This will ensure heat is evenly distributed throughout the space, increasing efficiency and making it a pleasant place to spend time in.
You should also consider the location of your towel rail relative to your shower or bath.
It is not a good idea to get out of your bath or shower and then walk on the bathroom floor in search of a towel.
Is it possible to heat my bathroom with a heated towel rail?
There are many factors that will determine whether or not a towel heater can heat your bathroom sufficiently to avoid requiring an additional source of heat.
Each bathroom is unique and has different needs.
Bathrooms are often warm and humid. We’re often more stark in bathrooms than in other places. They’re also the first place we go to in the morning, and the last place we see at nights.
Although heated towel rails are primarily designed to dry towels, they can also be used to warm small or medium-sized bathrooms, toilets, and ensuites.
You can also purchase additional heaters, but this will depend on whether you have enough space for two heating devices in addition to your sink, toilet, and bath.
There are a few options for you if you don’t have a bathroom and want somewhere to hang towels.
What SIZE TOWEL RADIATOR do I need?
A heated towel rail is sufficient to keep a small bathroom or an ensuite warm, as I mentioned above.
The size of your towel radiator will determine how big you need it to be.
TOWEL RADIATORS – A SMALL BATHROOM AND A BIG FAMILY
You might choose a ladder-style towel rack with many horizontal bars for a small bathroom that is frequented often by a large family.
A Milano Kent, which has many bars for towels, and the bottom inlets means it doesn’t take up much wall space, would work well in this space.
It is up to you to choose a flat profile or a curved one. The outputs of both appliances are very similar so it is really about what you like to look at and how you use it daily.
Although a curved design may have more space for towel storage than a straight one, it doesn’t make much difference in how warm your space will be.
While ladders are practical and useful, their benefits extend beyond that.
The ladder-style heated towel warmers can bring designer flair to your bathroom thanks to a variety of stylish upgrades and new designs.
HEATED TOWEL RAILS – ENSUITE OR CLOAKROOM –
An ensuite, which is rarely a large space, won’t need a lot of heat.
You will need something smaller and more compact to fit in your small space. However, it still provides plenty of storage space for towels.
KITCHEN TOWEL RADIOS
You won’t need a lot of BTUs in a small galley kitchen space. This is especially true if you are a MasterChef wannabe.
Towel rails in such spaces can be a great way of making sure you have a warm towel available for drying your hands and dishes.
Although heated towel rails aren’t as common as in a bathroom, they look great in a kitchen. A small space might only need something that can hang a few tea towels.
A towel rail will not work if you have more space in your kitchen to heat – such as a large space with a adjacent dining area.
WHAT SHOULD MY TOWEL RAIL CONTAIN?
Radiators and towel rails in the UK were made of mild steel historically.
It is inexpensive, heats up quickly, and retains heat for a long time making it an efficient way to bring warmth into a room.
For a variety of reasons, however, heated towel rails and radiators made from aluminium have been very popular in Europe for quite some time.
Aluminium appliances heat up faster than steel appliances – up to five times more in some cases – and are therefore considered to be more efficient at bringing warmth into a space.
They are more water-resistant than steel designs, which can reduce your heating bills and the environmental impact of your home’s heating system.
CHOOSING A FINISH THAT PERFECTS YOUR HEATED TOWEL RAIL
Like most heating appliances, or any other type of furniture or accessory, the final finish you choose will be determined by the décor of the space where the radiator or towel heater is to be installed.
For a long time, chrome or stainless steel has been the preferred finish for heated towel rails.
We are now seeing more customers opting to have towel radiators in a variety of finishes. Some even create a style around their appliances.
Let’s now take a look at some of the finishes currently in stock.
CHROME HEATED TOWEL RAILS
After making the leap from 5-star hotels to the bathroom of the country, the first mass-produced heated towelrail, chrome (or mirrored if preferred), first appeared in UK homes 30 years ago.
These stylish towel radiators remain hugely popular because they match other fixtures and fittings in bathrooms.
This finish can give your bathroom a consistent look and tie it all together. It is also a traditional way to heat your bathroom.
WHITE HEATED TOWEL RAILS
A white towel rail, like the chrome towel radiators that match most bathrooms’ fixtures, will match many bathroom suites.
A white towel warmer, which will look great in a white bathroom suite, is a stylish and striking way to add warmth and style to your space
You can also create a sense of cleanliness in your bathroom by using white or mineral white – provided that you maintain a clean and tidy home. This will help you to give the space a cohesive design that exudes designer style.
GREY & ANTHRACITE HEATED TOWEL ROAILS
Anthracite heated towel radiators are now some of the most sought-after designs in the UK. They offer something a little more stylish than a chrome or white installation.
SILVER HEATED TOWEL RAILS
Silver towel rails can be considered as a more subtle and toned-down version of chrome finished appliances.
Modern designs are less likely to show finger marks than chrome designs. This is something you should keep in mind if your children have small fingers.
Silver finishes are a great alternative to chrome and mirrored towel radiator designs. They add style and value to spaces and make them a conversation point for visitors and family members alike.
MINERAL QUARTZ HEATED TOWEL RAILS
A mineral quartz finish is definitely something you should consider if your bathroom heating needs are unique and out of the ordinary.
This is not a common end, but it will be a talking point that adds value.
TRADITIONALLY TYLED TOWEL RAILS
A traditional towel radiator can add a touch of authenticity to any bathroom or ensuite. It will also look great in a kitchen with a similar style.
MODERN HEATED TOWEL RAILS
A modern towel radiator is a must-have for any ultra-modern bathroom or suite in a cloakroom.
Flamboyant designs can instantly transform a room and add style to it.
CAN I INSTALL A HEATED TOWEL RAIL MYSELF?
It is not difficult to install a heated towel rail. If you are familiar with basic DIY, it should be easy.
Every heated towel rail purchased at Tapron comes with all the necessary fittings to mount your radiator.
You should have the tools and confidence to install a towel radiator.
The video below will help you to hang and dress a plumbed towel radiator.
If you are confident working with electricity, you will need to hire an electrician to complete the job. Here’s a video showing how to install a dual-fuel towel radiator.
We strongly recommend that you don’t even consider installing a towel radiator if DIY is not your thing.
There are many little things that can go wrong and cause serious problems or even death.
If you don’t have enough experience, the job is not worth it. We recommend consulting an engineer.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF AN INSTALLER TO INSTALL MY HEATED TOWEL RAIL?
The cost of installing a towel rail will vary depending on whether you use a traditional hot water central heating system or electric power, or both.
Although some tradespeople may be qualified in both electrics and plumbing, not all are qualified. It is important to make sure you hire the right person to do the job.
A Gas Safe Registered plumber is required to install a plumbed towel heater. This happens when the radiator is connected to other boilers.
A qualified electrician is required if you choose to install an electric heating system, where the appliance is connected to the main electrical supply.
You should also use a qualified sparky to make sure that your work conforms to Building Regulations.
Finally, if your dual fuel appliance is being connected, you will need to hire a professional who can legally do both the plumbing and the electrical work.
Because there are many variables involved in what you want done and who is doing it, the final cost of professional installation can vary quite a bit.
Keep in mind, however, that costs will vary depending upon where you live in the UK and how busy tradespeople are.
The costs shown below represent an average cost you could expect to pay.
You will need to spend – for a traditional hot water heated towelrail to be installed.
Between £200 and £300 labour
The appliance costs around £150
An electric towel radiator standard installation will cost you –
About £200 for labor
Towel rails available at a cost of between £150 to £200
You will likely have to pay for a heated towel warmer with dual fuel.
£300-£500 for labour
The appliance costs between £150 and £20
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