Guide to Buying Heated Towel Rails For Your Bathroom

Grey tiles bathroom with heated towel rail

Whether you’re renovating your bathroom, or simply giving it a quick refresh you can combine form and function when you choose to install a heated towel rail.

For the very best value for money with just one item doing two jobs, a heated towel rail is a perfect way to heat your bathroom and warm your towels, all whilst creating a stunning focal point that merges effortlessly with your bathroom decor.

So if you’re thinking of purchasing a heated towel rail for your bathroom, read on to find out which heated towel rail is right for you and your home...

Do towel radiators heat the bathroom? Are they warm enough?

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the functionality of heated towel rails is, do they actually heat up your bathroom? In short, the answer is yes! Heated towel rails are ideal for making your bathroom a warm, comfortable place to be, especially on those cold winter days!

Can I replace a radiator with a heated towel rail?

Yes. Heated towel rails plumb straight into your water system, just like a normal radiator, and warm up when your central heating is running.

Read more: How to Fit & Replace a Radiator

Heated towel rails are ideal for bathrooms that are short on space, such as an ensuite or downstairs toilet. You might also consider replacing your existing radiator with a heated towel rail, to give your bathroom some much needed extra space, or to provide somewhere to store your towels.

Which heated towel rail is right for my bathroom?

We have a number of different styles available including flat panel heated towel rails, electric heated towel rails, and more. As everyone's home is likely to have different needs when it comes to choosing a heated towel rail, such as the power source or size it's essential for you to choose the right heated towel rail for your needs.

Keep reading to find out more.

Flat panel heated towel rails

Duratherm Flat Panel Heated Towel Rail Anthracite

If you’re looking for a minimalistic style of heated towel rail, we highly recommend a flat panel heated towel rail - the wide, flat panels distribute heat evenly and look seriously smart in your bathroom. Brought to you in a number of different sizes and colours, you’ll be sure to find one to suit your space.

Shop flat panel towel rails at Plumbworld

Electric heated towel rails

DuraTherm Electric Towel Radiator

Did you know that as well as those heated towel rails that are powered by your central heating, you can buy heated towel rails that are fully electric? Electric towel rails are a brilliant option for the times when it is difficult (or impossible) to connect your towel rail to the central heating system in your home.

Electric towel radiators not only look stylish but also perform fantastically too. No more damp towels to be seen here! This electric towel radiator is pre-fitted for electrical installation only. This is especially great if you have nowhere to plumb your heated towel rail into the central heating system.

Dual fuel heated towel rails

Not only are heated towel rails available in electrical models, but you can also find many duel fuel options.

Providing true flexibility a dual-fuel heated towel rail has the ability to run not only via a central heating system but also on electricity. This can be particularly useful if you need to quickly dry a towel or warm up your bathroom when your central heating is turned off, even in the summer.

Read more: How to Keep a Bathroom Warm in Winter

Smart heating

If you're looking for a smart heating solution for your bathroom then a smart heated towel rail or smart heating element might be the way to go.

Smart heating elements come in a variety of designs from standard electric or central heating controls to the option for dual fuel compatibility. Along with the ability to control your heated towel rail from your phone, a smart valve also allows you to set a timer for added convenience.

Designer heated towel rails

Duratherm Anthracite Heated Towel Rail

Adding a stylish yet practical statement piece into your bathroom just became a whole lot easier, with a designer heated towel rail. Gone are the days when you could only choose between white or chrome towel rails!

With a wide range of styles and sizes to suit any bathroom, you're guaranteed to find a stylish heated towel rail to suite your home.

Traditional heated towel radiators

If you're looking to renovate a traditional bathroom or give your bathroom a small classic touch then you can't go wrong with a traditional towel radiator. Not only does it have a traditional radiator style, perfect for keeping your whole bathroom warm, but it also features classic chrome heated rails, perfect for hanging towels to keep them warm and dry.

Calculating BTU

Before choosing your new heated towel rail it's essential to work out the heating needs of your bathroom. This can be done by calculating the BTU (British Thermal Units) needed to heat your bathroom efficiently.

You can easily calculate your BTU with our handy heating calculator which can be found here.

Heated towel rail valves

What's more, you can also choose matching valves for your heated towel rail. Valves are a piece of essential kit to ensure your radiator works as they determine the flow of water and regulate the temperature.

However, make sure to choose the right type of valve for your heated towel rail and not just one that looks the part. The shape and size of the valve you need will depend on factors such as the type of pipes you have and the available space in your bathroom.

If you're looking for further heating advice, you might find the following posts useful - A Guide to Bathroom Heating - Choosing the Best Radiator for Your Home - How to Fit & Replace a Radiator.


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