Towel Radiators

Towel radiators offer numerous benefits, elevating your bathroom with style and efficiency. This FAQ section dives into their advantages over standard radiators, their heating capabilities, ideal sizes, preferred styles and their electricity usage. Learn how these versatile fixtures not only warm your towels but also add a touch of elegance to your space while saving both energy and space.

 

What are the advantages of towel radiators over standard radiators?

Towel radiators stand out with their dual functionality, heating towels while providing a stylish storage solution. They are energy-efficient, cutting down heating costs and boasting a sleek design that saves space. With diverse styles available, from modern to traditional, they seamlessly integrate into any style of bathroom.

 

Do towel radiators heat the bathroom?

Aside from standard convector radiators, you could opt for a towel radiator or heated towel rail in a bathroom. While these are designed to - as the name suggests - heat bath towels, hand towels and robes, larger models are also capable of heating entire rooms. This is especially the case in small bathrooms; some towel radiators are tall and slim, meaning that you are maximising the available space available. Of course, it may not be the best choice for a large bathroom but, for a cloakroom or en-suite, towel radiators can actually be more energy efficient.

 

Can you use a heated towel rail in the summer?

Yes, you can use a heated towel rail in the summer, but it depends on your heating setup. With combi boilers, towel rails only heat when the central heating is on, which is typically off in warmer months. To solve this, many homeowners convert to "dual fuel" systems by adding an electric heating element. This lets the rail operate independently in the summer and switch back to central heating in winter.

 

Do towel radiators use a lot of electricity?

Heated towel rails spare you from using the entire central heating system. However, due to the energy demands of their internal heating element, they might incur high operational costs. Performing similarly to kettles, albeit with lower immediate power consumption, electric towel radiators might seem costly to run but the reality is quite different. In fact, they tend to be more economical compared to most other heating setups and can help to reduce heating expenses by around 40%.

 

How do you install a heated towel rail?

Installing a heated towel rail involves removing your existing radiator (if applicable), positioning and securing the new one, and connecting it to your heating system or electric supply (depending on the model). For a step-by-step guide, watch our video below:

This video shows you what tools you'll need, how to safely fit and connect your heated towel rail, and how to ensure a secure installation.

 

How long does it take for a heated towel rail to warm up?

The heating time for a towel rail can differ based on the model but, generally, it takes between 30 minutes to over an hour to become sufficiently warm.

 

Can you dry clothes on a heated towel rail?

Yes, you can dry clothes on a heated towel rail. While designed for towels, these rails work well for small items like socks or lightweight clothing. Just avoid overloading them; leave space for airflow to ensure proper drying. Be careful with delicate fabrics, as the rail can get quite hot, and check if your model is suitable for clothes.