A heated towel rail keeps towels warm and dry and helps heat the bathroom. Before choosing a style or finish, you'll need to decide how it will be powered. There are three main options.
Central heating towel rails
These connect to your home's central heating system, just like a standard radiator, and heat up whenever your heating is on.
- Pros: usually the cheapest to buy and run, and they warm the room as well as your towels.
- Cons: they only work when the central heating is on, so in summer your towels won't be warmed.
- Best for: main bathrooms where the rail is also the room's main source of heat.
Electric towel rails
Electric towel rails run independently of your central heating. They're either filled with liquid and heated by an element, or "dry" electric models that heat without any fluid.
- Pros: they work all year round, and many have thermostats or timers so you only heat them when needed. There's no need to connect to your heating pipes.
- Cons: running costs depend on the wattage and how long you use them.
- Best for: en-suites, cloakrooms and rooms without central heating pipes. Electric towel rails must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Dual fuel towel rails
A dual fuel towel rail connects to your central heating and has an electric heating element. It runs on central heating in winter and switches to electric when the heating is off.
- Pros: the best of both, with warm towels all year round.
- Cons: needs both a plumber and an electrician to install, and the right valves and element.
- Best for: main bathrooms where you want warm towels in summer too.
Many of our towel rails can be ordered as central heating, electric or dual fuel. You'll see the options on each product page. Matching heating elements are also available.
Other things to consider
- Finish: chrome is the classic choice, while matt black, anthracite, white and brushed brass suit modern bathrooms.
- Size and output: if the rail is the only heat source in the room, check its heat output is enough for the space.
- Bathroom zones: electrical items in bathrooms must meet safety rules for each zone, so always use a qualified electrician.
Questions? Call us on 01206 913565 or email sales@traderadradiators.co.uk.