Although not a new invention, heated towel rails have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Today, more and more people are recognising the benefits a heated towel rail can bring to the home. Central heating systems today are a far cry from systems of old; in energy efficiency, looks and design, and ease of installation.
Heated towel rails are of European origin, and were seen as an extravagant luxury item when first introduced back in the 1920’s. Heated towel rails were rather bulky affairs and were made of cast iron. Heated by hot water, they were commonly known as bath radiators. Their emergence onto the market unfortunately coincided with a world wide, great depression, and the concept never really caught the public’s imagination Times were hard, even those who could afford the luxury of a basic central heating system had to draw their belts in a bit, and the idea was put on hold.
By the end of the 1990s, manufacturing countries seemed to be doing well, and quietly there was sense of growing optimism; the long years of feast and famine had ended, a period of greater stability was being enjoyed, and consumers could more afford life’s little luxuries. Enter once again the heated towel rail, no longer seen purely as a luxury item, but an essential part of modern day bathrooms.
Heated towel rails may also be installed in bedrooms and kitchens, providing not only additional heat, but a useful heated rack to perhaps warm winter clothing before heading outdoors on a cold winter’s day, or dry-out wet outer clothing. Heated towel rails are particularly handy if your bathroom is chilly, which many older and period houses can be. Apart from home owners, many businesses use heated towel rails. The best hotels and salons provide heated towel rails as standard. Understanding that with many customers, it’s often the little things that count.
In days of old, the choice of radiators and heated towel rails was limited, decisions were not so difficult, but with the range of products available today, it can be hard to decide which appliance is best suited to your needs, and what the differences are between the various types.
With an electric heated towel rail: you simply plug the appliance into a conveniently located electrical socket, and switch on. Electric heated towel rails are filled with oil and contain a filament which heats the oil. As the oil temperature rises, it heats the towel rail, and the towels. This type of heated towel rail uses low power and is both safe and energy efficient.
The second method of heating a bathroom towel rail is by connecting to the hot water central heating system and is known as a hydronic heated towel rail. Not quite so simple as flicking a switch to get operational, but not such a big job…although a certain level of DIY and plumbing competency is required if you are to tackle it yourself.
The third and perhaps most popular type of heated towel rail is the dual fuel towel rail. This versatile radiator is powered by an electric element but is also connected to the hot water central heating system. The benefit of installing a dual fuel heated towel rail is the ability to use the towel radiator in summer when the central heating is switched off.
Today, there are many attractive styles of heated towel rails available to compliment and enhance your bathroom. The range of materials and finishes too is large, and can be matched to most décor and colour preferences. Whether your choice is for something sleek and stylish in stainless steel, or a chromed finish; a standard white, or even attention grabbing black, leading online suppliers can usually meet your needs, and are often able to offer a far wider range of heated towel rails and radiators than many high street shops who are limited by display and storage space.
If you are a novice when it comes to radiators, it can be easy to get lost in a minefield of jargon and end up not really understanding the different types of radiator that are available on the market. This article aims to make it a little easier for you.
