Towel Radiators & Heated Towel Rails

Choosing the right size towel radiator for your bathroom involves considering factors such as the look you are going for, the heat source that will power the rail, the size of the room, the number of towels you want to warm, and the available wall space.

Simply use our online heating calculator to determine the amount of BTU you require to heat the space you have. If you are looking for a single unit to dry a lot of towels and heat your room, it is worth adding 5–10% to the output required. Also, look for a rail with lots of gaps for towels, or consider adding robe hooks.

Consider the look of your bathroom to determine whether a traditional or designer towel radiator would be more suitable. Also, try to match the finish to the brassware to achieve a consistent look.

Wall-mounted towel radiators are most popular as they save on floor space and can utilise otherwise dead space under windows.

Floor-mounted towel radiators tend to be traditional in style and capable of serving larger rooms.

If your bathroom lacks a central heating system, it is likely that a standalone electric towel radiator will be most suitable. Or if you want to utilise both the central heating and electrical supply, you may opt for a dual-fuel towel radiator. These can be used during the colder months when the central heating system is active and independently during warmer periods or when the central heating is turned off, drying your towels year-round.

Towel radiators can be used as the primary heat source in a bathroom. Our stylish towel radiators are designed to not only warm towels but also provide a cosy temperature in the bathroom. Simply use our heating calculator to determine the heat output you require. It's worth noting that if you are looking to dry a lot of towels, add 5 to 10% to the required output.

Towel radiators serve the dual purpose of warming towels and providing ambient heat to the room. The optimal temperature setting depends on how warm you like it; this usually ranges from 18 to 22 degrees.  If you have a TRV installed this is usually number 3 on the valve.  Read more about what the numbers on a thermostatic valve mean. 

Electric towel radiators are standalone units that operate independently of a central heating system. They are connected to the electrical supply and use electricity to generate heat.

The power rating of electric towel radiators is measured in watts. Higher-wattage units generally consume more electricity but can heat larger spaces. The overall electricity consumption depends on factors such as the type of control, whether standard or thermostatic, the insulation in the room, the duration of operation, and the temperature setting.

Certainly, if you have knowledge of basic plumbing skills and experience connecting pipes, you will likely be able to handle the installation. Check out our YouTube channel for handy videos such as Installing a Towel Rail: A Time-lapse Video. 

If you have safety concerns or doubts concerning the installation because it involves complex plumbing or if it requires modifications to the existing heating system, hire a professional.

If you're looking to install an electric towel radiator, ensure you have the necessary electrical knowledge to connect it safely; otherwise, hire a professional.

Dual-fuel towel radiators can operate using both central heating and electricity. This versatility enables year-round use, providing warmth and the ability to dry towels, allowing you to use the radiator during the colder months when the central heating system is active and independently during warmer periods or when the central heating is turned off.

Towel radiators generally require minimal maintenance, but it is advised to do the following:

Regularly clean by wiping down the surface to remove dust and any potential buildup with a soft, damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish.

Check the towel radiator for cold spots; these can be caused by trapped air, which reduces its ability to heat the room and can cause internal corrosion. Bleeding the radiator will release this trapped air and improve performance. Follow the steps in our handy guide to find out how.  

How to bleed a towel radiator

The primary difference between ladder-style and traditional towel radiators is in the design and appearance.

Ladder-style towel radiators have a modern design that has a series of horizontal bars. The bars are typically evenly spaced, creating a ladder-like structure. The style lends itself perfectly to hanging towels. Ladder rails come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, and finishes, meaning they can be easily worked into the design of a bathroom. They are often found in modern or minimalist-style bathrooms.

Traditional towel radiators have a more classic design and are more reminiscent of traditional heating radiators, often featuring integral columns and Victorian detailing. Traditional radiators often have a larger overall heating surface area compared to ladder-style radiators. This can contribute to increased heat output and efficiency. It goes without saying that traditional towel radiators are well-suited for bathrooms with a more classic or period-style design.