How to choose a heated towel rail and figure out which one is better?

Rating of stainless steel water heated towel rails

In houses with central heating, the pressure in the pipes can reach 10 bar, so experts believe that best water heated towel rail for high-rise buildings - the one made of stainless steel. Stainless steel radiators tolerate pressure drops well, especially models with an intricate "snake" shape.

Energy Prestige Modus 800×500

pros

• 11 crossbars and a warm shelf
• 4 wiring diagrams
• heat dissipation 406 W
• operating pressure up to 15 atm, limit 77 atm

Minuses

not detected

From 9556 ₽

The first and best in the ranking of water heated towel rails was the Energy Prestige Modus bathroom heater. He has the best value for money. It is also easy to connect and use. And Mayevsky's crane is an additional plus in the piggy bank.

Sunerzha Galant+ 800×500

pros

• Mayevsky's crane
• working pressure 3-15 atm, limit 60 atm
• limit temperature 1050C

Minuses

expensive

From 18720 ₽

The heater has a laconic ladder design with 6 sections, which led to a lower heat output than the leader, only 330 watts. The battery is suitable for central, hot water or closed heating systems. Complete set of installation tools included.

TERMINUS Aviel P14 532×1056

pros

• 14 bars
• 519 W heat
• Mayevsky's crane

Minuses

• pressure 9 atm
• bottom connection only

From 12370 ₽

A huge (106x53x13cm) radiator with thick walls (2 mm) will organically fit into a large bathroom. You can only connect it to the water supply system, but not to the heating system: the working pressure is not enough. For this only 3rd place.

Manufacturers

In a business like buying a heated towel rail, one of the most important parameters is the name of the manufacturer. It is a high-profile brand that guarantees that high-quality materials were used in the manufacture and technology was observed.

Self-respecting companies give a guarantee on their product from 1 year. The longer the warranty, the more reliable the product can be considered. However, please note that the installation of the dryer must be carried out in accordance with all standards. Otherwise, the warranty may be voided.

There are several Russian companies that have a sufficient level of reliability: Terminus, Sunerzha, Nika, Dvin, Trugor.

Among European manufacturers, products from Arbonia, Energy, Terma, Margaroli, Kermi demonstrate high quality.

The heated towel rails of the Italian-French brand Atlantic stand apart. These are designer models with a top-end feature set in any, even the most budget-friendly device.

Atlantic is one of the TOP-3 manufacturers of heated towel rails in Europe. Due to the scale of production, the company's models are 3-5 times cheaper than their Russian counterparts and 8-10 times cheaper than the devices of European brands such as Zehnzer and Margaroli. The power of the models is high - from 350 to 750 W, for quickly warming up the bathroom and drying towels. At the same time, various modes allow you to configure the heated towel rail so that the monthly electricity costs do not exceed 200-300 rubles.

How to choose the right water heated towel rail?

The heated towel rail determines the level of warmth and comfort in the bathroom. Therefore, you should not install the first device that comes across. Fortunately, the variety of the assortment allows you to choose a model that will successfully combine operational parameters and aesthetic qualities.

Production material

Traditional clothes dryers, made of little presentable cast-iron pipes covered with a thick layer of oil paint, have long supplanted the so-called "design radiators".

The main color of modern models of “design radiators” is metallic silver, although there are also white water heated towel rails.

The material of manufacture for such devices is:

• protected black steel;
• stainless steel;
• non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper or brass).

Dryers made of black protected steel are easily corroded, so products made from such material are purchased more when arranging country houses, where an autonomous heating system is provided.

Non-ferrous metals are also famous for their good heat dissipation. But the service life of non-ferrous metal structures is limited to 5-10 years.

Towel dryers made of copper or brass are quite attractive and are a worthy decoration of the bathroom interior.

If we talk about structures made of non-ferrous metals, then they are rather preferred due to their interesting appearance. Due to the precipitation and dissolution of impurities during the operation of a brass product, wear of the material will be visible on the bends and walls of the structure even after the first five years of service.

Matte materials in noble shades look harmonious in bathrooms decorated in a classic style, as well as modern or art deco

The most popular, albeit the most expensive, are stainless steel towel warmers. As a rule, seamless seamless pipes with a wall thickness of 3 mm are used for their production. Due to this manufacturing method, the product acquires high resistance to the aggressions of hard water and pressure drops.

To give an external presentability, stainless steel products are additionally polished or chrome plated.

Regarding the price issue: painted models are more affordable, while the purchase of a polished device can “hit the pocket”.

The shape and size of the structure

Equally important is the shape of the water heated towel rail for the bathroom. Modern leading manufacturers offer the following product configurations:

• Classic models in shape resembling the letters "P" and "M", as well as combined versions of "PM";
• "S"-shaped products, outwardly resembling a curving snake;
• Upgraded models equipped with one or two shelves;
• Decorative versions in the form of ladders, drops, loops and cascades.

Wide and narrow models, overall designs and compact heated towel rails equipped with miniature shelves are on sale. The choice is limited only by your preferences and the amount of funds that you are ready to allocate for an attribute that is so necessary in the household.

The popularity rating is headed by unusually shaped decorative models, which are a real highlight in the bathroom interior.

Design decoration

The appearance of modern towel dryers can be both tritely simple and pretentiously complex. Depending on the finishing materials involved in the design and the color palette that sets the tone for the walls of the bathroom, you can choose products in matte colors or silver shades.

A touch of sophistication and sophistication in the interior can be brought by a water heated towel rail, made using mirror chrome plating

In the presence of metallized decor elements in the interior, designers recommend opting for chrome-plated equipment. Quite roomy "seat" arches and circles equipped with shelves.

If there are no chrome parts in the design of the bathroom, and a light arch or ladder harmoniously fits into the overall design, it is better to choose a white painted model.Dryers look gracefully, outwardly resembling a sinusoid.

Do not get carried away with overly elaborate options. Fashion for them can pass in 2-3 years, and time-tested classics will delight with conciseness of forms for several decades.

Types of heated towel rails

Water

The good old coils have been familiar to us since the days of the USSR. Unless in recent years they have become much more efficient and elegant.

The water heated towel rail is connected to the existing heating system, regardless of its type (central or individual). If the bathroom has a water-heated floor, the dryer can even be inserted into a common line, however, then its temperature will be as low as in the lower branch.

On the one hand, water coils are good because they do not directly depend on the power supply. On the other hand, they work only if there is hot water in the heating circuit, which means that they become useless in summer.

Of course, you can also connect a heated towel rail to the hot water circuit, but not all houses and cities have hot water supplied centrally and without interruption.

Pros:

• Energy independence;
• Efficient room heating and drying;
• Simplicity of design;
• Do not require maintenance;
• Safety;
• Low cost.

Minuses:

• Dependent on availability of hot water;
• More often it is in them that air congestion is formed;
• Like radiators, over time they become overgrown with scale or corrode from the inside.

Electrical

These are already separate "batteries" with a closed circuit. Due to the design features, they have slightly larger dimensions, since space is required inside to install the heating element. But such heated towel rails can be mounted anywhere in the room - as long as there is a 220 V socket at a distance of the length of the cord.

Depending on the selected coolant, electrical models are divided into two types:

1. Oil - characterized by good heat capacity.

2. "Dry" - in such heated towel rails there is no longer a heating element that heats the liquid, but a cable is simply laid.

Pros:

• Reliability and long service life;
• Independence from the water supply;
• Efficient drying with relatively low power consumption (up to 150 W);
• The heated towel rail can be turned off at any time.

Minuses:

• Dependence on electricity;
• High price.

Also, electric models, unlike water ones, can have a whole range of additional functions, such as a timer, thermostat and protective automation.

Combined

These universal models combine the advantages of water and electric heated towel rails, that is, they can be thrown both to hot water supply or heating, and to the network. Accordingly, their equipment includes fittings (nuts, bushings, gaskets, etc.), and a cord with a plug.

When connected to all communications, you can use the dryer all year round: in winter from the heating system, in summer, from the outlet. One problem is the choice of an installation site that will allow double installation.

Pros:

• Ability to use different heat sources;
• Easy to operate;
• Economical electricity consumption.

Minuses:

• The complexity of installation;
• High price.

According to the material of manufacture of the heated towel rail

If, when choosing a water-type product, one is guided not only by its shape and technical characteristics, then one more important nuance can be noted

When buying, always pay attention to what material it is made of.

Tips on how to choose towel warmer for the bathroom according to the material of manufacture

Today you can find products that are made of iron, steel, stainless steel, as well as various kinds of non-ferrous metals. What is the best material to choose this plumbing fixture for drying clothes in the bathroom, we want to tell below.

Water heated towel rails made of iron and then painted are among the cheapest products, but at the same time their service life is very short. If you do not have enough funds, then it is the iron unit that is the most suitable option for you.

Towel warmers that are made of stainless steel are very reliable and can serve their owner for a very long time. The advantages of these products include the fact that they can withstand sufficiently high pressure and are not susceptible to corrosion. The disadvantages include their high cost, because they are several times more expensive than copper or steel products. But on the market you can also find a budget analogue - this is a painted version for stainless steel. Although such a product, with frequent use, very quickly loses its attractive appearance.

Non-ferrous metal water heated towel rails - bronze photo

If we talk about brass or copper heated towel rails, they are not susceptible to corrosion and are much cheaper than their stainless steel counterparts. At the same time, the allowable pressure that such a water device can withstand is 5-6 bar. In this connection, they are suitable for those private houses where the water pressure does not exceed 2 - 4 atmospheres.

Steel units have gained great popularity due to the fact that they have a fairly low cost. This is where the advantages of steel heated towel rails end. After some time after operation, the first traces of corrosion can be seen on them. Ideally, such a device would be completely filled with water. Otherwise, even in small voids, an active accumulation of oxygen will begin, which causes very rapid oxidation of the pipes.

Towel rail made of steel ladder type photo

A very simple example can be given in this situation. For example, water heated towel rail steel was purchased for a private house and it was connected to a hot water supply system, and installed directly in front of the washbasin. After a while, you may notice that rather cloudy water begins to flow from the tap. This can be explained by the fact that the pressure that needs to be applied in relation to the mixer is several times less than that needed to fully fill the plumbing fixture with water.

This leads to a gradual accumulation of oxygen, then an oxidation process occurs, which causes very cloudy water. Experts recommend connecting such a water appliance to a central heating system.

The best electric towel warmers

Electrical equipment is good because it works regardless of the heating season. In addition, it is not necessary to install it in the place designated for the dryer. It is quite possible to fix it where it is more convenient (provided that there is an outlet nearby).

Atlantic «Adelis»

5

★★★★★
editorial score

97%
buyers recommend this product

The model of the popular French brand works silently.For convenient operation, the manufacturer has provided the settings "2h Boost" and "24h Auto". In the first case, the device will operate at maximum power in order to quickly heat the room, or dry a large number of things. In the second - automatically maintain the temperature selected by the user.

There is an auto-off timer for drying towels, anti-dust protection. An anti-freeze function is also provided - to constantly maintain a positive temperature in the bathroom.

Advantages:

• Classic design;
• Sufficiently long cord with a plug;
• Easy installation;
• Safe use;
• Excellent functionality.

Flaws:

Even in boost mode, it does not heat up too quickly.

The model is offered in two versions, differing in power: 300 and 500 watts. The model is narrow, so the device can be installed in confined spaces.

Argo "Ray 4"

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

94%
buyers recommend this product

Rotary stainless steel towel warmer is connected by an electric wire with a plug. The design of the ladder type has 4 sections. The device has a power of 60 W and an automatic shutdown mode when the desired temperature is reached.

Advantages:

• Thermostat;
• Minimum energy costs;
• Convenient design;
• Classic design to match any bathroom style.

Flaws:

• Installed at a distance from the water source (minimum 60 cm);
• The device is small - do not hang a lot of towels.

The characteristics of this model are at a good level. Just keep in mind that the device is compact and designed for use in small bathrooms.

Margaroli "Sole" 542-4 Box

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

96%
buyers recommend this product

A small but functional model has a power of 100 watts. Thoughtful design allows you to warm up even large rooms, although the dimensions of the device itself are small (66x57x47cm). The heated towel rail is connected to an outlet and an inch DHW pipe. The device is equipped with a thermostat and turns off when the temperature reaches +70 °C, saving electricity.

Advantages:

• Four sections for drying;
• Pipes are located far from each other;
• There is a possibility of hidden installation;
• Can be placed in close proximity to a water source;
• Quality manufacturing materials.

Flaws:

• Poor response to water pressure drops;
• Power consumption is above average.

Experts advise against installing brass appliances in apartment buildings, where water pressure drops often occur. If there is no such problem, Margaroli Sole will be an excellent and durable solution for a relatively small bathroom.

Advantages of a water heated towel rail over an electric one

Installation of equipment in the bathroom should be carried out on the basis of feasibility and technical capabilities. Before starting repair you should develop a plan for installing equipment, an interior, calculate an estimate and determine the price range for each purchase. Outline the shape, size, cost and choose a heated towel rail for the bathroom along with all the equipment. To make the right choice between a water and electric heated towel rail, you need to know their main technical features and differences.

• Water.
• Electrical.
• Combined.

The simplest water heated towel rail is a metal pipe of small diameter bent into a coil connected to a hot water supply (DHW) or heating system.

Hot water is passed through the inner lumen of the pipe under slight pressure, thereby heating it, creating the effect of a radiator. If the house has a source of hot water or the ability to connect to it, then such a heated towel rail will be the best of all offered on the plumbing market.

An electric towel warmer can be in the form of a curved tube, lattice, spiral, depending on the model, requirements or design solutions. Inside, instead of hot water, there is a spiral or tubular electric heater (TEN). The supply of electricity to the heating element leads to its heating and the generation of heat, which passes to the walls of the heated towel rail. Design can be fixed or portable and, depending on the requirements, it comes in different sizes.

The combined heated towel rail works on the principle of water and electric. It is also connected to the DHW and acts as a radiator. Its design includes a built-in heating element or a heating coil during the absence of hot water. Suitable for those who often experience interruptions in the supply of hot water, but there is a need for constant operation of the heated towel rail.

Now consider which heated towel rail is better, electric or water, depending on their design and principle of operation.

Water heated towel rail

A constant flow of hot water will heat it up in the bathroom without any additional investment. The design feature allows you to install on the pipeline of any diameter and water quality.

Maintenance of such heated towel rails is necessary due to leaks or blockages after decades of service. But this rarely happens, because they are changed to new models before the problem appears. Profitability, practicality, durability - the distinctive qualities of the product among analogues.

Electric towel warmer

The only way out is in the bathrooms, where there is no access to the hot water or heating system. On sale there are many models suitable for the interior features in any bathroom. Previously, they were very popular, but now every owner is trying to install a water heater or an individual heating system, to which a more economical model of a water heated towel rail is connected. The increase in electricity prices encourages the abandonment of such models altogether.

Combined heated towel rail

This type of heated towel rail will be relevant when there is access to hot water, but sometimes there are interruptions. Then it can be connected to the mains and enjoy dry towels. The combined towel warmer is a good choice if you want to have constant comfort at home.

What are the sizes of towel warmers?

First of all, we highlight the difference between plumbing fixtures according to the principle of operation. There are three types of structures:

• electrical;
• water;
• combined.

The layout of housing of apartment buildings involves the installation of a heated towel rail bathroom stainless steel and connection to a hot water or heating system (in older houses). Therefore, water plumbing fixtures are very popular. The simplicity of design and connection makes them popular.The peculiarity of the work is that the heating of the surface occurs only when hot water (heating) is turned on.

Electric heated towel rails include in the required mode, and this allows you to be independent of the operation of the water supply. The complexity of the design makes the equipment expensive, which reduces demand.

A combined type heater is installed if the consumer wishes to use two types of heating for greater efficiency.

dimensions

Since Soviet times, a prototype of a heated towel rail has developed in the form of a coil of the same size. Progress does not stand still and, today, manufacturers of sanitary equipment offer a wide range of drying equipment towels, which differ in shape and size. External devices are:

• M-shaped (usual coils);
• U-shaped;
• ladders (with or without a shelf);
• S-shaped;
• other designs.

These structures have different overall dimensions, both in height and in width. Plumbing manufacturers are trying to comply with the standard height of the coils, which is used for the usual connection to the hot water riser, while the length and internal weave of the pipes are performed in various ways. Other configurations of heated towel rails have no size restrictions, and if the consumer wishes, custom-made designs are made according to the specified dimensions.

The smallest plumbing fixture for drying towels has dimensions of 400x500 mm. Such a unit will be convenient for use in a small bathroom, or when installed as an additional heated towel rail.

Characteristic, for devices resembling any letter, is the elongation of the structure. For example,

• M-shaped: height - 55 cm, length 50-120 cm;
• U-shaped, with a height of 30 cm, have a length of 50–90 cm.

For plumbing fixtures, in the form of a ladder, more often - on the contrary, the height is greater than the length. For example, with a structure width of 50 cm, the vertical dimension ranges from 60 cm to 130 cm. At the same time, the width can also change.

When it comes to standard sizes, this means that the applicant for a plumbing fixture is talking about the accepted height for connecting to a hot water riser. It is also possible to tacitly standardize the rounded dimensions of any structures. Let's say 60x80 cm, 50x90 cm or 60x120 cm, etc.

Connecting

According to the type of installation to the required engineering network, the connection of a plumbing fixture can be of the following types:

• vertical (straight);
• bottom (horizontal);
• diagonal.

The diagonal connection method is considered effective in terms of heat transfer. But its use is not always convenient and requires design features of the water supply. The remaining two methods allow you to clearly mount the unit to the required engineering networks and use it comfortably.

The connection diameter of heated towel rails is threaded and is calculated in inch values. Most of the manufactured devices are made with a 1/2” internal thread. Given the large number of manufactured products and manufacturers, not everyone makes just such a design for connecting to network pipes. The size can be 3/4 "or 1", and the thread is made both external and internal.

The purchase of a device for drying towels is due to its further installation in the required place. Depending on the distance between the connection pipes, select the required option.When carrying out repairs in an apartment or house, it is advisable to purchase equipment before laying the supplied communications. The supply of pipes in this case is carried out according to the size of the plumbing fixture.

TERMINUS Lazio P11

Main characteristics:

• Working pressure, Atm - 3-9;
• Power, W - 300;
• Dimensions, cm - 103 × 53.5 × 11.

Construction and material of manufacture. The stainless steel towel holder with glossy surfaces is made in the form of a ladder with uneven pitch between 11 steps arranged in 3 sections. The product is welded from rectangular pipes with a wall thickness of 2 mm, which guarantees a long service life. The heated towel rail has rather large dimensions of 103x53.5x11 cm. For proper filling during the starting period, a Mayevsky crane is mounted in the upper part of the structure.

TERMINUS Lazio P11 in the interior.

Settings and connection. This model is designed for operation under pressure from 3 to 9 atmospheres at a maximum coolant temperature of 110 degrees Celsius. It has a bottom connection type with G½ threaded fittings.