Which water heated towel rail is better: learning how to choose the right one

Amir Gumarov
Checked by a specialist: Amir Gumarov
Author: Tatyana Zakharova
Last update: March 2019

A heated towel rail helps to quickly get rid of excess moisture in the bathroom and dry wet items. New models of “dryers” not only cope well with the shortcomings of the microclimate, but also decorate the interior. However, the attractiveness of design simply must be combined with functionality, do you agree?

Useful information on how to choose the best equipment for arranging a bathroom, we are happy to share with you. This article sets out the information collected during the actual preparation for the purchase of the device. It addresses all issues that may arise from the buyer.

We offer you a detailed description of the characteristics that you need to pay attention to before purchasing. Here is an overview of products from leading manufacturers in the segment. The selection criteria are justified by weighty arguments, the information is confirmed by photos and video recommendations.

Water pipe requirements

The bathroom is the wettest place in the house and apartment, so it is necessary to provide additional heating to the room. Heated towel rail helps to quickly dry towels or linen, prevents mold and eliminates damping floor and wall finishes.

In addition, modern models are a stylish decoration of the bathroom interior, since progressive designers are constantly working on the appearance of devices.

Chrome heated towel rail
A chromed towel rail in the shape of a ladder is an ideal version of the water structure with a traditional arrangement of elements, convenient for drying wet things. Mounted in the free zone on the wall

Water heated towel rail as standard, it looks like a curved pipe in the middle of which hot water circulates.If the water supply stops circulating, the product stops working.

Choosing water heated towel railFirst of all, the pressure level in the pipes must be taken into account. According to current building standards and GOST requirements, the water pressure in the intake fittings is more than 6 Atm.

Water towel warmer snake
When choosing a towel dryer to be connected to a central hot water system or to water heating, find out what pressure the device can withstand

The water pressure in the pipes of apartment buildings can be 2.5-7.5 Atm. The indicator depends on the place of construction, the quality of communications and the number of floors in the building. In private homes pipe pressure usually 2-3 atm. Therefore, before buying, you should find out the indicators of the water supply system and add to the obtained value several positions for hydraulic shocks.

Water efficiency heated towel rail depends on the sweep area of ​​the pipe. The original design in the form of a ladder has the ability to give off the maximum amount of heat and easily tolerates water hammer.

When choosing a dryer, special attention must be paid to the diameter of the pipes. In some cases, a special adapter is required for the installation and connection of the heating device.

Water towel rail performance
The larger the total area of ​​the pipes from which the water heated towel rail is made, the greater its heat transfer. If devices from thick pipes are not satisfied, it is better to take a device with thin, but often located elements

The main criteria for choosing water models

Bathroom repair involves replacing obsolete plumbing equipment, including heated towel railconnected to the hot water system (DHW) or heating. When choosing a heating device, one should evaluate not only the external attractiveness of the product, but also the strength of the material.

Not every model heated towel rail It is able to withstand the regular differences in working pressure that occur in the centralized heating system of apartment buildings.

It is worth considering that the peak values ​​of pressure in the pipes can reach 10 Atm. Therefore, it is important to know what technical characteristics and features of the heating device you need to pay attention to first.

Correct is important water installation heated towel rail. In most cases, installation of the structure is carried out before finishing finishing work in the bathroom.

This significantly saves finances and time spent on installation work. Many installation problems are easier to solve using modern electrical models.

Place of installation of water heated towel rails
In most cases, the installation of water dryers is carried out in bathrooms with a connection to the heating pipe or to the hot water supply system

Appearance heated towel rails

In shape heated towel rails water type can be divided into several different types. Standard models include heating appliances that look like a bent pipe. Outwardly, they can resemble the letter “P” or “M”.

In recent years, modern models of heating structures of unusual sizes and shapes are gaining popularity. To design modern interiors, consumers often consider progressive design models, for example, in the form of a zigzag or ladder, presented by manufacturers in different versions.

Towel dryer type P
Towel dryers in the form of the letters "M" and "P" are characterized by heat transfer up to 500 watts. Laconic models come in handy in limited bathtubs.

It is recommended to select a drying device in which the number of hangers will correspond to the number of people living in the house. At the same time, the distance between the hangers should be sufficient.

Upgraded models are available to consumers, which may have additional functionality such as shelves.Today, designer types of dryers that can have original shapes are gaining popularity. In this case, a practical fixture will become a stylish decoration of the bathroom, add a bright and unique touch to the interior or emphasize a certain style.

Upgraded heated towel rail
The modernized heated towel rail in the form of a ladder will not only fulfill its direct functions, but also stylishly decorate the bathroom

Thus, the modern market offers a wide range of water models. heated towel rails various forms:

  • ladder;
  • zigzag;
  • U-shaped;
  • M-shaped;
  • U-shaped;
  • teardrop-shaped;
  • double-circuit.

In addition to standard models of water heaters for the bathroom, exclusive design models are offered to consumers. They are distinguished by an intricate unique design.

Wave heated towel rail
Advanced thermal appliances are the best option for modern design. The wave-shaped heated towel rail is perfect for an Art Nouveau bathroom interior

Shelves or special hooks are sometimes added to designs of the original form. Appearance and practicality are reflected in the cost. heated towel rail.

Priority Fabrication Material

When choosing a water-type heating device, you should focus not only on the technical characteristics and shape of the product. It is also important what material it is made of. In the process of producing water heated towel rails use the following materials:

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

There are chrome, polished and painted water colors. heated towel rails. If the owner of the house or apartment decided to change the heating device in the bathroom, he is interested in what material it is better to choose a heating device for drying towels and linen.

To make the right choice, we analyze the features and characteristics of water structures from different materials.

Devices from ordinary of steel. Steel is an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements. Specifications and properties of steel depend on additional components.

Reliable heated towel rails from strong black steel practically do not differ from designs from an ordinary stainless steel. Steel radiators conduct heat very well and are coated on the outside with a special layer that protects it from corrosion.

Water heating devices made of iron are considered the most budget option and are ideal for consumers who want to save money. The disadvantage of this type of model is the relatively short life of the product.

If during the repair you do not have a significant amount of funds, then the iron unit is the most optimal option.

Steel heated towel rail
Powder-coated steel towel dryers are in high demand due to the low cost of products and a universal design suitable for bathrooms of various styles

Heated towel rail made of iron and its alloys is suitable for country houses that have an autonomous heating system. The fact is that in the apartment the radiator made of this material rusts faster, becomes clogged with impurities and salts that settle daily on the inner walls of the pipe.

This significantly reduces the life of the device, so experts do not recommend connect the water device from steel to a central heating system.

Towel warmers from stainless steel. Stainless steel heating devices for the bathroom are reliable units that will last a long time for the owner.

To the main advantages heated towel rails stainless steel can be attributed their ability to withstand high pressure and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel models have excellent thermal conductivity.

The disadvantages of such heated towel rails can include the high cost of products. At a price they are several times more expensive than steel and copper structures. In today's market you can find a budget analogue of the radiator - heated towel railpainted stainless steel.

Minus of the product - if the operating rules are violated, it quickly loses its attractive appearance.

Stainless steel towel rail
Stainless steel water towel warmers for drying towels and linen are more expensive than conventional steel alloy products, but they will last much longer

Regardless of the quality of the water, the stainless steel water radiator will hold steady for a long time. There are chrome, polished and painted water heated towel rails from stainless steel. In order for a steel radiator to please its attractive appearance for a long time, choose chrome-plated models of a domestic or foreign manufacturer.

Brass and copper devices. Towel warmersmade from brass pipes are the “golden mean” between the two types of steel radiators.

The material has an attractive golden color, which is given to it by the constituent components. Brass includes an alloy of copper with zinc, most often with the addition of iron, aluminum, tin and other elements. This is the most common copper alloy, characterized by ductility.

Copper heated towel rail
The service life of an aesthetic heated towel rail made of brass or copper is 5-10 years, but with gentle use it significantly increases

Water heated towel rails made of brass or copper are not susceptible to corrosion, are slightly more expensive than similar stainless steel products.

The maximum allowable pressure a brass or copper radiator can withstand is 6 bar. Due to this feature, they are excellent for installation in private homes, in which the water pressure usually does not exceed 3-4 atmospheres.

Mounting method appliances

An important point that you need to pay attention to when choosing a water radiator for a bathroom is the method of attachment or installation. Although installation is not a very difficult task, professional installation is required for proper installation. A qualified specialist will not only competently complete the installation of the unit, but also maintain the manufacturer's warranty.

All kinds of water heated towel rails connected to risers, as they must be connected to an existing water supply or heating system. They are fixed most often on the wall, less often on the wall, coupled with the floor. The installation option depends on the specifics of the model and the preferred installation option.

# 1: Mounting wall models

When choosing between mounting on the floor or wall, residents of apartment buildings often prefer wall mounting. This is ideal for rooms with limited space.

Heated towel rail
Wall mounted towel rails are relevant for small bathrooms, where a lot of furniture and appliances are usually located on the floor

In a small bathroom, a similar design can take the place of a towel holder. If the bottom of the wall is tiled in the bathroom, you can install heated towel rail below or above the border or buy a device that can be mounted on the bathroom wall with a level difference.

# 2: Installing floor standing appliances

Wall mounted outdoor heated towel rail can carry out functions of additional heating of the room and contactless drying. For example, you can place a hanger for bath towels over a water radiator.

At the same time, warm air rising from the water device will dry the wet towel. The bath will look more attractive than with things hanging on its walls.

Heated towel rail
The heated towel rail is a device of an original custom design that will decorate the bathroom in a classic, retro or modern style.

Disadvantages of floor heated towel rail: it is not suitable for a small bathroom and requires additional repairs.

Options for connecting “dryers”

Choosing water heated towel rail, it is necessary to consider the method of connecting the structure. There are 3 main types of connection:

  • Lateral. It is applied to vertically extended devices. This is the most versatile way, suitable for standard snakes, systems with "recessed" pipes and for individual models-ladders.
  • Bottom connection. Requires cranes Mayevsky and normal pressure of hot water. Suitable for overall models, often used in ladders.
  • Diagonal. This connection method ensures efficient water circulation, requires additional pipe laying. Suitable for large structures, ladders and their modifications.

One of the most popular types is a heating device with side connection. Such models are in demand due to the features of the device and the simplicity of connecting the unit to the water supply network. When buying a side heated towel rail it must be borne in mind that some models are not suitable for standard domestic systems.

Side connection
The model with lateral connection differs in esthetics due to the hidden communication system. The coolant pipe is masked in the wall

The common diameter of risers in apartment buildings is 1 or 1.4 inches. According to foreign standards, the connecting dimensions are 3/4 or 1.5 inches. If you purchased heated towel rail with such dimensions, you must additionally purchase a special adapter, with which you can perform installation work.

Design and size heated towel rails

For a bathroom of any style, you can choose a water heated towel railwhich will harmoniously fit into the surrounding interior. Big choice appliances allows you to choose the right product version for classic, ultramodern and other style directions.

A significant role in the selection of a towel-attracting device for drying towels is given to the outer coating of the product. Many modern manufacturers prefer to use for coating water heated towel rail Popular materials today are chrome and polished brass.

If you wish, to create an exclusive interior, you can choose models of designer radiators with the effect of aged gold, bronze, brushed nickel and others. The main condition is that the selected heated towel rail corresponded to the style of the bathroom.

Which heated towel rail is better to choose for a retro-style bathtub
The retro-style heated towel rail will become an accent element in the interior. Copper and brass are perfectly combined with natural materials: wood, stone, brick

Water radiators for drying may include additional elements. These are shelves for storing bath accessories, hooks for linen and bathrobes, etc. Pre-decide whether there is a need for such additions, since each additional function increases the final cost devices.

Pay attention not only to the design of the heating device, but also to the size of the product. It is important how many towels can be dried simultaneously on a radiator and whether the bulky design will spoil the aesthetics of the room.

Large Towel Warmer
The large heated towel rail (with a large total length of pipes, long or wide) additionally performs the function of effectively heating the room

It should be noted that heated towel rails with a large surface area, they heat up and dry linen and towels faster. If your plans include not only drying towels, but also heating the bathroom, pay attention to the larger designs of the radiators.

Additional equipment features

Modern electric heated towel railsenergy efficient devices that are beneficial to constantly leave on. This is due to the fact that heating an initially cold radiator will require a temperature that is much higher than that required to maintain the heat of a preheated device.

Heated towel rail with timer
The manufacturers, taking into account the wishes of all consumers, have developed models of drying devices equipped with shut-off switches and timers. Progressive models allow you to reach the set temperature without outside interference

The presence of a timer allows you to set the program to turn on the water heated towel rail before taking a shower or bath. Thanks to this, the towel will be warm when it is needed.

Switches and timers can be integrated or act as a convenient separate option. Some models are equipped with a thermostat to maintain the required temperature of the device according to your wishes.

You will learn about the rules and schemes for connecting electric “drying” by reading popular article our site.

Manufacturer's choice: domestic or imported?

In great demand in the modern market of radiators are used as heated towel rails domestic manufacturers and foreign counterparts. Of the imported models, Italian, German and Finnish brands deserve special attention.

Towel rack assortment
Consumers are offered a variety of models of heating devices, starting with budget units of a traditional design, ending with non-standard premium devices

At choosing heated towel rail it should be borne in mind that the products of European manufacturers are mainly intended for connecting the radiator to the heating system. Products of domestic manufacturers are usually focused on connecting the structure to a centralized hot water supply system.

European manufacturers do not take into account the quality of the water circulating through the drainpipes and use thin-walled steel as the material. In this case, the inner walls of the radiator usually do not have an anti-corrosion coating.

For hot water, water is used, which contains mechanical suspensions, salts and chemical impurities. These elements contribute to the appearance of corrosion, and suspensions settle on the walls of the device, reducing the inner diameter of the pipe.This especially negatively affects the place of bending of the product.

The water coming from the water supply system does not contain oxygen, and the coolant from the boiler is enriched with it, which is why many choose heated towel rails domestic production, which are adapted to the conditions of our communications.

Water towel warmer SUNERZHA Epatage
Water heated towel rail of domestic production Sunerzha Epatage - high quality at an affordable price. Pressure - up to 25 atmospheres, cost - 12 500 rubles

High rating and popularity of water heated towel rails stainless steel caused a lot of fakes.

Low-quality metal is sensitive to various impurities and quickly loses its operational properties and deteriorates. To insure against low-quality products, you must give preference to trusted and reliable manufacturers.

In addition to world famous brands, companies with budget options work in the market heated towel railsthat strictly monitor the quality of products.

Important characteristics of water modifications

If you want to buy the most economical and relatively inexpensive model, it is better to opt for standard M-shaped or U-shaped products. They are great for arranging a small bathroom.

To install such a water structure, you do not need to pipe or change pipes. To dry the towels, just connect it to the pipeline.

In order to dry a significant number of towels and linen, as well as to heat the room, choose models with fairly wide pipes. It is desirable that they be made of anti-corrosion and wear-resistant stainless steel.

At the time of purchase heated towel rail be sure to check how is the device connected. Models that look like a regular radiator can only be connected to a heating system.

When choosing the optimal model of water heated towel rail it is worth paying special attention to ensuring that it does not give in to corrosion, is able to withstand sudden changes in pressure and various kinds water hammer.

Chrome heated towel rail with shelf
Before paying for the selected product, carefully inspect it for dents, chips, if any, scratches. Learn the quality of welds and joints

If you have no idea about the features of installing these products, it is recommended to use the services of professionals. This will save you from having to carry out repeated repairs in the event of a failed installation.

To purchase high-quality and durable water heated towel rail, pay attention to the coating of the product, the design of the welds and the threads on the ends. It does not hurt to check the availability of relevant certificates for purchased products. In addition to the warranty card, the kit must contain a hygiene card with the name of the manufacturer.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video demonstrates the dominant aspects of choice:

We tried to give you a general idea of ​​water towel warmersthat will help in choosing the best model. Given the material of manufacture, the degree of resistance of the product to corrosion processes, technical characteristics and features of the devices, you will be able to choose the optimal model heated towel rail.

Want to tell how you chose a heated towel rail for your own bathroom? There were questions during the review of the article, want to provide interesting information? Please leave comments in the block below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Kirill

    Connoisseurs, help me choose between two models from different manufacturers. I choose between the heated towel rail company Elite Metal model Creek and heated towel rail Sounerzh model Elegy. I do not know the first manufacturer, but they are satisfied with the price, specifications and guarantees. Sounerzh stands next door, says good. Who knows, help with the choice.

  2. Ekaterina

    When choosing a heated towel rail in our apartment, I, like any girl, primarily relied on its appearance. I think in a modern apartment, stainless steel options are most suitable. They look nice, will last a very long time, and you can also choose any desired shape. Well, I still entrusted the installation to a professional, this is not a female matter.

  3. Alyona

    A heated towel rail is a sore point for me. When we entered the new apartment, we already had a chrome heated towel rail installed in the bathroom. It is watery, it heats well, fairly quickly, but there is one important minus: I can not dry good things on it. He spoils them. Things are “welded” to it, shiny flakes remain on them, sometimes dark traces from this dryer.

    • In order not to spoil a good thing when drying on a heated towel rail, put some kind of fabric under it. I personally cover the pipe itself with a small towel.

    • Expert
      Amir Gumarov
      Expert

      Hello. The heated towel rail perfectly performs its function of drying towels after a bath or shower. But most things, especially from delicate fabrics, are generally not recommended to dry on heating pipes, this spoils things. Fibers dry up, spots appear, smooth wrinkles. The maximum is thermal blowing, and better is the natural drying on the ropes.

      And if you really need to dry something urgently, use the advice below - a thin cloth, and on top of it - a thing.

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