What Is The UK’s Best Towel Radiator?
If you’re in the market for a new towel radiator, you may be wondering which one is the best option for your home. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision, including size, style and price. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best towel radiators on the market today and discuss why they might be a good fit for your needs. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right radiator for your bathroom.
Towel Radiator Reviews
Towel Radiator Buyer’s Guide
A heated towel radiator is a bathroom essential, helping to keep your towels warm and cosy while you shower. Not only that, but cold, damp bathrooms can be a health hazard, leading to mould further down the line.
Modern heated towel rails don’t just do a great job of heating your bathroom, they can also be pretty stylish! From sleek and sophisticated anthracite models to traditional designs with bright white finishes, there’s a huge range on the market, meaning that finding the best towel radiator can be a little tricky.
Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best towel radiator? Check out our full buyer’s guide.
Design
There’s a huge selection of designs out there, from understated, minimalist ladder towel rails to designer models that look as much like pieces of art as radiators. The ladder design is the most popular, and arguably the most versatile. It looks good in all bathrooms, and the wall hung element means that it doesn’t take up much room.
If you have a more traditional bathroom and want something to match, a white, floor-standing towel radiator is perfect. While these take up more floor space, they are generally neat, compact and aesthetically pleasing.
Ease of Installation
Take some time to consider where you’ll be installing your heated towel rail to make it extra convenient. Installing a heated towel rail does usually involve a few plumbing and electrical skills, so if you’re in any doubt at all, call a professional.
Electric, Central Heating or Dual Fuel
This is an important consideration and one that many people overlook. An electric towel rail connects to your electricity, so can be used in summer when the central heating is turned off, as well as in the winter. Central heating towel rails can only be used while the central heating is on – meaning you’ll have to turn off every other radiator in your home during the summer months if you still want toasty warm towels.
Dual fuel electric towel rails are the most versatile. These connect to both electricity and central heating, so you can use electricity to heat it in summer and your mains heating in the winter.
Number of Towels It Can Hold
If you’re buying for a large family bathroom and have multiple towels, you need heating and storing, so a large heated towel rail with a decent heat output is essential. Smaller bathrooms for fewer people look best with a smaller towel rail that saves space.
Guarantee
Any reputable brand should offer a guarantee with their heated towel radiators. Most are between 5 and 10 years. Look for a radiator that’s made from quality materials for extra assurance.
FAQ
How to fit a towel rail radiator?
Fitting a towel rail is not a particularly easy DIY job, so we recommend calling in a professional if you are inexperienced in this area.
Ensure the heating system is turned off fully before you start.
If you are replacing a radiator, remove it from the wall and mount the new one using the fittings. Ensure that there’s at least 20cm between the bottom of the radiator and the floor. Use a spirit level to check that it’s level.
Fit the telescopic extending tails to the radiator inlet and outlet, then fit the compression elbow joint to the telescopic extending tail on the inlet.
Cut a length of pipe to run to the existing radiator valve from the new elbow. Then unscrew the old valve head and replace it with a new one. Attach the radiator outlet to the pipework on the other side using a compression fitting, then tighten using an adjustable spanner.
How to bleed a towel radiator?
You need to bleed a towel radiator every now and again to increase its efficiency (which will save you money). All you need is a rag, a towel, a radiator key and a spanner.
Begin by turning off the heating and allowing the radiator to cool. Then open all the valves, and find the radiator bleed valve, which is usually located at the top. Place your towel or rag underneath the valve, then turn the valve anti-clockwise using your key. The hissing noise is the air leaving the radiator.
Once the air has emptied out, water will follow. This means all the air is out so catch any water in the towel and close the valve.
How to turn a towel radiator on and off?
If your radiator is connected to your central heating, you will be able to turn it on and off by turning your central heating on or off. Use the valves to turn it off if you want the radiator off but the rest of the central heating on.
If your radiator is electric, you can switch it off at the mains, or there should be a switch located nearby that you can use to turn the radiator on and off.