Summoning up thoughts of unnecessary and expensive luxury in the property, the towel radiator makes for an addition to a room that many may consider a step beyond their budget. Yet, not only are many such radiator models affordable today, they also offer ample benefits, beyond obviously just warming your towels. Intrigued? Then read on…
Central Heating System Or Heated Element?
Nowadays, there’s a vast array of different heated towel rails to choose from; so much so you may even find the variety on offer a little dizzying. Primarily, though, it should be noted that this type of radiator can be split into three distinct categories when it comes to power sources. How so? Well, you can choose between those that are powered by a central heating system, a home’s electricity supply or a third-way ‘dual fuel’ option that combines the first two.
Fundamentally, of course, which of these you choose when selecting your favoured model comes down to the room’s pre-existing fixtures and, to a lesser extent, what you want to use the device for. Thus, as a heating device that offers this three-way choice of power sources, the towel radiator is a flexible and versatile bit of technological heating, one specifically intended to meet the demands of, and help you negotiate the complexities of modern home living.
Plumbing your towel radiator into the central heating system means it derives its heat, like the rest of the radiators in your home, from the hot water generated by the system’s boiler. This means it operates – primarily – as a standard radiator and can be controlled by the heating system’s central thermostat or by an independent thermostatic valve installed on the device itself.
Electric Towel Radiators
Conversely, having instead an electric towel radiator that’s plugged into a wall socket and working off the home’s electricity supply to power it (via a heating element inside) ensures it’ll work independently of the hot water heating system, so it can be freely used to dry out towels on warmer days when you don’t want to switch on the system, wasting energy and racking up your heating bills – or have to go through the hassle of turning on the whole system only to have to close the valves on every radiator apart from the heated towel rail in order to use it in isolation.
Dual Fuel Towel Radiators
Alternatively, the ‘dual fuel’ version provides you with the best of both worlds. It can operate within the central heating system, thus, as an ordinary radiator when you want it to, but be flexible and powered by electricity when you don’t. This means it enables you to use the towel rail in the warmer months by switching to the electricity supply and turning it on – likely for more hours of the day – or in the winter months by switching to its central heating-supply option.
We do have a range of electric heating elements if you are looking at turning your central heating towel radiator or dual fuel towel rails into an electric one.
Whichever option you choose, though, remember that it’s imperative to call on the service of a qualified professional for installation of the device; it’s a task you really don’t want to take on yourself – especially if you decide to go the somewhat complex and intricate ‘dual fuel’ route!
Hygiene And Energy Savings
As many towel radiator models tend to be installed in bathrooms, it’s worth pointing out the importance of hygiene in that particular room. As the part of the house dedicated to bathing and cleanliness, it’s imperative there isn’t a chance it becomes a breeding ground for germs – and, yes, installing a towel rail or towel warmer in this room can definitely help achieve that aim. How? Well, simply because, as such a device is obviously used to dry out towels, it ensures they’re less likely to remain damp and attract mould and germs in a room that tends to have a regularly humid environment and whose temperature is usually lower than many other rooms in the home. But that doesn't mean they aren’t just limited to bathrooms. They are also fantastic in laundry rooms, kitchens and even cloak rooms.
Looking For Storage?
To that end then, towel radiators don’t just dry out towels but effectively function as storage facilities for them as well. If your room is on the small side, finding a storage solution for bulky towels may prove a huge help – and heated towel rails can present both a practical and very elegant way to hang towels. We also stock a wide range of shelf towel radiators, these have the alluring towel rails but also added shelves, so all them now dried towels can be folded and placed on that shelf. Design-wise, they can add something of an ordered, streamlined feel to the room as they maximise space. And, in turn, owing to the fact towels will be dried out on this kind of radiator, you won’t need to have them tumble-dried after their washing – whether you have a tumble dryer at home or go to a launderette for such a service. The upshot here? You make a saving on water and electricity bills, of course!
It doesn't have to be just towels you put on your shelf radiator, we have some gorgeous shelf towel radiators that even hide the appearance of your radiator, looking like just another normal shelf. Guests will be stunned when they realise your shelving unit is actually a radiator. These are amazing in the living room or hallway, add some nice décor and wax melts to really up the appearance of them.
Warmth And Convenience
Lest we forget, a towel radiator’s primary function is to provide heat – and that means not just to the towels hanging on it but to the room in which it’s installed. Bathrooms for example are parts of the home that in most cases see the least sunshine and receive the least naturally-supplied warmth of any room. That means, without being heated, they can be among the chilliest parts of a house or apartment. They’ll need warming up for the times of the day when they’ll be occupied; especially if that involves someone taking a long, relaxing soak in the tub. You don’t want to step out of the bath into a freezing cold room! A towel radiator ensures that not just the towels you’ll wrap yourself in will be warm but also the room itself will be cosy after a thorough, self-indulgent bath.
Style and luxury
As with any other kind of radiator nowadays, though, heated towel rails are about far more than mere functionality and energy savings. They’re also specifically designed to complement the appearance of the room they’re installed in – whether that be modern or traditional aesthetics.
Towel radiators tend to come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, thus adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to their room’s décor.
Whether you’re talking contemporary towel radiators or traditional towel radiator designs, the right towel radiator model can fundamentally add to, and enhance that look. For instance, if you take a glance through our full range, you’ll see that our selection of heated towel rails ensures your every design requirement is covered. Including everything from wall mounted radiators to freestanding towel radiators. Enabling the model you pick will quietly reinforce the appearance of the room or become a fantastic focal point.
But design isn't all you have to pay attention to, there's also the finish. With this we can create a seamless look for any room when chosen correctly! At DRD we have a wide range of towel radiators in various colour options, and our most popular finishes are chrome towel radiators and anthracite towel radiators.
When mentioning style, why not talk about luxury? Especially as a bathroom is probably the one most suited and used for that special time-out you need from time to time. It’s a room for experiencing pure relaxation. How does a heated towel rail help contribute to this effect? Because it enables you to reach for a ready-warmed soft, fresh towel to wrap yourself in. Who doesn’t deserve a spot of pampering now and again? A towel radiator can more than add to this indulgent aim.
Wall-Mounted Model Or Floor-Standing Design?
Finally, as noted above, today’s radiator market is all about choice – there’s a wide array of different models available for every kind of radiator; not least the heated towel rail. And when considering installation of a device, this often means making a choice between two types of design – wall-mounted or floor-standing. First, a general point; it’s most sensible to have your chosen towel radiator either placed on or against the coldest wall of the room – usually, as ascertained above, the bathroom. In most cases, this is going to be the outside wall featuring a window; however, if it’s not possible to install your radiator on or against this wall, aim to position it against one of the room’s external walls for maximum heat circulation.
So, what variables are going to make you choose between a wall-mounted or free-standing model? Well, wall-mounted types are especially good for when floor space in the room’s limited, as you’d probably expect. If your room is on the small side – this may be something you’re familiar with. It’s imperative, though, that the wall you’re looking to mount the device on can take the load, which is why affixing it to an outside wall is a good bet. If you do have a smaller room, see our range of small towel radiators that would benefit you.
As for a free-standing towel radiator; well, this option is better for more roomy spaces, not least if the piping from a central heating system is located at floor level, which is entirely possible.
Again, whichever option you choose, be sure to call on the expertise of a trained professional for the installation. Good luck!
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Perhaps your looking for a high quality towel radiator with a budget friendly price? If you are then take a look at our range of radiators on sale. We have a wide choice of radiators and towel radiators to choose from.
