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Some of our previous blogs have touched upon the advantages of heated towel racks. We’ve also covered how to find the best towel rails to suit your specific bathroom space. Now, we’re stepping things up a notch in our buyer’s guide to heated towel racks. Here you’ll gain an idea of some of the best new products on the market. And you’ll discover everything you could possibly need to know about towel warmers.
You might be completing a full bathroom refurbishment or upgrading an en-suite area. Or you could simply just fancy a change to your home heating. Whatever your reason, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. By the end of it, you’ll be all set to make the perfect heated towel rack choice.
Buying a Heated Towel Rack
Not too long ago, heated towel racks were far from common in American homes. They were viewed as a symbol of pure luxury in the houses of those well off enough to afford them. Nowadays they are far more commonplace. Technological advancements and improvements in design have contributed to this. Furthermore, the use of better materials in their construction has assisted. Heated towel rails have become a far more affordable component as a result. They are now an essential means for heating and drying in a bathroom or en-suite, and many a kitchen too.
So what factors do you need to consider to ensure you choose the right towel radiator for your home?
How will your Heated Towel Rack be used?
Before investing in a heated towel rack, you need to have a good think about how you will use it.
The bathroom is quite obviously the ‘standard’ place you’d envisage a towel rack to be positioned in. But you aren’t strictly limited to that area at all.
Kitchens and utility rooms are other popular spaces for towel rack installations. En-suites and cloakrooms are too, if you have either or both in your home.
Wherever you wish to fit your towel radiator, there are three main ways to use it. There’s three options in terms of operation too.
1 – Central Heating Towel Rack
There are plenty of USA homes, especially those located in rural areas, that are ‘off the gas grid’ so to speak. But for around the 50% of the country that does have a central heating system in place, central heating towel racks are a viable option. For this type, the towel rail can simply be plumbed into the existing central heating system. A pair of new or existing radiator valves is all that is needed to accompany them.
This method will see your towel warmer work in the same fashion as a conventional radiator would. However, you need to consider that it will offer a comparatively lower heat output against a standard convector radiator.
2 – Electric Towel Rack
Electric towel racks are typically ideal for apartments or high-rise buildings. Basically, areas where it is difficult to achieve the required pressure for central heating. Also, for homes where no central heating or gas is even present.
Electric heated towel racks are simple to set up and install (with the services of a qualified electrician). They usually represent a cheaper alternative to central heating and dual fuel options. They also offer the most affordable means to ensure your towels are kept toasty warm and dry. Furthermore, the modern designs provide outstanding aesthetic appeal.
You don’t have to live in a high-rise building to take advantage of electric towel racks, however.
For instance, they can be a great choice for a conservatory. It is certainly cost-effective to select an electric model over a plumbed variation. Your central heating system won’t need to be extended. Adding a new radiator to a central heating system nearly always requires planning permission. You can remove the stress of this process by opting for an electric towel warmer.
3 – Dual Fuel Towel Rack
Dual fuel towel racks are an exceedingly popular type. They allow the user to enjoy the best of both worlds in terms of central heating and electric operation. These towel rails incorporate an electric heating element. But they are also plumbed into the central heating system.
It isolates the component from your plumbing system via a T-piece fitting. This enables it to work separate from your standard heating system.
With plumbed and electric heating on hand, you can maintain a constant stream of warm towels. You can do so even during the scorching summer months when your central heating system won’t be switched on.
Where to install a Heated Towel Rack
Exactly where to install your heated towel rack will be determined by a variety of factors. The following are just some of them:
- The layout and shape of your bathroom, en-suite, cloakroom or kitchen.
- The dimensions of that specific area.
- Your existing pipework.
- Pipes, doors and existing bathroom fixtures and fittings (toilet, sink, bathtub etc.)
- Whether you select a plumbed, electric or dual fuel towel rack.
- The size of component you prefer or require.
It is imperative to take your time before deciding where to position your towel rack. Make sure you place it in an appropriate area for accessibility, looks, usability and convenience.
If you are planning a complete overhaul of your space, paint or tile behind where the towel warmer will be placed before fitting it.
If you already have a plumbed towel rack installed, you can save yourself a lot of hassle. Record the distance and dimensions between the pipe inlets. You can go on to use these measurements at your discretion when purchasing a new towel warmer.
If your measurements are accurate, you should be able to swap over relatively easily. This will help you keep the costs down too. Invasive plumbing work won’t be required. And your plumber will have a pretty straightforward installation task in relative terms.
Slimline towel racks could necessitate adjustments to existing plumbing and pipework however. Especially so if the pipework emanates from the floor as opposed to travelling along the wall.
Floorboards will have to be lifted to make any further changes to underfloor plumbing. So that must be considered if new flooring has recently been laid. Be sure to keep a close track of your spending too. Costs can quickly spiral and cause a bigger strain than you might have imagined on your budget.
You should also note that energy savings might not be as substantial with a new electric towel rack. You’d notice a bigger difference if you were simply replacing an electric heater. Ask your plumber or electrician on the best place to install your new heating component. This will give you a strong idea whether it is an idea worth pursuing.
For more in-depth advice on the installation location of your heating component, check out our guide on where to position your radiator.
Where to hang a Heated Towel Rack
Virtually any wall in the home will be a suitable surface for your heated towel rack. This is due to the improved insulation of modern properties. But preferably, you’ll fit it to the coldest wall in the room.
This will tend to be the external wall. So when possible, try to attach your new towel rack or radiator to the wall featuring a window, or any external wall.
By doing this, you can guarantee heat will be evenly distributed throughout the room. Efficiency will be enhanced and you’ll be guaranteed to always have a cozy warm space to enjoy.
It is also essential to think about where your towel warmer will be placed. Think about its proximity to the bathtub or shower.
You won’t want to exit a lovely warm shower or bath and stroll across cold bathroom tiles to reach your heated towels. Carefully consider this scenario. How easy it will be to access your toasty towels? Ask yourself that before committing to a position for installation.
NOTE: There are several ratings that can dictate how close your component can be placed to a water source. So make sure you check specifications of all appliances before buying. If you aren’t 100 per cent confident in your assessment, ask the opinion of a professional.
Will a Heated Towel Rack Heat my Bathroom?
Several factors will determine if a heated towel rack is an adequate heat source for your bathroom. It is possible that an additional component will have to be installed.
Every bathroom is different. And they have extremely different requirements with regards to temperature.
Typically, a bathroom space will be mildly humid and warm. Bathrooms are usually the first place we head to in the morning and the last one we visit before bed. As such, they understandably have some unique heating requirements.
Heated towel racks are mainly designed to ensure towels are kept dry and warm. But they can feasibly be used as a main heating source for smaller bathroom and en-suite areas.
You can always consider buying other heaters to add a greater level of warmth. The size of your space will determine whether they can be comfortably accommodated.
If space is especially limited, but you’re desperate for a warm towel storage solution, Hudson Reed offer a choice of viable options.
This Marquis traditional towel warmer with shelf may be ideal. It provides an excellent heat output for such a relatively small component. The towel rack also offers plenty of space to allow towels and other items to dry.
One potential disadvantage to this design is the overriding traditional style it incorporates. It may not be especially well suited to a contemporary property, for example.
As such, you might prefer to opt for a modern designer radiator with a towel warmer add-on.
Consider the Vivara vertical flat-panel designer radiator if so. This design boasts stunning contemporary aesthetics. It can be teamed with our radiator accessories to double up as a towel warming solution.
Adding a towel rack attachment to a radiator is an appropriate solution for larger areas. This will provide the hefty heat output needed to transmit throughout the room.
What Size Heated Towel Rack do I need?
A heated towel rack will likely provide enough power to heat a small to medium-sized bathroom.
The size of towel rack you need therefore largely depends on your available wall space. And how many towels they could potentially account for the storage of at once.
Our BTU Calculator can be used to indicate what sort of heat output you require. Once that has been identified, you just need to find a component with enough room to store an appropriate number of towels.
Towel Racks for a small space and big family
If you have a relatively small bathroom but a big family, a ladder-style towel rack may be the best option. The included horizontal bars feature plenty of towel storage space.
The Etna hydronic heated towel warmer fits the bill. It features a multitude of bars for the storage of towels. It also incorporates a space-saving design with bottom inlets.
This particular towel rack features a flat panel design. But similar curved models are also available. Given that they offer almost identical heat outputs, you can decide based purely on looks.
There are many advantages that accompany the installation of ladder-style heated towel racks. Practicality is just the tip of the iceberg.
For instance, the standout designer aura they can bring to a home. This is particularly true of newer models on the market.
If you want something a little more special than a mere practical towel heating solution for the family, we can help. Our Arch towel warmer collection is certainly worth a look.
Each of our Arch towel racks can add a completely different dimension to your chosen room. They deliver a brilliant sense of designer style. In addition, they offer all the functionality you would expect from a standard towel rack.
Towel Racks for a Cloakroom or En-Suite
For a cloakroom or en-suite, you probably won’t need a towel rack with a massive heat output.
But shopping to populate such a small space brings with it its own unique challenges. You need a compact design that still incorporates adequate towel storage room.
Something like the Countess traditional hydronic heated towel warmer may prove ideal. It maximizes space and adds vintage appeal in providing a practical towel heating solution.
The comparatively lower heat output the model offers isn’t problematic for a cloakroom or en-suite. In any case, it is compensated for by the minimalist style and functionality the towel rack provides.
Kitchen Towel Racks
The layout of your kitchen will go a long way towards determining which type of towel rack you opt for in that room. Of course, by installing a towel rail in such an area, you can ensure you always have a toasty warm towel nearby. You’ll be instantly well prepped for drying the dishes or your hands.
Towel racks certainly aren’t out of the ordinary in kitchens. Smaller spaces can especially benefit from the addition of compact available options. You’ll only really need a component fit for hanging a couple of tea-towels on. So be sure to look towards smaller designs if your kitchen is on the narrow side.
For significantly bigger kitchen spaces, you’ll struggle to find a towel rack that can effectively warm the area.
Therefore, you’ll be better placed choosing a radiator with a powerful heat output. It can double up as a functional towel storage solution.
The Aurora aluminum vertical designer radiator overtly isn’t supplied with a towel bar attachment. But it certainly exudes beautiful designer style that will draw the eye in any kitchen space.
And it isn’t too much trouble to add towel or robe storage functionality to the component too. This chrome towel rail for vertical designer radiators will do the trick nicely. It enhances rather than compromises the look of the radiator. In doing so it also adds the practicality factor you crave.
What material for my Towel Rack?
Mild steel is a traditionally popular material used to make towel racks in the USA.
It is affordable, heats up quickly and retains heat for a decent length of time. Therefore, it offers an efficient means to deliver warmth to a room.
By contrast, European manufacturers tend to favor aluminum in the making of towel rails. There are several reasons for this.
Aluminum appliances typically heat up far faster than their steel counterparts. They are up to five times as quick to heat up in some instances. As such, they are viewed as a much more efficient method to heat a specific area.
They also usually store less water than steel towel racks. This can lead to lower energy bills and minimize your home heating’s environmental impact.
Our Linosa hydronic heated towel warmer is constructed from aluminum. It can deliver up to about 25% more BTUs per hour than a similarly sized steel towel rail would. It is also significantly lighter. The low weight makes it a perfect option for the likes of internal stud walls that might not be capable to support a heavier steel radiator, for example.
That said, you need to consider that aluminum heating options won’t retain their heat for as long as steel towel racks or radiators will. So if you want something that holds onto heat for longer, a steel model is probably a better bet.
Selecting the right Heated Towel Rack finish
Selecting the right heated towel rack finish will largely depend on the décor of the room your towel rail or radiator is being installed in.
Chrome and stainless steel are examples of classic heated towel rack finishes. And by some distance they are still the most popular styles on the market.
Now more than ever though, many are looking to make a different kind of style statement in their home. Increasing numbers are opting for towel warmers that better reflect their existing décor. In certain instances, some people are even creating a style based on the color of their chosen towel rack.
As such, find out everything you need to know about the wide variety of finishes we offer here…
Chrome Heated Towel Racks
Chrome heated towel racks were once of a day pretty much the only style offering on the market. So it is unsurprising that they’re still one of the most popular components available today.
One of the main reasons they have retained their popularity is that they are sure to match up well with almost any décor. They’ll also complement accompanying bathroom fixtures such as faucets and shower heads etc.
Probably more so than any other finish, chrome can deliver a uniform appearance to your bathroom. It is surely the best option for traditional style spaces especially.
White Heated Towel Racks
In a similar way to chrome towel warmers, a white towel rack is near certain to suit any bathroom surroundings.
If you have an utterly garish bathroom theme to begin with, you’ll probably want to consider a paint job. Otherwise, a white towel rack will perfectly enhance your bathroom suite. It will also offer eye-catching style and practicality to your space.
The addition of a white towel rail can also assist in developing a sense of cleanliness in your bathroom. Though you’ll have to commit to cleaning it semi-regularly. As a result, you can attain a crisp, hygienic bathroom with a designer aura.
Anthracite Heated Towel Racks
Anthracite is certainly the fastest rising finish in terms of towel rack popularity. It perhaps incorporates a touch more designer class than a white or chrome counterpart does.
Offering a standout look, an anthracite towel rack can provide a luxurious bathroom focal point. One such as the Loa hydronic heated towel warmer will also maximize your available space. Of course, it will offer easy access to a stream of warm, dry towels as well.
Delivering an excellent heat output, this modern anthracite towel rack is perfect for a smaller modern bathroom.
Silver Heated Towel Racks
Similar to chrome designs, silver towel racks are an understated version of those appliances.
Silver heating solutions are less susceptible to fingerprint markings. That is especially worth considering in households with small children. These towel warmers team superbly alongside matt finished fixtures and accessories.
Our Savy vertical single-panel designer radiator can bring all these advantages to a larger bathroom or kitchen area. Its profile does necessitate plenty of wall space, however. It can be teamed with a simple towel rail attachment for added functionality.
Silver towel radiators ultimately provide a brilliant alternative to mirrored or chrome radiators. They are sure to add eye-catching designer style and value to any room in your home.
Traditional Towel Racks
Traditional towel racks will enhance a classic-themed bathroom, en-suite or kitchen area. They effortlessly exude authenticity and vintage appeal in abundance.
Hudson Reed USA offer an impressive choice of freestanding and wall mounted traditional towel racks in a variety of designs. You can discover the perfect option for your home, whether you’re looking to populate a larger space or require a compact heating solution.
Modern Towel Racks
To create an ultra-modern vibe in your home, a modern designer heated towel rack is pretty much vital.
Fanciful designs can add a real touch of designer class to a space. They’ll also boost the value of your home, and provide an unmistakable centerpiece to be envied by any guests. And in addition to all of this, it will still deliver sought-after practicality to the room too.
New towel rack designs are always in circulation nowadays. So be sure to keep an eye on Hudson Reed USA to stay up to date with the very latest innovative models. We also offer an impressive selection of towel rack valves and accessories. So you can add that crucial extra functionality to your component and perfectly complete the look.
Can I install my own Heated Towel Rack?
Installing a heated towel rack isn’t especially complicated. It should be a relatively straightforward task for anyone with a bit of basic DIY experience.
Hudson Reed USA’s entire hydronic towel rack collection is supplied complete with all the required fittings. So you can fit your radiator to the wall with minimal fuss.
That said, for electric components, you will require the assistance of a qualified electrician to complete the work and sign it off. Therefore, you might opt to utilize their services to a greater extent during fitting.
And if you really don’t have a penchant for DIY, we’d advise against considering trying to fit your own towel warmer.
There are plenty of potentially troublesome elements though. And, if you did get them wrong, they could pose significant problems.
If you don’t have the experience needed to complete the job therefore, it really isn’t worth the risk of beginning the task. We would instead recommend hiring a professional engineer.
How much will it cost to have a Heated Towel Rack installed professionally?
The cost of a professional heated towel rack installation could be determined by what type of towel warmer you opt for. Basically, whether it operates via a hot water central heating system, electric power, or both in the form of a dual fuel towel rail.
You might discover that some qualified tradespeople are well versed in both electrics and plumbing. But this certainly isn’t the case with all of them, so to find the best value, it is essential you identify the right person for your specific job.
Listen up if you are planning to install a plumbed heated towel rack. If you want it to work in a system with boilers and other radiators, a certified plumber will be needed to complete the job.
Alternatively, your towel warmer might work by connecting to the main electricity supply. In this case, you’ll have to hire a qualified electrician.
A fair bit of paperwork can be required to ensure your work is coherent with building regulations. So make sure your chosen professional has plenty to recommend them.
Finally, if you’re looking to fit a dual fuel towel rack, you’ll have to consult a professional who can complete both jobs legally. Alternatively, you can hire a separate plumber and electrician.
With the many variables involved, the resulting installation costs can vary somewhat significantly.
It is also worth remembering that the installation price may fluctuate depending on your location. The workload of the professional you’re hiring can also play a part. And whether an emergency call-out fee needs to be paid could affect the price too.
The costs listed below represent a rough estimate of what you’re likely to pay on average.
For the installation of a conventional heated towel rack, you can expect to pay –
- Between $270 and $420 for labor
- Between $200 and $300 for the component
To install an electric towel rack, you’ll be charged –
- Around $270 for labor
- Between $200 and $270 for the appliance
And to fit a dual fuel heated towel rack, you’ll probably have to part with –
- Between $400 and $700 for labor
- Between $200 and $300 for the towel warmer
NOTE: A good way to reduce the cost of your towel rack installation is to purchase the appliance yourself and pay only for the labor to fit it.
Shop Heated Towel Racks from Hudson Reed USA
Hudson Reed USA offer one of the best quality ranges of heated towel racks available online, with many detailed in our Buyer’s Guide to Towel Warmers.
If you still aren’t sure exactly what you want or need to enhance your home, get in touch with us. Don’t hesitate to contact us via our website, or to give us a call on 1-877-778-8460.
Hopefully, you’ve found this guide useful and are well on your way to identifying the perfect heated towel racks for your home. Happy heated towel rail shopping!
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[…] Download Image More @ usa.hudsonreed.com […]
[…] Draw inspiration from our Buyer’s Guide to Towel Warmers and Buyer’s Guide to Heated Towel Racks. […]
[…] Hudson Reed has a really comprehensive buyer’s guide to towel racks. Check it out! […]
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[…] effort to open the door and heat things up a little more in advance of each bath. Think, too, about heated towel rails that ensure your kids have something warm to come out […]
[…] Download Image More @ usa.hudsonreed.com […]
[…] Draw inspiration from our Buyer’s Guide to Towel Warmers and Buyer’s Guide to Heated Towel Racks. […]
[…] Hudson Reed has a really comprehensive buyer’s guide to towel racks. Check it out! […]
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