When setting up your bathroom, do not forget about the heated towel rail. At first glance, you may not attach great importance to this device, since it is not the main attribute of the bathroom. But you should not dismiss it, because because of its practicality it is very expedient. This device has several advantages, such as room heating, towel dryer, can be used as a decorative element (various options have exquisite design and shape).
Actually, due to the variety of types in terms of technical parameters and shapes, there is a huge range of these heating devices. In this article, we will take a closer look at their main properties in order to understand which heated towel rail is better to choose.
Types of heated towel rails
Heated towel rails are divided into types, they are divided by the type of heating. There are 3 main types, and now we will take a closer look at their principle of operation.
Aquatic
As the name suggests, these heated towel rails are powered by hot water. Installed vertically on the bathroom wall. Usually installed in apartment buildings with central heating.
The installation requires a hot water connection. Therefore, it can be mounted only in the place designated for it.
Can be connected to hot water pipes. With an uninterrupted supply of hot water, it will constantly perform its direct function. Alternatively, the coil can be connected to the heating system. In this case, its intended use is possible only during the heating season. In the months when the central heating is turned off, it will only serve as a towel holder.
Electrical
In contrast to the previous type, they are much easier to install. They work only from the mains, do not require connection to the pipeline. This distinction allows it to be installed anywhere in the bathroom and beyond. They are often used in the kitchen or corridor as an additional heating device. The downside of this type is the high power consumption with constant use.
Combined
Universal heated towel rail, which provides for the possibility of connecting to a hot pipeline and, alternatively, can be operated from the mains. Of course, taking into account certain points, this is the most profitable option. Since its use for its main purpose will be possible, regardless of the heating season and other interruptions in the operation of district heating. True, the cost of such a device will be much higher, given the combination of two principles of operation in one device.
Which material is better
Depending on the material of manufacture of the heating device, its price will depend. On the plumbing market, you can find three types of dryers, depending on the material of manufacture. In particular:
The heated towel rail is made of stainless steel. This is the most common option. Sufficiently resistant to heavy loads and sudden changes in water supply.As a rule, steel is coated with special enamel. Due to the long period of operation, high temperature, the enamel begins to deflate and peel off over time. Therefore, this option is the least profitable to operate, however, it is the cheapest on the market.
Chrome-plated stainless steel heated towel rail. This type is considered a good option, which has proven to be a long and reliable service life. For the price, it is average, that is, optimal and fully justifies the quality of the device.
Heated towel rail made of non-ferrous metals. This is the most expensive and most efficient type of heating device. They are mainly made of metals that have a high anti-corrosion threshold: brass, copper, aluminum. And also, their main advantage over others is high heat transfer. It is lighter in weight than a stainless steel heater. This type has proven itself in service as durable and efficient, but expensive.
In any case, the material of manufacture of all dryers is suitable for the safe and efficient operation of the heater for its intended purpose. Some of them have additional benefits that make them last longer. For the price, everyone will find the best option for their pocket.
If you ask for advice in a plumbing store, then stainless chrome is always recommended as the best option.
The form
Modern design allows you to choose a heated towel rail to match the style of your bathroom. They are varied in shape and color. Sometimes they resemble a rather stylish design element, and serve not only for their intended purpose, but also decorate the interior.
In form, they can be divided into the following:
- Ladder shape - this model is very common, and is considered quite practical in operation. Able not only to heat the room, but also allows you to dry a lot of linen and towels.
- Ladder with shelf - except for the model described above, it has a shelf on top. It is very convenient and practical. Keeps towels clean and saves space.
- The E - shape is a neat and simple towel dryer. Takes up little space.
- U - shape - concise and simple dryer. Looks stylish enough and takes up little space. However, don't expect to dry a lot of laundry on it. Its design does not allow this.
- M - shaped - somewhat resembles a part of a coil. The design allows you to place more towels than previous versions. Looks good and takes up little space.
- The snake is the most popular form of drying, in the form of curved pipes. The design is attractive. Roomy, allows you to dry a lot of laundry.
Power
To understand how to choose a heated towel rail for a bathroom, you should pay attention to its important property - power. When making a choice, consider some features:
- For what purpose is a heated towel rail selected. If only as a drying, then probably everyone will cope with the task.
- If there is a question, how to heat the bathroom, in general, you need to calculate the power of 140 W per 1 square meter. At a given power, the heated towel rail will dry and heat the room, even if it contains a window.
- Consider the presence of underfloor heating or other heating devices. The need for choosing a weak or strong heater depends on this.
Varieties at the installation site
There are also two types of bathroom heaters, depending on the type of installation.
Wall
This is the main type of dryer installation - on a wall. They are easy to install where they will not interfere with anyone. Don't take away common space. Their varieties in shape and size make it possible to choose the best option for both large and small sizes.
Floor
They also exist of various types: water, electric, combined. Depending on the installation location, one or another type is appropriate.
If there is a need to install a dryer in a place where there is no access to heat supply, then the electric one will be very relevant. In particular, they are often practiced in hallways. In the bathroom, where there is access to the water supply, you can install both options, or a combined type of dryer.
If the bathroom and the bathroom are in the same room, the dryer can serve as a partition for two zones. Very convenient and functional. In addition to the basic functions, such a heater will become a zoning element.
All heated towel rails can be:
- Stationary;
- Portable;
- Swivel.
The main difference between the rotary device is that some elements of the dryer can rotate. It is quite convenient to use. However, the reliability of such devices is lower than that of stationary ones. In particular, the constant rotation leads to friction, which sometimes leads to water leaks. This is the main disadvantage of such heaters.
Regarding electric rotary dryers, they are more reliable in this regard. Portable can only be of the electric type. This type of underfloor heater is easy to transfer from a bathroom to a hallway, for example. In the cold season, it is very important for local heating, drying shoes.
Depending on the characteristics of the room, personal needs and, of course, financial capacity, you can purchase the required type of heated towel rail, which will not only serve as intended, but also successfully complement the interior.
The modern market offers a wide range of products for all criteria and prices. For the right choice, you should be guided by your own requirements and the technical capabilities of the room for which this type of heater is selected.
