Electric heated towel rail for the bathroom: views, selection tips, installation

An electric heated towel rail is a device that is used in bathrooms to dry towels and create a pleasant microclimate. There are many types of such devices. The advantage of electric models is that they are not dependent on a central heating system (they are autonomous). In addition, their installation is quite simple, and the variety of shapes and colors will not leave anyone indifferent.

Operating principle

An electric heated towel rail is an electric appliance, which in a constructive sense is made of metal tubes and a heating element mounted in it. This appliance is used to dry towels, as well as clothes (in some cases, shoes). A variety of design solutions of this device has long turned it into an element of decor of bathrooms.

The operation of the device is carried out from the power outlet. The required power for its operation is standard household - 220V. Despite the fact that the heated towel rail in the bathroom is in contact with wet materials and works from the mains, it is absolutely safe. The maximum heating temperature of such a device during operation rarely exceeds 65 ° C.

Since the electric models are autonomous, they can be used according to the personal schedule of the residents - including when necessary and disconnecting if drying is not required.

Note! For convenience, a thermostat is built into the electric models, which allows you to adjust the temperature.

Consider the main functions that an electric device for drying towels performs:

• dries towels and linen;
• removes excess moisture in the bathroom;
• maintains a comfortable microclimate;
• prevents the formation of harmful to human health fungi, as well as mold.

Towel manufacturers every year release new models. The range of such devices is incredibly wide, which allows each person to choose a model suitable for his bathroom.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric heated towel rails

Electric models of heated towel rails have a number of important advantages, which are worth paying attention to:

• ease of installation (installation is made on several mounts);
• autonomy;
• mobility. Installation can be performed in any convenient place;
• economic benefit. Such devices consume no more electricity than a conventional light bulb (25–100 W).
• independent temperature control;
• long service life. As a rule, heated towel rail tubes are made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and aggressive chemical influences.

The disadvantage of such devices can be considered that it requires a separate power line.

Types of heating type

To date, the most common criterion by which they are divided into types of towel warmers is the type of heating. Allocate such devices:

• dry
• liquid;
• combined.

Dry type (cable). Heating is carried out thanks to the electric cable, which is located inside the structure. Experts advise choosing this type of heating if the device is only needed to dry the towels. Such a model is not suitable for temperature control in the bathroom due to the fact that it has a rather small capacity. In principle, this is the main disadvantage of dry heating. The advantages of such a device are as follows:

• cheapness;
• consumption of less energy;
• high heating rate;
• ease of installation.

Liquid type (wet). Such a device is ideal for heating the bathroom. The electric heated towel rail for a bathroom with wet heating is much more powerful than the previous type, when it is turned off, it cools down longer. The disadvantages of liquid devices include: high cost, increased energy consumption, and installation restrictions (liquid devices require a strictly vertical installation). The last point should not be considered a significant drawback, since for aesthetic reasons, in most cases they are installed vertically.

Combined type. The most expensive option of all. This is due to the fact that the operation of the device is carried out both due to the power supply network, and due to the central heating system. The main advantage of this product is the ability to work in the winter season from central heating, and in other periods from the outlet.

Varieties by filling principle

According to the filling principle, devices are divided into three types:

• water;
• oil;
• filled with antifreeze.

The filling principle does not significantly affect the heating capabilities of the device.

Detailed comparison of wet and dry towel rails

Power. For appliances that are equipped with a heating cable, it is comparable to the power of incandescent lamps. The maximum power in this case will be no more than 100 watts. Liquid devices have a power of 0.1 to 2 kW.

Heating rate. In terms of heating speed, dry towel rails occupy an undeniable leadership. They also cool much faster than their water counterparts. Liquid heat up longer, but also cool for a very long time.

Helpful information! If you often turn the appliance on and off, then a dry type of towel warmer is suitable for you.

Temperature setting. For dry appliances, which differ in small power indicators, such a function is not provided in most cases, because they cannot overheat. Liquid models, on the contrary, in most cases have the ability to connect a control device. Due to their power, they can be heated to quite high temperatures. In this case, control is necessary.

Diversity. Both types have a fairly wide range of products. If necessary, you can order a product that will be made individually.

Selection depending on design and installation location

Consider how to choose an electric heated towel rail that fits the design and location of your room. The most common forms of electric towel warmers are:

• the snake;
• ladder.

In addition to these common forms, there are many solutions, the number of which is growing every year. In specialized stores, you can buy towel warmers in the form of paper clips, hairbrushes and many others.

In addition, all products are divided by color. The most popular shades are:

• bronze;
• chromium;
• gold;
• silver.

Some devices are equipped with a screen or are made in the form of partitions, which diversifies the interior of the bathroom. Chromium fixtures are popular with buyers.

Helpful information! The bronze tint allows you to hide the yellowed areas that can form over time on pipes from temperature effects. In addition, the bronze color fits quite elegantly into most bathroom interiors.

In addition, the design choice includes the following components:

• height;
• width;
• number of tubes and their shape.

The standard height for all models of electric heated towel rails ranges from 40 to 120 cm. The distance between inlets, as a rule, is 5 cm.

The width of these electrical appliances in most cases does not exceed 60 cm. For small bathrooms, sliding models can be used. In addition, there are appliances with shelves that are installed separately. The number of tubes depends on the heating of the bathroom. And also it is worth remembering that their curved shape allows you to place more laundry on them.

Installation options for heated towel rails are quite diverse. The device can be located almost anywhere on the wall. In addition, some models are mounted on the floor (they are installed on special legs). They take up more space, however, their installation is much simpler and does not violate the integrity of the walls. The advantage of any wall model is that it does not take the area of ​​the bathroom.

Differences in towel warmers of electric type in power

If you decide to be guided by this parameter when choosing a heated towel rail, then you first need to remember that the most powerful products are not always the best. This is primarily due to the fact that electricity consumption will increase and, accordingly, electricity charges will be higher.

Experts advise choosing these devices, focusing on the volume of the bathroom. This calculation is quite simple: 140 W of electricity should be allocated to 1 m², which is approximately equal to a room temperature of 22–25 ° C. It is easy to calculate - what power is needed for a bathroom of 4 m².

Devices with a power of less than 560 watts simply can not heat a small bathroom, however, if the operation of a heated towel rail is planned for the summer period, then low-power devices are also perfect.

Which heated towel rail to choose? Useful Tips

If you have a question about how to choose an electric heated towel rail for the bathroom, then you need to study certain points:

1. Choosing such a device is very careful, paying attention to the nuances. Modern models are much more durable and have high technical characteristics, but they are also more expensive than obsolete devices. However, if you decide to choose a durable and high-quality product, it is recommended to opt for a modern device.

2. Towel dryers equipped with a temperature controller are more expensive than conventional models, but ultimately the purchase of such a device pays off. The temperature controller allows you to save on electricity.

Important! It is best to buy a device whose power will be higher than what is needed to heat a particular bathroom. If the room is too warm - this can be easily fixed by adjusting the thermostat.Lack of heat will not work out.

3. It is necessary to study which brands produce the highest quality products. The cheapest heated towel rails are domestic. If quality is a priority when choosing, then you should pay attention to foreign firms.

4. Be sure to ask the sellers to present the necessary documents and certificates for the device.

Mounting Features

This device can be mounted in two different ways:

• open;
• closed.

An open method is performed by connecting the device to power supply (wires are open). The closed version is carried out in cases where it is not possible to perform another installation. With this installation, the device is connected to the wiring, which passes in the wall.

Bathrooms can have different design features, like the appliances themselves, however, there are general installation tips that can come in handy in any situation. Consider the main ones:

1. If a large amount of condensation accumulates in the bathroom, then it is recommended to mount the outlet for the heated towel rail in another room or purchase and install moisture-proof. Otherwise, a short circuit may occur in the outlet. Moisture resistant socket has a special rubber seal and a protective cover.
2. It is also advisable to install a device that shuts off the power supply to the device during power surges.
3. The outlet should be kept as far from the bathtub and sink as possible.
4. If you purchased a heated towel rail without a thermostat, you can buy this device separately.

Now we will consider the main stages of installation of a heated towel rail:

1. First you need to choose a heated towel rail, focusing on the size of the bathroom, its volume and interior features.
2. Determine the place where you will mount the device.
3. At this stage, the installation of grounding the heated towel rail.
4. Installing a moisture-proof outlet and a residual current device.
5. At this stage, a heated towel rail is installed. The device is mounted on the wall using brackets.
6. Connect the heated towel rail to the mains. It is recommended that you wait 10 minutes before starting the device.

Overview of the best models of electric heated towel rails

Among the variety of such devices, we can distinguish several of the most popular models.

ARGO BEAM 4. This is a heated towel rail from a Russian manufacturer. The options for the execution of such a device can be different, so it fits almost any interior. The material this model is made of is stainless steel. The power of such a product, as a rule, is 60 watts. Coloring can be of three types: gold, bronze and white. The operating temperature of this appliance is +53 ° C. Complete with the device are elements for its installation. The warranty is given for 1 year, and the minimum service life is 5 years.

ZORG ZR 017. Such an electric heated towel rail is rightfully considered one of the best. It is carried out in the form of a short flight of stairs, which is very convenient for drying clothes. ZORG ZR 017 can fit into almost any bathroom design. In addition, it is distinguished by excellent technical characteristics. It is made of stainless steel, which has anti-corrosion properties. The power of this heated towel rail is 100 watts. Maximum working temperature 65 ° C. The warranty for such a device is issued for 1 year, and the service life can be up to 5 years or more.

TERMOSMART COMFORT EL. Many experts consider this particular model to be the best of all. Practical and functional, with excellent technical indicators, a durable model (service life from 5 to 15 years).It is capable of withstanding pressure up to 25 atmospheres. Such samples are produced in Croatia. This electric heated towel rail is a great option for any bathroom.