Towel Radiators & Heated Towel Rails

Explore our fantastic selection of towel radiators that bring both function and flair to your bathroom space. We have a diverse range of high-quality towel radiators available in various styles, finishes, and sizes, making it easy to find the right one for your decor.... Dive into our main categories below to add a stylish touch to your bathroom while reaping the benefits of a cosy heated towel rail.

When it comes to the practical setup of your main bathroom or an en-suite, a towel rail proves an exceptionally useful addition because it will regulate your bathroom temperature while keeping your towels warm and dry as well as providing efficient storage space for your towels.

How To Choose The Right Towel Radiator?

There are 5 points to consider before you shop and buy a bathroom towel radiator. These are;

a. Your intended usage type
b. Heat requirement for the room in question
c. Measurment of the room and size of the radiator
d. Style & finish to match your setting
e. actual cost of the radiator and delivery times

Once you have mastered these, choosing the right towel radiator is simply a matter of browsing the categories in our online store according to your budget and other requirements in terms of usage, heat, size, finish and design. We also stock a fantastic range of radiator valves, heating elements and radiator accessories engineered to assist you at every stage of the installation process and to supply the finishing touches to your setup.

High BTU Heat Output Heated Towel Rails

Some form of heat is essential for a bathroom and without any heat, showers and baths will be most unpleasant. Old-fashioned radiators do an OK job, but if you want your bathroom or en suite to look modern and stylish, a heated towel rail is a far better choice. The main problem with old-fashioned radiators is that they are not much good at drying multiple towels. A heated towel rail, on the other hand, is perfectly designed for drying and warming towels. The innovative ladder design of heated towel rails dries towels far more efficiently than a regular radiator, so your towels will be nice and dry within a short time.

Choosing the right style of heated towel rail is very important, so you need to give a lot of thought to what type of decorative finish you desire. Contemporary bathrooms will benefit from a sleek, modern designer towel radiators whereas a Victoriana-style heated towel rail would be suitable for a bathroom with a more traditional finish. You don’t even have to stick with a chrome finish as there are other colour and finish options available. Size is also an important consideration. Larger bathrooms will be able to cope with a large towel rail, but if your small room is exceedingly compact, a small heated towel rail will be a much better choice.

Towel Radiators Frequently Asked Questions

Our Product FAQ section deals with questions about our products, installation types, rules and regulations, guidance and facts. If you still have not found an answer to your query, please contact us either by online chat, phone or e-mail so that a member of our team can offer assistance.

What is a towel radiator and how does it function in a bathroom?

Towel radiators are a type of radiators that are designed to dry towels and wet garments, and used mainly, but not solely, in bathrooms. Because they effectively combine aesthetic and functionality while providing heat, there has been a tendency in recent years to install them in other parts of the house, too. It circulates hot water or uses electric elements to heat tubes and surface, which radiate heat into the room and can efficiently dry towels hung on the bars.

Are towel radiators and heated towel rails the same?

Yes, towel radiators and heated towel rails are two terms to describe essentially the product. In places such as the US, the term towel warmer is also widely used to refer to the same product.

What are towel radiators made of?

Various materials, such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron and brass, are used in manufacturing towel radiators. Each of these materials can be chosen to give a specific effect to the end product. For instance, mild steel offers physical flexibility to create variety of styles and designs at affordable prices, whereas the main purpose of using stainless steel and brass is to increase durability by preventing corrosion. To make an informed decision when selecting towel radiators, it is important to understand the differences both in function and cost of these materials.

Are chrome towel radiators made of chrome?

No, what makes radiators "chrome" is not what they are made of, but what they are plated or coated with. Chrome, white or anthracite radiators are usually made of steel and simply plated with chrome or coated with anthracite or white paint.

Can I replace my ordinary radiator with a towel radiator?

Yes, you can. From an instalment and pipe connections point of view, ordinary radiators can be replaced by towel radiators / heated towel rails, as all radiators essentially operate in the same way. Nevertheless the possibility of having to modify the existing piping, the differences in the heat output, and the corrosion factor, which is important for all types of central heating systems but more specifically for open systems, are important aspects to take into account when replacing ordinary radiators with towel radiators / heated towel rails.

Can I use a towel radiator as the primary heating source in my bathroom?

Yes, in many cases, a towel radiator can serve as the primary heating source in a bathroom, especially in smaller spaces. However, consider the size of the radiator relative to your bathroom's square footage to make sure it can adequately heat the area during colder months.

What is the importance of the distance between pipe centres?

The distance between the centre points of pipe connections on towel radiators is important, because for smoother installation and less modification to the existing heating pipes, that distance must match the distance between centre points of the central heating pipes. However, if piping is to be re-done completely, then there is no need to seek matching pipe centres.

What is BTU?

BTU, short for British Thermal Unit, is a basic measure of thermal (heat) energy. In the case of towel radiators, BTU, alongside with Watts, is used to measure and determine heating needs of internal spaces, such as rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Technically speaking, one BTU is the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, measured at its heaviest point. In other words, if you placed 16 ounces of water at 59°F into a stovetop pan and turned on the gas burner, it would take one BTU to raise the temperature of the water to 60°F. As more BTUs continue to flow from the gas flame, the water will eventually reach the boiling point of 212°F.

Conversion calculations: One BTU is approximately: 1054 - 1060 joules, 252 - 253 cal (calories, small), 0.252 - 0.253 kcal (kilo-calories), 778-782 ft · lbf (foot-pounds-force).

The BTU per hour (BTU/h) is the unit of power most commonly associated with the BTU. 1 watt is approximately 3.412 BTU/h, and 1000 BTU/h is approximately 293 W.

How can I maximize the heating efficiency of my towel radiator?

To enhance the heating efficiency of your towel radiator, ensure it is installed at the correct height and location for optimal air circulation. Keep the radiator free of obstructions—like furniture or curtains—and regularly bleed the radiator to remove any trapped air, ensuring hot water flows freely.

How can I use a towel radiator?

Towel radiators can be used;

a- As connected to the central heating system only,
b- As electric-only, with an electric element and without any connection to a central heating system, or
c- As dual-fuel, both with an electric element and connection to the central heating system simultaneously.

Further information about the instalment procedures for each usage; please visit Pictures & Drawings of Possible Towel Radiator Connections.

What parts are needed for central heating connection only?

Except for some designer towel radiators, which may have their connection points on the side of the radiator, the great majority of both standard and designer type towel radiators have their connection points at the bottom end of the two vertical bars, facing the floor.

Therefore;

When pipes are coming up the floor, a pair of straight radiator valves, and when pipes are coming out of the wall a pair of either angled or corner valves are required. To find out more about the valves, please see Q12.

How are towel radiators / heated towel rails connected to central heating systems?

We strongly recommend that you use the services of qualified and certified professionals to do the installation work.

While the exact method of installation may vary from product to product, we can briefly explain how, in general, heated towel rails are installed. Firstly, piping must be put in place in accordance with the distance between pipe centres of the radiator, taking into account the type of connection chosen (central heating only or dual fuel). Secondly, relevant types of valves and electric elements, if any, are used to complete the water connection. Finally, once brackets supplied with radiators are used to fix them onto walls and air vent/blanking plug is placed into its designated location, the installation job may be deemed complete, except for testing for leaks or flimsy fixings.

Which valves do I need?

There are various types of valves that are designed to be used with different types of towel radiators and pipe connections. We strongly recommend that you visit connection types to determine what kinds of valves are needed for your particular situation.

Which parts do I need for an Electric only towel radiator?

If the product code of the towel radiator / heated towel rail you would like to purchase begins with "EL, ELT or ELS", it is either pre-filled or a dry unit. Those are by design for electric only use. Therefore, you do not need anything else except for a spur socket on the wall.

However, if you want to purchase any other towel radiator, which by design connects to central heating, and convert it into electric-only use, you will need the following parts:

- Towel Radiator of your choice
- A matching electric element
- A blanking plug

Electric element is inserted into the bottom end of one of the two vertical bars, and the other bottom entry is sealed with a blanking plug. More information can be found on our Electric Only Use Towel Rails page.

Please note that we STRONGLY recommend you use the services of a qualified electrician to install your electric element/ electric towel rails.

How can I choose the correct electric element for my towel radiator?

Generally speaking, the heat output figures stated in watts for the towel radiator you are interested in can be taken as a guide for the strength of the electric element you need. For instance, if the towel radiator in question produces 378 watts heat output when connected to the central heating, either a 300 or 400 watt electric element will be the suitable choice.

What is dual fuel towel radiator?

A dual fuel towel radiator is one that is simultaneously connected to central heating and electric supply. The main purpose of having dual fuel towel radiator is to use it off the central heating in winter, and as electric-only in summer. For further information about dual-fuel connections, installation methods and required parts, please visit our Dual Fuel Towel Radiators page.

Which parts do I need for dual-fuel connection?

Please refer to our towel radiator connection illustrations page to see dual fuel connection options and relevant parts needed for them.

What are bathroom zones?

Using electrical equipments in bathrooms may pose various safety risks, therefore the IEE Wiring Regulations are in place to minimise these risks by dividing bathrooms into zones and determining which electrical equipments can be used in which bathroom zones. While all certified electricians are expected to know these zones, the following list and illustrations can be used as guidance only for non-professionals. Please note that we recommend that all customers use the services of a certified electrician to install their electric towel radiator & electric heated towel rails.

Zone 0 The interior of a bath tub or shower cubicle which can hold water and is likely to be affected by splashes.

Zone 1The area directly above Zone 0, which is vertically limited to 2250mm up from the bottom of the bath tub.

Zone 2 The area beyond Zones 0 and 1, which stretches 600mm horizontally and up to 2250mm vertically. Zone 2 also includes any windows with a sill next to the bath.

Zone 3 The area beyond Zone 2 which extends 2400mm horizontally and up to 2250mm vertically.

click to enlarge

How can I clean and maintain my towel radiator?

Regular maintenance involves dusting the surface of your towel radiator to prevent dust buildup. You should also wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For more thorough cleaning, turn off the radiator, allow it to cool, and use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean between the bars. Periodically check for leaks or rust as well.

We are committed to offering quality radiators at low prices and we aim to deliver an outstanding level of service for each and every customer.

HORIZONTAL Towel Radiators

CHROME Towel Rails & Radiators

ANTHRACITE Towel Rails & Radiators

BLACK Towel Radiators

WHITE Towel Rails & Radiators

ELECTRIC Towel Rails

STAINLESS STEEL Towel Rails & Radiators

DESIGNER Radiators

TRADITIONAL Heated Towel Rails

Featured Products

Can Two Same Size Bathroom Radiators Have Different Heat Outputs?

Heat output of a radiator is all about its size and actual surface space as well as the temperature of the water inside. Say you have two same sized bathroom towel radiators from two different suppliers. They are both 500mm wide and 1200mm high but somehow they have different BTU figures! In this case the first thing you will need to check would be the Detla T figure used for calculation to ensure if they are both using the same. While Delta 50 (Δ T50) is now the UK standard, some sellers do advertise their radiators at Delta 60 (Δ T60). As an example; if a bathroom towel radiator is tested, approved and declared as 1,000BTU using Delta 50, it can be advertised and sold as giving out 1,000BTU. But it can also be advertised as 1264BTU based on Delta 60. This gives an illusion of getting more heat to a novice buyer. You can find more information on Delta T and differences between DeltaT50 and DeltaT60 on our blog post.

Secondly, even though they are both same size in overall width and height, they may not necessarily have the same surface space. While one has 15 number of horizontal bars with larger and bigger main gaps, other one could have a total of 24 horizontal bars with smaller main gaps. Naturally the bathroom radiator with more bars will have more surface space and as a result, it will give more heat compared the other one with less bars. Diameter of these bars, thickness of the steel used, amount of plating or paint, quality of the raw material used are all other factors which may contribute to higher or lower heat outputs of a radiator. Like most things, heavier the radiator means more bars, more surface space and more heat.

How Much Is A Towel Radiator Delivery?

The cost of delivering a towel radiator can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, weight and size of the radiator itself will play a significant role in determining the delivery charges. If your chosen towel rail is 1200mm or more on the longest side, a large item surcharge will apply regardless of your order total or delivery location. We can group heated towel rails by size to 3 groups below;

Group 1 – Those with the longest side less than 1200mm: £0.00 to £11.95 depending on your order total
Group 2 – Those with the longest side between 1200mm to 1500mm: minimum £5.95
Group 3 – Those with the longest side more than 1500mm: minimum £11.95

We offer Free Delivery on orders over £150 to most locations in the UK but some areas such as Highlands, Islands and other remote locations are excluded as well as those large items mentioned above.
Tip: If your towel rail is £140, why not add a pair of valves to qualify for Free Delivery?

Another factor that can influence the cost of bathroom towel radiator delivery is the delivery address. There are surcharges to Scottish Islands & Highlands, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight etc. Once you added all products to your basket, you can use our “Estimate Delivery” link to work out total delivery fee which will take your location and product weights & sizes into consideration. Alternatively, you can visit our Delivery & Returns page for more information on cost and delivery services we offer.

Furthermore, the delivery service chosen can impact the price. We offer different delivery options such as standard delivery, express delivery, or even next-day delivery. Each of these options may come with varying costs, with faster delivery methods generally being more expensive. It is important to consider the urgency of the delivery and weigh it against the additional cost to determine the most suitable delivery method for your heated towel rails & parts.

Are Towel Radiator Mounting Brackets Metal or Plastic?

This will depend on the model you select but most ladder type towel rails have plastic and most designer models have metal brackets. In both cases brackets will match the radiator finish for a complete and nicer look. With standard ladder towel rails, brackets are affixed between any of the two horizontal bars. This makes it easier to install as there is great deal of flexibility on its location. For a stronger support to hang towel rails on the wall, they are usually placed between the 2nd and 3rd bars from the top, as well as the bottom. Unlike some other suppliers, all our towel rails come with a set of 4 brackets instead of 3. It is best to install these brackets as close as possible to the side vertical tubes so that you can have larger space in the middle to hang your towels.

Designer models on the other hand almost always have metal brackets. These are located at a set point on all 4 corners and welded at the back of the vertical tubes. As the bracket locations are set and cannot be moved or changed, installing designer towel radiator brackets is trickier compared to standard towel rails. With these fixed point brackets, installers must take precise measurements before drilling holes for the raw plugs. As always, measure twice (even three times) but drill once to avoid misaligned radiators on the wall.