Heated towel rails are a great addition to any bathroom. They offer a warm and cosy feeling as you dry off after your morning shower or evening bath, while also preventing mildew and extending the life of your towels.
In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about these handy devices: how they work, what kinds of options are available, how to choose the best heated towel rails in Australia — and so much more!
What are heated towel rails?
A heated towel rail is a bathroom accessory that works as a drying system. It's a metal bar that can be attached to the wall, with heat coils embedded to warm your towels up before you get out of the shower or bath.
Some heated towel rails can even be installed under cabinets or corners, making them hard to spot at first glance but easy to use once you get into the room! This means they're perfect for drying off after bathing and storing them while they dry.
How do heated towel rails work?
Heated towel rails are usually installed in bathrooms that dry wet towels. They're made of different materials and have different finishes, depending on their intended use. Some have a smooth finish for easy cleaning; others have an extra-coarse texture for better absorption.
Though heated towel rails are frequently used to dry wet towels, they can also be used to heat your bathroom during the winter months.
Heated towel rails are available in different sizes and configurations, including single or double-sided models and even freestanding heated towel rails. Depending on your preference, they can be installed on the wall or ceiling.
Types of heated towel rails
Heated towel rails are a great way to add warmth and comfort to your bathroom. Several types of heated towel rails are available, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the major categories:
Electrical rail
These rails use electricity as their heat source, making them incredibly easy to install and maintain. However, they require access to a power outlet to function, so they are not ideal for outdoor spaces or areas where you don’t have access to electricity. They also tend to be more expensive than hydronic or liquid-filled models because they require more manufacturing materials.
Hydronic rail
A hydronic rail gets its heat from a liquid that circulates through the pipes instead of electricity as an electric model does. This makes it great for outdoor spaces with no electrical outlet nearby because it doesn't require wiring or installation costs as electrical rails do. Hydronic models are also cheaper than electric ones because they don't require as much material or labour costs during production processes. They're just as easy to install as regular electric versions, so no worries there!
Liquid filled
This heated towel rail uses a special liquid called glycol inside its reservoir to generate heat. This liquid is considered nonflammable and safe for use in homes with children or pets, which makes it an attractive option for many homeowners.
These are often used in bathrooms where there's no access to installing a hydronic system and when you want something more aesthetically pleasing than an electric model. Like many other options, liquid-filled models tend to last longer because they're made out of stainless steel instead of chrome plating over steel.
Benefits of heated towel rails
A heated towel rail is a great addition to any bathroom. It provides a quick and easy way to dry your towels and bathrobes. Here are some of the benefits of a heated towel rail in Australia:
- Comfort and longevity
Heated towel rails in Australia tend to last longer than other heaters because the element doesn't have moving parts and doesn't require maintenance as oil-filled radiators do. This makes them more reliable than other types of heaters too! - More energy-efficient
When it comes to heating your bathroom, electric heaters are cheap but not the most efficient. This is because they use a lot of electricity. However, having a heated towel rail instead of an electric heater in your bathroom will be much cheaper and easier on your energy bill. - Makes the bathroom feel warmer
You may be surprised to learn that they can help keep your bathroom warm and comfortable. The radiators direct their heat toward the walls and windows. Even though they’re not as powerful as other heating systems in the home, like underfloor heating or radiators, they tend to make the bathroom feel warmer than it would otherwise. - Balances bathroom’s moisture level
Heated towel rails also reduce condensation on windows and mirrors (which can lead to mould growth) and reduce the need for humidifiers by keeping moisture levels balanced throughout winter months when central heating systems are often used more than usual.
Guide in buying heated towel rails for your home
Choosing a heated towel rail can be tricky. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing the best heated towel rail in Australia:
- How much space do you have available?
Once you've figured out what features and functionality you want from your heated towel rail, it's time to think about the physical size of your bathroom space and how much space there is for a heating element like this one. This will help determine what lengths and widths are available for purchase — and whether or not those options will work with your room layout! - Do you want it to be wall-mounted or freestanding?
This will depend on your bathroom's layout and how much space you have. If you need to conserve space, a wall-mounted option would be better. A freestanding heated towel rail might be more appropriate if you have lots of room. - Are you looking for something that will dry towels quickly?
Then look for one with a high heat output — which means more energy efficiency and at least one with an efficient heating element. - What kind of design do you like best?
Some people prefer simple designs with minimal ornamentation, while others prefer bolder designs with lots of detailed work. You can also choose whether you want square or round bars for your rails.
Heated towel rails sizes and how to choose the right size for your bathroom
Heated towel rails typically range from 400 to 1000 mm in width and 600 to 1800 mm in height. Your bathroom's available wall space and intended use will determine the size and style of the heated towel rail you choose. So, how do you know which size heated towel rail is right for your bathroom? Here's what you need to know:
- The height of your bathroom will determine the height of the heated towel rail. If you have a tall bathroom, the rail should be taller, too. This way, people will have enough room to place their towels on top without worrying about hitting their heads on anything. However, if you have a smaller bathroom, then consider buying one that's shorter in height or use a heated vertical towel rail.
- The width of your bathroom will also dictate whether or not you can fit an oversized heated towel rail in there comfortably or not. If there isn't much space between two walls or around the vanity area where it would be placed, then it's probably best to go with something smaller rather than bigger.
- You'll want to consider how many people use this bathroom regularly before buying anything too large.
In conclusion, a heated towel rail can be a great addition to any bathroom. It's a useful and practical way to save money and energy while also making your bathroom more comfortable. If you have any questions or want to discuss the best brand for a towel rail like Hydrotherm, feel free to contact us.
