There are many reasons you might want to invest in a heating towel rack: to warm your towels after taking a shower or bath, make it easier to get dressed without dragging dripping wet towels across the floor, or simply because you want to add some designer style to your home décor. However, before you head off shopping, it’s worth having a good look at your space and thinking about how you will be using your new towel warmer. This will help you make the best choice of design and size for your room.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a heated towel rack, from price and size, to the way it will be installed and operated. You’ll also have to decide whether you want a wall-mounted hardwired model or a free-standing unit. If you’re installing a hardwired option, it’s worth considering a 7-day programmable controller to give you ultimate convenience and energy savings.
You’ll have to choose between electric or hydronic power too, with the former being the most popular. Most electric models are plug-in and use up to as little energy as a 60 watt light bulb, making them super efficient. Some even have a built-in timer to automatically turn on and off at certain times of the day.
Hydronic models are more complicated to install and will require a qualified plumber to do so. They work by connecting to your existing boiler system plumbing and are often connected through a floor feed pipe. Some are dual fuel too, meaning they can be run on either gas or electricity.
Once you’ve decided how and where you want your heated towel rack to be installed, it’s important to note that modern well-insulated homes will allow you to fit a towel rail on virtually any wall in the bathroom. However, it’s often a good idea to fix it to the coldest wall in the room for optimum efficiency.
Heated racks are also a fantastic way to keep your linen cupboard clear of mildew and musty smells by drawing excess moisture from your damp towels. This helps to prevent your fresh towels from developing these unpleasant conditions and makes them last longer, allowing you to go up to two weeks between washes.
There are a wide variety of designs and sizes available to suit your specific bathroom or en-suite space, including ladder, curved, zigzag, and single bar styles. The 6-bar ladder model is the most common and offers plenty of room for a couple of towels, while rounded designs can offer a more contemporary feel. A swirl or zigzag pattern is also great for adding intrigue and a touch of whimsy to your décor.
If you’re planning a full bathroom refurbishment or are looking to upgrade your en-suite or cloakroom, a towel warmer is a worthwhile investment for both function and aesthetics. It can really complete the space and add that designer finish to your room.