When arranging the bathroom, do not forget about the heated towel rail. At first glance, you can not attach great importance to this device, since this is not the main attribute of the bathroom. But do not be dismissive of it, because because of its practicality it is very expedient. This device has several advantages, such as heating a room, a towel dryer, can be used as an element of decor (various options have an elegant 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 operate on hot water. Installed vertically on the bathroom wall. Usually installed in apartment buildings with central heating.
The installation requires a connection to the hot water pipe. 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 only possible during the heating season. In those months when the central heating is turned off, it will only serve as a towel holder.
Electrical
Unlike the previous type, they are much easier to install. They work only from the mains, do not require connection to the pipeline. This difference allows you to install it in any corner of 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 consumption of electricity 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 central heating. True, the cost of such a device will be significantly higher, given the combination of two principles of work in one device.
Which material is better
Depending on the material of manufacture of the heating device, its price will depend. In 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. It is 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.
Stainless steel heated towel rail chrome. This type is considered a good option, which has proved itself 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 to be 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, stainless chrome is always recommended as the best option.
The form
The modern design allows you to choose a heated towel rail to suit the style of your bathroom. They are various 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 it is considered quite practical in operation. It can not only 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.
- E - shaped - neat and simple towel dryer. Takes up little space.
- U - shaped - laconic 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 in previous versions. It looks good and takes up little space.
- Snake is the most popular form of drying, in the form of curved pipes. The design is attractive. Spacious, allows you to dry a lot of linen.
Power
To understand how to choose a heated towel rail for the 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 dryer, 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 watts per 1 sq. m. At a given power, the heated towel rail will dry and heat the room, even if it contains a window.
- Consider the presence of floor heating or the presence of another heating device. The need for choosing a weak or strong heater depends on this.
Site variations
There are also two types of bathroom heaters, depending on the type of installation.
Wall
This is the main type of dryer installation - on the 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, this or that view is appropriate.
If there is a need to install drying in a place where there is no access to heat supply, then electric will be very relevant. In particular, they are often practiced in hallways. In the bathroom where there is access to water, 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 of two zones. Very comfortable and functional. In addition to the basic functions, such a heater will become an element of zoning.
All heated towel rails can be:
- Stationary;
- Figurative;
- Rotatable.
The main difference between the rotary device is that some elements of the dryer can rotate. It is quite convenient to operate. However, the reliability of such devices is less than stationary. In particular, constant rotation leads to friction, which sometimes entails water leakage. This is the main minus of such heaters.
Concerning rotary dryers of an electric type, they are more reliable in this regard. Wearable can only be electric type. This type of floor heater is easy to move from the bathroom, for example, to the corridor. In the cold season, it is very important for local heating, drying shoes.
Depending on the characteristics of the premises, personal needs and, of course, financial possibilities, you can purchase the right type of heated towel rail, which will not only serve its purpose, but also successfully complement the interior.
The modern market presents a wide range of all criteria and prices. For the right choice, you should be guided by your own requirements and the technical capabilities of the room to which this type of heater is selected.
