A heated towel rail helps to quickly get rid of excess moisture in the bathroom and dry wet items. New models of “dryers” not only cope perfectly with the drawbacks of the microclimate, but also decorate the interior. However, the attractiveness of design simply must be combined with functionality, do you agree?
Useful information on how to choose the best equipment for arranging a bathroom, we are happy to share with you. This article sets out the information collected during the actual preparation for the purchase of the device. It addresses all issues that may arise from the buyer.
We offer you a detailed description of the characteristics that you need to pay attention to before purchasing. Here is an overview of products from leading manufacturers in the segment. The selection criteria are justified by weighty arguments, the information is confirmed by photos and video recommendations.
Water pipe requirements
The bathroom is the wettest place in the house and apartment, so it is necessary to provide additional heating for the room. The heated towel rail helps to quickly dry towels or linen, prevents mold and prevents dampening of floor and wall finishes.
In addition, modern models are a stylish decoration of the bathroom interior, since progressive designers are constantly working on the appearance of devices.
A chromed ladder-shaped heated towel rail is an ideal water design with a traditional arrangement of elements convenient for drying wet items. Mounts in the free zone on the wall.
The standard heated towel rail has the form of a curved pipe in the middle of which hot water circulates. If the water supply stops circulating, the product stops working.
When choosing a water heated towel rail, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the level of pressure in the pipes. According to current building standards and GOST requirements, the water pressure in the intake fittings is more than 6 bar.
When choosing a towel dryer to be connected to a central hot water system or to water heating, find out what pressure the device can withstand
The water pressure in the pipes of apartment buildings can be 2.5-7.5 Atm. The indicator depends on the place of construction, the quality of communications and the number of floors in the building. In private homes, the pressure in the pipes is usually 2-3 atm. Therefore, before buying, you should find out the indicators of the water supply system and add to the obtained value several positions for hydraulic shocks.
The effectiveness of a heated towel rail depends on the sweep area of the pipe. The original design in the form of a ladder has the ability to give off the maximum amount of heat and easily tolerates water hammer.
When choosing a dryer, special attention must be paid to the diameter of the pipes. In some cases, a special adapter is required for the installation and connection of the heating device.
The larger the total area of the pipes from which the water heated towel rail is made, the greater its heat transfer. If devices from thick pipes are not satisfied, it is better to take a device with thin, but often located elements
The main criteria for choosing a water model
Repairing a bathroom involves replacing outdated plumbing equipment, including a heated towel rail, connected to a hot water supply (DHW) or heating system. When choosing a heating device, one should evaluate not only the external attractiveness of the product, but also the strength of the material.
Not every heated towel rail model can withstand the regular differences in operating pressure that occur in the centralized heating system of apartment buildings.
It is worth considering that the peak values of pressure in the pipes can reach 10 Atm. Therefore, it is important to know what technical characteristics and features of the heating device you need to pay attention to first.
Proper installation of a heated towel rail is essential. In most cases, installation of the structure is carried out before finishing finishing work in the bathroom.
This significantly saves finances and time spent on installation work. Many installation problems are easier to solve using modern electrical models.
In most cases, the installation of water dryers is carried out in bathrooms with a connection to the heating pipe or to the hot water supply system
Appearance of heated towel rails
According to the form, water-type heated towel rails can be divided into several different types. Standard models include heaters that look like a bent pipe. Outwardly, they may resemble the letter “P” or “M”.
In recent years, modern models of heating structures of unusual sizes and shapes are gaining popularity. To design modern interiors, consumers often consider progressive design models, for example, in the form of a zigzag or ladder, presented by manufacturers in different versions.
Towel dryers in the form of the letters "M" and "P" are characterized by heat transfer up to 500 watts. Laconic models come in handy in limited bathtubs.
It is recommended to select a drying device in which the number of hangers will correspond to the number of people living in the house. At the same time, the distance between the hangers should be sufficient.
Upgraded models are available to consumers, which may have additional functionality such as shelves. Today, designer types of dryers that can have original shapes are gaining popularity. In this case, a practical fixture will become a stylish decoration of the bathroom, add a bright and unique touch to the interior or emphasize a certain style.
The modernized heated towel rail in the form of a ladder will not only fulfill its direct functions, but also stylishly decorate the bathroom
Thus, the modern market offers a wide selection of models of water heated towel rails of various shapes:
- ladder;
- zigzag;
- U-shaped;
- M-shaped;
- U-shaped;
- teardrop-shaped;
- double-circuit.
In addition to standard models of water heaters for the bathroom, consumers are offered exclusive designer models. They are distinguished by an intricate unique design.
Advanced thermal appliances are the best option for modern design. The wave-shaped heated towel rail is ideal for the interior of the Art Nouveau bathroom
Shelves or special hooks are sometimes added to designs of the original form. Appearance and practicality is reflected in the cost of a heated towel rail.
Priority Fabrication Material
When choosing a water-type heating device, you should focus not only on the technical characteristics and shape of the product. It is also important what material it is made of. In the production process of water heated towel rails, the following materials are used:
- stainless steel;
- black steel;
- non-ferrous metals (brass, copper, aluminum).
There are chrome, polished and painted water heated towel rails. If the owner of the house or apartment decided to change the heating device in the bathroom, he is interested in what material it is better to choose a heating device for drying towels and linen.
To make the right choice, we analyze the features and characteristics of water structures from different materials.
Plain steel appliances. Steel is an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements. Technical specifications and properties of steel depend on additional components.
Reliable heated towel rails made of durable black steel practically do not differ from structures made of ordinary stainless steel. Steel radiators conduct heat very well and are coated on the outside with a special layer that protects it from corrosion.
Iron-based water heaters are considered the most affordable option and are ideal for consumers who want to save money. The disadvantage of this type of model is the relatively short life of the product.
If during the repair you do not have a significant amount of funds, then the iron unit is the best option.
Powder-coated steel towel dryers are in high demand due to the low cost of products and a versatile design suitable for bathrooms of various styles
A heated towel rail made of iron and its alloys is suitable for country houses that have an autonomous heating system. The fact is that in an apartment a radiator made of this material rusts faster, becomes clogged with impurities and salts that settle daily on the inner walls of the pipe.
This significantly reduces the life of the device, therefore, experts do not recommend connecting a steel water device to a central heating system.
Stainless steel heated towel rails. Stainless steel heating devices for the bathroom are reliable units that will last a long time for the owner.
The main advantages of stainless steel heated towel rails include their ability to withstand high pressure and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel models have excellent thermal conductivity.
The disadvantages of such heated towel rails include the high cost of products. At a price they are several times more expensive than steel and copper structures. In today's market you can find a budget analogue of a radiator - a heated towel rail, painted under a stainless steel.
Minus of the product - if the operating rules are violated, it quickly loses its attractive appearance.
Stainless steel towel warmers for drying towels and linen are more expensive than conventional steel alloy products, but they will last much longer
Regardless of the quality of the water, the stainless steel water radiator will hold steady for a long time. There are chrome, polished and painted stainless steel water heated towel rails. In order for a steel radiator to please its attractive appearance for a long time, choose chromed models of a domestic or foreign manufacturer.
Brass and copper devices. Towel dryers made from brass pipes are the golden mean between two types of steel radiators.
The material has an attractive golden color, which is given to it by the constituent components. Brass includes an alloy of copper with zinc, most often with the addition of iron, aluminum, tin and other elements. This is the most common copper alloy, characterized by ductility.
The service life of an aesthetic heated towel rail made of brass or copper is 5-10 years, but with gentle use it significantly increases
Water heated towel rails made of brass or copper are not susceptible to corrosion, are slightly more expensive than similar stainless steel products.
The maximum allowable pressure that a similar brass or copper radiator can withstand is 6 bar. In connection with this feature, they are excellent for installation in private homes, in which the water pressure usually does not exceed 3-4 atmospheres.
Instrument mounting method
An important point that you need to pay attention to when choosing a water radiator for a bathroom is the method of attachment or installation. Although installation is not a very difficult task, professional installation is required for proper installation. A qualified specialist will not only competently complete the installation of the unit, but also maintain the manufacturer's warranty.
All types of heated towel rails are connected to the risers, since they must be connected to the existing water supply or heating system. They are fixed most often on the wall, less often on the wall, coupled with the floor. The installation option depends on the specifics of the model and the preferred installation option.
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Mount the dryer on the wall in the bathroom
Heated towel rail coupled with a radiator
Connecting to a riser in an adjacent room
Concealed gasket when connected to hot water
Connecting the appliance to the heating pipe
The original location in the partition
Screen drying masking
The construction of the box around the riser
# 1: Mounting wall models
When choosing between mounting on the floor or wall, residents of apartment buildings often prefer wall mounting. This is ideal for rooms with limited space.
Wall mounted towel rails are relevant for small bathrooms, where a lot of furniture and appliances are usually located on the floor
In a small bathroom, a similar design can take the place of a towel holder. If the lower part of the wall is tiled in the bathroom, you can install a heated towel rail below or above the border or buy a device that can be mounted on the bathroom wall with a level difference.
# 2: installing floor standing appliances
The heated towel rail installed near the wall can perform the functions of additional heating of the room and non-contact drying. For example, you can place a hanger for bath towels over a water radiator.
At the same time, warm air rising from the water device will dry the wet towel. A bathtub will look more attractive than with things hanging on its walls.
The heated towel rail is a device of an original custom design that will decorate the bathroom in a classic, retro or modern style
Disadvantages of a floor heated towel rail: it is not suitable for a small bathroom and requires additional repairs.
Options for connecting “dryers”
When choosing a water heated towel rail, you must consider the method of connecting the structure. There are 3 main types of connection:
- Lateral. It is applied to vertically extended devices. This is the most versatile way, suitable for standard snakes, systems with "recessed" pipes and for individual models-ladders.
- Bottom connection. Requires Mayevsky taps and a normal hot water head. Suitable for overall models, often used in ladders.
- Diagonal. This connection method ensures efficient water circulation, requires additional pipe laying. Suitable for large structures, ladders and their modifications.
One of the most popular types is a heating device with side connection. Such models are in demand due to the features of the device and the simplicity of connecting the unit to the water supply network. When buying a side heated towel rail, it must be borne in mind that some models are not suitable for standard domestic systems.
The model with lateral connection differs in esthetics due to the hidden communication system. The coolant pipe is masked in the wall
The common diameter of risers in apartment buildings is 1 or 1.4 inches. According to foreign standards, the connecting dimensions are 3/4 or 1.5 inches. If you purchased a heated towel rail with such dimensions, you must additionally purchase a special adapter with which you can perform installation work.
Design and size of heated towel rails
For a bathroom of any style, you can choose a water heated towel rail, which harmoniously fits into the surrounding interior. A large selection of devices allows you to choose the right product version for classic, ultramodern and other style trends.
A significant role in choosing an attention-getting device for drying towels is given to the outer coating of the product. Many modern manufacturers prefer to use materials popular today today - chrome and polished brass for coating a heated towel rail.
If you wish, to create an exclusive interior, you can choose models of designer radiators with the effect of aged gold, bronze, brushed nickel and others. The main condition is that the selected heated towel rail matches the style of the bathroom.
The retro-style heated towel rail will become an accent element in the interior. Copper and brass are perfectly combined with natural materials: wood, stone, brick
Water radiators for drying may include additional elements. These are shelves for storing bath accessories, hooks for linen and bathrobes, etc. Pre-decide whether there is a need for such additions, since each additional function increases the final cost of the device.
Pay attention not only to the design of the heating device, but also to the size of the product. It is important how many towels can be dried simultaneously on a radiator and whether the bulky design will spoil the aesthetics of the room.
The large heated towel rail (with a large total length of tubes, long or wide) additionally performs the function of effectively heating the room
It should be noted that heated towel rails with a large surface area heat up faster and dry linen and towels. If your plans include not only drying towels, but also heating the bathroom, pay attention to the larger designs of the radiators.
Additional equipment features
Modern electric heated towel rails are energy-efficient devices that are advantageous to constantly leave on. This is due to the fact that heating an initially cold radiator will require a temperature that is much higher than that required to maintain the heat of a preheated device.
The manufacturers, taking into account the wishes of all consumers, have developed models of drying devices equipped with shut-off switches and timers. Progressive models allow you to reach the set temperature without outside interference
The presence of a timer allows you to set the program to turn on the water heated towel rail before taking a shower or bath. Thanks to this, the towel will be warm when needed.
Switches and timers can be integrated or act as a convenient separate option. Some models are equipped with a thermostat to maintain the required temperature of the device according to your wishes.
You will learn about the rules and schemes for connecting electric “drying” by reading the popular article on our site.
Manufacturer's choice: domestic or imported?
Both domestic heated towel rails and foreign analogues are in great demand in the modern radiator market. Of the imported models, Italian, German and Finnish brands deserve special attention.
Consumers are offered a variety of models of heating devices, starting with budget units of a traditional design, ending with non-standard premium devices
When choosing a heated towel rail, one should take into account the fact that products of European manufacturers are mainly intended for connecting a radiator to a heating system. Products of domestic manufacturers are usually focused on connecting the structure to a centralized hot water supply system.
European manufacturers do not take into account the quality of the water circulating through the drainpipes and use thin-walled steel as a material. In this case, the inner walls of the radiator usually do not have a corrosion-resistant coating.
For hot water supply, water is used, which contains mechanical suspensions, salts and chemical impurities. These elements contribute to the appearance of corrosion, and suspensions settle on the walls of the device, reducing the inner diameter of the pipe. This especially affects the places of bending of the product.
The water coming from the water supply system does not contain oxygen, and the coolant from the boiler is enriched with it, which is why many people choose domestic heated towel rails that are adapted to the conditions of our communications.
Water heated towel rail of domestic production Sunerzha Epatage - high quality at an affordable price. Pressure - up to 25 atmospheres, cost - 12 500 rubles
The high rating and popularity of stainless steel water heated towel rails has led to the appearance of many fakes.
Low-quality metal is sensitive to various impurities and quickly loses its operational properties and becomes unusable. To insure against low-quality products, you must give preference to trusted and reliable manufacturers.
In addition to well-known world brands, companies with budget-friendly towel warmers operate on the market, which strictly monitor the quality of their products.
Important characteristics of water modifications
If you want to buy the most economical and relatively inexpensive model, it is better to opt for standard M-shaped or U-shaped products. They are great for arranging a small bathroom.
To install such a water structure, you do not need to pipe or change pipes. To dry the towels, just connect it to the pipeline.
In order to dry a significant number of towels and linen, as well as to heat the room, choose models with fairly wide pipes. It is desirable that they be made of corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant stainless steel.
When buying a heated towel rail, be sure to check how the device is connected. Models that look like a regular radiator can only be connected to a heating system.
When choosing the optimal model of a water heated towel rail, it is worth paying special attention to ensuring that it does not give in to corrosion, can withstand sudden changes in pressure and various kinds of water hammer.
Before paying for the selected product, carefully inspect it for dents, chips, if any, scratches. Learn the quality of welds and joints
If you have no idea about the features of installing these products, it is recommended to use the services of professionals. This will save you from having to carry out repeated repairs in the event of a failed installation.
To purchase a high-quality and durable water heated towel rail, pay attention to the coating of the product, the execution of welds and thread on the ends. It does not hurt to check the availability of appropriate certificates for purchased products. In addition to the warranty card, the kit must contain a hygiene card with the name of the manufacturer.
The video demonstrates the dominant aspects of choice:
We tried to give you a general idea of water heated towel rails, which will help in choosing the best model. Given the material of manufacture, the degree of resistance of the product to corrosion processes, technical characteristics and features of the devices, you will be able to choose the optimal model of a heated towel rail.
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