We try to arrange each room in our home with maximum comfort and functionality. The bathroom is no exception; special convenience is required there, because often this is where the body relaxes. One of the furnishings is a heated towel rail, or more specifically, an electric heated towel rail for the bathroom. The thing is undoubtedly useful, as it heats the room, dries wet things and enriches the interior. This article will help you choose the best electric heated towel rail.
Which brand of heated towel rail is best to choose?
When choosing a model, buyers often focus on the manufacturer. The products of some companies have long proven themselves to be the best, while little is known about the quality of the products of other companies, but this does not mean that they function worse. To make it easier for customers to choose, the TOP lists the best companies that produce heated towel rails for the bathroom:
- Terminus is a leading brand on the Russian market. It has been manufacturing stainless steel units since 2003. All products are certified in accordance with environmental standards and SES requirements, and are tested under pressure 2 times higher than stated. Designs are constantly being improved to ensure reliability and ease of installation.
- Sunerzha is a company registered in St. Petersburg. This company was the first in the Russian Federation to produce stainless steel appliances, since the material is considered the best for their production. Heated towel rails are characterized by their original design, which is why they are often called “designer radiators”.
- Margaroli , an Italian company, has been a leader in the global heating devices market for more than 60 years. They note the good assembly and ergonomics of the product.
- Domoterm - a Russian company creates heated towel rails taking into account the latest technologies. All units meet quality standards. AISI 304L steel used in the manufacture of pipes ensures their durability and low susceptibility to high loads.
- Energy is the largest manufacturer of heating devices in the European Union. The company's policy is focused on the production of high-quality devices that satisfy the needs of the most demanding customers.
- Argo is a company founded in Russia in 1999 . It has already produced more than 15 thousand models of various types of stainless steel units. High-quality materials adapted to the conditions of the Russian climate are used in production.
- Priority - a domestic company founded in 2006. Today it is a leading manufacturer of heating devices of a high reliability class. This became possible after the introduction of innovative technology for protection against electrocorrosion and an ultrasonic scanning system for the strength of materials.
- Grota - brand products certified according to ISO9001 in 2008 . Russian specialists produce heated towel rails, the quality of which is recognized in Europe. The units are equipped with mirror polishing or powder coated. Their long service life is confirmed by double hydraulic tests.
- Navin is a Ukrainian company that is a leader in the production of copper and stainless steel devices in its country. For more than 15 years, it has been producing heated towel rails, the price of which will satisfy all customers.
- Rosnerzh produces more than 1000 types of devices of various connection types . They comply with established quality standards and SES norms. The company manufactures devices according to individual designs.
- Aquanerzh – the brand’s policy is based on the principle of creating high-quality heated towel rails at a price affordable for the average consumer. Since 2013, the company begins producing stainless steel units, and in 2021, demand for products leads to an increase in production capacity by almost 10 times.
Where to place
The placement of equipment largely depends on the wishes of the apartment residents. If a water model is used, then you should focus on the pipes. When connecting to the heating system, the mounting location is chosen opposite the bathtub. As a rule, the best option for placing equipment is above the washing machine.
A bad choice is to install the unit above the toilet. If you hang the towel to dry carelessly, it may slip off. It is also not recommended to install the device above the bathtub, since splashes will easily fall on the drying clothes.
Rating of heated towel rails
The review of the models is based on the results of various tests, taking into account the assembly features, connection type, and device material. The distribution of nominees in the ranking of the best heated towel rails involves an analysis of the opinions of experts and consumers about the quality of their work, as well as an assessment of their following characteristics:
- Dimensions;
- Form;
- Heat transfer level;
- Type of connection;
- Number of sections;
- Heated area;
- Operating pressure;
- Device wall thickness:
- Maximum coolant temperature;
- Equipment.
The cost of each unit and installation reliability were also taken into account. Heated towel rails are divided into 4 categories. Each contains a detailed description of the models, identifying their pros and cons.
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The best electric heated towel rails
In models of this type, the coolant is heated from the electrical network. The device itself can be connected to a cold or hot water supply network. The advantages of buying an electric heated towel rail for a bath include ease of installation, fast heating, and the ability to adjust the temperature. The main disadvantage is the high fire hazard. But only the safest and most reliable models were selected among the nominees.
Domoterm Classic DMT 109-4 50×50 EK L
Made in the shape of a ladder with 4 crossbars made of stainless steel. A heating element in the form of a tube is installed along the entire length of the body, which heats the device itself. Maintenance of a dry type device is cheaper, it consumes less energy, and its heating rate is higher. There is a button to turn on the device on the body. Connects using an electrical cord with a plug.
Advantages
- Easy;
- Compact;
- Equipped with an auto shut-off system;
- Fastenings added to the kit;
- Low price.
Flaws
- There is no possibility of turning;
- Bottom connection on the right side only.
Experts believe that the main disadvantage of this unit is the need for correct placement during installation. Other heated towel rails with a “dry” heating element can be fixed in any position, even diagonally. There are no complaints from buyers about breakdowns or malfunctions in its operation.
Energy U chrome G3K 745×400
The number of sections in this model of stainless steel heated towel rail has been increased to 6. With a power of 37 W in 10 minutes. “dry” heating element heats up to 60 0C. There is a power button on the case. The kit includes brackets, screws, dowels, and adapter coupling. To connect to the network, it is equipped with an electrical cord with a plug, its length is 150 cm.
Advantages
- Possibility of connection from any side;
- During installation, a rotation of 180 degrees is allowed;
- Easy;
- Wear-resistant material.
Flaws
- High price.
In their reviews of the Energy U chrome G3K 745×400 electric heated towel rail, users note that after 5 years of operation, problems arise with the power button. It is recommended to carry out repairs at a service center. The advantages include fast heating and low energy consumption.
Argo Luch 4 52×60
A simple ladder-shaped model with 4 sections. Compact dimensions make it convenient to place in a bathroom with a small area. The presence of a rotating mechanism allows you to fix the device in any position. The kit includes an electrical cable with a plug and fastenings. Equipped with an auto shut-off system, a power button, and an electrical cord with a plug.
Advantages
- Service life – more than 5 years;
- Low price;
- Fast heating;
- "Dry" heating element;
- Low power consumption.
Flaws
- The kit does not include a hexagon for tightening the fasteners.
Buyers note the stylish design and good heating level of the device. The laundry dries quickly and the bathroom is warm. It works for a long time without breakdowns, therefore it fully satisfies the price-quality ratio. The disadvantages include the lack of a groove for fastenings.
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Guidelines for wise choice
The list of characteristics that you should focus on when choosing a heated towel rail includes:
- Design and installation method . Typically, bathrooms are not large in size, and a large number of plumbing fixtures and furniture have to be placed in them, so design is an important selection criterion. Even before purchasing a device, you should think about where it will be installed and how it will fit into the interior of the room.
- Power. It is necessary to calculate this figure so that for each square meter of the bathroom there is 150-200 W of power. When installing less powerful models, the room will be damp, and a device that is too powerful is more expensive and wastes energy.
- Method of connecting the device to the network. Heated towel rails are connected in open and hidden ways. When the connection is open, the wires from the appliance to the electrical outlet run along the surface of the wall. When hidden, they are disguised under the finishing. The first connection method is much simpler, and the second is safer.
- Economical. The power consumption of different types of appliances can vary significantly. Heating elements with a power of 100-2000 W are installed in heated towel rails. Powerful devices are often equipped with sensors and automation that turns them off when the set temperature is reached. This allows you to use energy resources more economically.
- Heating element type. Typically, the power of devices with “dry” and “wet” heating elements is the same, and the difference is only in the speed of heating and cooling. Most often, these are not fundamental indicators, but they are worth taking into account.
- Additional functions. Some models have timers, thermostats and other useful features.
We recommend paying attention to models with additional functions. Usually their cost is higher than that of “simple” heated towel rails, but such expenses pay off.
For example, people who shower before starting work often set a timer half an hour before waking up so that the bathroom is warmed up to a comfortable temperature in advance.
Timers and thermostats are not useless elements that manufacturers add to increase the cost of products, but truly convenient devices
A thermostat in a heated towel rail can be very useful for families with small children. The device maintains a constant temperature, so you can wash or bathe your baby at any time in a warm bathroom and dry it with a dry towel, while energy consumption is extremely efficient.
Thermostats not only maintain the set temperature, but also perform a protective function: they prevent overheating of the device, which is especially important for models with a heating cable
The best heated towel rails with thermostat
In devices with this design feature, you can independently set the desired temperature, which helps reduce energy consumption. More expensive models are equipped with a built-in thermostat. The service life of heated towel rails of this type increases significantly, because the device does not always operate at full capacity. Among all the participants in the review, three models were selected, differing in efficiency and heat transfer.
Priority el heating element 1 P 80*60 (LTs2P) Trugor
The model is made in the form of 2 ladders, fixed at right angles. This unit is called a heated towel rail with shelves. There are 5 sections attached to the vertical ladder. The horizontal shelf is equipped with 3 crossbars. The diameter of the external pipes is 32 mm, the internal ones are 18 mm. The thickness of the collector walls is 2 mm. Fittings for installation are included.
Advantages
- The area of the heated room is up to 4.2 m2;
- High heating intensity due to the use of “liquid” heating element;
- Wear-resistant material;
- 4 telescopic holders included.
Flaws
- High price.
Reviews about this model can be found different. Most of them are positive, but some consumers are faced with manufacturing defects and microcracks in components. Problems often arise when replacing a device with a new one.
Grota Eco Classic 480×600 E
The unit is also made in the form of a ladder with 7 rungs. It is famous for its minimal heating time, which is less than 2 minutes. The presence of a timer allows the user to set a certain period of operation of the heated towel rail before it automatically turns off. Antifreeze is used as a coolant. The manufacturer guarantees its protection against freezing in the event of a sharp drop in ambient temperature.
Advantages
- Ability to set optimal power;
- Step temperature adjustment;
- The maximum heating level of the coolant among the category nominees;
- Economical in terms of energy consumption;
- Fastenings included.
Flaws
- High price;
- Small thickness of the walls of the collector and the area of the heated room;
- Narrowed passage holes.
Among the reviews about this model, you can find customer complaints about the appearance of rust in welding areas and swelling of the surface. However, the manufacturer’s consultants claim that this is a normal phenomenon. Based on this, the build quality of the unit is low.
Navin Omega 530×800 steel E right
The steel heated towel rail is produced in the form of a ladder with 8 sections. Its power is comparatively lower than that of Grota Eco Classic 480×600 E, so it takes at least 15 minutes to heat the coolant to 60 degrees. The instructions for this device indicate the presence of overheating protection and a power button. The model is attached in only one position, rotation is not provided.
Advantages
- Low price;
- Availability of fastenings included;
- Durable material;
- Good power level.
Flaws
- Narrowed passage holes;
- Minimum collector wall thickness.
Users have no complaints about the operation of the model, but the small diameter of the passage holes is considered a significant drawback. This creates wiring issues as a jumper is not included in the package.
Location and fastening of the structure
Floor-standing device
Before choosing an electric heated towel rail, you need to decide on its location. Based on this factor, there are two types: wall-mounted and floor-mounted.
If damp spots often appear in your bathroom, it is better to choose floor-mounted dryers, as they evenly heat all rooms from floor to ceiling.
Wall-mounted ones are mounted on the wall, which allows you to significantly save the usable area of the room. They are mounted on special brackets that are included in the kit. However, if you want to remove the structure or move it to another room, you will have to dismantle the fasteners and mask the holes remaining in the wall.
There are two ways to connect the device to electricity: open or closed. In the first option, the cord is simply plugged into the outlet. If the outlet is located in the corridor, then the cord is pulled through a special hole.
With a hidden connection, all wiring remains hidden in the wall. It is advisable that such installation be carried out by a specialist.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the rotary models. They allow you to use the entire volume of the room while remaining very compact. This dryer can even be placed in a corner. And thanks to the rotating mechanisms, things dry much faster.
Floor-standing models are equipped with special legs. You can install them in any corner of the bathroom or near the wall. Often the legs are additionally screwed to the floor, ensuring reliable fixation. There are devices with wheels that help you move the dryer with ease. After installation, the wheels are fixed with clamps, so you don’t have to worry that the heated towel rail will “move away”.
Important! It is recommended to place floor-standing devices at a distance of at least 30 cm from the wall or furniture.
The best heated towel rails with side connection
Connection of devices is carried out using the bottom or side method. The advantages of units of the second type include high operating efficiency, independence of heating from the speed of water circulation, a simple pipe connection scheme, and minimal heat loss. Only two models that managed to prove themselves well were included in the rating.
Rosnerzh Neo 1 L106011 60×40
The water-type heated towel rail with a side connection in the shape of a ladder is made of a seamless pipe with a wall thickness of about 2.2 mm. According to the instructions, it is suitable for heating a room with a volume of 6-8 m3. The presence of a mirror surface ensures long-term preservation of the original appearance. The kit includes telescopic holders, 2 Mayevsky cranes.
Advantages
- Compact;
- Maximum heating temperature of the coolant;
- The service life declared by the manufacturer is 25 years;
- High quality build.
Flaws
- High price.
Experts say that this model can be called the best in the line of side-connected water heated towel rails.
The only negative is the high price, but it is due to good build quality and the availability of the necessary components.
Aquanerzh Arc with shelf
In this model, the weld is made using a laser method, which ensures durability and reliability of the structure. This assembly feature allows it to withstand operating pressures from 3 to 25 atm. at coolant temperatures up to 150 degrees. The device is also equipped with a mirror surface that prevents the metal from darkening.
Advantages
- Wear-resistant material;
- Heating the coolant to maximum temperature;
- Practical connection method;
- Original and convenient design;
- Various colors of the device;
- Availability of a Mayevsky crane in the kit.
Flaws
- Narrowed passage holes;
- High price.
Users note the average build quality of heated towel rails with Aquanerz shelves. Sometimes you come across uneven welds, defective threads and curvature of the joint end.
High-tech bonus - thermoregulation function
A powerful electric liquid-type heated towel rail cannot always work at full capacity, otherwise energy bills will reach astronomical proportions, and the device itself will soon fail due to overheating. For this reason, the heating elements of heated towel rails of prestigious brands are equipped with thermostats. By setting the heating temperature to the desired value, you will be able to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the bathroom without wasting electricity. The best samples are also equipped with timers to set the device to warm up the room at a given time. Regulatory equipment is less common in “dry” models, but if desired, you can also choose a cable heated towel rail with a thermoregulation function.
Which heated towel rail is best to buy?
The quality of bathroom heating and the service life of the device depend on the type and technical data of the model. This knowledge will help you determine which heated towel rail is good, what its strengths and weaknesses are. Water appliances can be purchased inexpensively, but they are suitable for heating a small area. The price of electric ones is higher, however, their installation is simpler, heating does not depend on heating.
In each review category, experts noted the best models:
- The best water heated towel rail in terms of price-quality ratio – Terminus VegaP5 575×606;
- The cheapest and most economical electric model is Argo Luch 4 52×60;
- The best device with a thermostat at a low price – Navin Omega 530×800 steel E right;
- The best heated towel rail with side connection in terms of build quality and heating area is Rosnerzh Neo 1 L106011 60x
To choose a good heated towel rail, you must first compare the technical characteristics of the models, evaluate the heating capabilities, and take into account material costs. Then the purchase will be most useful.
Combined coils
They can be either water or electric. This heated towel rail can be easily switched to another type. Usually it is used in the summer as electric, and in winter as water, since apartments are heated. Installation also requires compliance with the rules and regulations for the installation of electrical appliances.
When purchasing a coil, you need to make sure that it is complete and that there are documents attached to it, such as:
- technical certificate;
- hygiene certificate;
- quality certificate from the manufacturer;
- installation instructions;
- recommendations for operating the device;
- warranty completed on the day the device was purchased.
