What are towel warmers and how to choose them?

It is very difficult to imagine a modern bathroom without such an important detail as a heated towel rail. This element is characterized by a high level of functionality. If you choose it correctly, and then connect it in the same way, then the comfort in the room will be provided. In this article, we will look at what modern heated towel rails are, and how to choose them.

A heated towel rail is a special device designed to dry towels in the bathroom. If there is such a thing, then you can not worry about the safety of the bath accessories. Towels that remain damp for a long time deteriorate at some point, lose their strength characteristics, and acquire a very unpleasant odor. Constant drying of products in a balcony environment, as well as frequent washing, turns out to be very tedious chores.

In order not to face the listed troubles, many people decide to install high-quality heated towel rails in their homes. Another reason for buying such a device is that thanks to it, even in the cold season, the room remains well warmed up. You can safely hang not only wet towels on a heated towel rail, but also many other positions. For example, it can be things that are small in size: underwear, socks, and more.

Modern models of towel dryers are divided into several main types: water, electric and combined appliances. Each category has its own distinctive characteristics and operating rules, which the user must be aware of. Let's get acquainted with all the features typical for different types of dryers.

The most popular are water towel dryers. They are preferred by the majority of users, since such devices are more familiar and well known in our country. The water dryer can also be installed in those dwellings where there is an autonomous heating system. The devices in question are allowed to be installed in those houses where the hot water supply system operates year-round.

The main advantage of water appliances is their maximum advantageous maintenance. When operating them, the owners do not have to spend extra money on paying for electricity. However, it should be borne in mind that if the water supply is turned off, such a dryer will become completely useless.

Modern manufacturers produce not only water, but also improved devices powered by electricity. This towel dryer can be more than just a wall-mounted one. Electrical devices are also floor-standing, subdivided into many modifications. These models do not depend on the operation of the main water supply system.

In electric dryers, heating elements of heating elements, or a special cable, are necessarily present. Due to such a device, these devices can be operated throughout the year.

According to the direct principle of operation and the internal equipment of the electric towel dryers, they are divided into 2 main categories.

• Instances with dry heating elements. The operation of such devices is in many respects identical to the operation of the "warm floor" system. The structure is heated here by means of special cables located in its body part, which accumulate heat. Cable devices are more cost effective and affordable than dryers with a liquid heating element. They use electrical energy sparingly - they heat up quickly, but also cool down quickly.

• Wet type devices. In these devices, a special heat-efficient liquid is circulated along the body structure. Most often, its function is performed by antifreeze. The heating element operates to the required heating temperature.

Electrical devices are less popular when compared to water specimens. The thing is that in our country such dryers have appeared relatively recently, without having had time to become sufficiently well-known and familiar to the common user.

The most practical and functional are the combined types of dryers for towels and other damp things. Such devices can be used based on the season. The items in question are more expensive than water or electrical products, since they are characterized by a complicated design.

Combined dryers consist of a piping system through which the liquid flows, as well as the necessary heating elements. High-quality dryers of the type in question are today produced by many well-known manufacturers. They have different shapes and are made from different materials.

Towel dryers differ not only in the principle of operation, but also in the material from which they are made. On the shelves of stores, there are currently high-quality appliances not only made of galvanized metal, but also made of plastic. There are also glass and ceramic pieces. Let's find out what characteristics the products made from the most popular materials have.

Instances made of stainless steel are as strong and practical as possible. They are durable and wear resistant. Steel dryers are often supplemented with high-quality coatings - chrome, nickel or paint. The most popular are modern chrome examples. The top layer of steel models is often well polished to achieve a more attractive appearance.

A good stainless steel dryer should have walls at least 3 mm thick. This indicator affects both the duration of operation of the structure, and its ability to heat transfer. The devices in question are not subject to rust and deformation. Stainless steel options are not afraid of temperature drops, as well as pressure indicators in the system.

The devices under consideration have a number of disadvantages.

• Many fakes are sold in stores. It is very difficult to visually distinguish a real steel dryer from a fake. The buyer needs to pay special attention to the welding seams, it is necessary to request the accompanying documentation.

• Connecting such devices can cause many problems. The thread on the edges of the pipes is very capricious - it often cuts the tow, through which the sealing is done. To avoid such problems, you have to blunt the threads during installation work.

Such devices have a modest service life. They have no anti-corrosion coating on the inside. Due to the influence of an aggressive water environment, such dryers will soon fail.

The devices in question are cheap. They are characterized by very good heat dissipation characteristics.

Copper and brass products are popular. They are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics, but they have a high cost.

The thermal conductivity of copper and brass apparatus is very high. They heat up in a short time and are rust resistant. Instances made of copper and brass are lightweight, so they can be installed even on fragile wall bases.

Towel dryers vary in size.

• "¾" with an outer diameter of 2.5 cm. Basically, these models have a U-shaped or M-shaped structure. Such dryers are rare in stores.

• "1" with an outer diameter of 3.2 cm. Widespread. They have a classic design and shape, and can be made in the form of a "ladder".

• "1 ¼" with a maximum diameter of 4 cm. Usually these are U-shaped products. Such devices are not widely used, they are rare, since in the course of their production it is necessary to use pipes with a large diameter.

Today's manufacturers offer many variations of heated towel rails. The devices can have different parameters of height and width - it is easy to find the ideal one.

Let's get acquainted with the list of well-known manufacturers that produce the most popular and demanded models of towel dryers.

• Benetto. A well-known brand from Italy that produces high quality luxury heated towel rails. The range of the Italian manufacturer includes both water and electrical appliances. And also there are first-class pieces, complemented by a beautiful polymer coating (glossy or matte). All Benetto dryers are built to be reliable, practical and stylish.

• Margaroli. Another Italian brand whose products are very popular in our country. Experts leave rave reviews about dryers included in the Vento series from Margaroli. The brand is known for the widest assortment and attractive design of its products.

• Tera-M. A well-known Russian manufacturer of high-quality towel dryers. Its rich assortment includes many high-tech stainless steel appliances. The company produces both water and electrical devices, as well as shelves and accessories for them.

• "Turgor". First-class heated towel rails are offered by this large domestic company. Absolutely all Turgor products pass the strictest quality control and have all the necessary certificates. Models of different shapes and sizes are presented to the choice of buyers. All dryers are characterized by an attractive appearance.

Many additional accessories are available especially for modern towel dryers:

• hooks (play the role of hangers);

• special connector;

• adapter;

• stub;

• extension;

• clutch;

• thermostat;

• fitting;

• shelves;

• shut-off and control valves;

• spare cranes.

The listed products can be selected by the buyer in a specialized store. Usually these accessories are inexpensive, the main thing is that they fit exactly with your device.

Let's analyze the main criteria for selecting a high-quality towel dryer.

• Device type. All dryers are divided into water, electric and combined types.Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which the buyer should consider before purchasing a particular option. A universal product is water. This is a classic device that can be installed even in a "Khrushchev". A more modern option is electric or combined, but these models will cost more.

• Production material. Regardless of what kind of device is purchased, oil or with heating elements, it must be made of practical, high-quality and reliable material that can last as long as possible. The classic solution is a stainless steel model. Copper and brass options differ in excellent qualities, but they are very expensive. You can also turn to more original products made from ceramics, plastic or glass products. Each buyer decides for himself which heated towel rail is best for him.

• Dimensions. The device must have optimal dimensional parameters. To do this, it is advisable to take basic measurements in the bathroom before going to the store.

• Design. An equally important parameter that you should also pay attention to. A dryer needs to be attractive and aesthetically pleasing if you want it to blend in harmoniously with your bathroom interior. Fortunately, there are many fashionable and beautiful looking appliances on sale today.

• Manufacturer. It is highly recommended to buy branded devices from large and well-known manufacturers. Thus, the buyer will protect himself from buying a cheap fake or low-quality product. Branded devices are sold only in specialized specialized outlets or online stores.

A damaged product will not serve its owner for a long time.

Let's understand the main nuances of the installation using the example of a water apparatus.

• First, remove the old device. The water should be shut off at this moment. The welded equipment is cut off with a grinder.

• Next, a bypass is installed - a special jumper. It connects the inlet and outlet of the pipe to which the dryer is connected. It is placed in front of the taps so that the flow of hot water through the riser is not blocked when the taps are turned. If there is no bypass, then the water supply must be shut off for repairs.

• Then the top and bottom taps are installed. To do this, buy 2 stopcocks. The diameter of their threads must match the diameter of the pipes.

• After that, you can start installing the dryer itself. Before installation, it is important to consider its location on the wall in the room. For this, special brackets, clamps or telescopic holders are used. They are fixed on the wall, having previously made holes with a drill.

• Dryers are installed differently in different conditions. For example, many people mount these appliances above the toilet or next to the sink.

• When installing the dryer, you should take into account all the necessary standards. So, with a pipe diameter of less than 23 mm, the gap between the wall and the pipe should be over 35 mm. If the pipes are thicker - more than 40 mm, then the distance will already be 50 mm.

• Next, be sure to check the tightness of all connections and fasteners. When supplying water to the system, it is recommended to give the appliance the highest load.

An electric dryer is much easier to install.

• They hang it on the wall, or choose another place, connect it to the mains.

• The connection is best done through an RCD or a special machine.

• The electrical appliance requires mandatory grounding. Only if the dryer is grounded will it be safe.

Consider how to move your water appliance to another wall in the room.

• A new location should be found for the device.It should be located no more than 60 cm from water sources.

• Turn off the hot water supply.

• It is necessary to mount a jumper - a bypass and a pair of ball valves.

• After that, pipes are laid from the riser to the new installation area of ​​the device. For too long distances, it is advisable to consult an experienced engineer.

• After that, it remains to fix the device in a new place, and then attach it to the supplied pipes.

• As with conventional installation, the next step is to test the moved device for leaks. At the same stage, finishing work can be completed.

Electric dryers move much easier. They are simply transferred to a new location, supplied with electricity and connected to the network.