Electric heated towel rails for a bathroom with a thermostat: how to choose?

Probably every owner of a house or apartment knows that the bathroom is a special room. A not very comfortable climate always prevails there - very humid, with frequent temperature changes. In order to make the stay in this room more comfortable for all family members, you can install an electric heated towel rail.

A bathroom towel warmer is a device consisting of pipes that are heated by a special heating element. It can be used to dry towels and linens with ease, and it also serves as an additional source of heating. You can place it both on the wall and on the floor.

Such devices are most often installed in bathrooms, although they can be used in the kitchen, in the corridor, and even in the room.

Since the bathroom is constantly damp, condensation can accumulate and mold and mildew can form, a heated towel rail is simply an irreplaceable device for this room.

A properly selected and installed heated towel rail will become an indispensable device in the bathroom and will make your stay there even more comfortable for all family members.

But during its operation, it must be remembered that this device, located in the bathroom, poses some kind of danger. Therefore, it is imperative to follow safety rules, and also keep small children away from the device.

Today, in the plumbing market, you can find several options for such devices:

• water;

• electrical;

• combined.

The choice of the type of device most of all depends on the living conditions. For example, if a heated towel rail is purchased for a private house, then you can safely take any of the options. If for an apartment, then it is better to prefer the electric or combined type. This is due to the fact that water models are connected to a centralized heating or hot water supply system. Owners of private houses have an individual heating system, so they can regulate the process of heating the water and, accordingly, the heated towel rail.

In apartment buildings, however, heating is carried out only in winter, so it will not be possible to use a water device in the off-season and in summer. When installed in apartments, an electric heated towel rail can be used at any time of the year. This option will naturally be more convenient.

This device is convenient in that it can be used at any time, and when there is no need for it, just turn it off. Therefore, it is also an economical option for space heating.

The combined device is distinguished by its versatility. It can be simultaneously connected to the water supply system and to the power grid. This option is also very convenient, as it can function when the lights are turned off in the house, and in the absence of hot water.The downside of such varieties is that they still have to be placed near communications for their convenient connection.

Among the positive qualities of electric heated towel rails are the following.

• They are economical. It should be noted that the power consumption required to warm up the device is low. But the power of such devices is quite enough to maintain a comfortable temperature in the bathroom.
• They are sealed. There is no need to be afraid that such a device will begin to leak liquid over time, since they only have a special electrical cable inside. Water devices, however, may sooner or later leak.
• They are independent of communication systems. If malfunctions can occur in the operation of water systems, associated, for example, with water pressure in the system or the formation of air congestion, then the electrical appliance is not susceptible to such problems.
• Infrequent and short-term outages. It so happens that in connection with repair work, the power supply may be turned off. But these cases are rare, and besides, it is not turned off for a long time. As for the water supply system, in the event of problems or maintenance, hot water can be shut off even for a sufficiently long period. And the device won't work either.
• Wide range of models. Devices of this type are very diverse, and everyone, even the most picky owner, will be able to choose a model to their liking.
• They are mobile. Such a device can be easily moved to another place, for this it is only necessary to rearrange its mounts. With water heated towel rails, the situation is more complicated, since they depend on the location of communications.

Currently, there are many manufacturers of such devices. Their lineup includes both the simplest devices and more expensive ones, equipped with additional and useful functions. The simplest devices operate from the network, maintaining the same temperature at all times. They are cheap, but in terms of efficiency they are inferior to their more modern competitors, since they constantly consume energy.

One of the additional useful functions is the thermostatp, which is equipped with an electric heated towel rail. It can be used to set a comfortable temperature. It is very convenient and more economical. Its cost is not much higher than the cost of conventional devices, but in operation such a device will save money.

The most modern devices are equipped with an energy saving system. They contain special sensors that, after reaching the desired temperature, put the heated towel rail into sleep mode. They are the most economical, but the initial price of such models is quite high.

A device with a thermostat has a number of advantages:

• its cost is not too high;
• it allows you to save energy while maintaining the required temperature;
• it can be used to quickly change the temperature regime in the bathroom;
• it is a more durable model, since it is not always turned on at full power.

Therefore, it can be argued that an electric heated towel rail with a thermostat is the most optimal option for installation in a bathroom.

The principle of operation of an electric heated towel rail is simple.

They operate on the electrical network and, depending on the type of connection, are divided into:

• heated towel rails with an open type of wiring, when the wire is connected to the outlet;
• heated towel rails with a closed type of wiring, when the wire is laid in the wall.

Of course, if a major overhaul is taking place in the bathroom, while it is planned to install an electric heated towel rail, then it is better to choose the second option. It will be necessary to decide in advance on the location of its location and bring an electric cable there.

But in the case when you just need to supplement the room with this device, it is better to choose an open type of wiring. It can be placed anywhere near the outlet.

Electric heated towel rails are also distinguished by the type of their device:

• equipped with heating elements (tubular electric heater);
• equipped with a heating cable.

With the help of a heating cable, heating occurs, it is the main element of the entire system. Its principle of operation is to convert electrical energy into heat.

Such a cable is most often electrical wiring, which can be made of steel, nickel or copper. Its length directly depends on the dimensions of the heated towel rail. Such models are distinguished by a long service life, as well as low power consumption - up to 165 watts.

Heating elements in heated towel rails are installed at the bottom of them. The way they work is to heat the coil, which heats up the metal pipe. After switching on, they immediately consume a large amount of energy - about 600 watts. Further, during operation, they have equal proportions between the received energy and the given heat. This type of device is often equipped with a thermostat.

It should be noted that electric heated towel rails with a tubular electric heater have a short service life. After two to three years of operation, the heating elements must be changed.

Today there are two main types of electric heated towel rails:

1. liquid;
2. non-liquid.

Liquid options are filled with either water, oil, or antifreeze. They warm up and give off heat. To heat them, a tubular electric heater (TEN) is used. Each of them has its own characteristics.

For example, oil can heat up to 70 degrees Celsius. But after that it keeps the temperature very well and cools down for a long time after turning it off. The water version heats up to 85 degrees Celsius, but cools down quickly. And antifreeze has very good thermal conductivity.

The advantages of this version of electric heated towel rails include the fact that they keep heat for a long time after disconnecting from the network. The downside is their high power consumption, as well as a short service life.

Liquid-free options are powered by a heating cable that runs through the entire heated towel rail. The range of such devices is much more diverse. They are more economical than liquid ones and have a longer service life. When used correctly, quality models can last up to ten years. Perhaps the only drawback of this type of heated towel rail is that they do not keep heat at all after disconnecting from the network and immediately cool down.

Both devices are perfect for drying towels and linen, and are also capable of perfectly heating rooms up to 20 square meters.

By location, electric heated towel rails are divided into:

• wall-mounted;
• floor.

Wall-mounted options are great for small spaces where every inch of space counts. They can be installed in any convenient place, and they are also very convenient for drying linen and towels.

Floor-standing heated towel rails are a fairly new model that is already in great demand. They combine two functions - drying things and heating the room.

They are also convenient in the installation method. To do this, you just need to install it in the right place of attachment and connect the device to the outlet.They are very stable due to the legs, and also mobile - they are easy to move. And also floor-standing heated towel rails bring a certain zest to the design of the room.

The most common sizes of heated towel rails are:

• 400x650 mm;
• 500x600 mm;
• 480x600 mm.

These options are convenient and suitable for almost any bathroom.

Among the not very successful locations of devices, the following can be distinguished:

• over the toilet;
• over the bathroom.

Various materials are used for the manufacture of electric heated towel rails, such as:

• steel (black and stainless);
• non-ferrous metals;
• aluminum;
• brass;
• copper.

Products made from black steel are distinguished by their low cost. Inside, they are covered with a special anti-corrosion material, and from the outside they look like stainless steel products. The undoubted advantage of such products is their more than affordable cost, and the disadvantage lies in their fragility. They are more susceptible to corrosion, and the salts contained in the water contribute to the corrosion of the metal from the inside. There is a high likelihood of leaks.

Devices made of stainless steel can be painted or chrome-plated. If you prefer a dyed product, you can choose any color that matches the style of the bathroom. Chrome-plated devices are distinguished by their versatility; they fit perfectly into the interior of any room.

It should be noted that heated towel rails covered with a chrome layer retain their appearance longer.rather than painted. After all, devices most of the time are under the influence of sufficiently high temperatures. Also, products made of stainless steel must be installed very carefully and in no case damage the thread.

Brass and aluminum towel rails have a very attractive appearance. They give off heat well, but, unfortunately, do not differ in durability. They do not tolerate the effects of salts in the water.

If we talk about the forms of electric heated towel rails, then there are a huge variety of options.

The most popular are:

• "Ladder";
• "Snake";
• swivel;
• with a shelf;
• E-shaped;
• M-shaped;
• U-shaped.

The most ergonomic option is the "ladder" shape. It does not take up much space, but at the same time you can place a lot of towels or laundry on it for drying. In addition, if you add a shelf to it, then you can additionally place linen on it. Such products are usually more expensive than snakes.

Snake models are also popular, but can accommodate fewer items depending on the number of bends. By the way, they are not very convenient to dry bulky items on them, as they can slide off the rounded edges. They are distinguished by the large thickness of the pipes, as well as the minimum amount of materials used in the manufacture. These options are usually not very expensive.

There is also a huge variety of models that can not only heat the room, but also diversify its design. These are E-shaped, M-shaped and U-shaped. They look elegant and unusual.

Modern manufacturers provide a huge selection of options, so each buyer can choose exactly what he needs. There are even folding models with folding parts. They are great when it comes to drying a large amount of laundry quickly.

When choosing a heated towel rail model, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

• the more horizontal bars, the greater the heat transfer of the device;
• models with convex crossbars are very convenient, it is good to place linen on them;
• models equipped with sliding parts that open like cabinet doors are especially convenient.

It must be remembered that heated towel rails can be both wall-mounted and floor-mounted. This point can also influence the choice of the shape of the dryer.

It is better to take the choice of an electric heated towel rail with full responsibility. In order to choose the device that is ideal in all respects, it is better to evaluate its features as a whole.

Pay attention to:

• The shape of the device and its installation. It is worth considering in advance where it is best to place the dryer and how much space it can take up. Sizes always matter, especially in small bathrooms.
• Heated towel rail power. This indicator is very important, because with the wrong choice of power, it can happen that the bathroom will not warm up. It is worth considering that for each square meter of the room there should be about 200 watts of device power. Only then will a comfortable temperature be achieved.
• How the device will be connected to the network. This can be done in an open or closed way. The second, of course, is safer, but not convenient if the room is not completely renovated, since you will have to remove part of the upper trim in order to conduct the wires. The open method is more convenient, and also allows you to move the unit as needed.
• Energy consumption. Electricity consumption directly depends on the power of the device. You should not buy too powerful heated towel rails for small bathrooms, as they can overheat the room, as well as waste energy. Devices equipped with thermostats and special sensors are very good options. They regulate the temperature, and can also turn off the device when the desired temperature is reached. This saves energy.
• Options for heating elements.
• Special functions such as thermostats, timers or energy saving sensors.

The most popular models today are stainless steel models. This is an excellent option for a comfortable combination of price and quality of the device.

Today there are many manufacturers of these devices. It is also better to familiarize yourself with them when choosing a heated towel rail.

• Kermi. This is a German company that produces quality devices. She has long been known in the world market and has already gained popularity among Russians. Its products are of high quality at affordable prices. The most common material is steel, and the shape of the device is a "ladder".

• Arbonia. A Swiss company that produces mostly designer models. They are distinguished by original design, excellent appearance and even uniqueness. The price of such products is, of course, very high. But the quality is beyond praise. The filler of such heated towel rails is most often antifreeze.

• Margaroli. This Italian brand manufactures its products exclusively from high-quality, but expensive materials, equips them with various useful additional functions. The price is very high, but each device comes with a 15-year quality guarantee.

• Energy. This company is one of the leading in Europe. It is distinguished by a huge range of products suitable for all categories of buyers. All devices from this company are of high quality and very durable.

• "Sunerzha". This Russian company produces luxury heated towel rails.She is very popular not only in our country, but also abroad. It is distinguished by a huge range of models. The products are made of high quality stainless steel, covered with an excellent chrome-plated composition. Sunerzha provides a five-year warranty for its devices.

• "Dvin". Russian company specializing in ladder-shaped heated towel rails. The prices for the devices are reasonable, the provided warranty is one year.

• "Nika". A very popular Russian brand with more than ten years of history. Produces quality products with interesting designs. Provides a five-year product warranty.

• Terminus. This Russian brand fell in love with customers due to its widest choice of models and very reasonable prices. All models have high performance, proven over years of operation. This manufacturer gives a ten-year quality guarantee.

• Leader-Steel. It manufactures stainless steel products with heating temperature control, as well as an automatic shutdown function in case of overheating. Provides a five-year warranty.

• Terma. This is a company from Poland. It is very popular in our country, as it is distinguished by the production of high-quality and durable products.

All of the above manufacturers have in their assortment all types of heated towel rails - both electric, and water, and combined.

The price range of these devices is very wide. The swivel model can be purchased at a price of 6,000 rubles. The cost of "ladders" starts from 5,000 rubles. The cheapest option is the "snake" - its cost starts from 2,500 rubles.

Electric towel warmers are easy to install compared to their water-based counterparts. They do not need to be connected to a common cold or hot water supply system. The only thing that will need to be paid close attention to in the process of installing the device with your own hands is the perfect insulation. After all, electricity in the bathroom can pose a great threat to residents of an apartment or house.

First of all, you need to check the wiring from which the device will be powered. It is also imperative to ground it and connect an RCD to avoid problems during voltage surges.

There are two main options for connecting electric towel dryers in the bathroom.

1. Connection to an outlet located directly in the bathroom. In such rooms, you need to use special sockets equipped with covers and a moisture-proof housing. It is better to mount them as deep as possible into the wall. This connection option is more suitable for conventional heated towel rails that are not equipped with sensors and a thermostat. To turn them off, you just need to unplug the plug. It should be noted that it is better to place the socket on the inner wall, as condensation most often accumulates on the walls facing the street. And it can lead to a short circuit.

2. Connection to a socket outside the bathroom. This method is more appropriate and safer. To do this, you need to drill a hole in the wall where the wire will be led out. If it is necessary to place the cable in the bathroom itself, it is necessary to take into account that it is better to lay it at least 10 cm above the floor level in order to avoid problems in the event of flooding.

In order to properly independently install and connect an electric heated towel rail, you need to know exactly the wiring diagram in an apartment or house. It is best to hang the device at a sufficient height from the floor.Also, if it was decided to connect the dryer to an outlet in the bathroom, and it is of the old model, it is better to replace it with a more modern one suitable for wet rooms.

To install a heated towel rail, even the simplest "coil" type, you will need a set of the following tools:

• hammer;
• puncher;
• screwdriver;
• chisel.

It is very important to pay attention to the installation standards and in no case overload the power line with an overly powerful device.

Before installing the device yourself, you must read the instructions for use, as well as comply with all safety rules and regulations when working with electric current.

The main ones are:

• Never operate the device while it is plugged into an outlet.

• All necessary tools for working with electricity must be equipped with rubberized grips. It is important to remember that rubber does not conduct electricity.

• Before starting work, it is necessary to de-energize the place where installation and connection will take place.

• It is imperative to make sure that there is no voltage using special indicators.

• During the performance of any manipulations, do not touch metal surfaces. Metal has a very high electrical conductivity.

• You need to make sure that the room where the work will be carried out is dry. In no case should there be contact with water.

• All installation work must be carried out in rubber gloves of high density.

An electric heated towel rail, when properly selected, installed and used, is perfect not only for the bathroom, but also for other rooms.

During its operation, it is better to follow some tips.

• the choice of the power of the device should be made taking into account the dimensions of the room;
• during installation, be sure to use grounding and check the readiness of the wiring for connection;
• it is better to choose devices with a thermostat, they are more expensive, but during operation they will be more economical;
• any form of the device can be preferred, the main thing is that it fits the dimensions and design of the room;
• during operation, you need to ensure that water does not fall on the outlet;
• check the tightness and insulation of the wire as often as possible if the heated towel rail is connected in an open way;
• the humidity level of the room must be within the normal range, otherwise there may be a threat of a short circuit;
• the electric heated towel rail should not be placed next to easily flammable objects.

If a situation arises when the heated towel rail does not heat, it is possible that the heating element has broken. For an accurate diagnosis, it is better to consult a specialist.

Most users speak well of electric heated towel rails. Some note the ease of installation, as well as the ability to move them around the house. Others like the fact that it is convenient to use the device at any time. Also, many argue that these devices are really economical and do not consume a lot of electricity, especially those equipped with thermostats and electronics.

The owners of such devices even note the fact that modern Russian models are in no way inferior in quality to foreign ones. And for the price, you can choose the most suitable option.

Today technology does not stand still. If earlier only water heated towel rails were available to apartment owners, which did not differ in a special variety of models, today everyone can pamper themselves with such an innovation as an electrical device. Now its shape is not limited to a snake or a three-step ladder.You can choose any shape and size for yourself. To save energy, such heated towel rails are equipped with additional functions - thermostats, temperature sensors.

It turned out that making the right choice is not so easy. Not the best option would be to buy the first model you like. It is necessary to comprehensively study all the characteristics of such devices and take into account all the nuances - from power and material of manufacture to shape and size. And since modern manufacturers care about consumers, it has become quite possible to buy a high-quality and durable electric heated towel rail. Such a device will become indispensable in the bathroom, not only for drying towels and linen, but also for maintaining a comfortable temperature and avoiding the development of pathogenic fungi and microbes.

For the advantages of electric heated towel rails, see the following video.