How to choose an electric heated towel rail for the bathroom -

The classic heated towel rail in the form of a coil - part of the heating system - stops functioning in the summer. Can a towel dry if the pipe is cold? After each use, you have to take it out to the balcony and return for it before washing. The problem is solved by installing a device powered by electricity. But how to choose an electric heated towel rail for the bathroom among the wide variety?

Criteria for choosing an electric heated towel rail

Despite the fact that all heated towel rails have one goal in common, different models differ from each other. And the device that suits your friends will not be suitable for your bath or will not satisfy your needs. Therefore, before coming to the store, determine the following parameters:

Type of filler;
Power;
Material;
Connection type;
Shape and size.

Heated towel rails may have other useful features and tricks: electronic models with a timer regulate operating time, and retractable “ears” save free space. Below we will consider in more detail each of the selection criteria.

External signs of normal quality

Something else worth paying attention to is the quality of the seams. The first sign of a high-quality seam is that it is smooth and uniform. Without cavities, strong protrusions and depressions. If you pre-select a manufacturer, find information about exactly how, on what equipment, and in what environment welding takes place. This is especially critical for stainless steel. It must be cooked in a protective (usually argon) environment so that the alloying metals do not burn out. If you weld stainless steel using the usual method, in an atmosphere with oxygen, the “stainless” properties in the weld area are not preserved. Then it is the seam that begins to rust and leak. Therefore, manufacturers usually indicate exactly how stainless steel is welded.

There are models with folding parts

It is also worth paying attention to the quality of painting, chrome plating, and nickel plating. There should be no defects, unpainted areas, or foreign inclusions. Only if all these conditions are met can you think about buying.

Filler type

Unlike battery-type heated towel rails, electric models have a closed coil shape. Therefore, they do not depend on central heating, and problems such as air locks, excess or low pressure are unacceptable for them.

Electric heated towel rails themselves also differ. There are two types of models:

Wet;
Dry.

Wet heated towel rails are called radiator-type devices due to their similar design. The coolant moves in sealed, bizarrely shaped pipes. It heats up thanks to a heating element - a heating element, located at the bottom of the structure. The warm substance begins to circulate through the coil, moving upward. The cold one sinks and also warms up. This continuous process is called convection.

An electric cable-type heated towel rail is called dry. Instead of oil and a heating element, it has an electrical cable inside, protected by a silicone sheath. It is made of metal with high resistance, allowing it to heat up to the desired temperature.

Comparative characteristics of wet and dry heated towel rails

Cable or electric radiator heated towel rail? Which is better? To make a choice between them, get to know their differences:

Power. For models with a heating cable, it is comparable to the power of incandescent lamps. 100W is the ceiling for them, while radiator analogues can act as a bathroom heater. Their power ranges from 0.1 to 2 kW.
Heating rate. While the heating element heats up the coolant, the cable counterpart will almost cope with the drying. But this indicator is important only if you often turn the device off and on. If you turn it on and leave it for a long time, you won’t notice the difference, because the radiator heated towel rail will only warm up once.
Temperature adjustment. Low-power cable devices do not have this feature in 99% of cases. Why is it needed if the power will not allow it to overheat? I turned on the device and forgot. There is a need for adjustment in radiator analogues, the coolant in which can reach high temperatures. Therefore, pay attention to models with a thermostat, otherwise the coil may become so hot that you will get burned if you touch it.
Installation. Dry devices can be installed without restrictions: vertically, horizontally, diagonally. Wet - only vertically, so that the heating element is located below. If the heating element is in the middle or, even worse, on top of the structure, overheating will occur.

When you come to the store, you will see another difference - the cost. Cable heated towel rails cost less because their production does not require sealing the structure. If a wet-type device turns out to be leaky, then coolant will seep through small cracks.

Review of coolants in wet-type devices

The coolant used for radiator coolants can be:

Water;
Antifreeze;
Mineral oil.

Water heats up slowly and cools down for a long time due to its high specific heat capacity. Antifreeze heats up quickly and cools down quickly due to its high thermal conductivity. Mineral oil heats up faster than water, but slower than antifreeze. But it retains heat for a long time because its thermal conductivity is low.

The best Russian and foreign manufacturers

The heated towel rail market is diverse: you can find models of any quality, design, price, so you should pay special attention to the brand and reputation of the manufacturer. Let's consider which electric heated towel rails our compatriots consider the best.

The Italian company Margaroli produces models with power from 100 to 300 W. All of them are distinguished by a thoughtful design and increased comfort in operation.

Best manufacturers:

Kermi. Kermi heated towel rails are truly German quality and Swiss reliability. The Kermi brand has been known on the market for more than half a century and is already considered legendary. The main advantage of this brand’s equipment is its reasonable price-quality ratio. Heated towel rails are made of good steel, mainly in the shape of a ladder. They are durable, reliable, and stylistically neutral.
Arbonia. Designer radiators and heated towel rails from the Swiss company Arbonia are an expensive pleasure, but the quality and appearance of the products are beyond praise. Models are made of steel. Antifreeze is used as a coolant for combined heated towel rails. It is possible to manually adjust the heating temperature.
Margaroli . Italian appliances from the Margaroli brand are not affordable for everyone. Heated towel rails of this brand are made of high-quality expensive materials and equipped with automatic equipment. There are devices made of brass. Distinctive features of Margaroli equipment are exquisite design and durability. The manufacturer is so confident in the quality of the product that it provides a 15-year guarantee.
Energy . Energy Group is one of the leaders in the European heating equipment market. The manufacturer produces durable, high-quality devices. Any design: the range includes flat, three-dimensional, rotary models of various configurations. The Energy U G3K heated towel rail is especially popular because... combines good technical characteristics and reasonable price.
"Sunerja". The Russian company produces elite models of heated towel rails, which are in demand not only in the domestic but also in the European market. The models are varied in design, made of stainless steel with a durable shiny coating. The warranty for Sunerge products is 5 years.
"Dvin". The Russian company has produced more than 30 series of heated towel rails made of polished stainless steel. Most of the models are made in the form of a ladder. The manufacturer provides a 1 year warranty on its products.
"Nika". Electric heated towel rails of the Nika brand have been known on the market for more than 10 years. Buyers value branded products for their good quality and stylish design. The company does not produce rotating models, but there are many interesting heated towel rails with shelves. The warranty on this company's products is 5 years.
Terminus. The main advantage of heated towel rails of the Russian brand Terminus is a wide selection of models. Among them there are both budget and expensive ones. The heated towel rails are made of 2 mm thick steel. The models are distinguished by high performance characteristics and stylish design. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty.
"Leader-Steel". Many buyers prefer products. The heated towel rails are made of stainless steel, the heating temperature can be adjusted from 30 to 70 degrees. In case of overheating or hypothermia, the devices turn off automatically. The manufacturer provides a 5-year warranty.
Terma . The Polish company Terma has been known on the market for more than a quarter of a century. During this time, it gained popularity among our compatriots.

Terma heated towel rails are made of high quality steel and equipped with thermostats.

A number of manufacturers produce, in addition to electric, water and combined models.

Terminus brand models are made in Russia: the manufacturer uses high-quality imported materials, in particular Italian stainless steel

Power and its calculation

First, decide for what purpose you need a heated towel rail. If it should only serve its intended purpose (dry towels), then you can limit yourself to low-power devices (100-200 W). If you want it to additionally heat the bathroom, then calculate the power using the formula: M=140*L*W.

Decoding. M – determined power. D is the length of the bathroom in meters. W is the width of the bathroom in meters. 140 is the number of watts required to heat 1 square meter to a comfortable temperature. In dry rooms, this value is 100 Watts, but with high humidity, a person’s sensitivity to cold is higher, so more heat is needed.

Calculation example:

We measure the length. Let it be 3 meters;
We measure the width - 2 meters;
We count: M=140*2*3=840 Watt.

The resulting value must be rounded up, because heated towel rails with a power of exactly 840 W do not exist. We get 900 W, or 0.9 kW. If you round down (800 W), then the power may not be enough for a comfortable time in the bathroom.

How to choose by power

The power of electric towel rails varies over a very wide range: from 30 W to 1200 W. The most widely represented are devices with a power of up to 300 W. Up to 100 W - these are classic models - in the form of the letter P, C or S, zigzag. Designer models are usually in the same range. They serve more as decoration than as household items and their power is low or medium.

Vertical and horizontal electric heated towel rails look different

Models in the form of a ladder have more or less solid power. 100-300 W is the power of most models. And such devices can already be used to heat the bathroom. But those with a power of 50-80 W also raise the temperature in a small “standard” room by 3-5 degrees relative to the temperature in other rooms. And things dry on them, although not instantly, but quite well.

Interesting solution

So what power should you buy an electric heated towel rail? If you only need to dry towels, 60-80 W is enough for your eyes. If you plan to use it for heating the bathroom, you need to count 140 W per square area. So it's not difficult.

Material

For a cable heated towel rail, it is not so important what the body is made of. Inside, the cable is protected by a silicone sheath that does not harm the metal. Therefore, choose any material that you like in appearance.

The material matters if you choose a radiator towel dryer. There are only three options:

Stainless steel;
Black steel with protective coating;
Brass, copper or aluminum (non-ferrous metal).

The black steel coil is protected on the inside with a special compound that prevents oxidation. Stainless steel does not have such protection, so the service life of heated towel rails made from it is lower. Externally, coils made of black and stainless steel do not differ from each other. They may have a painted or polished surface. But only models with chrome-plated metal can promise durability.

Towel dryers made of non-ferrous metals do not have protection against oxidation, so they quickly deteriorate. Their thermal conductivity is higher than that of their steel counterparts, so they heat up a little faster. But due to their short service life, such coils are chosen only because of their beauty.

Model rating

It's time to consider the rating of the best electric heated towel rails. It will feature several segments at once, ranging from budget options to expensive models.

Energy Prestige Modus

A quality solution for those who require stainless steel as well as a polished finish. Thanks to this, by the way, it does not become scratched and rarely suffers from mechanical damage. The distinguishing features are:

additional shelves and 11 sections;
maximum temperature of 105 degrees.

The design is designed to operate at no more than 15 bar. It can be connected to the water supply, because all the necessary fittings and other elements are included for connection.

Terminus Euromix P6

A good option for those who need a thermostat. In addition to this, there are also six crossbars and a hidden connection. The main material is stainless steel, in which the ratio of nickel and chromium is increased. Thanks to this, thermal conductivity increases and corrosion resistance appears. Model features:

heating up to 65 °C;
4 operating modes available;
There are 2 methods for installation.

If we talk about functionality, then the minimum temperature here is 30 °C, and the maximum heating time is 15 minutes. There is also a special control panel, which makes setting modes and adjusting power more convenient.

Energy Modern

It is impossible to clearly answer which of the above electric heated towel rails is better, because there is always one that attracts your attention due to some detail. This is exactly what the Modern model does, providing an interesting design in the form of an asymmetrical snake, as well as the presence of vertical bars. The connection here is lateral, and the material used is, according to all the rules, stainless steel. Among the obvious advantages we highlight:

design;
permissible power 338 W;
large area of action.

The strength of this model is also the fact that it can be installed in houses with central or autonomous heating. You can easily connect it to hot water supply and not experience any difficulties in the future.

Terminus Vega P5

There is a side connection here, which is beneficial when installed in a private home. In addition, the pipe is made of stainless steel. Bera P5 can only be connected to hot water supply. And despite its compactness, it has two inputs. Features are:

good quality steel;
possibility of using 5 sections;
ability to heat a small room alone.

Its finish is also polished, which protects against chips and scratches. The maximum possible pressure is 9 atm. With this power, heating can reach 110 °C. The kit also includes all the mounting elements, so you can install it immediately after purchase.

Sunerzha M-shaped

A classic cheap model, which is made in a coil and does not represent anything special for those who are interested in the expensive segment. There are four crossbars and the possibility of installation only in those houses where autonomous heating or central water supply is expected. As strengths we note:

lightness and mobility of the design;
maximum temperature 105 °C;
power up to 185 W.

The design is quite small and is intended for a bath no more than 2 square meters. m. However, for the sake of such compactness, they buy it, because this affects the weight and the space it occupies.

Energy Ergo

The heated towel rail is objectively large in size and is designed in the shape of a ladder. This creates a large area for use and drying, and the ergonomics of the model are ensured by curved bars. They increase the number of things you can hang. Among the features we can confidently highlight:

heating up to 65 °C;
low energy consumption - no more than 77 W;
the ability to install an additional shelf, thereby increasing the working area.

It is worth noting the wire, which is made in a fire-resistant braid, as well as the control panel, which is completely waterproof. Such care for the owner puts the manufacturer in a good light.

Domoterm Stefano P7

The designers of this model should be given credit, because it is made in a retro style. In addition to beauty, there are also 7 crossbars, which, although they take up a lot of space on the wall, compensate for this through high ergonomics. Main distinctive features:

maximum temperature up to 60 °C;
power 300 W;
unusual design.

An undoubted advantage is the presence of a built-in thermostat. With its help, the model can switch itself off when it reaches a specific temperature. And although it takes up a lot of space, the depth of the structure itself is minimal, and this significantly saves space in small apartments.

Terma Zigzag

This is a design solution made of steel pipe in a square profile. The model is represented by an asymmetrical staircase, which has 6 rungs. It is made to order, and therefore there is a choice of the type of final dryer: electric or water. The strengths are:

heat for 15 minutes;
narrow design, which is optimal for small spaces;
ability to select the type of device when ordering.

In addition, a control unit is also available for sale. Thanks to it, you can set the operating mode, as well as the operating temperature. Wall mounting is only available for water-based models. The same version initially has a waterproof coating and corrosion resistance.

Sunerja Cosmopolitan

This is a model made of aluminum and has 7 sections. The design itself allows connections to both hidden wiring and a regular outlet. This is the best option, as it will allow you to temporarily save on repairs. The features are:

ease;
fast heating due to the use of aluminum;
saving energy consumption.

This solution is perfect for families because it has built-in electrical protection, as well as all the mounting hardware for wall mounting. If we talk about the distribution of things, then there is a standard number of crossbars and they are enough for comfortable use by two or more people.

Energy H

An unremarkable model that simply does its job. There are 5 crossbars made of stainless steel. Thanks to this, a long service life is achieved. The source of heating becomes a self-heating cable under a layer of insulation with silicon. In view of this, it is necessary to ensure protection of the housing according to the IP44 standard. Distinctive features are:

the presence of a second class of protection against electricity;
there is no need for grounding;
low energy consumption.

The only drawback is the large size. It either won’t suit everyone simply because of its size, or it will look too pretentious.

Nika Modern LM

This is the best brand of electric heated towel rail in terms of price and quality ratio. It presents several lines that differ in functionality and design, as well as technical characteristics. In addition, each type has about 10 different size options. This makes the selection much more flexible. The main strengths are:

different operating modes;
emergency maximum temperature sensor;
presence of a manually adjustable timer.

Moreover, it is possible to select the power for specific models, which, combined with the size, actually makes such a model custom-made. Terma radiators are also used.

Sunerja Galant 2

The model also involves several modifications, but these are only variations of a specific type, and not a custom-made heated towel rail. The buyer is given the opportunity to choose the colors and distance between the partitions. The advantages are:

thermostat power 0.3 kW;
connections are allowed in both hidden and open versions;
There are operating modes.

There is a built-in thermostat, and household coolant acts as antifreeze. You can also choose which side the cord and plug will be connected to when connecting. This leads to another property - an automatic module for protection against overheating. With its help, you can set either a temperature limit or a maximum operating time.

Terminus Classic

This is actually the “brother” of the Euromix model, but with a number of design changes. Here the crossbars protrude slightly from the front part. At the same time, the power is preserved, and the maximum heat transfer is about 120 W. The model is still made of stainless steel and is connected via wire. Among the features we highlight:

built-in thermostat;
possibility of fastening to the wall;
electric type of work.

In fact, this is the same mass-produced model that does not claim high design or functionality. It simply does its job for the price at which it is offered on the market.

Trugor Bravo

A popular model that provides the buyer with stainless steel staples. Their thickness is 2 mm. There is also grouping into three zones, which allows you to sort things at the drying stage. The maximum temperature is about 70 °C, which allows you to fully heat a room of up to 3 square meters. m. Distinctive features:

hanging type;
the owner is given the opportunity to choose the direction of connection;
Antifreeze acts as a coolant.

The set also includes a thermostat that allows you to control the heating. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty, and the price for such quality is slightly less than the market average.

Domoterm Laura

This is a mid-budget option for those who want a little more than just a working towel dryer. However, you shouldn't expect too much from him. All crossbars are grouped in twos or, if a tall model is selected, in threes. The manufacturer decided to choose a twisted cord with a thermostat and grounding for greater safety. Here's what's worth highlighting:

brass as material;
electric type of operation;
"wet" heating source.

There are three possible modifications where you can choose the position of the wire and the position of the partitions. The power remains the same everywhere. The manufacturer, in addition to the warranty, also provides the owner with repairs for its products after the expiration of the warranty period.

Grota Eco Classic

This is a design solution that is perfect for those who want to add minimalism to their bathroom. The model is made of straight tubes, which are “sorted” into zones. And although this somewhat reduces the simultaneous drying of several things at once, it makes the bath aesthetically pleasing. However, the heating characteristics of the room do not change. We especially highlight:

polished stainless steel;
you can choose any color;
high quality workmanship.

The price is also determined by the quality provided, which is guaranteed by Terma heating elements. Everything necessary for installation is also included, but there are no additional electrical parts. You will have to find it and buy it separately.

Aquanerzh Arc

Its main feature is low electricity consumption. The jumpers themselves are made in the form of arcs, which represent a standard ladder. With all this, you can order either a chrome-plated stainless tube or a painted one, but it will be made of carbon steel. The features of this solution are:

choice of color: gold, bronze, white, black or red;
warranty period 2 years.

Conveniently, the thermostat is already built into the plug, and the immediate operating range does not exceed 55 °C. It is also important to pay attention when ordering to the article numbers of specific models. Some of them have the same characteristics, but are made with an additional shelf.

Sunerja Bohemia 2

This is a premium segment, which is presented in the form of 16 models, which differ from each other everywhere. There is high-quality finishing here, which can be made to order at the request of the buyer. Let us highlight the following features:

individuality when ordering: you can make what you need, rather than choosing mass production;
Availability of energy saving mode.

There is also a hidden connection, a timer, automatic temperature control and other smart functions that should be in this segment by default.

Now you don’t have to worry about choosing a good heated towel rail. We have provided selection criteria, as well as reliable companies that have proven themselves in the market. If you are too lazy to figure everything out yourself, then there is a rating in which you can choose a model depending on your budget. Most likely, the selected model will be able to satisfy all requests without being the most technologically advanced.

Connection type

There are two possible connection methods:

Open;
Hidden.

If you are not planning a large-scale renovation in the bathroom, then the first method is suitable for you, in which the cable is taken out and plugged into an outlet. Moreover, it can be located both in the bathroom and outside it by exiting the cable through a hole drilled in the wall.

For the second method, you need a special electric heated towel rail with a hidden connection. It is convenient because you do not need to constantly plug and unplug from the socket, the absence of which reduces the risk of getting an electric shock. And if the cable is three-core, then the device will additionally protect you from electric shock by grounding. Such a device does not spoil the design of the bathroom.

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.

Shape and size

The standard coil shape in the form of a rounded zigzag is quite boring, so modern manufacturers offer fantasy options, the number of which will never end. Look at the photo below and you will understand that it will be difficult to decide on the shape in advance.

It's easier with sizes. Here you should proceed from the availability of free space. If it is not enough, then give preference to small models. Pay special attention to sliding options. If you are drying one towel, leave the dryer folded, and if there are several, move the “ears” apart for a while.

If there is enough space, then large models will look good, even if you have few wet towels. They can also be used as a clothes dryer. The swivel heated towel rail is easy to use, the arms of which can be rotated up to 180 degrees for better drying.

Advantages of an electrical device

Here's what a person will benefit from after purchasing an electric heated towel rail for a room:

eliminate leaks: if water models can leak, then the likelihood of such an outcome in an electric type is completely excluded;
save: energy consumption is minimal and several times less if batteries or heaters were used;
gain independence from utility systems: if you choose a water-based model, you can become dependent on utilities, which can change the water supply pressure.

However, you should not blindly follow all the advantages, because for some they actually are not such. First of all, you need to analyze the general position of the space and what is really needed for it. After all, if the bathroom already has a battery, then buying such a “dryer” is pointless.

Other useful things

The ability to regulate the temperature has already been discussed above. This is one of the useful features that allows you to independently set the temperature to which the coil will heat up. If an electric heated towel rail with a regulator additionally heats the bathroom, then you can set the desired temperature for the air in the bathroom.

Models with a timer will be useful for those who like to take a shower or bath in the morning or after work. You can turn on the heated towel rail and go to bed or go to work so that the bathroom is warm when you arrive. But how much energy will be wasted? Using the timer, you can set the on and off times. Once you do this, your device will automatically turn on at the right time and then turn off. And you will always wash in a warm bathroom, and electricity will be spent sparingly.

If the bathroom is not very big, then instead of a cabinet with clean towels it is convenient to buy a heated towel rail with a shelf. You will hang wet ones on horizontal tubes and put dried ones on a shelf.

The right electric towel dryer is a great addition to your bathroom. In it you will not be covered with goose bumps from the cold after water procedures. And you will always use only dry and warm towels, regardless of the time of year.

A heated towel rail is an indispensable bathroom appliance.

An electric heated towel rail is a simple design made of a curved pipe and a heating element connected to a power source. Connection features depend on the design of the model. The device itself is attached to the wall or installed on the floor.

Most often, devices are purchased for bathrooms, but sometimes they are also appropriate in kitchens. The devices perform the functions of a towel dryer and warm up the air. Bathrooms are usually small, so such a modest radiator is enough to create a comfortable temperature.

The shiny surfaces of the heated towel rail harmonize with chrome and nickel-plated sanitary fixtures, and also visually expand the space: the bathroom seems larger and brighter

Regular heating of the bathroom prevents condensation and dampness. Thanks to this, the fungus multiplies less, which can completely ruin the finishing materials in a short time and even cause respiratory diseases among the residents of the house. Preventing the formation of black mold is easier than fighting it later.

A good heated towel rail is essential for any bathroom, especially in a home with small children. The main thing is to take into account all the features of the room and choose a device of suitable design and power.

For spacious bathrooms, it is better to choose powerful models equipped with additional measuring and control devices - timers and thermostats.

Calculation of energy consumption of an electric towel dryer

You can calculate the power and determine how much electricity will be consumed based on the device’s passport data, which characterizes its future mode of operation.

Using the passport data, study the device’s performance before purchasing it.

For the calculation, take the simplified formula E = P x K*t, where P is the power of the unit, K is the demand coefficient (for an electric coil it is 0.4), t is the estimated operating time of the device per day. The result, multiplied by the cost of 1 kW/h, will determine the future costs of the electricity consumed by the device. Similarly, you can calculate the electricity consumption rate per 1 month or even 1 year, multiplying by the number of days - respectively, by 30 or 365.

Types by heating type

Today, the most common criterion by which heated towel rails are divided into types is the type of heating. The following devices are distinguished:

dry;
liquid;
combined.

A dry type device does not have much power and will not be able to heat the bathroom

Dry type (cable). Heating is carried out thanks to an electric cable, which is located inside the structure. Experts advise choosing this type of heating if the device is only needed to dry towels. This model is not suitable for temperature control in the bathroom due to the fact that it has rather low power. In principle, this is the main disadvantage of dry heating. The advantages of such a device are as follows:

cheapness;
consumption of less energy;
high heating rate;
ease of installation.

Liquid type (wet). This device is ideal for heating a bathroom. An electric heated towel rail for a bathroom with wet heating is much more powerful than the previous type, and when turned off it takes longer to cool down. The disadvantages of liquid devices include: high cost, increased energy consumption, as well as installation restrictions (liquid devices require strictly vertical installation). The last point should not be considered a significant drawback, since for aesthetic reasons they are in most cases installed vertically.

Combined type. The most expensive option of all. This is due to the fact that the device is operated using both the electrical network and the central heating system. The main advantage of this product is the ability to work from central heating in the winter season, and from a power outlet in other periods.

Official energy consumption ratio

Energy consumption coefficient is the ratio of the entire period of operation of the device to the time of its active heating, when maximum energy is consumed. This indicator is close to the concept of efficiency. The better the device retains and longer releases the heat obtained by heating with electricity, the less energy it consumes and the lower the coefficient.

For household heated towel rails, this figure ranges from 0.4 (24 minutes of energy consumption) to 0.16 (10 minutes). It is influenced by the design of the appliance, as well as how much laundry is dried and how wet it is.

If the device is also used to heat the room, then the value also depends on the proportion of the equipment’s power to the air exchange of the ventilation system.

What shape is the best heated towel rail?

Electric heated towel rails are produced in a sufficient range of shapes, the most popular:

Ladder - this form is the most convenient and practical for placing small things.
Snake is a standard form, consists of a number of pipes that are placed in parallel and there can be a different number of them.
A heated towel rail with a top shelf provides additional storage space.
A swivel heated towel rail is ideal for a small bathroom.

Advantages of the device

Connecting an electric heated towel rail provides the following advantages:

Low power consumption. Power consumption is regulated using a thermostat. Not all models are equipped with a built-in thermostat, but it can be installed separately.
Durability. The device has a simple design, and if the operating rules are followed, it lasts a long time.
Wide variety of models. You can choose the optimal solution for your personal needs, size and interior of the bathroom.
The device can be installed independently and, if necessary, moved to another room.
No connection to a centralized water supply system is required. The device can be installed anywhere in the apartment.
The thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature of the heating element.

Heat loss calculation

Basic

Heat losses from bathroom enclosing structures are calculated element by element Qi, W:

Losses are not taken into account:

Through internal partitions when the temperature difference between adjacent rooms is less than 5ºC.
Through ceilings with heated floors.

A bathroom can have up to 2 external walls; cold attic, underground, in which the following is determined:

Square.
Heat transfer resistance Ro according to SNiP 23-02-2003 (SNiP II-3-79).
Temperature difference (tv = 24 °C).

Knowing the brands and thickness of the structures, you can roughly assume the characteristics by analogy.

Thermal calculator

It is convenient to calculate heat transfer resistance in the program:

https://www.smartcalc.ru/thermocalc?&gp=212&rt=0&ct=0&os=0&ti=20&to=-10&hi=55&ho=85

Example.

Bathroom 2.3 × 1.85 m, height – 2.5 m; adjacent to the heated staircase (tn = 16 °C), partitions made of plastered foam concrete 200 mm thick.

Define: Ro, ∑Qi.

Algorithm:

Set the region.

We choose: type of room - bathroom, structure - wall.

We insert the layers of the structure: plaster – foam concrete – plaster. Specify the thickness.
We accept climatic parameters outside and indoors, taking into account the sign.

We analyze the results in the tabs: thermal protection, thermal losses.

Further calculation in the table:

We do not take into account the influence of wind and sun on internal partitions.

Video on how SmartCalc works:

Ventilation, general

We determine the cost of heating the supply air Qvent, W:

tн = 20 °C – inflow mainly from rooms, non-residential infiltration is neglected.

Qvent = 0.28 × 25 × 1.2 × 1 × (24 − 20) × 1 = 34 W

Total losses (2):

Q∑ = 67 + 34 = 101 W

Why choose an electric model

The modern market is filled with a wide variety of equipment, and every year new types appear that are many times superior to their predecessors. This happened with electric heated towel rails. Compared to the water type, they have the following advantages:

mobility. They do not need to be attached to the wall or welded to pipes. The device can be easily installed not only in the bathroom, but also in any other room where it is needed;
ability to control the intensity of heat generation. Such a device will not only dry towels quickly and effectively, but will also give the bathroom the necessary temperature regime. Essentially, the device can be used as an independent heater;
safe operation. The device is equipped with a fuse system and heat control sensors, so the likelihood of fire or short circuit is minimized;
low power consumption. There are models of heated towel rails that, in terms of this indicator, can be compared with a regular iron or electric kettle. It is important to understand that the user has control over heat transfer, so that the device is set to the required power.

Tera Victoria 500x800 E

Main characteristics:

Material: stainless steel;
Power - 105 W;
Maximum heating temperature - 50°C;
Possibility of rotation - no;
Dimensions - 80x50 cm.

Design and material of manufacture. This domestic electric “dry” type heated towel rail has the appearance of a modified ladder with five rungs slightly protruding outward. It is made of durable stainless steel pipes with a chrome-plated outer surface. For rigid mounting to the wall, 4 brackets are used. The product weighs almost 7 kg and occupies an area of 500x800 mm.

Parameters and connection. The device consumes electricity in the amount of 105 W. It is designed for open connection using a standard power cable and plug. There is an on/off button.