Become a must in bathrooms, the towel radiator allows you to heat the room while keeping the laundry warm. Power, energy, design, accessories, Maison à part gives you all the advice you need to choose the model best suited to your use.
Exit the classic radiator in the bathroom, now place the towel radiator! It provides ease of use that we could hardly do without today. But how do you choose the device that’s best for you? Here are a few things to think about.
Understanding what a towel radiator is
In the term “towel radiator” every word is important. It is above all abouta device intended to heat the room, with a structure that allows to dry the laundry bathroom – or, why not, tea towels in a kitchen.
“There are a large number of appliances for the bathroom, but not all of them have this dual purpose” says Elisabeth Pierson, marketing communication group leader for Acova Runthal Zehnder.
Heated towel rails, which are not powerful enough to take the place of a radiator, are therefore excluded from this definition. This type of device, smaller, is an accessory to reserve for a bathroom already equipped with a heating system.
Choose the energy of the towel rail according to the use
There are three main categories of towel radiators.
- The first, called “water”, are connected to the boiler, whether individual or collective. They are then part of the central heating system of the house. Their heat is gentle, but their installation requires plumbing work. “Ideal for renovating the bathroom heating” says Elisabeth Pierson.
- The most common towel radiators are the models electric. “They are the easiest to install, for example in the case of an extension, when you do not want to undertake too much work” says Elisabeth Pierson. However, they must be installed taking into account the safety zones in the bathroom. However, these devices tend to consume more than the previous ones.
- Finally, there are models mixed, which combine the two energies. “The advantage is being able to continue using the towel warmer even when the boiler is off, in summer” explains Elisabeth Pierson.
Calculate the power required for the room
The power of a radiator depends on the volume of the room (i.e. the area multiplied by the ceiling height), but also on its level of insulation, its ventilation and the climate of the region. We generally expect a power of 30 to 35 W / m3. Compared to a conventional radiator, this power is increased by 10% to choose a towel warmer installed in a bathroom.
“The heat requirements are often punctual, the comfort temperature in the bathroom is rather 21 to 22 ° C and, above all, the towels placed on the device capture calories, which must be taken into account in the power calculation “ explains Elisabeth Pierson.
A blower to boost the temperature
It is also possible to choose electric or mixed models equipped with a blower function. The towel radiator can then occasionally become a fan heater, to boost the temperature of the room if necessary. Some radiator manufacturers offer online calculators to help you choose the right wattage for your towel warmer.
Do not be fooled by the size or shape of the appliance: these two characteristics are completely independent of the power of the towel radiator. On the other hand, “combine your need for power with the space available to choose the ideal device” advises Elisabeth Pierson.
Shape and design of a towel radiator
Side aesthetic, the classic towel radiator looks like a ladder attached to the wall … And yet, design steps in and devices today take all possible shapes, materials and colors!
“There are more and more models that are very beautiful and suitable for the style of any bathroom” says Elisabeth Pierson. Besides its style, the form the towel dryer is to be taken into account, on the one hand depending on the space available, on the other hand depending on your use. Some models are open on the side, to facilitate the laying of the towel, others swivel, “which is interesting for accessibility”, explains Elisabeth Pierson.
Also estimate the spreading surface of laundry you will need before making your choice. “Size and layout are key elements for families” insists the specialist. Very small width fixtures are ideal for small areas or spaces under windows; those of low height, for rooms located in the attic.
If you do not have the space to hang it on the wall, opt for a claustra model, which is placed on legs. Finally, do not neglect the aesthetics of the faucet thermostatic radiator, which will be visible!
Features and accessories of a towel radiator
One of the most popular features in the towel radiator is the programming. It allows you to set, remotely or using a box attached to the wall, the times at which the device will trigger. Ideal for enjoying a bathroom at the right temperature and a hot towel when taking your shower!
But there are also other small accessories for your towel warmer: the coat hooks, for hanging bathrobes for example, and towel bars or rings, to increase the spreading surface. “In some models they are sold separately, in others not” explains Elisabeth Pierson.
The latest models have also adapted to our way of life and incorporate new features, such as USB sockets to be able to charge your smartphone, or even speakers to be able to listen to music even in the shower!
How much does a towel radiator cost?
The price of a towel radiator depends on its power and the complexity of its model (swivel, small width, style, etc.), but also on the number of accessories, or even on the presence or not of a programming system.
Early prices (400W) start at around € 50, but the average price is around € 300 for a more powerful color model (800-1000W). The most designer devices are the most expensive: their price is around 2,000 €!
