CenterRail 1807 x 500 Straight White 2808B CR185SW

Towel radiators, also called heated towel rails, warm and dry towels and add heat to bathrooms, cloakrooms and kitchens. They come as straight or curved ladder rails, compact towel bars and decorative towel warmers, in chrome, white, anthracite and other finishes, and can run on the central heating, on electricity alone, or on both.

Size and heat output

Heights run from compact rails of around 750mm up to 1800mm, in widths of around 450mm to 600mm. Output is quoted in BTU/h or watts; divide BTU/h by 3.41 to get watts. Always compare the stated output, because it changes with finish as well as size: the same rail in chrome can give noticeably less heat than in white. If the rail is the room's only heat source, choose one that meets the room's heat need.

Central heating, electric or dual fuel

• Central heating: connects to the heating pipework through a pair of radiator valves, usually bought separately, angled or straight to suit the pipes.
• Electric: a heating element, rated in watts, warms the rail without the boiler. Match the element's wattage to the rail's output.
• Dual fuel: a T-piece on one connection takes an electric element, so the rail can be warmed in summer without running the heating. Switch the element off when the central heating is on, and close the valves when running on electric only.

Electrical safety

Electric and dual fuel rails are wired to a fused spur. In England, adding or altering electrical circuits in a room containing a bath or shower is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, so the work must be done by a registered competent person or notified to building control.

For valves to suit, see valves, or browse the full range of radiators and accessories.