Among bathroom heating options, it can be very difficult to choose between a towel radiator and an old-fashioned towel rail. Both have their advantages but serve different purposes. To be able to help you with upgrading your bathroom that looks so attractive yet is functional, this article can guide you on how to differentiate between the two solutions provided.
In this article, we are going to research the benefits of towel radiators and traditional towel rails, point out the pros and cons of each, and guide you into deciding which would suit your bathroom best.
What Are Towel Radiators?
A towel radiator is also known as a heated towel rail, which serves a dual purpose by heating your bathroom while at the same time heating and drying towels. It gives out heat like any ordinary radiator but was specifically designed with racks or bars on it to hold towels. The units can be plumbed directly into your central heating system or powered electrically, so you have the flexibility to choose between the two based on your desires for your modern home.
Traditional Towel Rails
A traditional towel rail, on the other hand, is just a simple bar or a combination of bars attached to the wall. Their purpose is to just hang towels there so they can dry when in the bathroom after use. Unlike a towel radiator, a traditional towel rail doesn’t provide a form of heating to the bathroom. They are purely functional in their task of towel drying and storage.
Key Differences Between Towel Radiators and Traditional Towel Rails
Comparatively, it’s the key differences between these options that will tell you which one to settle for in pursuing your dream of making your bathroom better. For example, consider the following.
1. Heating Capacity
The most significant difference between a towel radiator and a traditional towel rail is the difference in their heating function. Towel radiators provide both towel-warming functionality and room heating functionality, making them multi-function fixtures. The units can be very efficiently used for heating small to medium-sized bathrooms which would make the ambiance warm and cozy.
Traditional towel rails, however, do not offer any form of heating for the room. These are only for drying and placing your towels if kept hung. If you already have a heating system in place and just need something for your towels, then you can settle for a traditional towel rail.
2. Energy Efficiency
Since towel radiators also help consume less energy, they are a dual functional device, be it an ordinary towel rail and radiator; therefore, installing a towel radiator would eliminate the need for you to install a separate bathroom radiator. As such, you will not spend extra money on energy costs in the long run.
Unlike the conventional towel rails, you are not consuming any energy to warm the room but instead can still use your central heating, which means that higher energy consumption will be incurred when you have to run this when warming the bathroom.
3. Appearance
Designer radiators come in a wide range of designs, materials, and finishes as do traditional towel rails but often seem to offer more modern, sleek, and stylish designs, making them so popular for contemporary bathrooms.
Traditional towel rails are fairly straightforward and simple. These will perfectly apply in any family-owned home in which a minimalist or traditional look is required. They rely on your preference as well as what you may want your bathroom to look like.
4. Purpose
Towel radiators will boast more functionality features than a standard towel rail as, apart from drying the towels, they can be used for warming the bathroom. Towel radiators are definitely more versatile options, and homeowners enjoy them as sometimes they may come with advanced features, including temperature control, timers, and dual fuel options that enable you to switch between electric and central heating systems.
While certainly not as practical, the conventional towel rail does get the job of holding and drying towels done quite well. If your bathroom already has a heating system in place, all you may need is something to organize your towels and keep them dry. A conventional towel rail might be all you would need then.
5. Installation and Maintenance
Towel radiators are normally more advanced installation than ordinary towel rails and may either be as central heating or electric, therefore installation might require a professional plumber/electrician to set up, but afterward, it’s relatively easy to maintain and durable in the long term.
Traditional towel rails are much easier to install; most of them could be mounted directly onto the wall by someone with minimal DIY skills. They definitely don’t require any electrical or plumbing work, so they are pretty maintenance-free and hassle-free for most people.
However, cost is one of the major considerations for buying a towel radiator instead of a traditional towel rail. A towel radiator would cost more because it is a dual-function item and more elaborate in its design. Installation may also cost a bit more if done by professionals especially.
On the other hand, conventional towel rails are cheaper at the point of purchase and installation. However, if you do have to run a separate heating system for the bathroom, then that swallows up any savings you might make in the towel rail itself.
Which One will Suit Your Bathroom?
Your heating requirements for a bathroom, the bathroom furnishing budget, and even aesthetic preference define your decision between a towel radiator or a traditional towel rail.
For that versatile heating fixture that can warm your bathroom while also drying your towels, no one does it better than a towel radiator. It will create an atmosphere of home comfort, and you will have warm and dry towels all the time, giving you that extra touch of luxury about your bathroom experience.
On the other hand, if you’ve already installed a heating system and you just want a practical towel drier where your towels will dry, then you can opt for the conventional towel rail. It brings forth simplicity and ease of installation with no extra costs that come with heating capabilities.
Conclusion
Towel radiators or traditional towel rails-it is the choice that is being debated with regards to heating. When your specific needs and preferences are considered, the decision boils down to who wishes to have a decorative, multi-purposed heating solution and is willing to pay a little more for it because a towel radiator offers practicality and comfort. If the need, however, is for a simple and more affordable way to dry towels then a traditional towel rail will serve well.
