Everything You Need to Know About Heated Towel Rails

Style, Function & Energy Efficiency with insights from Richard Eaton, Senior Product Manager at Tissino

A well chosen heated towel rail can completely transform a bathroom. Beyond the comfort of warm towels, it enhances the overall atmosphere, adding gentle ambient heat, reducing damp and mould, and creating a refined design statement.

“Heated towel rails are one of those products that customers don’t always realise they need until they experience the difference,” says Richard Eaton, Senior Product Manager at Tissino.

At Tissino, heating is an integral part of our bathroom collections. Each design combines Italian-inspired craftsmanship with advanced heating performance, ensuring style never comes at the expense of functionality. With innovations such as the new Hugo Evolute range, our portfolio continues to set the benchmark for design-led heating, where beauty and performance work in perfect harmony.

Why Heated Towel Rails Matter More Than Ever

The obvious benefit is comfort: stepping out of the shower to a warm towel. But heated towel rails also play a much bigger role. They help to reduce bathroom moisture, limit mould growth, improve air quality, and act as a compact radiator, particularly important in en-suites or cloakrooms where space is limited.

“Our customers increasingly want solutions that perform double duty, products that are efficient but also elevate the design of their space,” says Richard. “That’s exactly where our heated towel rails shine.”

Understanding Heat Output: What is a BTU?

Choosing the right towel rail isn’t only about style, it’s about performance too. The heat output of a towel rail is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A cloakroom might only need 1,000–2,000 BTUs, whereas a larger bathroom could require 4,000+.

“Getting this right is key,” Richard explains. “If the BTU is too low, the space won’t feel warm enough. We always recommend slightly overestimating so the bathroom is comfortable year-round.”

The Hugo2 range already offers a wide spectrum of outputs, and with the introduction of Hugo Evolute, customers now have even greater choice – combining smart performance with elevated, trend-led design.

Fuel Types: Central Heating, Electric & Dual Fuel

There are three main ways to power your towel rail, each with its own benefits.

Central heating towel rails are plumbed into your home’s main heating system and heat up when the central heating is on. This is a traditional, energy-efficient option for homeowners with a standard boiler setup.

Electric-only towel rails are an excellent choice for homes without central heating, or for spaces like loft bathrooms and cloakrooms. These models use a thermostatic electric element and don’t require any plumbing.

Dual fuel options offer the best of both worlds. You can run your towel rail on central heating during winter, and switch to electric-only in the warmer months. This makes them incredibly efficient and ideal for year-round use. Our Hugo collection is dual-fuel compatible, giving you the flexibility to choose how and when you heat your space.

“Dual fuel is by far the most versatile option,” Richard advises. “It allows homeowners to heat just the bathroom without switching on the whole system, which is energy efficient and cost effective.”

Spotlight on Hugo Evolute: An Evolution in Design

The Hugo2 has been a cornerstone of our heating collections for years, a true all-rounder. But now, Hugo Evolute takes that heritage a step further.

Exclusively available in Soft Taupe, Hugo Evolute combines sleek hidden fixings with a refined matt finish for a minimalist aesthetic. It’s available in Central Heating, Dual Fuel and Electric variations, including both standard and temperature-regulating elements.

“The Hugo Evolute is a natural progression for our heating collection,” Richard explains. “It brings together everything customers loved about Hugo2, but with added versatility. It’s about offering choice, while also setting new design standards for the bathroom.”

Beyond Hugo Evolute: Choosing the Right Collection

Our towel rail offering includes seven distinct collections, including Hugo Evolute, each thoughtfully designed for different needs, spaces, and style preferences.

Hugo2 is our hero range and a true all-rounder. Available in six premium finishes—Chrome, Matt Black, Anthracite, Arabica, Lusso Grey and Mont Blanc—this collection combines sleek styling with a full spectrum of sizes and BTU outputs. The 25mm vertical bars create a refined and balanced look, while the range’s compatibility with smart dual fuel elements makes it a go-to for both consumers and professional installers. Coordinating valves are available to complete the look.

Fabio introduces a fresh, modern perspective to heating design. Its striking flat-panel construction delivers impressive heat output while maintaining a refined, architectural silhouette. The smooth surface creates a bold yet minimal statement, ideal for bathrooms seeking a more streamlined, designer-led look. Fabio bridges the gap between practicality and statement design, perfect for those who want warmth and visual impact in one piece.

Ampio is designed with space efficiency in mind. This compact, cloakroom-friendly option still delivers impressive heat output for its size. With both bar-on-bar and open-ended styles, it suits tighter spaces while still making a design impact.

Bartolo offers a more architectural approach. The slim, vertical design has a low profile but a high style quotient, ideal for minimalist and modern interiors where clean lines are key.

Emilio stands out with its open-ended design, which allows for quick and easy towel access. It’s especially useful in family bathrooms or for users who value functionality and ease of use above all else, without compromising on aesthetics.

Marcello brings a more traditional, rounded tube design to the mix. Its gentle curves soften the overall aesthetic of the room and make it the perfect finishing touch for classic or transitional bathrooms.

Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Value

Our towel rails are built to last. Every model comes with a 10-year guarantee and uses high-quality materials designed to withstand years of use without tarnishing, corroding, or fading. 

Thanks to advanced control features and dual fuel options, customers can also reduce their reliance on full home heating and enjoy targeted warmth exactly when they need it, without wasting energy.

Final Thoughts

From function to form, heated towel rails are a must-have for any contemporary bathroom and Tissino’s design-led approach ensures you never have to compromise on style. Whether you are designing a luxury ensuite, modernising a guest WC, or helping customers upgrade their heating solutions, our collection offers versatile, high-performance options to suit every need.

As Richard Eaton puts it: “Bathrooms today are about more than function, they’re about creating a sanctuary. A heated towel rail may be a small detail, but it transforms the experience. That’s the power of good design.”

You can explore the full Tissino Heating Collection here, or contact your local retailer to request product advice, finish samples or spec sheets.