Finding the Perfect Heated Towel Rail
Aug 2022
Heated towel rails are quickly becoming a staple in bathroom design and renovation and are becoming more of an essential than a luxury. A good, heated towel rail will withstand the test of time while delivering an exceptional heat output that will complete any design or function-conscious space. This guide to the Hugo2 collection of heated towel rails will guide you through the key things to consider before purchasing rail for your bathroom.
Please note that all towel rails will have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, and this is an essential element to consider when purchasing a heated towel rail. The BTU is measured hourly, the higher the output means that your chosen rail is more powerful and effective, thus warming your bathroom quicker and saving you money on your energy bills.
Choosing your colour
Do you want the rail to blend in or stand out? The Hugo2 Heated Towel Rail is available in 6 designer finishes: Matt Black, Anthracite, Arabica, Lusso Grey, Mont Blanc and Chrome. It may be worth noting that the BTU of a Chrome towel rail is normally lower than a towel rail with a textured or glossy finish.
“All towel rails will have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating, and this is an essential element to consider when purchasing a heated towel rail. The BTU is measured hourly, the higher the output means that your chosen rail is more powerful and effective, thus warming your bathroom quicker and saving you money on your energy bills.”
Choosing your size
This all depends on the size of the space you’re working with. If you have a smaller bathroom or an en-suite, a heated towel rail should be sufficient in heating the room on its own. So, you need to think about what kind of space you’re working with as well as how many towels you think you’ll be storing on it at any one time.
We recommend you select a product that exceeds the required output as you can enjoy some extra heat in cold weather while turning it down at other times of the year. To find out what size will give you enough heat output to warm the bathroom, not just your towels is to use our handy online tool.
What type of rail should you get?
Hugo2 Heated Towel Rails can be supplied in a variety of heating methods, working efficiently in any home. We have three heating methods available:
Electric Only
For homes without central heating or for those looking to quickly add a heated towel rail to the room without the upheaval or cost or re-routing pipes, an electric towel rail can offer the perfect solution. They are very easy and quick to install by a qualified electrician and offer a cost-effective way of keeping towels and robes etc. warm and dry. Tissino towel rails can be converted into electric towel rails, we will fill the rail with a suitable heating fluid, install the appropriate heating element, seal, and water test.
Central Heating
Most homes in the UK already have central heating. If such a system is in place, you can simply plumb your new towel rail into your existing central heating system. Tissino Hugo2 towel rails produce enough BTU to warm your towels and heat the bathroom the same way as a traditional radiator.
Dual fuel
A dual fuel towel rail is plumbed into your central heating system and features an electric heating element.
A dual fuel towel rail can be heated by the main heating system in the house, or when the heating system is not in operation it can be isolated and heated by the element. This gives you the luxury of heated towels all year round without having to use the heating system in summer periods. Tissino makes this easy by supplying a set of dual-fuel valves specifically designed for this installation scenario with the wall or floor connection options.
Where should I put the towel rail?
While you can install the rail anywhere, we recommend the coldest wall in the room. Often, this is the external wall of your bathroom. This will help distribute the heat evenly around your room, which will improve efficiency and ensure that your space will remain warm and cosy.
It’s also important to think about how far the rail is from the bath and/or shower, so you’ll have a warm towel in your arm’s reach when stepping out after a shower or bath. Here are a few other factors to consider when choosing the placement of the rail:
- The shape of the space
- The dimensions
- Any existing pipework that you currently have
- Doors, pipes and fittings (toilets, sinks etc.)
Be sure to check the specifications of the appliance before purchasing as there on many different ratings which determine how closely you can install electrical items to a water source.