Plumbing manufacturers present a huge number of bathroom fixtures that keep up with technical innovations and can please with modern exterior design. How to choose a heated towel rail from the entire abundance of the range, simple recommendations will help. It is important to consider not only the appearance, but the pros and cons of a particular product.
Classification of towel dryers
Drying devices are classified according to several criteria. These include the type of heating, the material of production, structural and design features.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the type of heating. On the basis of this, one can distinguish:
- Water heated towel rail;
- electrical model;
- Combined products.
We will analyze in detail each device, how it works, advantages and disadvantages.
The water appliance works thanks to the source of hot water in the house. This may be independent heating or another source of hot water.
Clean drinking water passes through the equipment. This reduces the risk of corrosion, but does not completely eliminate it. Therefore, you should choose the most durable material to the negative effects of water.
The disadvantage of a water heated towel rail is the lack of hot water in the summer. Because of this, the operation of the device in the warm season is impossible. Unless from autonomous heating, which will have to be constantly maintained.
Installation of the structure includes fastening with nuts to the hot water system. For waterproofing, it is advised to use gaskets from different materials. Gaskets must be replaced periodically to avoid leakage.
Important! It is best to choose stainless steel towel warmers with a release valve. This will prevent starting problems after the hot water is turned off.
Electric towel warmers are powered by the electricity system. Such a heated towel rail can be hung in any convenient room and used only when necessary.
The dryer does not draw much electricity. Its operation is equal to the use of a 100 watt light bulb.
A clear advantage of the device is the heating temperature. It is a maximum of 60 degrees, so the equipment is safe.
The operation of the dryer is carried out thanks to the heating cable or the built-in heating element.
Electrical products are divided into two groups:
- "Dry". Inside there is a cable, which is more secure than a tubular electric heater.
- Oil. They have a high heat capacity. After disconnecting from the electrical system, they continue to keep warm.
You can install the heated towel rail in an inconspicuous way: the cable is connected to the junction box and hidden in the wall. Such installation is only possible with autonomous control.
The equipment is powered from a conventional outlet
With the help of a special box or remote control, the system is turned off and the temperature is adjusted. Pleased with the security system of such equipment. If a problem occurs, the dryer will turn off. This will also protect against overheating.
The device can also be connected to a conventional outlet.
The power of the dryer is from 25 to 1200 watts.
Important! The distance of the electrical appliance from the water pipes must be at least 600 mm.
This type of heated towel rail in some cases can replace the radiator and heat the room.
The combined view can work from both sources of heating. If necessary, you can switch the operation of the dryer to a convenient mode. If there is a problem with turning off hot water, you can operate the equipment through electricity.
The device diagram includes:
- water part;
- Electric pipe;
- Hot water connection;
- Cord for connection to the mains.
It is also worth noting the rotary properties of heated towel rails. This function allows you to rotate the device 180 degrees from the wall. The most popular are chrome rotary heated towel rails.
Chrome-plated metal fits almost any interior. Rotary designs are found in every type of dryer.
Based on a detailed analysis of each type of device, you can decide which heated towel rail is better to choose.
Features of the water model
Consider in more detail which water heated towel rail is better to choose for the bathroom. In this case, it is important to take into account not only the principle of operation, but also other features of the dryer.
The nuances of choice can be safely attributed to the appearance of the product. Most popular models:
- In the shape of the letter "M";
- In the shape of the letter "P";
- Zigzag;
- Ladder.
Manufacturers continue to surprise customers with a variety of shapes, so you can find completely unusual designs.
The number of pipes will allow each member of the family to dry a towel. In addition, the distance between the pipes will allow you to hang several wet towels at once. Other appliances may surprise you with protruding shelves.
Consider the material from which the equipment is made. Constant contact with water determines its features.
Iron products are the cheapest and inferior in quality to other materials. The best option is stainless steel. Such material will withstand the required pressure and is resistant to corrosion.
For private houses, brass or copper is suitable. They withstand medium pressure. When choosing steel, get ready for the rapid corrosion of the metal. If the pipes are completely filled with liquid, then there is a chance to extend the life of the product. Otherwise, oxidation begins.
Important! Pipe joints must be made of the same material, otherwise corrosion will appear at the joints.
From the above, you can summarize how to choose a heated towel rail for a water-type bathroom:
- Options in the standard form of letters will become economical. They fit perfectly in a small room, do not take up much space. In addition, the installation of such installations is much easier.
- For a large bathroom, products with wide stainless steel pipes are suitable. For example, dryers-radiators must be connected to the heating system.
- Consider pressure and corrosion when choosing product material.
- If you are not confident in your abilities during installation, then it is better not to risk it. The specialist will save you from the negative consequences of inept installation.
It will be absolutely safe to install such a model in the bathroom.
The nuances of the functioning of electrical models
When determining which heated towel rail to choose, you should pay attention to the electrical appliance. Electric models have undeniable advantages:
- Attractive design;
- Exclusion of leaks;
- No need to care about pressure;
- Easy installation;
- Possibility of installation anywhere in the apartment;
- The ability to control the operation of the device.
The danger of using an electric towel dryer can arise when the bathroom is too humid. To exclude the possibility of electric shock, seek the help of a specialist. He will be able to mount the device in the most secure way, with hidden wires.
Important! Buy and order the installation of a heated towel rail in one company. This will eliminate the problem of returning equipment in the event of a malfunction. Otherwise, the company can turn the breakdown into violations of the installation rules.
Two types of device can be distinguished: with a cable and a pipe filled with water or oil.
What you should pay attention to when choosing an electric towel warmer:
- Price. Equipment with a cable will be cheaper due to the lack of a closed loop.
- A device with water or oil can heat the entire room. Cable dryers are less powerful. They are only enough to dry towels.
- Installation. Cable products can be mounted in any form. Liquid appliances in this right are limited.
- Cable dryers heat up faster.
- Function adjustment. More often, the thermostat is found in equipment with liquid, otherwise it can heat up to very high temperatures.
Imported manufacturers - a guarantor of quality?
An important aspect of choice is the manufacturer. Imported models have a stylish design and a wide range of choices. This makes them attractive to the consumer. But the choice of an imported heated towel rail has several pitfalls.
European models are connected to a heating system for which water undergoes special treatment. Therefore, the product is not accustomed to pressure drops and corrosion. But some models have taken into account these features and can please the client with durability.
When choosing an imported product, check the equipment for the presence of stopcocks. They will help reduce the pressure in the pipes.
When deciding which company to choose a heated towel rail, pay attention to the following manufacturers:
- Zehnder is a device from Germany. Represents products of different functionality. The company offers painted heated towel rails for any color, it can be chrome-plated or enameled.
- Margaroli - Italian towel dryers. They amaze with their appearance, aesthetes will like it. The material of manufacture is brass with different coatings.
- Warmos is a Finnish device. The most secure option.
- Arbonia is a German manufacturer. Quality and interesting design in one device.
- Gorenje - simplicity and accessibility.
- Vogel & Noot - made in Australia. A wide range of instruments undergo several levels of quality control.
There is also a Russian manufacturer on the market. Such companies as Tera, Trugor, Dvin, Terminus managed to prove themselves from the best side.
What is the best towel dryer?
The material of manufacture should be given special attention when choosing a dryer, because it determines which heated towel rail is better. The material must withstand the required pressure and be resistant to corrosion. Consider all options for dryers:
- Stainless steel. It is important that a seamless pipe is used in the manufacture. This guarantees resistance to pressure drops. The downside is heaviness. The wall thickness of the stainless steel pipe must be at least 3 mm - this guarantees the quality of the product.
- "Black" steel. Has no resistance to corrosion. Suitable only in the case of an autonomous heating system. Low quality means low cost.
- Copper. They are resistant to corrosion, quickly heat up and give off heat, light, do not cause difficulties during installation. For central heating, make sure that the outer walls of the pipes are galvanized.
- Brass. Conducts heat well and is resistant to corrosion. The internal chrome coating will extend the service life. Minus - they can not always endure pressure.
It can be concluded that when choosing a material, not only its properties are important, but also the presence of protective coatings, wall thickness, and painting. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of heating the apartment and rely on the available funds.
During the complete equipping of the bathroom, the question may arise, how to choose the right heated towel rail. You need to pay attention to the type, material of manufacture, apartment features, price parameters and your own needs.
High-quality equipment that will last a long time cannot be cheap. If you wish, you can purchase a good budget option, having previously familiarized yourself with all the pros and cons of different types and materials.