Different radiators in the bathroom

There are a variety of electrical and alternative features for your bathroom, many of which serve practical as well as attractive purposes. Here we look at two types of radiator that you may wish to install; the heated towel rail and the electric radiator. Radiators are generally rated in terms of core dimension and the number of rows of tubes used. Larger cores and more tubes mean a greater capacity. The most common material used for radiator manufacturing is traditionally a combination of brass and copper, but modern units are often aluminium.

Before choosing your radiator, you must determine how much heat the bathroom requires. This is done by using the radiator manufacturer’s heat loss calculations (your radiator installer can do this when quoting). The most accurate calculations take room measurements, including the window and outside wall sizes. They calculate the temperature required and apply this to determine the radiator size. Too big and the system will exceed its temperature requirement and be uneconomical to run, too small and it won't reach its desired temperature.

Heated towel rails are an alternative to common radiators as they provide a rail for hanging towels, act as radiators and possess a popular, modern style. There are many different designs and styles of heated towel rail but the most popular are the ladder type, which are usually available in a white or chrome finish. Choosing the right model needs some consideration.

Heated towel rails are designed to be plumbed in to your central heating system in the same way as a radiator, but there are two other installation options.

Dual Fuel Option - the towel rail can be installed with an electrical heating element that fits inside one of the vertical rails. Special radiator valves are used which enable the radiator to be isolated from the heating system and warmed using the electric element. This is very useful in summer months when your heating may be off.

Oil Filled Option - with this option the towel rail is not connected to your heating system, and is heated by electricity alone. The towel rail is factory fitted with a heating element and filled with special oil, ready for connection to your electricity supply.


All radiators have different heat outputs depending on the size and design. Make sure that you are replacing a radiator with a heated towel rail of similar output; otherwise you might notice a drop in temperature in the bathroom.

Electric radiators are an option if you do not wish to install a standard, centrally heated type. Conventional radiators need to be attached to the existing system, and this may be a hassle that electric radiators avoid. Many new electric models claim to save energy in the long term; this becoming a popular feature for money and energy saving people. They also possess a timer which can be set to turn on or off at particular times to suit the user. Although electric radiators are generally more bulky than their counterparts, there are an increasing number to choose from, allowing the buyer a wide selection choice.