How to choose a towel warmer

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Nowadays, any plumbing accessories have ceased to be a deficit, on the contrary, in specialized stores one can find such a variety that many consumers are lost, not knowing which of the models to choose. Towel warmers were not previously considered a necessary attribute of the bathroom, they were often dismantled, thus trying to expand the space of the room, since they occupied a lot of space on the wall, protruding from it for 130-150 mm. In addition, those "official" heated towel rails had a non-aesthetic appearance, which did not fit well with the updated design of the bathroom. Today, you can find similar devices that have different sizes and configurations, and they can easily be selected for any design of the bathroom. In addition, it became possible to choose the location of the installation of this accessory and allocate a certain area for it, without prejudice to the placement of other sanitary and household appliances and furniture.

How to choose a towel warmer

How to choose a towel warmer

In order to know how to choose a towel dryer from all the available variety, you need to consider various criteria that you should pay attention to. This modern accessory can be installed not only in the bathroom, but in any other, depending on the choice of model.

Many regions of Russia are characterized by a climate with high humidity, in conditions of which it is difficult to quickly dry clothes or towels, so often for this purpose radiators are used. But, hanging clothes on them, the hosts block the flow of heat into the room, so you have to choose between quick-drying clothes and comfortable conditions in the living room.

Just in this case, and can come in handy such a device that is not only able to dry clothes, but also able to raise the temperature in the room, as well as reduce excessive humidity. Thanks to all the features of a modern heated towel for comfort, it is becoming more popular, both for apartments with bathrooms with small dimensions, and among private house owners.

main types of towel

Article Contents

  • 1 main types of towel
    • 1.1 Classification by type of heating
    • 1.2 towel manufacturing materials
  • 2 Construction towel
    • 2.1 Connection options
    • 2.2 Varieties on-site
    • 2.3 Forms towel
    • 2.4 Styles
  • 3 Criteria for choosing a heated towel rail
    • 3.1 Video: how to choose the right heated towel rail

Towel dryerWhether can be divided into types, building on a number of criteria - a material of manufacture, design, features heat, form and design decision. If you look briefly at these items, it becomes clear why the buyer is often lost, choosing this accessory.

The designs of modern towel warmers are amazing for their variety

Constructions of modern towel warmers are amazing with their variety

Classification by type of heating

According to the type of thermal energy used, the towel warmers are divided into water, electric and combined. To understand how they work and which one is more advantageous to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with their device and characteristics.

  • Water towel rails

This type of dryer operates from a central hot water system in an apartment. In a private house, the heated towel rail can be connected to autonomous heating or hot water supply, if these systems are not connected by a double-circuit boiler.

The most popular are the water heated towel rails

The most popular are heated towel warmers

As drinking hot water or a quality coolant from the autonomous heating system passes through the heated towel pipes, such an aggressive environment will not be created inside the dryer, as in radiators. But, in spite of this, even pure water is able to create calcareous deposits inside pipes, which destroy the metal and cause corrosion. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a product made of the material most resistant to these processes.

The diagram shows the connection of a simple in form dryer for towels, but the installation principle is maintained for products that have more complex configurations.

The simplest scheme for connecting a heated towel rail to a hot water pipe

The simplest scheme for connecting a heated towel rail to a hot water pipe

The disadvantage of a water heated towel warmer from hot water is that in summer, hot water is switched off for a certain period of time, for preventive maintenance.

In stand-alone gas-fired heating, the dryer can also be used only during heating or it is necessary to keep the gas for the DHW circuit permanently switched on if this function is incorporated in the boiler structure.

Most often, the water drier is connected to the hot water system by means of union nuts "American" with waterproofing of the sealant in the form of fluoroplastic, rubber or paronite gaskets, which must be periodically replaced, in order to avoid the appearance of leaks.

In addition, you need to know that if you plan to move or install the dryer again on the adjacent or opposite wall from the central hot water supply stand, then it is better to choose a stainless steel heated towel rail, which is already equipped with a "Majewski crane" with a shut-off valve. Due to its presence, there will be no problems with the first start-up of water in the newly installed dryer, as well as when DHW is switched on after seasonal preventive trips. By opening the valve of this valve, it is possible to easily free pipes from air plugs and normalize the circulation of the coolant.

  • Electric towel warmers

This kind of dryer for towels operates from electricity, so it does not need to supply water. Hanging or installing this product can be in any of the rooms, if desired. In addition, unlike the water version of the dryer, electric can be used as needed, since the functioning of the product depends only on the availability of power.

A serious competition with water began to create heated towel rails

The heated steel heated towel rails

have seriously competed with water heaters. The surface temperature of the pipes of this device is a maximum of 60˚, therefore it is safe, and the energy consumption is comparable to a normal 100 W bulb. In this regard, and payment for electricity with periodic use of the towel raises slightly.

The source of thermal energy can be a heating cable. ..

The heating energy source can be a heating cable. ..

The device pipes are heated with a waterproof heating cable or a special tubular electric heater( TEN).

... or built-in heating element

. .. or built-in heating element

Dry towel warmers and oil ones are being produced that work like oil heaters, which keep the heat long enough even after they are switched off, due to the high heat capacity of the coolant cooling down for a long time.

In dry type towel dryers, a special cable is installed inside its pipes, which is the main heating element. They are considered more reliable in operation than those heated by TEN.

The device can be connected in a hidden way, when the cable is embedded in the wall and brought to the junction box, where it is integrated into the common electric power supply. Such installation may be possible if the heated towel rail is equipped with a special control unit, which switches on and off, as well as setting the desired temperature of the heater or cable, ranging from 25 to 70 degrees.

Such devices have a dual protection system, therefore, when heated to the desired state, or when the program fails, they are disconnected from the network.

Electric heated towel rail with thermostat

Electric heated towel rail with

thermostat. In addition, electric dryers can also have open wiring. In this version, the power cable usually passes from the device to a normal outlet.

Models are produced having a greater or lesser power, which varies from 25 to 1200 W.An important role in this parameter is, of course, the size of the heated towel rail.

It should be noted that if all the rules of wiring, insulation, earthing and connection to the safety device and the inclusion in the circuit of the RCD device are met, the electric towel dryer will be the most optimal and absolutely safe option, comfortable to use. An important condition for the installation is the correct positioning of such an electrical appliance with respect to water intake taps, that is, a bath, shower cubicle or sink - this distance should be at least 600 mm.

Heated towel can be installed in the kitchen, insulated balcony or in the bedroom. It will multiply the heat emanating from the radiators or even warm up a small room where there is absolutely no heating.

  • Combined heated towel rails

Combined heated towel rails are devices that operate from both hot water and electricity. This system allows a user-friendly time to switch the dryer to a beneficial owner for use at the moment mode. When hot water from the central system enters the apartment, the power supply from the appliance is switched off. During preventive maintenance or emergency situations on the central DHW mains, drying and local heating can be ensured by connecting the device to the power supply.

Schematic structure of a heated towel warmer

Schematic of a heated heated towel warmer

1 - heating water pipe.

2 - electric heating section.

3 - threaded coupling for tapping into the heating system or hot water.

4 - power cord.

5 - some models are equipped with a swivel connection of the water and electrical heating circuit.

This type of dryer can be called the most practical option, because you can use two sources to heat the bathroom.

The water in the heated towel heater is heated by means of a built-in heater. Therefore, when installing this appliance, all installation rules recommended for both water and electric towel dryers must be observed.

When the towel is switched to electricity, it is blocked at the inlet and outlet of the coolant by specially designed cranes to ensure that the coolant does not leave and is not diluted with incoming cold water. With the water flow shut off, the heater will only heat the amount that it is in the pipes of the heated towel rail. If a thermostat is installed on the appliance, a large amount of electricity will not be expended to heat the coolant.

Materials for the manufacture of heated towel rails

For the manufacture of heated towel rails, both water and electric, several different metals and alloys differ in composition and react differently to the corrosive environment: stainless steel or ordinary "black" steel, copper,brass.

  • Stainless steel

Stainless steel towel dryers have a number of advantages over other materials, if they are made from a seamless seamless pipe. Such a heating accessory is able to withstand high operating pressures with significant fluctuations, which sometimes occur in multi-storey houses connected to central hot water supply.

most common are heated towel rails made of stainless steel

The most common are

stainless steel heated towel rails To purchase a reliable water or combined stainless steel heated towel rail that can last for a long time, you should pay attention to the thickness of the pipe walls when buying it. It should be at least 3 mm, because the thicker the metal, the longer will be the service life of the product, as well as higher heat output. A towel heater, made from a pipe of diameters of one or ¾ inch, is capable of heating the bathroom of a standard apartment on its own.

It should be noted that the stainless steel heated towel rail has enough weight, but its price is more affordable than for products made from many other materials. Stainless steel dryers can have a chrome or painted surface, as well as a coating that imitates bronze or brass. It is not necessary to purchase options that are too low cost, since they can have different defects at the joints of the pipes.

  • Towel dryers made of "black" steel

Dryers for towels made of "black" steel, the pipes of which do not have an internal anticorrosive coating, are capricious enough to the heat carrier and do not tolerate the aggressiveness of the aquatic environment. Therefore, they are recommended to install only in an autonomous heating system in which there is no high pressure and there are no drops. To connect the same to the central system of hot water supply, it is necessary to choose a heated towel with an anticorrosive internal protection.

Сушилки из "черной" стали дешевле, но требуют особой осмотрительности при выборе из-за невысокой коррозионной устойчивости.

Dryers made of "black" steel are cheaper, but require special care when choosing due to low corrosion resistance.

The only advantage of such towel rails is low cost compared to all other options.

  • Copper towel rails

Copper has very high thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosive effects. Copper towel warmers quickly heat up, have a light weight and are easy enough to assemble. This type of accessories can be installed in the central hot water supply system if the internal surface of the pipes is galvanized, that is, it is protected from direct contact with the aquatic environment.

Copper towel rails have excellent operational and decorative qualities, but are very expensive

Copper towel rails have excellent performance and decorative qualities, but they are very expensive

They produce this version of dryers in various forms, but they all have a rather aesthetic appearance, so they can easily become an ornament of any interior. For a longer period, water models of copper heated towel rails are used, if installed in an autonomous heating or water supply system.

Electric copper heated towel rails can be installed in the apartment or in a private house.

  • Brass towel dryers

Brass is a copper-based alloy that has inherited excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Brass towel dryers often have an internal chrome coating, which helps to prolong the life of the product.

A worthy alternative to copper can be brass dryers

Brass dryers

may be a worthy alternative to copper. In the Russian market there are mainly imported brass towel rails, and they are far from always calculated for the pressure created by our boiler houses in central hot water systems. Therefore, it is better not to risk and refuse to install such an option in a city apartment with a connection to the hot water. But the brass towel heater is perfect for mounting in a system running in an autonomous mode, where pressure drops are simply impossible.

The advantage of brass products is a rich variety of shapes and design.

Constructions of heated towel rails

By design and design, dryers can be divided into several types and shapes. Before making a choice, you need to familiarize yourself with this and their criteria, as well as with options for their connection.

Connection options

Water towel rails can have a different scheme for connection to hot water supply, therefore, when purchasing such a device, it is necessary to provide this factor in order to simplify its installation. So, according to the installation method, these accessories can have:

Variants of connection of water heated towel rails

Variants for connecting water heated towel rails

It is also possible to diagonally connect

Diagonal connection of

  • is also possible.
  • Upper connection.
  • Angular water supply.
  • Side connection( left or right)

The most practical and optimal is the lateral connection, as the models with this design can be adapted to any place of installation.

Such an installation option will help make the connection node almost invisible, so the type of connection will not spoil the interior design.

It is absolutely necessary to specify the inter-axial distance between the connection points to the hot water connection, if it is not planned to re-pipe the piping. Usually this parameter is 500 mm, but there are exceptions. This must certainly be taken into account when going out for a purchase.

Varieties in place of installation

Towel dryers are wall and floor, as well as stationary and rotary.

  • Wall-mounted clothes dryer
"Классическое" расположение полотенцесушителя - на стене ванной комнаты

"Classic" location of the heated towel-on the bathroom wall

Wall-mounted towel rails are among the most popular, as they have their advantages, which consist in the compactness and variety of shapes of this kind of appliances. They are produced in different size parameters, so they can occupy a very small part of the bathroom wall, and in the place where they will not interfere during undressing before taking water procedures.

If you want, you can choose a completely miniature model

If you want, you can choose a completely miniature model

The towel dryer in bathroom standard apartments is usually installed on the wall opposite the bathtub or shower, but this is not always convenient, because it protrudes from the wall for a certain distance, and thereby reduces the area and withoutof that little room. The dimensions of modern models allow them to be placed in any convenient place, but subject to certain safety measures to be followed, mounting both electric and combined versions of dryers.

  • Floor-standing towel warmers

Floor-standing towel warmers can be electric, water or combined, depending on the installation site. If the dryer is mounted far from the water supply, for example, in the hallway, then the electric version of the device is certainly chosen. When installing in a living room or a bathroom, you can use a water or a combined product, as there are mains of hot water and heating.

The original design of the floor accommodation, which combines the radiator and the heated towel rail

The original design of the flooring, combining the radiator and the

heated towel rail. There are dryers combined with a radiator that connects to the common room heating system, but it is not installed under the window, but near a wall that does not have window openings.

If the bathroom area allows, or when two rooms in the bathroom are redeveloped in the same room, the dryer can become a separator for the area, and it is not installed along the wall, but in the form of a partition. This version is quite original and functional. The dryer not only tidies towels and bathrobes, but also warms the room, becoming a kind of battery.

The floor-standing towel heater can serve as a separator for the combined bathroom

Floor-standing towel warmer can serve as a separator for a combined WC room in

zones. There are a lot of models of electric dryers that can be installed in hallways. They are included as necessary to create a kind of "heat curtain" that blocks the movement of drafts from the entrance door, the drying of wet clothes and even shoes. The convenience of the floor version of the heated towel rail is also convenient in that this structure is mobile and can be transferred to any room, including the bathroom, in case of necessity, without special difficulties, to increase the temperature in the room. This is especially necessary at a time when the street is already quite cold, and central heating is not yet included.

Many outdoor electric models allow them to be rearranged as needed from place to place

Many outdoor electric models allow you to rearrange them as needed from place to place

  • Stationary and rotary heated towel rails

Water rotary heated towel rails are equipped with a special mechanism that helps to rotate its individual elements by 180 °, relative to the stand. Despite the convenience of operating this type of dryer, it is considered less reliable than stationary. In the rotary mechanisms, rubber sealing rings are installed, which have the property of rapidly deteriorating, as a result of which leakage of liquid can form.

The water swivel towel has a vulnerable knot

The water rotary heated towel rail has the vulnerable components

For what period will the gasket strength last? It depends on the quality of the coolant and on the weight used - the number of towels or bathrobes that will be hung on the heated towel rail. Therefore, water models with a rotary mechanism are not very popular.

The period of accident-free operation of such dryers is small - is no more than 3 years. Therefore, if you really want to install a rotary dryer for towels, then you can use another option. An additional removable rotary mechanism is installed on the stationary towel rails on the wall, not connected to the water flow. It can consist of two or three racks, on which you can safely hang towels, and they will not affect the design and quality of its work.

The design of the electric rotatable towel warmer is more reliable than the water version, as the coolant does not pass through the pipes, and the heating cable is sufficiently protected and elastic. Therefore, such dryers are more readily purchased by users. Convenience of rotary models is that, things hung on different elements that are installed in different positions will not overlap each other, which means that they will dry out faster.

Rotatable heated towel rail

Heated heated towel rail with electric heating

Elements in the normal state can be pressed against the wall and do not take up unnecessary space, and if necessary, the individual parts are turned to the desired position.

Forms of heated towel rails

In addition to the usual forms of coil dryer, designers are developing new and new configurations of these devices, trying to surprise and thereby attract the consumer. This diversity allows you to choose a towel for every taste and under different styles of the bathroom or other room interior.

Among the presented variety, you can find the following forms:

e-shaped pipe arrangement

e-shaped version of the pipe arrangement

  • e-shaped dryer, looks neat, elegant and modern, no frills.
The simplest U-shaped configuration

The simplest U-shaped configuration of the

  • The U-shaped version perfectly fits to the minimalist style, looks unobtrusive, aesthetic, and does not take up a large area of ​​the wall.
Widely used M-shaped circuit

Widely used M-shaped

  • M-shaped, reminiscent of a snake and familiar to many form, similar to those dryers that were previously installed in all high-rise buildings.
Полотенцесушитель - "змейка"

Towel warmer - "snake"

  • The towel warmer "snake" is particularly interesting to look at the dark finish of the walls, and is not only functional, but also a decorative bathroom accessory.
Очень популярны приборы, исполненные по форме "лесенки"

Very popular devices, made in the form of "ladder"

  • The drying kiln - "ladder" can be called the most popular option, as most often it can be seen in the interiors of premises. Such towel warmers are produced in water, electric and combined versions, so they can be selected not only for the bathroom, but also for the hallway or bedroom.
Heated towel rack with shelf

Towel rail with shelf

  • A towel rack with a shelf built into one of its parts is convenient in that it is possible to hang or put things on this protruding grid element around which air can freely circulate, which will allow them to dry much more quickly.

In addition, on the top shelf you can store clean dry towels, which will always be warm and pleasant by the time water procedures are completed.

The electric version of the dryer with a shelf can be placed in the hallway, it will be convenient to dry shoes.

There are other forms, more complex, but they are based on the simplest, mentioned above configuration.

Styles of design

In addition to the variety of shapes, it is worth mentioning about the main design directions in which modern towel rails are made out. Choose them according to this criterion is necessary, relying on the common style design of the premises, where they will be installed.

In the modern market the following series of dryers are presented in a wide range:

Premium

Heated towel rack

Premium towel dryer

Premium towel dryers are designed for installation in bathrooms decorated in different styles, as they have various shapes and coatings. Such dryers are made of high quality materials and have an impeccable appearance and design. They are not only designed for drying wet towels, but also to decoratively transform the room in which they are placed, highlighting its style solution.

Suite

Модели класса "люкс" подойдут к любому стилю интерьера ванной

Luxury models fit any interior style of the bathroom

Luxurious decoration dryers are usually used in classical style and are most often installed in various rooms of apartments and private houses. The products fit perfectly into the interiors and illuminate them with their nickel-plated shine. Luxury towel rails are quite expensive, because they have high quality materials and assemblies. They differ in respectable appearance and are able to become a real decoration of the wall of the room.

Retro

Find the necessary model and supporters of the retro style

Will find the necessary model and supporters of retro-style

Retro versions of heated towel rails usually have a brass or bronze finish, as well as special shapes that give their appearance the illusion of antiquity. Such dryers will look great next to the bathrooms on the bronze legs, made in the form of paws. It is advisable to decorate the room where such a dryer will be installed, decorate with door handles and other elements that have the same coverage and approximations to this style. It should be noted that such devices are quite popular and in demand, since they will decorate with their presence any room.

ECO

Eco-style is distinguished by a discreet look that fits into absolutely any interior

Eco-style is distinguished by a discreet look that fits into absolutely any interior of the

ECO-versions of heated towel rails have simple shapes and are usually painted in various pastel tones. These dryers are installed in simple interiors and do not stand out among all the accessories, but, on the contrary - organically fit into the design of the room, performing only their immediate function.

Criteria for choosing a heated towel rail

Having dealt with the above features and choosing the right model, you need to answer yourself to a few questions that will determine which dryer you would like to purchase:

  • What kind of towel warmer is preferred - water, electric or combined? The answer to this question will depend on the location of the device and on the desire to have a stationary or mobile version of the dryer.
  • Which option will be more comfortable to use - a drier with swivel elements or rigidly fixed in one position? What material would I like to have a heated towel rail?
  • Is it necessary to choose a towel warmer for interior design, or is it a simple economical option? Although the latter can be easily entered in the most expensive interior, picking it up in color.
  • Immediately need to determine the method of connection, since an error in this parameter can significantly complicate further installation work.
  • Does a price of this product seem to be acceptable?

Having answered these questions for yourself, you will be able to proceed to the selection of a suitable model for all parameters, either in a regular sanitaryware store or in Internet directories.

When purchasing a heated towel rail, it is necessary to check the completeness of the towel and it is necessary to have the documents attached to it. Usually this product must be accompanied by:

  • Data sheet
  • Hygienic certificate
  • Certificate of quality from the manufacturer
  • Assembly instruction
  • Operating instructions for the
  • The warranty card that must be filled by the seller on the day of purchase of the heated towel rail.

If you intend to purchase a water heated towel that will be connected to the hot water or central heating system, you need to carefully examine the technical passport by checking the documents. In it you need to find information about the principle possibility of such a connection, since some options are only designed for mounting the product in an autonomous system. If you do not take into account this point, you can, with the first connection, stay without a new towel warmer and the money spent on it, and even get a "sanitary" accident as a gift.

Given all the pros and cons, you can choose exactly the option that will meet all the requirements and ideally suits the design of the room.

For an example - a small review of models, water and electric, from the simplest to the premium.

Model Illustration Short description Average price
"Sonezha Elegia"( "Eleg-el") ps1 Electric heated towel rail in chrome-plated stainless steel.
Form of a volumetric ladder.
A rich choice of shade performance.
Size range from 6000 × 400 to 1200 × 600
Depending on the size - from 16,500 to 24,400 rubles.
"Galant M-3" ps2 Water type. Straight ladder with upper shelf.
Connection, optional, side or top.
Vertical racks - 25 mm, crosspieces - 20 mm.
Connection - "American" ¾ "
Chrome mirror coating
Dimension range from 500 × 400 to 1200 × 600 mm
Heat output - from 182 to 494 W.
Depending on the sizes - from 5900 to 9500 rubles
"Fashion M » ps3 Water M-shaped towel rail made of stainless steel
Pipe diameter - 25 mm
Size range - from 320 × 400 to 600 × 800 mm
Depending on the sizes - from 2900 to 3500 RUB
« Terminus Europe» ps4 Water type, stainless steel, original jumpers alternately left and right.
abarity 1030 × 640 mm, connection ¾ ",« American », bottom.
Heat dissipation 295 watts.
Built-in crane of Majewski.
16900 rub.
«Energy U-G3» ps5 Electric towel dryer.
Three U-shaped rotary 180 ° sections.
Indicator light.
Dimensions 630 × 770 × 100 mm.
12200 rub.
«Terminus Niagara» ps6 Water towel heater of non-standard construction.
It is designed for operation with central heating systems or hot water supply systems.
Six cascaded sections.
Connection-horizontal, interaxal distance - 200 mm.
Dimensions: 850 × 930 mm.
13000 rub.
«Tiffany World TW800GVS bronze» ps7 Premium-class towel warmer, water-based.
Suitable for central heating systems or domestic hot water.
Material - brass with external finish for bronze.
Adjusting valves at the entrance and entrance "under retro."
Dimensions: 570 × 835 × 170 mm.
Center distance is 500 mm.
83000 rub.

And at the end of the publication - video material, which will also be useful when choosing the optimal model of the heated towel rail:

Video: how to choose the heated towel rail

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