Buying guide
Heated towel rails explained
Central heating, electric or dual fuel? Find out how each type works and choose a towel rail that suits your bathroom, your heating system and the way you use it.
Shop heated towel rails →The essentials
What is a heated towel rail?
A heated towel rail gives you somewhere to hang towels and helps them dry between uses. A suitably sized model can also contribute to heating the bathroom.
Start by thinking about when you want it to run. A plumbed rail can warm up with the rest of the house, while an electric element lets you use a compatible rail when the central heating is off.
At a glance
Three types of heated towel rail
The main difference is how each rail gets its heat. Here’s what that means when you use it day to day.
Central heating
Hot water from your central heating system circulates through the rail, just as it does through a radiator. It normally warms up when that heating circuit is running.
Good for replacing a plumbed rail or heating the bathroom alongside the rest of the house.
Browse heated towel rails →Electric
An electric element heats the rail independently of your central heating. Some models offer a timer or thermostat, so check which controls come with the rail.
Good for bathrooms without suitable radiator pipework or for drying towels in summer.
Shop electric towel rails →Dual fuel
A compatible rail connects to your central heating and has an electric element. Use central heating in colder months and switch to electric operation when the heating is off.
Good for homes with suitable pipework where you also want warm towels in summer.
Shop dual fuel towel rails →Side by side
Central heating vs electric vs dual fuel
| What to check | Central heating | Electric | Dual fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Hot water from the heating circuit | Electric element | Heating circuit or electric element |
| Connections | Radiator pipework | Suitable electrical supply | Pipework and suitable electrical supply |
| Works with heating off? | No, it needs its heating circuit to be running | Yes | Yes, in electric mode |
Choosing the right rail
Check the fit and heat output
Measure the space first, then narrow your shortlist by heat output, connections and finish.
Measure the space
- Check the available wall width, height and depth, including space for valves or controls.
- When replacing a plumbed rail, measure between the centres of the existing pipes. Compare this with the manufacturer’s dimensions.
- Check how many towels you need to hang and whether there’s enough room to put them on and take them off.
Work out how much heat you need
Use the BTU calculator for an estimate of your bathroom’s heating requirement. Compare it with the rail’s rated heat output in the mode you expect to use.
For a plumbed rail on a lower-temperature system, check the output at your system’s operating temperatures with your installer.
Common questions
Heated towel rail FAQs
Can a heated towel rail heat the whole bathroom?
It can if it provides enough heat for the room. Compare the rail’s output with the bathroom’s estimated heat requirement. If the rail falls short, you may need an additional heat source.
Can I use a dual fuel towel rail in summer?
Yes. Its electric element lets you warm towels when the central heating is off. Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for your specific rail and element.
Can I convert my existing towel rail to dual fuel?
Only if the manufacturer confirms that your rail is suitable for dual fuel use with the specified element and fittings. Ask your installer to check compatibility and the electrical supply before ordering parts.
Which type costs less to run?
Running costs depend on your energy tariffs, the rail’s output and how often you use it. An electric or dual fuel rail can be useful if you only want to warm towels while the rest of the house’s heating is off.
Find your towel rail
Ready to choose?
Browse by heating type, size and finish.
