An electric towel warmer is a moving or fixed device, which makes it possible to dry your towels or bathrobes. Besides, it also has the ability to keep your bathroom warm. In this case, high electrical power is essential. Some brands are multifunctional and adapt perfectly to the internal temperature of your bathroom.
To choose the best electric towel warmer, you need to rely on determining criteria like types of electric towel warmers, features, thermostat, manufacturing material, design, power, regulation, mounting, options and price. Still, online customer reviews will help you make a beneficial purchase decision.
Buying Guide
In the space of just a few years, the electric towel rail has become an inevitable equipment to guarantee comfort in bathrooms. Having this equipment in your home will give a more modern look and a more comfortable look to your bathroom. The models offered by the brands on the market are quite distinct from each other in terms of options, features and electrical powers. This makes the choice difficult, especially when you do not master the criteria. It is in this perspective that we have produced this comparative guide of the 6 best electric towel warmers currently available on the market. It will help you make a purchase decision tailored to your needs. To do this, it will be necessary to take into account a number of significant indices, regardless of the type of device chosen: hot water, inertia, electric, radiant or mixed.
Characteristics
The towel radiator is an essential accessory for an even more modern and comfortable bathroom. When you use it, you no longer feel the cold when taking your bath in winter. Associated with a good air extractor for water room, you will benefit from a temperate atmosphere in your bathroom, not too cold, not too humid. Indeed, in addition to its function of drying and heating your bath accessories, this device allows you to regulate the ambient temperature in the room. Its heating system varies according to the models offered and the power generated.
It is a fairly simple piece of equipment to install. This is one of the main reasons why most users admit it in their bathrooms. You don’t need a technician to mount it, because you just need to put it in the reserved place and tighten the joints. Very often it comes complete, that is, with brackets and a mounting kit containing screws, dowels and a plug. Nevertheless, it is necessary to pay attention to electric models, because they have standards to meet with regard to their assembly. In particular, the location of the electrical outlet that must be away from theshower cabin, the sink even less from any water point such as the bathtub in the corner of your bathroom. This arrangement avoids cases of electric shock or electrocution.
Some models have a fully automatic system with a host of impressive options and features. There are also some that can be controlled remotely thanks to a dedicated remote control. Just like the previous assets, the security system is much more present on high-end models. This prevents the risk of burns and protects children from electrical hazards. In the rest of our guide, we bring you more details about these features to help you distinguish the best electric towel warmer.
Types de sèches-serviettes électriques
Le sèche-serviettes à inertie
Le porte-serviettes dit à inertie est un modèle réparti en 2 catégories. D’une part, on a les modèles à inertie fluide qui sont constitués d’un liquide caloporteur. Ce liquide circule dans les canaux transversaux et répartit la chaleur. Leur principal atout est qu’ils permettent une hausse de température rapide, mais aussi, ils sont disponibles à un prix abordable.
On the other hand, there are dry inertia towel radiators. They are equipped with a solid heating element. Unlike the previous one, the temperature rise is slower, in addition, the inertia is improved. The product CayenneNELIA10 NELIAInertia Radiatoris a perfect example of this model.
The water towel warmer
It is also an inertia model, but spreads heat produced by the central heating system of the house. The water towel rail is joined to the heating of the house by two pipes. The first conducts hot water and in the second, cold water circulates which is introduced into the distribution system. This model of towel warmer is apparently more complicated to assemble, but has a very fast rise in temperature.
The mixed towel warmer
This model has electrical resistance and works in the same way as the water model. What distinguishes the mixed electric towel warmer from the water model is that it has the ability to operate beyond the winter season. It is a heating equipment that is relatively more economical and convenient than other choices.
The radiant towel warmer
It is a heating accessory that is similar to a radiant electric heater with front towel rails. To operate, it uses the resistor placed at the back of the plate, in order to diffuse the heat by proceeding by radiation. These infrared rays come in various sizes. They can be either short or long. The advantage of having this model is that it allows a very fast rise in temperature and is very often presented in a more modern style. However, the negative point to note about this type of towel warmer is that it does not save energy unlike other models.
Features
They depend on how you use it and your preferences. There are some that are more interesting than others, especially those that promote energy savings. It is in this wake that the thermostat becomes an indispensable element, because it allows to control the ambient temperature in real time. This gives you the ability to make the necessary adjustments in order to keep this temperature constant.
In addition, you also have as practical features, the timer and the programming function to define the operating mode of your device. The shower cycle as well as the pilot wire are very often integrated into high-end models such as theKeenrayTowel Dryer 20L.
Thermostat
A towel warmer has a dual function. It allows you to dry your bath accessories as well as keep your bathroom warm so that you enjoy a temperature that improves your comfort when you take your bath. For this purpose, the thermostat gives you the possibility to manage this temperature. Nevertheless, manufacturers do not equate it with all the models of towel warmer they offer to the public on the market. Reason why you should pay attention to this detail at the time of purchase.
Also, you need to make sure that it is programmable and automatic. This will allow you to use it conveniently. In addition, it will be very profitable during your bath moments. You can also check the existence of a thermal limiter on the chosen product. It is essential for the safety and prevention of the risks of burns, electric shocks or electrocution.
Material
This is an essential criterion to take into account when you engage in the purchase of an electric towel warmer. Thus, it is important to note that the material of manufacture influences not only the style and strength, but also, the efficiency of the device.
Ceramic towel rails that consist of flattened cross tubes have the privilege of being more clearly economical. They allow a better diffusion of heat and have an optimal inertia. Soapstone towel warmers have a similar structure. However, it is a resistant heating body that diffuses heat better, unlike the ceramic model.
Lava stone specimens are most often formed of compressed tubes, heated by an electrical resistance that offers the same capabilities as soapstone. In addition, lava stone has better inertia.
In principle, the manufacture of towel radiators is done with materials such as steel, aluminum and stainless steel. If steel is defined mainly by its toughness, aluminum, for its part, promotes a better rise in temperature. As for stainless steel, it is a durable and stylish material, which allows a rapid rise in temperature just like aluminum. Electric towel warmers made of stainless steel are very often high-end products.
Design
It all depends on how you use the device and how you are using. The size of the bathroom also influences the choice of your appliance in terms of power to have optimal heating. For most models of electric towel warmers, they are not mobile. The fact that they are fixed and compact saves space, since bathrooms, currently, are very often restricted. However, this is not enough.
The shape of the device must also be taken into account. If you opt for an electric towel warmer with a horizontal configuration like theCayenne 49682 Ceramic Inertia Radiator, you will have the necessary space to secure the middle.
It should also be noted that the arrangement of this equipment in a bathroom is governed by a set of safety standards and in particular NFC 15 – 100. Since your bathroom is quite narrow, prefer the electric towel warmer with vertical configuration.
Power
Like any electric machine, power is a feature that you must focus on when buying your towel rail. It is expressed in W (Watts) and is simply evaluated in relation to the size of the bathroom where the device will be installed.
The ideal method to determine the power required of your machine according to the surface of your bathroom, is to take 100 W for each square meter and add 30% to fill the heat loss absorbed by wet towels, or 130 W.
For example, for a bathroom that is 6 m², the recommended electrical power for its power supply is 780 W. In the case of a breathable electric towel warmer like theCecotec Electric Towel Warmer, you have on the one hand the power of the blower and on the other hand, the power of the machine.
It is obvious that the higher the power of the device, it will have a better efficiency. However, it is necessary to take into account the consumption in terms of electrical energy. High-power equipment is identified most of the time as the most energy-intensive. Nevertheless, some more improved models allow better management of electrical energy thanks to the assimilated programming system and remote radio control.
Regulation
Control is a very important selection index, as it strongly influences the electrical energy consumption of the heating system. Indeed, the electric towel warmer must allow a reduction in your electricity bills. That being said, there are 4 control systems as particular from each other, namely:
Simple regulation
It has a fairly basic “On and Off” selector. As a result, it is not really easy to anticipate its arrival, let alone to schedule a stop. Compared to another, it is the least efficient system.
The non-programmable timer
In this case, you just have the option to set a default downtime for your electric towel warmer. Unfortunately, it is not easy to program a heater before it arrives in the bathroom.
The mechanical timer
This mode of regulation allows heating programming over a period of 24 hours. Its configuration is easy. Just operate the cleats while the machine is running. It is a fairly practical system in general. On the other hand, it is imperative that the same need be renewed on a daily basis, which is far from obvious. On weekends, for example, the trend can change.
The electronic timer
With this model, programming is done from an LCD display. It is quite improved, because it allows a particular and precise management for each day of the week. This regulation is suitable for all uses, but the configuration of the software can be difficult. In this case, refer to the package leaflet.
Assembly
The ease of assembly of your device is another important point to take into account. Electric plug-in models are the most practical and ergonomic. For most of them, the standard 120 V socket is suitable for their operation. They plug in like any electronic device. For a successful assembly of your electric or wired towel rail, it is necessary to call a professional electrician or plumber. Indeed, there are three main installation modes namely: floor mounting, self-supporting and wall mounting that can be experimented with the OrbegozoTH8002 Electric Towel Rail.
Additional options
These elements, in principle, are intended to improve the comfort of use of your device. Some models, very often high-end, integrate several modes of operation such as: frost-free, auto, eco and comfort, adapted to the different internal atmospheric conditions of a bathroom. Other models come with an indicator that allows you to determine when to change the filter. This makes the machine more efficient and ensures its durability.
Price
The budget obviously changes depending on the power and options offered by a model. Very often it is between 60 and 300 € for electric towel warmers with tubes. On the other hand, for mixed electric towel rails, you must invest between 200 and 600 €.
Questions
Where to install an electric towel warmer?
The towel warmer is a fairly simple device to install. It is nevertheless important to follow certain rules to ensure safety and comfort of daily use. To begin with, arrange your machine so that it is as far away as possible from the air extraction outlet for the CMV as long as your bathroom has it. This prevents equipment failure. It is recommended to install your electric towel warmer about 20 cm from the floor and 15 cm from the corner of the wall while being careful that it is near an electrical outlet. To determine the perfect location, one must also consider the accessibility of the electric towel radiator when you leave the bath or shower. After bathing, you should easily grab a warm towel to wipe yourself. For fixation use quality pegs. They must be perfectly suitable for the type of support as well as the wall.
How to determine the power of an electric towel warmer?
In principle, it should be proportional to the size of your bathroom. According to some studies, the appropriate ratio is 130 Watts per square meter. Thus, you just have to do the calculation according to the surface of your bathroom. However, it must be taken into account that manufacturers very often offer three power formats namely: 500 W, 750 W and 1000 W. For optimal coverage, you need to choose a device with a power that is clearly above average. If necessary, you can also opt for a two-machine installation if your bathroom is wide enough to allow uniform temperature diffusion.
How do I clean an electric towel warmer?
The electric towel rail is a device that requires certain maintenance measures to ensure its effectiveness and extend its life. However, it is strongly recommended to clean it frequently. But, before starting cleaning, it is necessary to turn off the power. Then pass a wet sponge with a suitable product over the entire surface of the device. Do the same for the underside and back of your towel warmer. Then clean with a dry cloth. The thermostat is polished simply with a dry cloth to rid it of dust and other waste. Regarding the dust filter, it is better to disassemble it for a simpler water wash.
How to bleed an electric towel warmer?
It is important to remember that electric towel warmers can use two separate means of heating. As a result, we have electric heaters with fluid inertia and dry inertia. In the case of a fluid inertia towel rail, the purge is carried out in the same way as on a hot water model. It is essential for the optimization of electricity consumption and also promotes energy saving. For cleaning, you must have a cloth and blot the heat transfer liquid when it runs.
Once mounted, the dry inertia electric towel radiator uses electrical resistance. In this case, no purge is important. This does not mean that these convectors do not need maintenance. To do this, when the machine is stopped and cooled, use a damp sponge and a non-alcoholic cleaning product to clean it.
Conclusion
The electric towel warmer is increasingly considered an indispensable piece of equipment in bathrooms. This, is not only for reasons of hygiene but also for the quality of the thermal comfort it offers. In principle, it is intended for drying bath accessories and heating bathrooms. The best electric towel warmer is thus a mix of practicality and aesthetics. Regarding the choice of technology, it should be remembered that mixed towel warmers are efficient both for their heating capacity and rapid rise in temperature in the bathroom. Regulation, which is an important element for temperature management, also deserves special attention. Programming helps maintain a constant temperature in your bathroom. For people who love high-end products, KeenrayTowel Warmer 20Lis perfect for you. Also, if you’re interested in the options, try Cayenne 49682 Ceramic Inertia Radiator. However, the power of the Cayenne 050930 Nina Towel Dryer allows a perfect heating of your towels.