Water Heated Towel Rails (50 Photos): Are They Better Than Electric Ones? German Bath Water Models And Others, Large And Small. How To Choose Them? Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

A heated towel rail is a very important element of the bathroom. Similar devices are produced by many Russian and foreign brands. All dryers are divided into 2 main types: water and electric. Let's talk about the first in this article.

Peculiarities

Heated towel rails are most common in modern bathrooms. Consumers tend to prefer such devices over their electrical counterparts. There are many top quality water dryers on the market.

We will find out what the main features of such bathroom products are

• Water heated towel rails are familiar to today's users. They have been in operation for a very long time, so buyers are more likely to take them than more modern electric models.
• The considered models of heated towel rails are extremely easy to use. Users do not have to understand all the nuances and features of using such devices for a long time.
• Water heated towel rails are characterized by a long service life. The most common option is designed to operate for several decades. The most practical and durable are reliable steel structures, which are produced by many well-known brands.
• Water-type dryers are attractive not only for their high rates of practicality, but also because they are relatively inexpensive. Typically, electrical types are much more expensive.
• Modern water models are characterized by very good heat output. This is one of the features that attracts consumers to such products. Of course, good heat dissipation largely depends on the quality of the heated towel rail.
• Today on sale you can find such types of dryers that are designed to operate in a room with a very high level of humidity. Such varieties are not susceptible to corrosion, so they last even longer.
• Water models do not require complex and regular maintenance. The owners do not have to resort to any special manipulations in order to extend the service life of the products.
• It is worth mentioning the appearance of modern towel dryers. Aquatic varieties can look both very simple and very original and stylish. In the bathrooms, constructions of both standard and unusual shapes are installed. Thanks to its interesting design and effective decorative coating, a properly selected heated towel rail can become an original decoration of the bathroom interior.

Currently, the devices under consideration are available in the widest range. The buyer can choose the optimal model with any request and with any budget.

A sufficient number of positive characteristics that the usual water dryers have makes them very popular and in demand. However, such devices also have some disadvantages.

• Some varieties are susceptible to corrosion. This is a serious problem that you have to constantly struggle with. Hosts need to take some action to prevent rust on the heated towel rail.
• There are towel warmers on sale that are very expensive. We are talking not only about original design options, but also high quality copper dryers. Such products cost a tidy sum, so they are not bought so often.
• Many models of heated towel rails need not only proper handling, but also periodic staining to maintain an aesthetic appearance. Despite the fact that this procedure does not cause any particular difficulties, many people find it tedious.

Comparison with electric models

As mentioned above, all models of heated towel rails are divided into 2 main groups: water and electric. Different devices have different technical characteristics and parameters, they work and are installed in different ways. Water dryers and electric dryers differ from each other even in price . Find out more about the difference between electric and water heated towel rails.

Price

The price tag for a water and electrical structure may well be exactly the same, since many manufacturers produce the same copy in two modifications at once. But this applies only to the structural part of the products. The fact is that in electrical versions there is a heating element with a control unit . That is why electric dryers, as a rule, are more expensive than water-based dryers.

Service cost

Thermal energy that enters the apartment through the riser of the substation is not taken into account and is not paid, therefore the main advantage of a water dryer is the absence of monthly costs. Management companies are obliged to replace such devices free of charge if there is a leak or other breakdown. This is not the case with electric models.

Electric dryers consume electricity, so monthly bills for their operation will increase, albeit slightly . The owners carry out repair work on their own or through special service organizations. Everything is done at our own expense.

For this reason, electrical copies are often installed in private houses where there are no substation risers.

Operation mode

Heated towel rails must be functional all year round. Such a mode of operation may well be provided by either electrical models or heating devices that are connected to a hot water riser. Truth, in many apartment buildings built in the times of the USSR, the hot water supply system was not provided initially.

Hot water for the kitchen and bathroom is heated by means of supply-type heaters (I mean the good old "columns"). Towel dryers in such conditions are connected to a heating system, where hot water can circulate only during the heating season (there is no hot water in summer). In such an environment, it is better to install an electric type of dryer.

Resource and maintainability

The resource of water varieties depends on the quality of the coolant passing through them. In hot water supply systems, drinking water passes, and in heating risers - technical water. Simply put, when connected to a DHW system, the dryer resource increases.

The most pure and completely safe for metal parts thermal carrier is mineral oil, therefore, for the electrical version, the user can choose a similar type of carrier or antifreeze or distilled water. The maintainability of all devices is approximately the same.

Other differences

Water and electric dryers of different capacities are divided according to other main parameters

• Place of installation . Electric dryers are more mobile and do not depend on pipes. They can be placed where there is an outlet. The water varieties are connected directly to the pipes in the bathroom, so they cannot be easily transferred to any chosen place.
• Complexity of installation . Water options are much more difficult to mount than electric ones. To install the latter, 10-15 minutes are enough.
• Materials . Most modern manufacturers of both water and electric heated towel rails are made from the same materials.
• Shapes and sizes . The considered varieties have a lot of modifications, different connection methods, structures, and so on. The range of electric dryers is more modest. Most often these are P-like or M-like structures made in the form of a ladder.

As you can see, water and electric dryers have a lot of differences, but in certain characteristics, on the contrary, they are no different from each other. Each user decides for himself which option is more suitable for him.

In addition, much depends on the conditions in which the heated towel rail will be used.

Species overview

Water towel dryers are different. Such designs are divided into several different types according to certain characteristics . Let's get acquainted with them in more detail.

By form

Modern models of water dryers can have various shapes. Let's find out what types of structures can be found on sale today:

• classic coils;
• ladder dryer;
• M-shaped heated towel rail;
• U-shaped;
• W-shaped;
• design varieties of water dryers with a non-standard shape;
• models with a shelf in the design.

You can choose the ideal option for both the simplest and very stylish and modern bathroom. All of these specimens are distinguished by high ease of use.

By material of manufacture

When choosing a specific model of a water towel dryer, it is very important to pay attention to what material it is made of. The quality of the product, its service life, and quality characteristics depend on this parameter.

Plain steel

Such products are durable and practical enough. They are found in many dwellings. The main disadvantage of steel specimens is their susceptibility to corrosion. You can protect such a coil by applying high-quality paint of a suitable shade . In addition, the dye composition must counteract the negative effects of moisture on steel.

The main advantage of steel models is the relatively low price. But there is one drawback, which is to reduce heat transfer based on the protective paint layer.

Stainless steel

No less popular, but more practical and durable material. Stainless steel does not corrode, does not change its original shape and appearance, therefore it does not need additional protective manipulations on the part of the owners . Stainless steel coils are among the best in terms of price-performance ratio.

Stainless steel products are characterized by very good heat dissipation . The downside can be corrosion caused by stray currents if the pipeline was used by someone as a ground. This is most often noticeable if boilers are used instead of a standard centralized hot water supply system.

Copper and brass

Excellent materials that are great for the production of water-type heated towel rails. Such structures operate without problems in conditions of high humidity levels . It is worth noting that copper specimens are unmatched in terms of heat output. Their main disadvantage is their very high price. In addition, over time, copper loses its former attractive shine, therefore it needs constant care.

Aluminum

Thin-walled types of water dryers are also produced. These options are manufactured from aluminum. In situations where special attention is paid to water pressure, such products often require the creation of an individual water supply system with suitable characteristics and parameters.

By installation method

Modern models of water heated towel rails provide for various types of fastening. Based on this parameter, the following types of products are distinguished:

• wall-mounted (models with a wall-mounted installation method are among the most popular);
• floor.

Installation of the products in question is carried out either to the wall or to the floor. It is recommended to trust professionals to carry out all the necessary installation work, especially if the owners do not have the appropriate knowledge and skills.

Dimensions (edit)

Towel dryers are not only available in different shapes, but also in different sizes. Thanks to this, buyers can find the perfect model for a bathroom of any size and layout. The most popular and common are specimens with the following dimensions of width and length:

• 500x600;
• 500x500;
• 400x600;
• 500x800;
• 600x600;
• 600x400;
• 400x800;
• 800x 500;
• 500x 400;
• 600x500;
• 500x700;
• 320 x 700;
• 800x500;
• 500x400;
• 500x300.

The center-to-center distance of current water coils can be 20, 32, 35 cm, and so on. Today's customers have the opportunity to find beautiful and practical models of any size. The stores sell both rather large and wide and compact, narrow options. The height of the water models also differs. As a rule, it does not exceed 60 cm, although this parameter can reach 100 cm.

Popular brands

Today, high-quality and reliable heated towel rails of water modification are produced by many well-known brands. Let's consider a list of the most popular ones.

Zehnder Stalox . A well-known brand from Germany that produces excellent towel dryers in a rich assortment. German water products are characterized by impeccable quality, they have various shapes and designs. It should be borne in mind that reliable imported Zehnder Stalox heated towel rails are very expensive.

Margaroli . The country of this brand is Italy. Original Italian dryers are also available in a wide range. The choice of buyers is presented with very beautiful chrome-plated, as well as models with a multi-colored polymer coating. Margaroli manufactures both relatively inexpensive and very expensive water devices.

Lemark Unit . Durable and reliable water models are produced by this renowned Finnish manufacturer. The company produces many attractive devices in various sizes. The brand's assortment includes a lot of convenient ladder dryers, many of which are quite inexpensive.

Components

Together with a heated towel rail, users often buy various additional and replacement components. Many of them are sold in plumbing stores or retail outlets where everything you need for repairs is sold. Consider what accessories you may need for a water towel dryer:

• connection sets;
• fitting;
• box for hidden connection;
• "American" for a heated towel rail (straight or corner);
• different types of vents;
• one-piece telescopic fasteners;
• shut-off valves;
• valve-cap;
• hooks;
• camouflage elements.

These are far from all the component parts that are useful in the selection and installation of a high-quality water heated towel rail. When choosing such items, it is recommended to consult with the seller to buy parts that will exactly fit your device.

Nuances of choice

In order to choose the right water-based towel dryer, the buyer should start from a number of basic criteria. Let's get acquainted with each of them.

• First, you need to pay attention to the size and type of connection of the device. A water heated towel rail should fit perfectly into place, without interfering with the rest of the objects located in the bathroom.
• It is advisable to choose a dryer that will have the most ergonomic and comfortable shape. Fortunately, such devices are available in different designs, so finding the best option will not be difficult. You can take a closer look at functional items with a shelf.
• It is very important to pay attention to what the dryer is made of. The most reliable and high-quality ones are copper options, but they are very expensive and also need constant care so that their appearance is not damaged. Instead of copper, you can buy stainless steel specimens, which are also quite practical and durable. Options from plain steel, aluminum and other materials are cheaper, but they have more disadvantages.
• It is advisable to pay attention to the design of the selected option. Water-based products can be chrome, glossy, matte or artificially aged surface. Colored designs look interesting, as well as models that imitate a copper or cast iron product - there are a lot of options. In addition, in the design of a water dryer, not only a round, but also a square profile can be present.

It is recommended to buy only high quality branded dryers. Many copies from well-known companies are quite inexpensive.

Review overview

The devices in question are widespread, so users leave a lot of reviews about them. Let's find out what good people have found in water dryers:

• buyers are pleased that such products are presented in a huge assortment - you can pick up a copy of any shape and size;
• also users are pleased with the fact that many copies have an affordable price;
• durability, convenience and extremely simple operation are the qualities that are noted in many reviews;
• people are satisfied with the very good heat transfer of modern water devices;
• many models of water dryers provide for easy installation.

Users noticed a lot of advantages behind water devices, but there were also some disadvantages, most of which are related to the quality of products of certain companies. For example, Tera brand models quickly leaked and rusty for many users, and Argo devices used up their resource too early due to poor workmanship. It is recommended that you specifically consider each case before purchasing.