The end of the heating season marks problems with dampness in the bathroom, as wet towels do not have time to dry. And microflora in a small room creates unfavorable conditions for drying. A cold heated towel rail has to be replaced with something, most likely your gaze will fall on an electric model of the device that can work all year round without depending on heating. Then the next question arises, how to choose an electric heated towel rail, how to choose and many similar ambiguities, which we will analyze in the article.
What are the pros and cons of a unit powered by an electrical network
Considering that the appearance of modern towel drying devices does not depend on their type and connection method, it should be noted advantages device of this particular type:
- no need to coordinate installation work with the housing office;
- lack of complex installation processes in the DHW system;
- independence from the availability of hot water in the hot water supply;
- the possibility of self-installation;
- profitability.
Many users, based on the above list, prefer this particular type of heater. The presence of a thermostat provides an additional opportunity to set the desired temperature and optimize energy consumption.
However, before buying, you need to take a closer look at electric heated towel rails and choose the right model, not forgetting about them. disadvantages... Here is some of them:
- dependence on the presence of a separate power line;
- the need for a socket with an IP44 protection level;
- the presence of grounding.
Despite the apparent seriousness of the above disadvantages, they are all completely removable even with minimal electrical knowledge and low financial costs. When carrying out capital construction, these disadvantages are generally leveled out due to a pre-thought out project, when the installation site and the necessary communications are determined.
What do you need to know first of all?
Let's first define what a heated towel rail is:
A heated towel rail is a temperature incandescent device, which is a circuit of pipes connected to a water or power supply system for drying textiles, reducing the level of moisture in the bathroom. In other words - plumbing, which is installed in the bathroom for drying bath towels, combating excessive moisture. Thanks to the heating function, a comfortable indoor climate is created.
So what types can this device be divided into?
- Types of heated towel rails according to their location
- Types of heated towel rails by connection type
- Types of heated towel rails depending on the size
- Types of heated towel rails by material of manufacture
Description of electric towel warmers for the bathroom and how to choose the right model
As it was written above, the designs of these units are very diverse. They can be made both in traditional forms of a ladder or serpentine, and in high-tech varieties that can fit into any interior. Contribute to this variety of colors:
- bronze;
- chromium;
- gilding;
- silver plating.
The device is powered from the mains 220 volt and is able to maintain the temperature 65-75 degrees.
As heat transfer fluid in fittings can be used:
- butter;
- antifreeze;
- water.
In fact, there is not much difference between the given liquids - they all heat up well and retain heat. The only thing it can affect the price of a certain electric heated towel rail for the bathroom, but not particularly significant.
What you should pay special attention to is heating element and its power... The cheapest models use heating cable inside fittings, but the reliability of such devices is highly questionable.
Another thing - Heating element, the durability of which is determined by the material from which it is made. The ferrous metal heater body is the cheapest, but at the same time is critically susceptible to corrosion. Products made of stainless steel are somewhat more expensive, but their durability covers all the costs of purchasing it.
Significantly expands the functional capabilities of the unit by the presence of thermostat:
- always heated room;
- optimal heating mode;
- profitability.
When deciding how to choose a good electric heated towel rail with a thermostatic device, it should be borne in mind that its cost will be about 20-30% higher than usual.
Another important factor is method of fixing the unit, manufacturers produce two kinds:
- stationary;
- turning.
The first type almost always has four mounting points, thanks to which it is mounted to the wall using dowels or anchors. Swivel The devices allow deflecting the heater plane relative to the wall during operation, they are compact and convenient for small rooms.
For those who do not always use the device, it will be very useful timer, which makes it possible to turn on the heating at a certain time. Naturally, you will have to pay a certain amount for this option.
Design solutions
For you a wide range of heated towel rails available, so feel free to replace old radiators with new generation equipment. Bold colors and textures will appeal to connoisseurs of originality. A more concise appearance will become a versatile option in any interior. It is possible to choose additional decoration, non-standard geometric shapes. On an individual order, we will select a stylish style of plumbing, which will be a godsend for the author's design of the bathroom.
What are the prices for electric heated towel rails for a modern bathroom today?
The variety of these products will satisfy even the most sophisticated architectural designs. Their purchase also does not pose any particular problems - there are many Internet resources and specialized stores at the service.
Among import manufacturers, such brands, as:
- Margaroli;
- DeLonghi;
- Energy;
- Heatex;
- Elghansa.
Electric heated towel rails for the bathroom from firms from Turkey and neighboring countries will cost a little cheaper. Products from domestic firms Sunerzha and Parus have proven themselves quite well.
For example, consider the cost of some models.
Energy E-G1
The unit, made in Britain, with dimensions of 430x490 mm, has a power of 40 watts. Good build quality, as well as compact size make it suitable for use in small bathrooms. Cost - 4 400 rub.
Margaroli Vento 50
This model, with a power of 100 W and dimensions 630x575 mm, has a swivel mechanism and a hidden BOX connection. Average cost - 19,000 rubles.
Margaroli Sole 564-14
Another model from the Margoli company, only this time it is made in the form of a "ladder" with 14 sections. Dimensions 470x1330 mm, power 300 W. The presence of a safety thermostat set at 128 degrees will prevent overheating and failure of the entire unit. For this device you will have to pay 64 150 rub.
Sunerzha-Galant 00-0501-5040
This model is a good answer to the question of how and which one to choose an inexpensive and high-quality electric heated towel rail for a small bathroom. Despite the compact dimensions of 500x400 mm, the unit develops a power of 300 watts. average cost 9 500 rub.
Types of heated towel rails, depending on their location?
Where the heated towel rail should be located plays a very important role, since the humidity of the room, possible temperatures and other factors greatly affect the behavior of this type of device. In this case, there are 3 main types of heated towel rails: for bathrooms, for living rooms and for kitchens. It is also possible to place heated towel rails outdoors, but this is an extremely rare practice.
The main space for their installation is bathrooms. It is here that a radiator is needed, which will provide simultaneous heating of the premises and drying of linen, towels, clothes. In addition, in bathrooms it is important to adjust the optimal level of humidity, which these models cope with.
But in the absence of free space, some complex architectural features of the bathrooms, towel warmers are often installed in other rooms of the apartment - for example, in the bedroom, living room... But for this, it is best to choose not a conventional dryer, but an attractive design radiator. This will be a profitable solution for creating a new, interesting interior.
conclusions
The use of a heated towel rail, powered by an electrical network, avoids several problematic points faced by the owners of water units:
- there is no need to agree with the housing office;
- lack of labor-intensive work;
- independence from the DHW system and the presence of hot water in it.
When providing a heated towel rail, the seller is obliged to provide:
- instructions;
- warranty card;
- complete set.
You should decide in advance on the power and price of an electric heated towel rail for a bathroom, because these two numbers are in direct proportion and there is no particular point in overpaying for extra watts.
It is worth taking seriously the current supply lines that will power the heating device. It is highly desirable to use waterproof outlets and include a residual current device (RCD) in the circuit, which will turn off the device in a fraction of a second in the event of a sharp increase in the voltage difference.
Budget water Tera M-shaped 500 × 500
- low price;
- compactness;
- resistance to pressure up to 15 atmospheres, water hammer.
A device made of durable stainless steel in the shape of a curved snake is not very roomy, but it is cheap - from 1200 rubles. The type of connection to the DHW system is lateral left and right. It has compact dimensions - 50x50 cm, consists of four sections, the center distance is 50 cm.
The model maintains pressure up to 15 atmospheres, is not afraid of water hammer. The limiting temperature of the coolant is 115 degrees, the heat transfer is 63 W. The manufacturer's warranty is one year.
Suitable for an apartment with a small bathroom.
Testimonials
According to the owners, the device is compact and inexpensive. Made with high quality, installation will not cause problems.
Pros:
- quality material - stainless steel;
- thick walls;
- ease of installation;
- resistance to coolant temperature up to 115 degrees.
Minuses:
- supplied without accessories;
- there is no possibility of turning.
Materials of construction
It is important to consider what dryers are made of. Strength, resistance to aggressive factors depends on the material. Most often, stainless steel appliances are found. Such a heater can easily withstand high operating pressure with significant differences that sometimes occur in multi-storey buildings with centralized hot water supply. But the stainless steel device weighs a lot.
Copper is characterized by significant thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Such heated towel rails warm up quickly, weigh little, are quite easy to install, and look beautiful. But from the inside, the pipes must be galvanized - this will protect the copper from contact with the coolant liquid.
Brass is an alloy based on copper. Devices made of this metal are also excellent at conducting heat and are resistant to corrosion.They are often available with a chrome lining inside to help extend the service life.
Constructions made of "black" steel with pipes without anti-corrosion coating from the inside are inexpensive, but rather unstable to a coolant, especially an aggressive one. They are recommended to be mounted exclusively in an autonomous system that excludes pressure surges.
We select the shape
The shape of heated towel rails is different, but the most common are:
- standard "snake" - the device is bent in profile similar to the letters "M" or "P";
- • E-shaped drying - modest and elegant;
- U-shaped - ideal for bathtubs in a minimalist design, compact.
"Ladders" are now the most popular, both electric and water. They are roomy, they look neat. Electrical appliances can be installed not only in the bathroom, but also in the hallway, kitchen or bedroom.
A device with a shelf that is built into one of its parts is good in that small things can be laid out on this protruding grid to dry. In addition, free air circulation is provided, which allows the laundry to dry much faster. You can put clean, dry towels on the top shelf for storage so that they are always warm at the time of the end of the water treatment.
More often, wall-mounted dryers are mounted in bathrooms, which save space. But if this is not necessary, you can choose a floor-standing electrical appliance. Structurally, these devices combine the advantages of dryers and heaters. They have reliable protection against moisture and effectively warm up the room.
Choosing a company
In the case of towel dryers, it is better to take the domestic version. In terms of its operational parameters, it is much more suitable for our conditions.
The best manufacturers include:
- Terminus
... They offer classic versions of dryers and appliances with an unusual design. The lineup includes more than 200 dryers, both water and electric. - "Sunerzha"
... The manufacturer was one of the first to create stainless steel dryers. Quality pipes and unusual design are the hallmarks of the brand. - Tera
... The main emphasis in production is placed on constructive perfection, elegant design, easy installation.
Among foreign manufacturers, the products of Margaroli (Italy) and the Swiss brands Zehnder and Arbonia deserve attention.
