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Towel rail elements are a fantastic way to convert a non-electric towel rail into a fully electric towel rail which can be controlled thermostatically through the element itself. They are designed to be energy efficient, so you can be sure your towels will be kept warm without wasting too much energy.
Are you looking for the best towel rail elements on the market that can provide you with maximum comfort and convenience? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore the top elements available for towel rails, with a focus on their features, benefits, and cost. Read on to find out which towel rail element is right for you
The Top 5 Towel Rail Elements for 2023
1. Terma MOA 600w Thermostatic Towel Rail Element
First on our list is the MOA thermostatic towel rail element from one of our favourite radiator manufacturers; Terma. This excellent heating element is perfect for adding extra warmth in summertime when your boiler is off, so you can dry your towels quickly, efficiently and economically.
This particular variant of MOA is the chrome 600w model, so you can expect a rapid heating time and multiple heat levels. However, there are two other colour variations available, so if you have a chrome, white or anthracite radiator there’s a colour to match your design. There’s also 7 power output options to choose from, ranging from 120w-1000w, so there’s a power output to suit most standard towel rails.
The element also includes a 2 hour boost timer option, which is perfect for drying those damp towels during summer when you don’t want to turn the central heating on. It can also be hooked up to a wall-mounted fused spur timer for extra timing functionality.
If you’re searching for a dependable towel rail element then you really can’t go far wrong with the Terma MOA – it’s an excellent option in terms of quality, reliability and style that has been purchased and loved by thousands of customers up and down the UK.
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2. Terma MEG 300w Thermostatic Radiator Element
The Terma MEG is essentially a slightly less functional, but more affordable version of the above Terma MOA element. You get the same 2 year warranty from the trusted and reliable Terma manufacturer, with the same + and – thermostatic functionality. Except, unlike the MOA element, the MEG doesn’t come with a 2 hour ‘boost’ function. So depending on your requirements, some people prefer the MEG for its affordability and simplicity, whilst others prefer to spend another £10 or so to get the increased functionality.
It’s also worth noting that it’s much more attractive in real-life than the advertised image, with a well-packed delivery and an easy-to-follow multilingual manual. There are five LED lights indicating the temperature level, and + or – and on/off switches below, with a lengthy cable attached which can be easily cut to size for your electrician to fit.
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3. R3 Electric Towel Rail Element with Timer & Remote Control
Introducing the R3 Towel Rail Element from Sol Aire, the perfect way to make your bathroom efficient and luxurious. With its thermostatic functionality, you have full control over your bathroom environment. Utilising its dual zone control, you can select between radiator temperature control or room temperature control, allowing you to dry your towels quickly and efficiently.
The R3 also comes with a handy remote control, so you can navigate through menus and settings with ease. Plus, with its 7 day 24 hour timer, you can make a heating schedule that fits around your lifestyle. You can even use the open window/door recognition, the pass code anti tamper lock, and the maximum temperature lock for added safety and security.
Make your bathroom efficient and luxuriously comfortable with the R3 Towel Rail Element from Sol Aire. With its easy to use features and its reliable performance, you’ll never have to worry about your bathroom environment again.
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4. Valdern Non-Thermostatic Towel Rail Element
If it’s a basic on/off heating element you’re looking for then look no further than this non-thermostatic element from Valdern. It simply fits inside the towel rail or radiator to convert it to electric, and away you go.
In many circumstances, you can use a fused spur that has timing or thermostatic functionality to enhance the heating element (see the next item on our list). This means you get the simplicity and affordability of the Valdern element, combined with the added control and functionality of a fused spur timer.
This also means that the controls are actually located on the wall instead of underneath the towel warmer – making it easier to see the face of the dial for controlling the temperature and timing settings.
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5. CHOSRY Fused Spur Timer
Whilst not strictly a towel rail element, the CHOSRY Programmable Fused Spur Timer Switch is the perfect way to take your towel rail element to the next level. Easy to install and operate, this timer switch provides up to 28 separate programmes, making it simple to programme and set the perfect temperature for your towel rail. It features a red LED mains ‘POWER’ light and a green LED ‘OUTPUT’ indicator for easy viewing and offers an optional 1 or 2 hour Boost and Advance function.
The integrated memory back-up battery retains programmes in the event of power failure, so you can be sure your towel rail element will always be up and running. Suitable for the majority of electric heaters up to 3KW, this timer switch is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient way to control their towel rail element.
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Towel Rail Element Buying Guide.
We know that making decisions about important purchases isn’t always easy – but with our help, choosing the best towel rail element doesn’t have to feel like an overwhelming task. Our guide will give you all the details necessary to make an informed choice that suits both your needs and budget. By reading through it, you’ll gain confidence in your purchase decision – plus get some great tips along the way!
Benefits Of Installing A Towel Rail Element
One of the key benefits of a towel rail element is their ability to be able to control one specific towel rail independently from the rest of the central heating system. This means that if your bathroom is feeling a little cold, or needs some heat to remove any leftover condensation from a shower, you can simply switch the element on and you’ll have instantaneous heat.
It’s also useful in the summertime, where you might find yourself needing to dry your towels during the day but it’s too warm to turn on the central heating. Usually, you could hang your towels out to dry on a clothesline but knowing how unpredictable our British weather can be it’s nice to have a heating element as an alternative way of drying towels economically.
Choosing The Right Wattage Element For Your Towel Rail
When selecting the right wattage for your towel rail element, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration; physical size and power output being among them. Ensuring the correct amount of heat output is vital in order to maximise efficiency although you’ll also need to check that the length of the element can actually house itself within the bars of the towel rail.
For example, if you’re looking to buy an element for your towel rail the first thing you’ll need to check is the BTU output of your towel rail. Use an approximation if you don’t have an exact number to hand. You can also measure the radiator and find an equivalent model online to see what they typical BTU output for a towel rail of that size and width might be.
Next, you’ll need to divide this BTU output by 3.41 to get the wattage of your towel rail – this is the number that you’ll use to decide which power element you need – try to find the closest match (10% above or below is best). So, a 300w towel rail element would be perfect for a 320w towel rail. Or, a 600w element would work great with a 580w towel rail… you get the gist!
A higher wattage will cause faster heating times but could also lead to overheating if not correctly monitored.On the other hand, too little wattage won’t provide enough heat or take longer periods of time to warm up the rail – leading to frustration when you’re expecting it to be already heated-up on those cold winter mornings!
Running Cost Of Using A Towel Rail Element
Towel rail elements are a great choice when it comes to heating up your bathroom. Not only are they stylish and efficient, but they can also save you money in the long run. Electric elements may come at a higher cost initially, but they heat up quickly and require little maintenance, meaning that you’ll make up the difference in lower energy consumption and repair costs.
Plus, you may even be eligible for government subsidies to bring the price down even further – so be sure to do your research to find the best value model for you. All in all, investing in a towel rail element is a great way to keep your bathroom warm without breaking the bank.
Safety Features Of Towel Rail Elements
When it comes to selecting a towel rail element, safety should be your top priority. We know that feeling safe and secure is essential for us all – so let’s take a look at some of the key features you should consider when choosing a model for your home.
To begin with, here are 4 things to keep in mind:
- Thermostatic control – this allows you to regulate the temperature of the heated surface safely;
- Overheat protection – this works by automatically switching off if temperatures become too high;
- IP ratings – these provide an indication about how waterproof or protected against dust particles any given appliance is;
- Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) – this will switch off the power supply immediately if there’s danger of electric shocks.
These features can give you peace of mind knowing that your towel rail element has been designed with safety in mind. Although nobody likes having to think about accidents happening – they do occur, which is why it’s important that we make sure our homes are as safe as possible. Investing in a reliable model now could save you money and stress down the line!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Towel Rail Element?
So, how much does it cost to install an electric element? Well, there are many factors that affect the cost such as the type of material used, labour costs, and installation time. Generally speaking, however, most elements range between £50-£150 depending on quality and size. That being said, if you choose to hire a professional installer they may charge extra for their services which could increase the overall price significantly. Ultimately though, it all comes down to what fits best within your budget so be sure to shop around before committing!
How Do I Know Which Type Of Towel Rail Element Is Suitable For My Bathroom?
Not only does it need to be the right size, but you also want something that looks great and will last a long time. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
1) Measure up – Make sure you have accurate measurements so you know which type of towel rail element will fit into your bathroom space perfectly;
2) Think about style – Do you prefer a contemporary look or something more classic? Matching with other elements in the room can create a timeless aesthetic;
3)Consider longevity – Look for quality materials that won’t rust or corrode over time.
When shopping for a new towel rail element, take your time and consider all these factors carefully. Doing this research now means you can enjoy the perfect piece for years to come – so don’t rush into anything – find the one that fits both your vision and practical needs!
Is It Easy To Replace A Towel Rail Element?
Replacing a towel rail element is a fairly straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools or expertise. All you need is the new element and a few minutes of your time to unscrew the old one from its housing and replace it with the new one and the job should take no more than 10-15 minutes. However, whilst the actual replacement is easy, the electrical installation of the element into a fused spur must be carried out by a qualified electrician to ensure it is done safely and correctly.
So, if you’re looking to update your towel rail element, get started today – but make sure you hire a qualified electrician to do the electrical installation.
Are There Any Maintenance Requirements For Towel Rail Elements?
Believe it or not, there’s actually quite a lot you can do to keep your towel rail element running at its best. It’s important to check regularly for any signs of corrosion or wear and tear on the surface and make sure all screws are tight. Dusting off any dirt particles every now and then will help too. Additionally, depending on how often they’re used, you may want to consider replacing elements from every 5 years or so – just like with other appliances in your home. This way you’ll guarantee optimal performance throughout the year!
Conclusion.
In conclusion, it’s clear that buying a towel rail element is an important decision. With the right knowledge and research, you can find the perfect heating solution for your bathroom.
Knowing which type of towel rail element to purchase will depend on your own individual needs and preferences – as well as compatibility with other components in the bathroom such as radiators or boilers.
Replacing or repairing existing elements isn’t overly complicated either; however minor maintenance may be needed over time to keep them working properly. And if we look at statistics from 2018/2019, almost 90% of people found their towel rail element to be easy to replace when necessary.
Ultimately, investing in a good quality towel rail element can make all the difference to your home comfort levels; so take some time out to do your research before making any commitments!
