There are several names for the radiator in a bathroom. They almost always mean the same thing: a vertical radiator made of tubes or rails over which towels can be hung. It helps to know the terms when searching, as retailers use them differently.
The terms
- Bathroom radiator is the umbrella term for radiators in bathrooms.
- Towel radiator emphasises the rails for hanging towels and usually means the same appliance.
- Towel warmer is often used for smaller, frequently electric appliances that mainly dry towels rather than heat the room.
- Designer radiator describes the shape rather than the room: flat panels or special colours, in bathrooms as well as living spaces.
Hot water, electric or both
A hot-water towel radiator connects to the heating circuit with a valve and thermostat, like any other radiator. An electric towel warmer needs only a socket or fixed electrical connection and also heats when the heating system is off. In dual-fuel operation, a heating element sits in the hot-water radiator, warming the bathroom in summer without the heating system running. Electrical connections in the bathroom must be made by a qualified electrician.
What matters when choosing
- Output: this depends on room size and insulation. Check the flow temperature at which the stated output applies.
- Connection: centre or side connection, and the spacing between connections must suit your pipes.
- Dimensions: choose height and width to leave tiles, windows and the basin unobstructed.
- Towels: many hanging towels cover the surface and reduce heat delivered to the room.
Centre connection or side connection
Towel radiators are usually connected from below. With a centre connection, flow and return sit side by side in the middle of the underside; with a side connection, they sit at the outer left and right. For a replacement, the current position of your pipes emerging from the wall or floor matters: if the new radiator does not match this spacing, pipes must be moved or connecting fittings used. Therefore measure the distance between the centres of the two pipes before buying. The guide Measuring a radiator shows how this works for radiators generally.
Read the output correctly
A radiator's output is always stated alongside temperatures, for example 75/65/20: 75 °C flow, 65 °C return, 20 °C room temperature. At a lower flow temperature, the same radiator gives off significantly less heat. An example from our range: the Type 22 valve-integrated panel radiator (bottom connection) in 60 × 120 cm delivers 1922 W at 75/65/20, but 989 W at 55/45/20, just over half. The same principle applies to towel radiators. If your heating runs at a low flow temperature, for example with a heat pump, compare output at your system's temperatures. Read more in the guide Radiators for heat pumps.
Related terms outside the bathroom
Names also get mixed up for radiators in living spaces. Compact panel radiators and panel radiators are made from steel panels; a valve-integrated panel radiator (bottom connection) has a built-in valve insert, while a compact panel radiator does not. The guides Compact panel radiator, panel radiator, radiator and Radiator types explain the differences. The guide Electric or water-based compares whether an electric appliance or a radiator connected to heating water is more suitable.
What to note before enquiring
- height and width of the old radiator and the available wall space
- distance between the centres of the two connecting pipes and whether they emerge from the wall or floor
- centre connection or side connection
- operating mode: heating water, electric or dual fuel
- a photo of the old radiator with connections and, if available, the rating plate
With these details, we can establish in the shop or through your enquiry what is suitable for your bathroom.
At AKKAYA in Hagen
There are currently no towel radiators in the online range. Ask in the shop at Eilper Straße 29 or send an enquiry; for living spaces, you will find Type 22 and Type 33 valve-integrated panel radiators (bottom connection) for collection from our Hagen warehouse.
All sizes of valve-integrated panel radiators (bottom connection), from 40 to 90 cm in height, are listed in the guide Type 22 and Type 33 radiator dimensions.
Choosing a towel radiator · Radiators
Frequently asked questions
Is a towel radiator the same as a bathroom radiator?
Usually yes. Bathroom radiator is the umbrella term, while towel radiator emphasises the rails for hanging towels. Towel warmer, on the other hand, often refers to smaller, frequently electric appliances that mainly dry towels.
Can a towel radiator run on hot water and electricity?
Yes, in dual-fuel operation. A heating element sits inside the hot-water towel radiator, warming the bathroom in summer without the heating system running. A qualified electrician makes the electrical connection in the bathroom.
Why does my towel radiator heat less than stated?
The stated output applies only at the specified temperatures, often 75/65/20. If the heating runs cooler, output falls significantly. Hanging towels covering the surface also contribute.