Bathroom Radiators

Buyers Guide to Bathroom Radiators

How to Choose a Bathroom Radiator

Plan out your bathroom carefully, taking into account the positioning of water pipes, in order to determine where your radiator will best be situated and what size it can be. If pipework is an issue, consider an electric bathroom radiator instead. If you are installing a completely new bathroom, take advice on the heating capacity required to warm the whole room, as under estimating this can be a costly mistake. After that, look at models which reflect your preferred style, there is a great choice in both vintage Victorian or Edwardian types and also dramatic wall-hung contemporary statement radiators.

Types of Bathroom Radiators

Central Heating Based Radiators

In general when we consider radiators, this is the traditional type we have in mind - radiators which are connected to a household’s central heating used to warm a whole room. This means they are heated by hot water and need to be installed by a qualified plumber. They can be floorstanding or wall hung, or some designs are a combination of both. For traditional styles, often copied from the cast iron originals of the past, look at brands Burlington, Zehnder, Bayswater, Apollo and Bisque.

See our contemporary radiators and designer radiators pages for a full range of product options.

Electric Bathroom Radiators

These are radiators which are wired into a property’s electricity supply, not the central heating system. They can be controlled independently and this is ideal for a bathroom such as an en suite or cloakroom when you’d like to use the radiator when the central heating isn’t on, so you have a towel drying and warming facility all year round. We recommend quality manufacturers Zehnder, Crosswater, Bisque and Apollo.

See our electric towel drying radiators page for a full range of product options.

Towel Radiators

These are radiators which are designed to heat the room but also to easily accommodate towels, so in effect are dual purpose. Generally they are wall hung but there are floor mounted versions available. Sometimes called towel rails, the difference is that typically a towel radiator is a larger more powerful unit which isn't just designed for warming towels and may be the only heating source in the room. Generally they are plumbed into the central heating system although dual fuel and electric versions are available of many of the models. SPH, Zehnder, Origins and Apollo offer some great designs in towel radiators.

See our towel radiators page for a full range of product options.

Towel Rails

A towel rail is a wall or floor mounted heated railing type unit designed to keep towels warm and dry. They tend to be smaller than room radiators but can be plumbed into the central heating system or run on electricity and be wired in. If there is space in a bathroom, a towel radiator is sometimes installed in addition to a room warming larger column type radiator. Browse the styles from Apollo, Zehnder and Burlington to get a feel for what would suit your layout.

See our towel rails page for a full range of product options.

Cloakroom Radiators

For a smaller bathroom, several brands offer radiators which are sized to fit. Tucking neatly into restricted spaces, they are made with the same quality of manufacturing and materials as larger models and can still be relatively powerful. Zehnder make some modern styles, or look at Burlington for a vintage inspired design.

See our cloakroom radiators page for a full range of product options.

Popular Styles

Traditional Bathroom Radiators

With a chunky, old fashioned appeal, the traditional radiator looks fabulous in a period home, but will also fit in a modern, contemporary setting. We have a wide selection of chrome Victorian, Edwardian and traditional style radiators for you to choose from, in both wall hung or floor mounted types. The vertical models allow wall space to be utilised wisely when required yet still retain that vintage look. Browse the radiators from leading brands such as Zehnder, Bisque and Burlington; their designs are further enhanced by use of traditionally styled radiator valves, such as the ones from Bayswater and Burlington.

See our traditional bathroom radiators page for a full range of product options.

Contemporary Bathroom Radiators

The styling of bathroom products like shower enclosures and baths has progressed rapidly in recent years, influenced by European flair and technological innovations, and radiators are no exception. This is very apparent when you browse the eye-catching contemporary ranges made by Zehnder, Bisque and Apollo. You can add a zing of colorful chic with a bold design and different materials such as stainless steel or chrome, and even combine the practicality of a long mirror with a contemporary radiator.

See our contemporary bathroom radiators page for a full range of product options.

Designer Bathroom Radiators

Aficionados of design will be pleased to view the striking examples of bathroom radiators available which will really make a statement. There are waves, coils, vertical columns and colour variations, so a radiator can really be considered a prominent design element on its own, in the style of a luxury hotel. At Premium Plumbing, we like brands Bisque and Apollo who excel at making radiators which are different from the norm.

See our designer bathroom radiators page for a full range of product options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best radiator for a bathroom?

Many people consider a towel radiator the ideal type for a bathroom. This is because it combines the substantial heating power of a typical radiator with a design and shape which easily accommodates the hanging and storage of towels.

Do towel radiators heat bathrooms?

Yes, as they designed to do both. But, as with every room in the house, be aware that a small towel radiator on its own may not have sufficient heat output to warm a large bathroom to a comfortable temperature. Take professional advice to ensure you have the correct sized radiator for your room.

Can you put a normal radiator in a bathroom?

Yes, that’s fine if the radiator is in good working order and installed by a fully qualified professional in accordance with all the applicable regulations.

Can a towel rail replace a bathroom radiator?

If the bathroom is a very small area or perhaps has an additional heating source such as underfloor heating, this is possible. However, in cases of average to large sized bathrooms, a towel rail alone may not provide enough heat to maintain a comfortable overall temperature, and being a bit chilly when taking your shower or bath is not an enjoyable experience.

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