Towel Radiators: Which Fuel Type Should You Choose?

When it comes to towel radiators, we actually have three different options when it comes to fuel. These are centrally heated, electric, and dual fuel (which combines the previous two). They’re actually rare in the radiator world, in that they offer a choice of all three. Most other radiators only come as central heating units or as standalone units.

This should tell you something about the way we use towel radiators, i.e. that we use them throughout the year. Below, we’re going to explain the benefits of each type. You can then match your preference to the choice of fuel that’s right for you.

1.    Centrally heated radiators: these are probably the most common type of towel radiator in the UK. They work very well in winter. During the summer months, they are dysfunctional. You cannot switch them on. This is fine if you have a well ventilated bathroom and somewhere to dry your towels, but if you don’t, you can find it problematic because it’s difficult to dry a bathroom out entirely if there is little ventilation.

With this style of radiator, you will have to switch on the entire central heating system, just to dry your towels. That’s unacceptable and often expensive.

2.      Electric heated radiators: these are good because you can dry your towels throughout the year and you don’t have to turn on the central heating. However, if you have central heating, they're less cost-effective in winter, because you have to run them off electricity, when it would cost you less to have the radiator joined to the central heating. Nonetheless, if you want to dry your towels throughout the year, they are certainly better than option 1.

3.      Dual fuel: these are the best of both worlds. When you want to heat the radiator during the summer, you can use electricity. When you want to heat the radiator during winter, you can use the central heating. There are some really beautiful dual fuel radiators, such as those in the Chatsworth radiators range. However, there are fewer examples in this style, so it can occasionally be difficult to find a funky design.

If you are interested in buying towel radiators, then come along and view the collection on sale at Designer Radiator Direct