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.
