The Best Towel Radiators for Maximizing Bathroom Space

Enhance both space and style in your bathroom, toilet, or en-suite with our handpicked selection of towel radiators.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Towel Radiators
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
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Towel radiators are a great addition to any bathroom, toilet or en-suite and they are the best way to warm up your towels without taking up too much space.

Whether you require a flat panel or ladder design, there is plenty to choose from that are available in multiple sizes and finishes such as white, chrome, anthracite or grey.

All of our recommendations are compatible with all central heating systems and they can be easily plumbed in without too much hassle. However, if you would prefer a mains-powered alternative, there are plenty of splashproof bathroom heaters that can be installed instead.

To help you choose the right towel radiator, our hand-picked selection features top-performing radiators chosen through our first-hand experience installing and using multiple types, testing and the latest research.

WarmeHaus Designer Towel Radiator
Best Overall: WarmeHaus Designer Towel Radiator
Requena Bathroom Towel Rail Radiator
Best Value: Requena Bathroom Towel Rail Radiator
NRG Contemporary Bathroom Towel Rail
Best Anthracite: NRG Contemporary Bathroom Towel Rail
Huiyang Anthracite Flat Panel Towel Radiator
Best Anthracite Runner-Up: Huiyang Flat Panel
DuraTherm Towel Radiator
Best Quality: DuraTherm Towel Radiator
Elegant Chrome Bathroom Ladder Radiator
Best Ladder: Elegant Chrome Bathroom Radiator

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Towel Radiators

As we own several properties (rentals and Airbnb’s), we have installed and replaced many towel radiators over the years. This includes designer radiators in spacious bathrooms to much smaller towel radiators in en-suites. Whilst searching for towel radiators, the two things that we mainly focus on are the size and the BTU rating.

The size is an important factor because the available space to install the radiator can be an issue in many bathrooms. However, if possible, we always recommend going for the largest you can install in the available space.

The BTU rating is just as important because this indicates the amount of heat that the towel radiator can output. If you feel that your bathroom gets cold, it’s recommended that you choose a towel radiator with a higher BTU.

Below are two recent towel radiators we installed and as you can see, the anthracite towel radiator is much larger and is installed in a spacious bathroom. However, the chrome example is a compact yet tall radiator that we installed in a small downstairs toilet with limited space.

Best Bathroom Radiator

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best towel radiator

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

As well as our experience of installing multiple towel radiators, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the BTU rating, colours and sizes available, design, supplied hardware, certifications, build quality, warranty and value for money.

The Best Towel Radiators

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: WarmeHaus Designer Towel Radiator

(How We Review →)

By far one of the most popular towel radiators available in the UK is by the WarmeHaus brand. It’s a stylish designer radiator with multiple flat panels that’s available in a choice of sizes and colours.

In order to match the décor of your bathroom, the brand offers this radiator in a chrome, white or sand grey finish.

Pros
  • Choice of 13 sizes (650 x 400 to 1800 x 600 mm)
  • BTU ranges from 797 to 3434 depending upon the size
  • Pressure tested to 10 bar of pressure
  • Manufactured to BS EN442
  • Supplied with plugs and vents
  • Backed by a 10 year guarantee
Cons
  • Most expensive within our roundup

Although expensive, the WarmeHaus towel radiator is a stylish and high-performing option that won’t disappoint. The flat panel design is a great addition to any bathroom or en-suite and it’s available in three of the most desirable colours to best suit your requirements too.

2. Best Value: Requena Bathroom Towel Rail Radiator

(How We Review →)

For those that are on a tight budget and require an affordable yet high-quality towel radiator, the Requena brand has the answer. They offer a choice of nine radiators that are all finished in chrome and provide plenty of heat output.

According to the brand, their radiators comply with all the latest British standards and they are also compatible with all UK heating systems, which include tank-fed or combi systems.

Pros
  • Sizes range from 650 x 400 to 1600 x 600 mm
  • BTU rating from 501 to 1651
  • Supplied with wall brackets and fittings
  • Fully safety tested at 15 bar of pressure
  • High quality chrome finish
Cons
  • Very basic design when compared to the designer alternatives

To conclude, the Requena radiator is one of the cheapest towel radiators that’s actually worth buying. It’s stylish, safety tested and compliments any bathroom with its modern straight design. The only drawback is that the BTU ratings are far lower than some of the alternatives but if it’s being fitted to a small bathroom or en-suite, this won’t be an issue.

3. Best Anthracite: NRG Contemporary Bathroom Towel Rail

(How We Review →)

The NRG brand specializes in designer radiators and they have a great reputation for their high-quality heating products. Their selection of towel radiators follows that great reputation and they all come with an impressive 15-year warranty.

The brand’s most popular designer towel radiator is its flat panel design and it’s available in a variety of sizes that range from 650 x 450 mm to much larger units at 1600 x 450 mm.

Pros
  • BTU range from 1540 to 2540
  • Triple layer powder coated finish
  • Backed by a 15 year warranty
  • Low carbon steel construction
  • Suitable for all UK heating systems
  • Manufactured in accordance with BS EN 442
  • Supplied with wall fixings and brackets
Cons
  • Only available in anthracite grey

Overall, the NRG Towel Radiator is an excellent all-round option that’s been built to last and comes with a 15-year warranty for complete peace of mind. Unlike similarly priced alternatives, the finish is far more hard-wearing and it certainly won’t disappoint. The only drawback is that it’s only available in grey, which may not suit all bathrooms.

4. Best Anthracite Runner-Up: Huiyang Flat Panel

(How We Review →)

Another flat panel towel radiator that’s available in the desirable anthracite grey is by the Huiyang brand. According to the brand, it’s made from high-quality mild steel and manufactured in accordance with the latest British standards.

Pros
  • Sizes range from 650 x 400 to 800 x 600 mm
  • BTU between 1120 to 2174
  • Durable anthracite grey finish
  • Backed by a 10 year guarantee
  • Triple layered manufacturing process
  • Suitable for all UK heating systems
Cons
  • Warranty isn't as long as similar alternatives

To conclude, the Huiyang towel radiator is a great option to consider and when installed using the supplied hardware, it’ll compliment any bathroom or en-suite. Although slightly cheaper than the NRG alternative above, these flat-panelled radiators only have a 10-year warranty when compared to NRG’s 15-year warranty.

5. Best Quality: DuraTherm Towel Radiator

(How We Review →)

The DuraTherm bathroom towel radiators are a premium option with a similar flat panel design to the two radiators above. However, unlike the alternatives, this radiator is made entirely from stainless steel.

Pros
  • Sizes range from 650 x 450 to 1600 x 600 mm
  • BTU between 1010 to 2398
  • Anthracite grey finish
  • Flat panel design
  • High quality stainless steel construction
  • CE approved and backed by a 10 year guarantee
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

Overall, the DuraTherm is another premium towel radiator that ticks all the boxes and provides great performance. The fact that it’s made entirely from stainless steel gives you an indication of its high-quality construction.

6. Best Ladder: Elegant Chrome Bathroom Radiator

(How We Review →)

Elegant is another brand that produces a variety of high-quality yet affordable bathroom products. Their selection of towel radiators is a great example and they are available in straight or curved designs as well as 10 different sizes.

Although the brand’s towel radiators are one of the cheapest, Elegant states that the finish exceeds 200 hours of neutral acid and salt spray testing. They have also been tested and manufactured to the latest UK guidelines for peace of mind.

Pros
  • Sizes range from 600 x 800 to 1800 x 500 mm
  • BTU rated from 550 to 1850
  • Straight or curved designs
  • Desirable mirror chrome finish
  • Includes all brackets and fittings
  • Suitable for all UK central heating systems
Cons
  • Construction quality could be improved (still great for its budget price tag)

To conclude, the Elegant Towel Radiators are a great option to consider because they combine a stylish design with affordability. Although they don’t provide as good of a heat output when compared to the alternatives, it’s still more than ideal for drying your towels or heating up small bathrooms.

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality towel radiator is a great addition to any modern bathroom or en-suite. The stylish design is available in a range of different sizes and many can fit in even the smallest of spaces if required.

All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for all budgets and are available in desirable colours such as chrome, white or several shades of grey. If you intend to heat larger bathrooms, it’s strongly advised that you opt for a higher-rated BTU towel radiator to avoid disappointment.

It’s also worth noting that if the supplied hardware such as the thermostatic radiator valves isn’t to your taste, they can be easily replaced. Therefore, we advise that you base your buying decision on the design and performance of the radiator and not the supplied hardware.

If you feel that you need further help to choose a suitable towel radiator, feel free to get in touch.

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