How to replace an old dual entry radiator with a towel rail that will heat a small bathroom.

[Chernski]

Hi

I have an old dual entry radiator (wedged half behind a sink unit) that I would like to replace with a decent towel rail (narrower so it doesn't extend behind the sink) that will have sufficient heat to warm my small bathroom when necessary. I'll most likely get a local tradesman in to do the job but would appreciate any advice as to what I should expect he/she will suggest. (I understand most modern towel rails are not dual entry and changing the width of any radiator may pose complications)

Thank you

C

 

[ianmcd]

Towel rails are exactly that, they heat towels, the wont heat the bathroom, you do get some hybrids that are half radiator half towel rail, but people put large towels on them and it defeats the point

 

[stem]

As ianmcd says, as a rule of thumb, a 'towel warmer' will emit about one third of the heat emitted by a radiator of the same size. But that assumes it is uncovered. Once covered with fluffy insulating towels the heat output is reduced to not very much at all. 'Towel radiator' is really a bit of a misnomer, you will now often see them more appropriately referred to as 'towel warmers'

 

[Chernski]

Ah OK....thanks for the advice. I'll stop pursuing that line of enquiry and but a proper towel rail and leave the radiator alone!