Towel Radiators BTU

[Graham81]

This may sound like a silly question but I have been looking to buy a new towel radiator for my bathroom (replacing an existing one) & I am finding that even for ones of the same size the BTU from different manufactureres & makes varies hudely; why is this? Surely if they are the same size with roughly the same cross bars the BTU would be similar; I am confused.

Thanks

 

[denso13]

If they are similar sized they should have a roughly similar output. Got any examples?

 

[Graham81]

Thanks for reply. Here is an example of a 600 x 1400 chrome which is what I am after:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/600-x-140...n_Bathroom_Towel_Rails_PP&hash=item35ad2d4af1

This one has a BTU of 2661 yet the next link has a BTU of 3184:

http://towel-radiator.com/products/600{47}1400mm-Chrome-Flat-Towel-Rail-Radiator.html

Regards

 

[TicklyT]

The outputs may be quoted for differing heating water and room temperatures (Delta T, or Δ T figures) Some may use 50°, some 60°. etc. etc.
The higher the Δ T figure is, the higher the apparent output from the same radiator.

Whatever the size and quoted output of towel rads, the heating output drops to practically zero whern they are used as intended (ie well insulated with a layer of towels)

 

[Graham81]

Thanks for the reply.

I completely understand that towel radiators are less effective than regular rads.

So basically it is difficult to compare not knowing what standard they are using; I presume this is the case for the wattage figures too?

 

[DP]

It is the surface area that radiates heat, If sum total of all the surfaces is the same, then radiated heat will be the same

 

[Charnwood]

As above, surface area.

Count the rungs on your examples.
One has about 26, the other well over 30. Plus the second one looks curved, which will also give a (slightly) bigger surface area.