What are the best electric towel rails 2023?
- Published: 16 May 2023
Towel rails that simply turn on and off are a thing of the past, thanks to the power of electric. With modern innovation, you can now own a bathroom heater with sophisticated digital programming all the way to smart control, for an experience designed to fit around you. With a wealth of energy-saving features and traditional and designer builds, there’s so much more to consider when choosing a towel rail in 2023. Luckily, we’ve carefully combed through our extensive range to give you the very best to choose from. So, without further ado, let’s check out our picks for our favourite electric towel rails of 2023.
Why you should upgrade to electric towel rails
Independent bathroom heating
Electric towel rails work completely independently from the rest of your heating, allowing you to heat your bathroom only when you want to for cheaper bills.
100% efficiency
Like all electric heaters, towel rails are completely efficient at point of use. All the power they draw from the wall is converted into usable heat, ensuring you’re never paying for waste.
Maintenance free
As they aren't linked to plumbing, electric towel rails require no annual servicing. In fact, a light dusting now and then is more than enough to keep them in prime condition.
Designer aesthetics
From the classic ladder build stems unique designer models, serving as a striking focal point to suit any interior.
Intelligent programming
Whether utilising basic, thermostatic, Bluetooth or WiFi control, electric towel rails boast exceptional functionality for fuss-free heat management. Find out more here.
Pairable with renewables
Primed for a sustainable future, make your electric towel rail 100% carbon neutral by pairing it with a renewable energy source or tariff.
Check out our bitesize clip on the best practise for installing electric towel rails. The answer is simple: have your electric towel rail hardwired into the mains by an electrician. This is a standard job for a professional - no lengthy callouts required.
Best basic-control towel rail: Ecostrad Fina-E
At a glance
- Price – From £139.99
- Wattage (w) – 120-600
- Heats from – 1.5-6m²
- IP rating – IP68
- Colour(s) – Chrome | Anthracite | White | Black
- Programming – Simple On/Off Operation | Ecostrad Standard Element
- Compatible with – Timeguard WiFi Controlled Fused Spur Time Switch
Top 5 features
- Classic Ladder Design
- Effortless Manual Control
- Single Heat Level of 65°C
- Splashproof IP68 Rating
- Can be Paired With an External Controller
The Ecostrad Fina-E electric towel rail is the quintessential bathroom heater. Built in the traditional ladder-style with gently rounded bars, it’s the ultimate dual-purpose solution for storing and drying your towels. The Fina-E has four sleek colourways to choose from, plus an elegant, curved finish, making it our most versatile bathroom heater yet.
For those that value simplicity, this towel rail is the ideal choice for ad-hoc bathroom heating and towel drying – simply turn it on and off whenever it suits you for a steady temperature of 65°C. Pre-filled with heat-retentive thermal liquid, the Fina-E combines comfortable warmth with slow cooldowns, resulting in a long-lasting, energy-efficient experience.
With a classic ladder build and fuss-free on/off programming, the Ecostrad Fina-E is our favourite basic-control electric towel rail of 2023.
Best thermostatic towel rail: Ecostrad Scala
At a glance
- Price – From £199.99
- Wattage (w) – 400-600
- Heats from – 3-5m²
- IP rating – IP44
- Colour(s) – Chrome | Anthracite
- Programming – 24/7 Digital Programmer | Ecostrad Digital Element
Top 5 features
- Modern Flat-Bar Design
- Effective Even Heat Distribution
- Precision Digital Thermostat
- Clear LED Screen
- 1-5 Hour Timer Function
The Ecostrad Scala Thermostatic electric towel rail is the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Its designer ladder build, slimline fit, and elegant flat bars make this a contemporary heater to suit any bathroom. Pre-filled with a heat-retentive thermal oil, the Ecostrad Scala provides comfortable and long-lasting warmth that can be felt even after it has stopped drawing power – a great way to reduce energy usage and cut down your heating bills.
Its digital heating element and control pad allow you to make manual adjustments quickly and effortlessly. Take advantage of its 2-in-1 heating and drying functions by setting the timer for up to 5 hours – no micromanaging necessary! The Scala’s precision digital thermostat measures room temperature as accurately as ±0.5ºC, keeping the temperature steady and maximising efficiency whenever it’s in use.
Give your bathroom a sparkling finish with this glossy chrome version.
Go for chic anthracite for that bit of boldness in your bathroom.
With ever-evolving innovation coming from the electric heating industry, simplicity matters – which is why the Ecostrad Scala is our favourite thermostatic electric towel rail of 2023.
Best Bluetooth towel rail: Terma LEO
At a glance
- Price – From £199.99
- Wattage (w) – 120-600
- Heats from – 1.5-6m²
- IP rating – IPX5
- Colour(s) – Chrome
- Programming – 24/7 Digital Programmer | Bluetooth App Control
- Compatible with – Terma Blueline App
Top 5 features
- Energy-Efficient Thermal Fluid
- Adjustable Drying Function
- 7 Day Programming
- Bluetooth App Control
- Frost Protection Mode
[UK ONLY] The Terma LEO MOA Blue electric towel rail looks the part of the traditional bathroom heater – but there’s nothing old-fashioned about it. Finished in sparkling chrome, the Terma LEO emits a comfortable and long-lasting warmth, making it the perfect accompaniment to your space.
With innovative Bluetooth app compatibility, you can take charge of your bathroom heating without even getting out of your chair. Using your smartphone app, enjoy free reign over heat settings, weekly schedules, and the countdown timer to keep your bathroom warm and towels dry and toasty. For seamless manual programming, the LEO’s LED interface allows you to easily navigate between 5 heat settings for optimal temperatures year-round.
With its integrated thermostat and seamless app compatibility, the Terma LEO is our favourite Bluetooth-controlled electric towel rail of 2023.
Best WiFi towel rail: Ecostrad Cube iQ
At a glance
- Price – From £279.99
- Wattage (w) – 400-600
- Heats from – 2-5m²
- IP rating – IPX4
- Colour(s) – Chrome | Anthracite
- Programming – WiFi App Control | Ecostrad iQ WiFi Element
- Compatible with – Ecostrad Ecosystem App | Smart Life App
Top 5 features
- Designer Ladder Build
- 24/7 Programming via App
- Comfort, Eco & Anti-Frost Modes
- Low Surface Temperature Setting
- Open Window Detection
The Ecostrad Cube iQ is a contemporary towel rail with a designer twist. Its uncluttered appearance works seamlessly with any décor: choose traditional chrome or go bold with anthracite – the Cube iQ integrates effortlessly to provide premium warmth. Filled with thermodynamic fluid, when turned on the oil spreads throughout the core to ensure that heat distributes evenly, keeping room temperatures cosy long after the appliance has been switched off.
Seamlessly switch between app and manual programming: the element’s touch-sensitive buttons and flatscreen display allow for instant adjustments when not using WiFi. Pairing your Cube iQ to a heating app takes mere seconds and allows you to make the most of its independent heating from anywhere in the world, with weekly schedules, heat boosts and 3 radiator modes. The Cube’s Low Surface Temperature setting keeps the towel rail at a touch-safe level, with temperatures as low as 30ºC – ideal for homes with young children.
Guarantee elegance with this classic chrome finish.
Elevate your interior with scene-stealing anthracite.
Cementing itself as a fantastic solution to 2-in-1 bathroom heating, the Ecostrad Cube iQ is our favourite WiFi-controlled electric towel rail of 2023.
Best designer towel rail: Terma Alex ONE
At a glance
- Price – From £205.99
- Wattage (w) – 400-800
- Heats from – 5-9m²
- IP rating – IPX5
- Colour(s) – Grey
- Programming – 24/7 Digital Programmer | ONE Heating Element
Top 5 features
- Thermodynamic Oil Element
- Effortless Push-Button Control
- 2 Temperature Settings
- 2-Hour Timer Function
- Frost Protection Mode
[UK ONLY] The Terma Alex ONE offers a minimalist visual with its industrial aesthetic and gently rounded bars. Finished in a soft grey, this is the ultimate towel rail for those with an eye for design.
Pre-fitted with the sophisticated ONE heating element, control the Terma Alex with the effortlessly simple push-button control panel, integrated seamlessly at the base of the unit. Activate the timer function for up to 2 hours for a set-and-forget approach to towel drying, and keep the ONE element at optimal functionality with its nifty frost protection mode. This triggers automatically if temperatures drop below 6ºC, giving you peace of mind if you’re ever away for an extended period.
With such sophisticated features, a stunning aesthetic, and its use of highly-efficient thermodynamic oil for superior heat transfer, the Terma Alex ONE is our favourite designer electric towel rail of 2023.
If you’re considering taking your bathroom heating to the next level, we’re here to help you along your journey. Covering everything from size, to control, to installation, this is our ultimate guide to buying electric towel rails.
Your ideal electric towel rail is a few clicks away
Now you have our recommendations, it’s time to weigh up the options to decide which electric towel rail is right for you.
Our radiator calculator is here to help you find the ideal wattage for your space – just answer a few quick questions about your property and it’ll do the rest. For an even more personalised recommendation, get in touch for a no obligation free quote today.
Want to know our other favourites for 2023? Check out these blogs:
Key learnings
- Electric towel rails are a gamechanger when it comes to bathroom heating: operate them separately from the rest of your home’s heating and utilise their energy-saving features to better suit your routine and save on bills.
- Ecostrad Fina-E – a basic-control towel rail with a classic ladder build, ideal for those looking for complete simplicity when it comes to bathroom heating and towel drying.
- Ecostrad Scala – a thermostatic towel rail, perfectly balancing modern design with ease of use: offering precision heating and a countdown timer.
- Terma LEO – (UK only) a Bluetooth-controlled traditional towel rail, offering weekly programming and 5 heat settings, programmable from your smartphone when nearby the unit.
- Ecostrad Cube iQ – a WiFi-controlled towel rail offering a minimalist, contemporary look and extensive customisation options, programmable from anywhere in the world.
- Terma Alex ONE – (UK only) a designer towel rail housing a luxury aesthetic, with the programming power to match.