Electric vs Plumbed Towel Rails: Which One Should You Buy?

Imagine stepping out of a hot shower only to grab a damp, cold towel. Not ideal. A heated towel rail solves that instantly. But which type should you buy?

There are multiple towel rail types – electric or plumbed. Each has benefits, but if you’re after convenience, efficiency and flexibility, electric towel rails often have the edge. 

This guide explores the differences, costs and performance so you can confidently choose the best option for your bathroom. 

What Are the Different Types of Heated Towel Rails?

When shopping for types of heated towel rails, you’ll mostly encounter three categories:

Electric towel rails stand out because they don’t rely on your boiler. That means fresh, warm towels in July as well as January.

Are Electric Towel Rails Expensive to Run in the UK?

This is a common concern: are electric towel rails expensive to run?

The short answer is no, towel rails are not expensive to run. When used sensibly, they’re surprisingly affordable.

• A small 150 W electric towel rail costs around 3p per hour.
• A mid-range 600 W towel rail averages 15-16p per hour.
• Typical daily use (1-2 hours) adds up to around £60-£120 per year.

Compare that to switching on your central heating in summer just to dry towels – it’s far less efficient. Add a timer or thermostat, and you’ll only pay for the heat you use.

Do Electric Towel Rails Heat Bathrooms Properly?

Yes – electric towel rails heat small to medium bathrooms in particular. Electric towel rails for bathrooms are designed to dry towels and add background warmth.

• In en-suites and compact bathrooms, they can replace a radiator entirely.
• In larger rooms, they work best alongside underfloor heating or a central radiator.

Plumbed towel rails can heat the whole room, but only when your boiler is running. In warmer months, they’re often redundant.

Which Is Easier to Install: Electric or Plumbed Towel Rails?

Electric towel rails are much easier to install than plumbed towel rails. 

• They only need wall mounting and a qualified electrician to wire them in.
• No pipework, no disruption, no mess.

Plumbed towel rails, on the other hand, require a heating engineer, rerouting of pipes and often redecorating afterwards.

If you’re planning a full bathroom renovation, plumbed is an option. But for upgrades or en-suites, electric is by far the simpler choice.

Pros and Cons of Electric vs Plumbed Towel Rails

Electric Towel Rails: Advantages

• Year-round towel warmth
• Flexible installation
• Smart controls cut energy use
• Sleek, modern designs

Electric Towel Rails: Disadvantages

• Slightly higher hourly running cost
• Less suited for heating large bathrooms alone

Plumbed Towel Rails: Advantages

• Efficient in winter with the boiler running
• Heats the bathroom as well as the towels

Plumbed Towel Rails: Disadvantages

• No use in summer unless dual fuel
• Installation is complex and costly
• Less flexible for retrofits

It’s clear: electric comes out on top for modern convenience and flexibility.

How Much Does Each Towel Rail Type Cost to Run Annually?

So, are electric towel rails expensive to run? Not really – when used efficiently, the cost of towel rails is modest and predictable.

Which Towel Rail Type Suits Modern Bathrooms Best?

For most modern households, electric towel rails are the most practical choice:

• Freedom: install them anywhere, not just near pipework.
• Control: turn them on with a timer, thermostat or smart app.
• Style: available in chrome, matte anthracite or gloss white.
• Practicality: warm towels all year round.

Plumbed rails are still useful in large bathrooms, but electric rails align better with contemporary living.

If you’re currently exploring a full bathroom upgrade, you might also enjoy our Comprehensive Bath Buying Guide, which covers everything you need for a stylish and functional bathroom design.

Energy-Saving Tips for Electric Towel Rails

Want the comfort without the extra cost? Here’s how:

• Set a timer for an hour before showers.
• Install a thermostat to avoid overheating.
• Choose the right wattage for your room size.
• Don’t overload with towels – heat circulates better with space.
• Clean rails regularly to maintain efficiency.

Myth-Busting: Common Towel Rail Questions

Q: Do Electric Towel Rails Use a Lot of Electricity?

A: No – electric towel rails are comparable to running a few light bulbs.

Q: Can Electric Towel Rails Heat an Entire Room?

A: Yes, in smaller bathrooms, electric towel rails can heat an entire room. Larger rooms may need additional heating.

Q: Are Towel Rails Just a Luxury?

A: No – towel rails prevent damp, mildew and stale towels while adding comfort.

Q: Do Electric Towel Rails Need Maintenance?

A: Electric towel rails need very little maintenance. Just occasional cleaning and a check on the wiring.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Electric or Plumbed Towel Rails?

Here’s the bottom line:

• If you want efficiency, flexibility and year-round comfort, choose electric.
• If you’re mid-renovation and need extra room heating, plumbed towel rails work.

For most households, though, electric towel rails are superior – they’re modern, stylish and practical.

Upgrade Your Bathroom with Modern Living

At Modern Living, we offer a wide range of towel rail types designed to bring warmth and luxury to your home. Whether you’re upgrading an ensuite or redesigning your main bathroom, our team can help you choose the perfect fit.

Explore our collection today and contact us for expert advice – because every shower deserves a warm, fresh towel.