Why You Should Invest in a Dual Fuel Heated Towel Rail
Tired of the lingering dampness in your bathroom? Fed up with towels that never seem to fully dry, especially during those unpredictable British summers? At Company Blue, we understand that a comfortable and functional bathroom is a cornerstone of a happy home. That's why we're here to shed light on a versatile and increasingly popular solution: the dual fuel heated towel rail.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these innovative fixtures. From their myriad benefits to how they operate, we'll explore why a dual fuel towel rail from our extensive, in-stock collection might just be the perfect upgrade for your UK home.

What Exactly is a Dual Fuel Heated Towel Rail?
A dual fuel heated towel rail is a clever hybrid, combining the best of both worlds: your central heating system and an independent electric heating element. This means you have two ways to generate that glorious, towel-warming heat.
- During the colder winter months, your dual fuel towel rail can be plumbed into your existing central heating system, just like a standard radiator. When your heating is on, hot water circulates through the rails, warming your towels and the bathroom itself.
- When the weather is warmer, and you have no desire to fire up the entire central heating system just for one room, you can switch to the electric element. With a simple flick of a switch, the towel rail heats up independently, powered by your mains electricity.
This flexibility is the key to year-round comfort and efficiency, a feature that is particularly cherished in the ever-changing UK climate.
The Undeniable Benefits: Why Your Bathroom Needs a Dual Fuel Towel Rail
Investing in a dual fuel heated towel rail is more than just a purchase; it's an upgrade to your daily routine and your home's overall comfort and value. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to make the switch:
1. The Luxury of Warm, Dry Towels, All Year Round
Imagine stepping out of a refreshing shower and wrapping yourself in a luxuriously warm, fluffy towel. A dual fuel towel rail makes this a daily reality. No more clammy, slightly damp towels that greet you on a cool summer morning. This simple pleasure can transform your bathing experience from a necessity into a moment of pure indulgence.
2. A Warmer, More Inviting Bathroom
Bathrooms, with their tiles and hard surfaces, can often be the coldest rooms in the house. A heated towel rail does more than just warm your towels; it also acts as an effective secondary heat source for the entire room. This is especially beneficial in en-suites or smaller bathrooms where a large radiator might be overpowering.
3. Banish Damp and Mildew for a Healthier Home
The UK's damp climate can make bathrooms a breeding ground for mould and mildew. By ensuring your towels are always dry and providing an additional source of warmth, a dual fuel towel rail helps to reduce the overall moisture content in the air. This not only prevents the musty smells associated with dampness but also contributes to a healthier living environment for you and your family.
4. Unbeatable Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
This is where the dual fuel functionality truly shines. During the summer, you no longer need to heat your entire house just to dry a few towels. By using the electric element, you're only consuming energy for that specific appliance, leading to significant savings on your energy bills. Modern electric heating elements are also incredibly efficient, quickly reaching their optimal temperature without wasting electricity.
For those concerned about running costs, a typical 300W electric element, for instance, costs just a few pence per hour to run, offering an affordable way to maintain comfort.
5. Increased Property Value
A stylish and functional bathroom is a huge selling point for any property. A modern, high-quality heated towel rail is an attractive feature that can add to the perceived value of your home. It's a relatively small investment that can make a big impression on potential buyers.
6. A Style to Suit Every Bathroom
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all bathroom fixtures. At Company Blue, we pride ourselves on stocking a vast range of dual fuel heated towel rails in various sizes, styles, and finishes. Whether your bathroom boasts a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic or a more traditional charm, you'll find a towel rail to complement your décor perfectly. From sleek chrome and modern anthracite to elegant matt black and timeless white, the choice is yours.
How Do Dual Fuel Heated Towel Rails Work?
The magic of a dual fuel towel rail lies in its clever plumbing and wiring. Here's a simplified breakdown of the components:
- The Towel Rail: This is the main body of the unit, available in a ladder style or more designer shapes.
- Central Heating Valves: These connect the towel rail to your central heating system, allowing hot water to flow through it.
- The Electric Heating Element: This is a sealed, waterproof element that is inserted into the towel rail. It's connected to your mains electricity via a fused spur for safety.
- A T-Piece Connector: This crucial little accessory allows both the central heating valve and the electric element to be connected to the same inlet on the towel rail.
To use the towel rail with your central heating, you simply ensure the electric element is switched off and your heating is on. To use it electrically, you turn off the central heating valve to the rail and switch on the electric element. It's a straightforward process that gives you complete control over your bathroom's heating.
Choosing the Perfect Dual Fuel Towel Rail for Your Space
With the extensive range available at Company Blue, finding the right dual fuel towel rail is easy. Here are a few key considerations to guide your choice:
Size Matters: Getting the Dimensions Right
Before you start Browse, measure the available wall space in your bathroom. Consider both the height and width. A tall, narrow towel rail can be a great space-saving solution in a smaller bathroom, while a wider model is ideal for larger family bathrooms where multiple towels need to be accommodated.
Remember to also factor in the projection of the towel rail from the wall to ensure it doesn't obstruct any doorways or walkways.
Heat Output: Calculating Your BTU Needs
The heat output of a radiator or towel rail is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTU rating, the more heat the unit will emit. The required BTU for your bathroom will depend on its size, the number of windows, and how well it is insulated. There are many online BTU calculators that can help you determine the right level of heat output for your space, ensuring your new towel rail keeps your bathroom comfortably warm.
Style and Finish: The Perfect Finishing Touch
This is where you can let your personal style shine. Consider the existing fixtures and fittings in your bathroom.
- Chrome: A timeless and popular choice, chrome offers a polished, contemporary look that complements a wide range of décor styles.
- Anthracite/Matt Black: For a more modern, dramatic statement, these finishes are incredibly popular and create a stunning focal point.
- White: A classic and versatile option, a white towel rail can blend seamlessly into your bathroom design for a clean and understated look.
Don't Forget the Accessories
To complete your dual fuel installation, you'll need the right accessories. At Company Blue, we stock everything you need, including:
- Valves: A pair of radiator valves is essential for connecting your towel rail to the central heating. These come in a variety of styles (angled, straight, corner) and finishes to match your chosen rail.
- T-Pieces: As mentioned, this allows for the dual fuel connection.
- Heating Elements: We offer a range of electric heating elements with different wattages to suit the size of your towel rail. Some elements also come with thermostatic controls for even greater temperature precision.
The Company Blue Advantage: In Stock and Ready to Ship
We know that when you're renovating or upgrading your bathroom, you don't want to wait weeks for your new fixtures to arrive. That's why we pride ourselves on holding a large, in-stock selection of dual fuel heated towel rails and accessories in our UK warehouse. This means you can get the products you need, delivered quickly to your door.
The Verdict: A Smart Investment for Every UK Home
A dual fuel heated towel rail is no longer a niche luxury; it's a practical, stylish, and energy-efficient solution that offers tangible benefits all year round. From the simple joy of a warm towel on a chilly morning to the long-term cost savings and improved home environment, the reasons to invest are clear.
Ready to transform your bathroom experience? Browse our extensive collection of in-stock dual fuel heated towel rails at Company Blue today. With a wide range of sizes, styles, and finishes, you're sure to find the perfect addition to your home. Our knowledgeable team is also on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you make the right choice for your needs. Embrace the comfort, style, and efficiency of a dual fuel heated towel rail and say goodbye to damp towels and cold bathrooms for good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dual Fuel Towel Rails
1. Can I install a dual fuel towel rail myself?
While it's possible for a seasoned DIY enthusiast, we highly recommend professional installation. A dual fuel setup requires both plumbing and electrical work. A qualified plumber is needed to connect the rail to your central heating, and a certified electrician must safely wire the electric heating element to the mains, ensuring it complies with all UK bathroom safety regulations (e.g., IEE wiring regulations).
2. Do I need special valves for a dual fuel towel rail?
You will need a standard pair of radiator valves (angled, straight, or corner, depending on your pipework) to connect to your central heating. Crucially, you will also need a "T-Piece" connector. This special valve allows you to connect both the central heating pipe and the electric heating element to the same towel rail inlet.
3. Is it expensive to run a dual fuel towel rail on electricity?
No, it's very cost-effective. The primary benefit is using it when your central heating is off. A typical electric element (e.g., 300W) costs only a few pence per hour to run at current UK energy prices. It's significantly cheaper than firing up your entire home's gas boiler just to dry towels in the summer.
4. Can I control the temperature of the electric element?
Yes. While standard elements operate at a fixed temperature, you can upgrade to a thermostatic heating element. This allows you to precisely control the surface temperature of the rail, offering greater comfort, control, and potential energy savings. We stock a range of thermostatic elements at Company Blue.
5. Which is better: a dual fuel or a fully electric towel rail?
It depends on your needs. A fully electric towel rail is simpler to install if you don't want to alter your plumbing. However, a dual fuel model offers superior flexibility and is more economical during winter, as it can run on your more efficient central heating system. For year-round versatility, dual fuel is often the better investment.
6. What does BTU mean and why is it important?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It's a measure of heat output. A higher BTU rating means the towel rail can produce more heat, warming not just your towels but also the bathroom itself. It's important to choose a rail with an adequate BTU rating for your bathroom's size to ensure it provides sufficient warmth.
7. How do I switch between central heating and electric modes?
It's simple. To use with central heating, ensure the electric element is switched off at the wall and turn the radiator valve on. To use electricity, turn the radiator valve off (to stop hot water entering) and switch the electric element on at the wall. This isolates the two functions, giving you full control.
8. What finish should I choose for my towel rail?
This depends on your bathroom's style. Polished chrome is a timeless, popular choice that fits almost any decor. Anthracite and matt black offer a bold, contemporary look that is very on-trend. White provides a clean, classic, and subtle appearance. We recommend matching the finish to your taps and other fixtures.
9. Can I hang wet clothes on a heated towel rail?
While they are perfect for damp towels, we don't recommend overloading the rail with very wet, heavy clothing like jeans. This can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and put stress on the unit. They are designed primarily for towels and lighter items like flannels or robes.
10. Why should I buy from Company Blue?
At Company Blue, we specialise in high-quality heated towel rails. We hold a huge range of dual fuel models in various sizes, styles, and finishes in stock in our UK warehouse. This means you get a superior product with fast delivery, backed by our expert customer service to help you choose the perfect accessories for a complete installation.