Heat source
Choose a wet central-heating or electric model to suit the services and controls in the room. Only choose dual-fuel where the complete product supports it.
Radiator buying guide
Towel rails and radiator valves, made easier
Choose the right heat output and physical fit for your bathroom, then match radiator valves to the pipework and the way you want to control the room.
- Choose by heat output
- Check dimensions and connections
- Match valves to the pipework
Start with the specification
Check heat output, dimensions, connection position and valve compatibility before you order.
Towel rails
Four checks before you choose
A towel rail can warm and dry towels while contributing heat to the bathroom. Whether it can heat the room on its own depends on the individual product's stated output and the room's heat requirement.
Heat output
Use the individual product's BTU or watt rating and compare it with the room's heat requirement. Physical size alone does not determine output.
Physical fit
Check height, width, depth, wall projection, pipe centres, connection position, fixing centres and operating weight.
Finish
Choose the colour after the practical checks. Similar-sized rails in different finishes can have different stated heat outputs.
Finishing touches
Choose a towel rail finish
Black, anthracite, white and chrome each create a different look. Finish can also affect output, so compare the stated rating for the exact product rather than assuming similar-sized rails perform alike.
Black towel rails
A strong, high-contrast finish. Check the exact product output and dimensions before choosing.
Shop the finish
Anthracite towel rails
A charcoal-grey finish that is distinct from black. Exact tones can vary between manufacturers.
Shop the finish
White towel rails
A light, versatile finish available across different rail shapes and sizes.
Shop the finish
Chrome towel rails
A classic reflective bathroom finish. Always compare the product's stated output.
Shop the finishRadiator valves
Choose shape first, then control
Radiator valves connect wet central-heating pipework to a radiator or towel rail. Start by matching the body geometry to the pipe and radiator connection, then choose manual or thermostatic control.
1. Match the valve to the pipework
Corner radiator valves
Turn the water path through approximately 90 degrees while keeping the control head closer to the radiator or wall. Check access and final head position.
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Angled radiator valves
Connect pipework and radiator entries that meet on perpendicular axes. Confirm the actual pipe route, inlet position and head clearance.
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Straight radiator valves
Connect the system pipe and radiator tail along the same axis. They should not be used to force misaligned pipework into position.
Shop this type2. Choose manual or thermostatic control
Manual radiator valves
Provide direct local control. The valve stays at the opening you select until someone adjusts it again.
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Thermostatic radiator valves
Sense the surrounding air temperature and progressively regulate hot-water flow through the radiator or towel rail.
Shop this typeMore detail
Helpful heating guides
Use these guides when you need more detail on heat output, heating systems or radiator valve selection.
PlumbHQ guide
Radiator valves explained
Understand manual controls, TRVs, lockshields and how valve shape relates to the pipework.
Read guide PlumbHQ guideWhich heat output do I need?
Start with the room's heat requirement before comparing towel rail dimensions and product ratings.
Read guide PlumbHQ guideElectricity vs gas heating
Compare the practical differences between electric heating and a boiler-fed wet system.
Read guideProduct help
Still not sure what fits?
Tell our team what you are fitting or replacing and we will help you narrow down the right towel rail or radiator valves.
Chat to our product team