Turner Hastings Heated Towel Rails

A heated towel rail is a wall-mounted rail that uses either electric elements or a hydronic (hot water) connection to warm the rail surface, drying and warming towels placed on it. Electric heated towel rails are the most common in Australian bathrooms, they are connected to a standard power point or hardwired, and can be controlled with a switch or timer. They add comfort and help keep towels fresh between uses.

Most electric heated towel rails use between 60W and 150W, which is comparable to a standard light bulb. Run for 2–3 hours per day, a 100W rail costs around $0.08–$0.12 per day at average Australian electricity rates. Using a timer to run the rail only when needed significantly reduces running costs. Look for energy-efficient models with a low wattage rating.

Surface-mounted heated towel rails that plug into a standard GPO (power point) can be installed without an electrician. However, hardwired heated towel rails (which connect directly to the mains without a visible plug) must be installed by a licensed electrician under Australian law. Always check the installation requirements of your chosen model before purchasing.

Heated towel rail sizes are measured by total width, typically 450mm to 900mm for a single rail, and up to 1200mm for wider ladder-style units. A 600mm rail suits a single bathroom with one or two towels; a 900mm ladder rail is ideal for a family bathroom. Vertical ladder-style rails offer more drying capacity within a narrower wall footprint.

A standard towel rail is an unheated, wall-mounted rail for hanging and airing towels. A heated towel rail incorporates an electric or hydronic heating element that warms the rail surface. Standard towel rails are more affordable and simpler to install, while heated towel rails add warmth and faster drying. Both are available in a wide range of finishes and sizes to match bathroom accessories.