Two towel radiators with the same width and height can deliver different amounts of heat. Compare the exact models in the same units and at the same ΔT, then consider how you will hang towels.
Look beyond the overall dimensions
Tube number, diameter, spacing, depth and the shape of the rail affect its effective surface area. Finish and construction may differ as well. Use the published test figures for each model rather than guessing from appearance.
Compare like for like
Imagine two rails of the same size rated at 380 W and 460 W at ΔT50. The second gives 80 W more at that condition. If your system runs cooler, get each model’s rating at that lower ΔT before relying on the difference. See how to compare ΔT ratings.
Check how the rail will be used
Check how many towels you need to hang, the gaps between bars, pipe centres and wall clearance. Towels can affect heat transfer to the room. Use the available wall space to shortlist narrow towel radiators or wide towel radiators, then check the heat output for the exact model.
Frequently asked questions
Can I assume the black version gives more heat than the chrome version?
Compare the technical figures for the two exact variants under the same conditions. Finish alone is insufficient to predict the difference.
See the bathroom heating and BTU guide for the full process from room heat loss to choosing a rail.