The Buyers Guide to
Towel Warmers
A comprehensive overview of what's available on the Australian market. Hybrid Ladders & Dry Element Rails use individual dry elements, making them easier to repair, and more energy efficient.
Types of Towel Warmers
In Australia, there are two common heating systems - Hydronic and Dry Element.
Hydronic Towel Warmers are filled with liquid that is heated by a single element, thus heating the rails. In contrast, all Avenir warmers use Dry Elements to heat the air inside the rails. These are similar to the elements used for underfloor heating and are extremely long lasting and in many cases easier to repair.
Hydronic Ladder
Water & thermostatically controlled element.
Replaceable element (± AUD 160.00) requires qualified electrician
Dry Element Ladder
One continuous dry heating element for extended lifespan.
Non-Replaceable dry element (Designed to last 30+ years). Avenir offers a 10 year new for old warranty
Dry Element Rails
Separate dry heating elements for extended lifespan.
REPLACEABLE INDIVIDUAL DRY ELEMENTS (±AUD $10) per element
Hybrid Ladder
Separate dry heating elements for extended lifespan.
REPLACEABLE INDIVIDUAL DRY ELEMENTS (±AUD $10) per element
What look do you want?
There is a wide variety of options to choose from, with round and rectangular designs and a selection of widths and lengths. Most products also come with the option to request special finishes to match your bathroom design.
Hydronic Ladder
Generally made from round brass or copper tubing which is a softer material than stainless steel.
- Round-shaped tubes
- All joints are welded
- Extra leg required for electrical connection
Special finishes available
Dry Element Ladder
Made of stainless steel tubing & pre-polished stainless steel components, making it more durable.
- Round or square-shaped tubes
- No visible welding
- Symmetrical Design
Special finishes available
Dry Element Rails
Made of stainless steel tubing & pre-polished stainless steel components, making it more durable.
- Round or square-shaped tubes
- No visible welding
- Symmetrical Design
- No vertical rails makes modern, minimalist design
Special finishes available
Hybrid Ladder
Made using folded sheets of pre-polished stainless steel, with no welding required, allowing an immaculate finish.
- Flat rails for optimal heated surface area
- Hard or soft edged corner details
- No welding required
- Symmetrical Design
Special finishes available
Environmental
Impact
Dry Element Ladders & Rails
All Avenir Dry Element Ladders and Rails are manufactured from an environmentally preferred stainless steel, typically 304 grade, which is mirror polished an not chrome-plated.
Hydronic Ladder
Hydronic Ladders are generally made from chrome-plated copper or brass, known for its harmful chemicals and vast amounts of water usage.
Is it energy efficient?
While all towel warmers and rails are theoretically 100% energy efficient (every watt of energy that passes through the element is converted to heat), the different heating methods means that either the heat can be used more efficiently, or more energy can be wasted.
Note: Temperatures shown are for illustrative purposes only.
Hydronic Ladder
Hydronic Ladders heat the entire ladder, taking longer to reach full temperature. As they are generally thermostatically controlled, they will try to maintain their set temperature even when not in use, thus wasting excess energy.
Dry Element Ladder
Dry Element Ladders typically heat quicker than Hydronic Ladders. While parts of the vertical rails do get heated, this system uses less energy as the rails only reach optimal heat when covered by a towel.
Dry Element Rails
Being simple in design, and with no vertical rails to heat, the Dry Element Rails offer a significant energy saving. The round or rectangular variants only reach optimal temperature when covered by a towel.
Hybrid Ladder
The Hybrid is the only Ladder that only heats the horizontal rails, saving up to 25% energy. The flat rails provide a larger heated surface area, only reaching optimal temperature when covered by a towel.
Where can it be installed
The Hybrid and Milli Edge Ladders and Dry Element Rails both use a 12V or 24V supply connected at any corner, offering more flexibility when choosing where to install your towel warmers in your bathroom. The Hydronic Ladders and Dry Element Ladders on the other hand only use a 240 Volt supply, making them less safe and not recommended to install in Bathroom Zone one.
Hydronic Ladder
240 Volt Connection
Element can only be fitted to the bottom left or right. Can be selected at time of installation.
- Not advisable to install in
bathroom zone 1
Installation System
- No In-wall installation kit required, however hardwire kit is an additional cost.
- Plugin option available
Dry Element Ladder
240 Volt Connection
Electrical Connection can be made at any of the 4 corners. Can be selected at time of installation.
- Not advisable to install in
bathroom zone 1
Installation System
- MDF mounting template supplied.
- In-wall installation kit included.
- Diamond drill bit included.
- Plugin option included.
Dry Element Rails
12 Volt Connection
Electrical Connection can be made at either end. Requires an installation kit.
- Can be safely installed in
bathroom zone 1 & 2
Installation System
- MDF mounting template supplied.
- In-wall installation kit included.
- Diamond drill bit included.
- No Plugin option available.
Hybrid Ladder
24 Volt Connection
Electrical Connection can be made at any of the 4 corners. Can be selected at time of installation.
- Can be safely installed in
bathroom zone 1 & 2
Installation System
- MDF mounting template supplied.
- No In-wall installation kit required.
- Diamond drill bit included.
- No Plugin option available.
Value for Money
With less energy usage and the flexibility to be installed throughout the bathroom, the Hybrid Ladders and Dry Element Rails offer a contemporary look and good value for money.
Hydronic Ladder
- Constant heat
- Extra leg for connection
- Takes longer to heat up
- Higher energy usage
240 Volt Connection
5 rail ladder
700 x 600 mm
1060.00
Dry Element Ladder
- Round or square tubes
- Round or square tubes
- Made of environmentally friendly and durable stainless steel
240 Volt Connection
6 rail ladder
600 x 628 mm
600.00