The Buyers Guide to Heated Towel Rails
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 Heated Rails
In Australia, there are two common heating systems -
Hydronic and Dry Element.
Hydronic Ladders are filled with liquid that is heated by a single element, thus heating the rails. In contrast, all Avenir heated ladders and rails 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
FINISHES
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
FINISHES
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
FINISHES
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
FINISHES
Special Finishes Available
Environmental Impact
Hydronic Ladder
Hydronic Ladders are generally made from chrome-plated copper or brass, known for its harmful chemicals and vast amounts of water usage.
Dry Element Ladders & Rails
All Avenir Dry Element Ladders and Rails are manufactured from an environmentally prefeered stainless steel, typically 304 grade, which is mirror polished an not chrome-plated.
Is it energy efficient?
While all heated towel ladders 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.
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 heated rails 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
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
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
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 Systems
Hydronic Ladder
- No In-wall installation kit required, however hardwire kit is an additional cost.
- Plugin option available
Dry Element Ladder
- MDF mounting template supplied.
- In-wall installation kit included.
- Diamond drill bit included.
- Plugin option included.
Dry Element Rails
- MDF mounting template supplied.
- In-wall installation kit included.
- Diamond drill bit included.
- No Plugin option available.
Hybrid Ladder
- 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
Estimated Retail Price
5 rail ladder
700 x 600 mm
Dry Element Ladder
- Round or square tubes
- Symmetrical design
- Made of environmentally friendly and durable stainless steel
Estimated Retail Price
6 rail ladder
600 x 628 mm
