Towel rail advice - dual fuel, rather than just electric?

[elvis80]

Hopefully this is a quick one...
I'm currently building a house (well, my builder is, I'm doing a few of the jobs myself). Originally, we were going to have electric towel rails in the bathrooms, because we were going to have solar panels. We're over budget, so the panels will have to wait. Thanks to advice on here, I also changed my mind about the hot water loop being copper (rather than plastic). As such, I'm thinking it would now be best to have dual fuel towel rails on thermostatic valves with timers. Does that sound like the right move? We've four bathrooms, so I'm mindful of the bills racking up, if I get this wrong.
Also, what makes would people recommend for the DF towel rails and valves, please?

Edit: in case it's not already clear(!) I'm a DIYer, not a pro.
Edit2: it's just for drying towels btw, the bathrooms will have UFH.

 

[Murdoch]

The key to success with using the electric elements in dual fuel radiators is to have decent, easy to use timers so you don't waste electricity.

Ask the spark on the job for recommendations - there are some now which have APPs which make them really easy to set up and change

 

[elvis80]

The key to success with using the electric elements in dual fuel radiators is to have decent, easy to use timers so you don't waste electricity.

Ask the spark on the job for recommendations - there are some now which have APPs which make them really easy to set up and change

Didn't even realise until last night that you buy them separately. Great tip - thanks!

 

[robgul]

Resurrecting this thread as I'm thinking of adding elements to two existing towel rails for summer use (using Hive activated timers)

Blunt question: Are the elements any good/effective for drying towels? . . . and if so recommended brands.

 

[Ben-gee]

Yes, Terma

 

[Chuck]

. . . and if so recommended brands.

Timeguard (used to be Smiths Industries) do loads of timers:

Time | Immersion And General Purpose Timeswitches | Timeguard

www.timeguard.com

The ones I like for towel rails have four blue LEDs to show remaining time and a single button to select how long it's on for. One push = 1hour, Two pushes = 2 hours, etc. Exactly what's needed.

 

[Ben-gee]

Get thermostatic element.