Bathroom radiator: hot water or electric?
In short
- A hot water bathroom radiator only heats when the central heating is running. An electric model heats all year round, whenever you switch it on, but needs a power supply at the chosen spot.
- At the same height, our electric towel radiators cost about twice as much: in 1600 x 500 mm, €193.12 (700 W) against €88.61 for a 721 W hot water model, incl. VAT.
- In our range, electric output goes from 60 W (heated rod) to 1,000 W, and up to 2,000 W with a fan heater. A 700 W appliance uses at most 0.7 kWh per hour of use.
A bathroom radiator connects either to the central heating, heating with water from the boiler or heat pump, or to the mains. The right choice depends on three things: the pipes already in place, use outside the heating season and budget. This guide compares both on the hot water towel radiators and electric towel radiators in our range.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices recorded in the shop on 06/10/2026, incl. VAT.
Hot water or electric: what is the difference in a bathroom?
The heat source. A hot water radiator is part of the central heating: water heated by the boiler or heat pump flows through it, like the other radiators in the house. An electric radiator has a heating element and works on its own, plugged into the mains supply.
Two more differences follow. The hot water model depends on the heating system: it heats when the system heats, and its real output drops when the water is cooler, for example with a heat pump. The electric model delivers its output as soon as it is on, in any season. Dual fuel models, hot water with a backup element, also exist: they are a separate choice, not covered here.
If you are still unsure between a towel radiator and a standard radiator, our French article sèche-serviettes ou radiateur compares the two. Here, the question is the energy source.
Are there heating pipes where the radiator will go?
Yes: hot water is usually the simplest option. If a radiator is already connected in the bathroom, a hot water towel radiator can take its place on the same pipes, as long as the pipe centres and connection type (central or side) match. Our range has both: central connection and left/combined connection.
No: electric avoids running new pipes. Think of a bathroom in a loft conversion, an added shower room or a flat with electric heating. You will however need a power supply at the chosen spot, installed by an electrician.
Do you need heat outside the heating season?
Yes, and then electric is the most practical. From late spring to early autumn, central heating is often off or turned down: the hot water towel radiator stays cold and towels dry more slowly.
An electric model comes on when you want it, for an hour in the morning for example. The digital versions in our range have a control display, and some add a fan heater to warm the room faster.
How much does a hot water or electric bathroom radiator cost?
About twice as much for electric, at the same height. Here are our white models closest in size, prices incl. VAT:
| Hot water (central connection) | Electric |
|---|---|
| 1200 x 500 mm · 537 W · €69.68 | 1200 x 500 mm · output not stated · €173.91 |
| 1600 x 500 mm · 721 W · €88.61 | 1600 x 500 mm · 700 W · €193.12 |
| 1800 x 500 mm · 821 W · €100.61 | 1800 x 550 mm · 900 W · €218.62 |
In 1600 x 500 mm, electric costs €104.51 more for a similar output (700 W against 721 W). On the same Belrad model sold in both versions, the gap is smaller:
| Model | Hot water | Electric | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belrad left/combined connection 1200 x 500 mm | €160.17 | €276.73 | +73% |
| Belrad left/combined connection 1600 x 500 mm | €198.59 | €322.11 | +62% |
The purchase price is not the whole story. For hot water, add the heating engineer's work if pipes must be moved. For electric, add the circuit the electrician installs if nothing is in place.
What output for an electric bathroom radiator?
Whatever the room needs, as with a hot water radiator. Here are the outputs available on our electric models:
| Model | Size | Output | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single heated rod | 1500 mm | 60 W | €123.42 |
| Electric towel radiator | 1600 x 500 mm | 700 W | €193.12 |
| Digital electric towel radiator | 1590 x 500 mm | 750 W | €257.67 |
| Electric towel radiator | 1800 x 550 mm | 900 W | €218.62 |
| Digital electric towel radiator | 1837 x 550 mm | 1,000 W | €300.78 |
| Digital with fan heater | 1837 x 550 mm | 2,000 W | €408.06 |
An electric appliance uses at most its output multiplied by running time: 0.7 kWh for a 700 W model on for one hour, 2 kWh for 2,000 W. The thermostat switches the element off once the room is warm, so real consumption is often lower.
The 60 W heated rod is mainly for drying towels: its output is less than a tenth of a 700 W model.
Who connects a bathroom radiator?
An electrician for an electric model, a heating engineer for a hot water one. A bathroom is a wet room: have any electrical appliance connected by an electrician, who checks the location and the supply. For a hot water model, the installer drains the circuit, connects, repressurises and bleeds the system. Temperature is then set with a thermostatic valve.
How to choose the energy source for your bathroom radiator?
- A hot water radiator is already in place: stay with hot water, it is the cheapest to buy and install.
- No pipes reach the room: electric avoids plumbing work.
- You want dry towels in summer: electric heats all year round.
- Your central heating runs at low temperature: have your installer check the real output of a hot water model, or choose electric.
Frequently asked questions about bathroom radiators
Does a hot water towel radiator heat in summer?
No, unless the central heating is on. It heats with water from the boiler or heat pump: when the heating is off, it stays cold.
How much does an electric bathroom radiator use?
At most its output multiplied by running time: 0.7 kWh per hour for a 700 W model, 1 kWh for a 1,000 W model. The thermostat cuts consumption once the room reaches the set temperature.
Can I install an electric radiator in a bathroom myself?
Wall mounting is simple, but have the appliance connected by an electrician. They check the location and the supply, which matters in a wet room.
Does an electric radiator heat less than a hot water one?
Not at the same output. A 700 W electric model gives 700 W as soon as it is on. The output of a hot water model depends on the water temperature of your central heating.
What is the cheapest bathroom radiator?
In our range, a hot water towel radiator, from €55.32 incl. VAT. Electric towel radiators start at €173.91, and the 60 W heated rod at €123.42.
See bathroom radiators
Size and output are on every product page: see hot water towel radiators, see electric towel radiators or see all electric radiators. Collection is at our shop in Schaerbeek.
Sources: Bati-Mat Shop range (outputs and sizes taken from product titles, prices incl. VAT recorded on 06/10/2026) · Belrad, outputs stated by the manufacturer.