Want to control your towel rail from your phone? Smart electric towel rails bring your bathroom into the connected home era. This guide covers WiFi-enabled options, app features, and how to choose the best smart towel rail.
Written by the ElegantHeat Team
Heating Specialists with 12+ Years Experience | Based in Coventry, UK
What Makes a Towel Rail "Smart"?
Smart electric towel rails include connectivity features that let you control them remotely or automate their operation:
- WiFi connectivity - Connect to your home network
- Smartphone app - Control from anywhere
- Voice control - Works with Alexa, Google Home, etc.
- Smart scheduling - Advanced programming options
- Energy monitoring - Track electricity usage
- Geofencing - Turns on/off based on your location
Benefits of Smart Towel Rails
Why Go Smart?
- Never forget to turn it off - Schedule or control remotely
- Preheat before you arrive home - Warm towels waiting
- Save energy - Only heat when needed
- Voice control hands-free - "Alexa, turn on bathroom heating"
- Monitor energy costs - See exactly what you're spending
- Holiday mode - Turn off remotely if you forgot
Types of Smart Towel Rail Control
1. Built-In WiFi (Native Smart)
The towel rail comes with WiFi built into the thermostat/controller.
| Pros | Seamless integration, single app, designed to work together |
| Cons | Higher price, limited brand options, may need specific app |
2. Smart Plug Solution
Use any plug-in electric towel rail with a smart plug (like TP-Link, Meross, or Amazon Smart Plug).
| Pros | Works with any plug-in rail, cheap (£10-20), use your preferred smart home app |
| Cons | No temperature control (just on/off), another device to manage |
3. Smart Thermostat Element
Replace the standard element with a WiFi-enabled thermostatic element.
| Pros | Upgrade existing towel rail, full temperature control, professional finish |
| Cons | May need electrician to fit, element cost + installation |
Key Features to Look For
Essential Smart Features
- 7-day scheduling - Different times for each day
- Temperature control - Set precise temperatures (not just on/off)
- Boost function - Quick heat override
- Energy reporting - Usage statistics
- Away mode - Reduce heating when not home
Advanced Features
- Geofencing - Auto on/off based on phone location
- Open window detection - Pauses heating if temperature drops suddenly
- Adaptive learning - Learns your schedule over time
- Multiple user support - Family members can control
- IFTTT integration - Connect with other smart devices
Smart Home Compatibility
| Platform | Voice Command Example | Native Support* |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | "Alexa, turn on the towel rail" | Most brands |
| Google Home | "Hey Google, set towel rail to 50 degrees" | Many brands |
| Apple HomeKit | "Siri, turn off bathroom heating" | Limited |
| Samsung SmartThings | Automation routines | Via integration |
*Check specific product compatibility before purchasing
Smart Plug Setup Guide
The easiest way to make any plug-in towel rail smart:
What You Need
- Plug-in electric towel rail (any brand)
- Smart plug rated for the towel rail wattage (usually 13A/3000W is fine)
- Home WiFi network
- Smartphone with smart plug app
Setup Steps
- Set your towel rail thermostat to desired temperature (e.g., 55°C)
- Plug the towel rail into the smart plug
- Plug the smart plug into your wall socket
- Download and set up the smart plug app
- Create schedules (e.g., 6am-8am and 6pm-10pm)
- Link to Alexa/Google Home if desired
Important Note
With a smart plug, you're controlling power on/off only. The towel rail's built-in thermostat still regulates temperature. Set the thermostat to your preferred temperature, and use the smart plug for scheduling when power is available.
Running Costs: Smart vs Manual
Smart control typically saves 15-30% on energy by optimising when the towel rail runs:
| Usage Pattern | Monthly Cost (400W) |
|---|---|
| Left on 24/7 | £43.20 |
| Manual timer (6 hours/day) | £21.60 |
| Smart scheduling (4 hours/day) | £14.40 |
| Smart + geofencing (3 hours/day) | £10.80 |
Based on 30p/kWh. Smart control pays for itself within months.
Best Smart Towel Rail Scenarios
Perfect For:
- Tech enthusiasts - Love gadgets and automation
- Busy professionals - Irregular schedules, often away
- Airbnb hosts - Remote control for guest properties
- Energy-conscious users - Want to minimise waste
- Multi-bathroom homes - Control all from one app
Might Be Overkill For:
- Single bathroom with regular schedule
- Users who prefer simple controls
- Bathrooms with no WiFi signal
Ready to Choose Your Towel Rail?
Browse our full range of electric and dual fuel towel rails, all with free UK delivery.
FAQs
Do I need a smart home hub?
Most smart towel rails and plugs work directly with your WiFi - no hub needed. Some advanced integrations may benefit from a hub like SmartThings.
What happens if WiFi goes down?
Built-in smart towel rails usually revert to last settings. Smart plugs typically stay in their last state (on or off). Manual control is still available.
Can I control multiple towel rails from one app?
Yes, if they're the same brand or using compatible smart plugs. You can create "rooms" and control together.
Is a smart plug safe in a bathroom?
Yes, if the socket is outside bathroom zones (which it should be for any plug-in towel rail). The smart plug itself stays dry.
Last updated: January 2025