How To Choose The Best Chrome or Stainless Steel Heated Towel Rail?

There is many options when it comes to purchasing heated towel rails. You have the option of choosing from different sizes and shapes, as well as between stainless steel or chrome. While a stainless steel heated towel rail and a chrome heated towel rail may look similar, each one brings something unique to the table. We take a closer look at these two options as you can choose from the many choices. If you are interested in learning more about each of these babies, get together.

Let's get to the technical stuff. We promise to keep it short and sweet.

Stainless steel is the joining together of two or more parties. However, not all members are equal. These members are steel, chromium, and/or nickel. For those who are more scientifically inclined, stainless steel can be described as a metal alloy or a mixture of two metals. To be considered stainless steel, however, it must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium by mass. Although it may not be stain-proof as its name suggests, it is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion, tarnish, and scratches. This little guy is the perfect material for areas where moisture is a problem (i.e. the bathroom). Stainless steel has no known health hazards and is very hygienic.

Chrome (short for chromium) is a chromium plating or overlay. This lustrous, hard, metallic steel grey material is a bit of a loner up until it is electroplated onto a metal or plastic product. Even then, it joins up as a thin layer. The beauty of chromium plating is its decorative use as a corrosion-free veneer for bathroom accessories like your toilet holder or bath caddy. This material is functionally useful and can be used to reinforce the object it covers. However, if it scratches, it can flake off, opening up to possible rust.

Here are the pros and cons of a stainless steel heated towel rail versus a chrome heated towel rail.

Stainless Steel	Chrome or Chromium Plating
More durable than Chrome.	Less durable than Stainless Steel.
Not as shiny as chrome, easier to keep clean.	Polished, shiny surface, more difficult to keep clean.
Marginally more expensive than chrome.	Slightly less expensive than stainless steel.
Metal alloy without any plating/veneer.	Metal or plastic core with a chromium overlay.
Rust free.	Doesn’t rust, but can appear dull when damaged.
Inner core same as the outer surface.	The inner metal core can rust if the outer surface is damaged or from natural wear and tear.
100% recyclable	Partially recyclable.
Does not collect bacteria or algae buildup.	If not dried frequently will get limescale.
Surface scratches can be polished out.	Surface scratches can cause peeling.

These are the main differences between chrome and stainless steel. Stainless steel is more economical than chrome, which makes it more cost-effective. These facts will help you choose the right heated towel rail solution for your needs and bathroom.