PRODUCT FEATURE Designer Towel Warmers & Radiators

“Stainless steel and brass remain the two preferred materials for the design of superior heating solutions. Incredibly versatile and most importantly, durable, such material is suitable for connection to both open and closed heating circuits.”

Tom Long, Sales Manager at Aestus

HOT PROSPECTS …

Considered a ‘must have’ in any home, the UK market for quality heating solutions has significantly developed to meet modern-day consumer demands. Leading heating specialists are constantly pushing the boundaries, developing solutions which bring highly innovative form and function. This has certainly transformed what was once a standard installation into a specialty, so it’s great to see UK manufacturers offering such a wide variety of options.

New technologies are elevating the latest designs into a luxury purchase, with premium models offering homeowners the chance to remotely control, personalise and efficiently heat their home. Steve Birch, Operations Manager of Vogue (UK) tells us more: “The last 25 years has seen technological advancements come to the fore to meet the needs of the “anytime, anywhere” generation, giving greater user control over heat output and individual preferences. Features such as concealed valves, adjustable fixings or built-in thermostatic controls for practical placement and maximum user convenience, continue to gain momentum in the heating market and make perfect sense in the bathroom or kitchen resulting in unobtrusive control.”

Smooth Towel Warmer, Contemporary Collection by Vogue (UK)

... cont He contunued “Winning the trust of a client is essential because heating a home requires investment. If the client is price led, it might be worth discussing radiators with eco-features that offer greater performance and energy efficiency. Green credentials are a factor and it is definitely worth noting that some of the more technical characteristics can certainly be translated into unique selling points to help you clinch a sale.”

“Winning the trust of a client is essential because heating a home requires investment. If the client is price led, it might be worth discussing radiators with eco-features that offer greater performance and energy

efficiency.” Steve Birch, Operations Manager of Vogue (UK)

For example, PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) is a great feature to know about. Rather than controlling the heat by switching a thermostat on and off, PTC uses a natural stone to reach its optimum temperature, known as its Curie Point. Once this is reached, the power is reduced by up to 30%, to maintain the equilibrium temperature. Once the element has reached equilibrium, the power reduces to a level that maintains the desired temperature. When used, the element will automatically return to full power until the towel is dry and then revert to its power saving mode. In terms of design, most high-quality and distinguished radiator manufacturers design and make heating solutions suitable for all circuits; central heating, electric, dual fuel and domestic hot water systems. Quality raw materials are fundamental to overall function,

seeing different options influence the performance of a radiator. Tom Long, Sales Manager at Aestus says: “Stainless steel and brass remain the two preferred materials for the design of superior heating solutions. Incredibly versatile and most importantly, durable, such material is suitable for connection to both open and closed heating circuits. Homeowners are investing more in terms of quality and performance, realising that a cheaper, lower quality product will inevitably need replacing. It will simply not perform as well, last as long, or look as impressive as its premium counterpart and this is something that has become more apparent.”

“Traditional design is stronger than ever. Developments in technology and manufacturing techniques have made it possible to bring traditional designs into the 21st

century.” Steve Birch, Operations Manager at Vogue (UK)

Long continues: “Bucking the trend for the common white enamelled radiator or towel warmer, stylish heating solutions that incorporate different tone and texture will continue to soar in popularity. Taking modern heating solutions into new levels of design have elevated this once humble feature into a work of art. Mild steel heating designs with burnished copper, etched or polished metal and stone or mirror effect finishes are now being seen in quality designer portfolios and only confirm that it’s not all about performance these days.”

The style of heating appliance your customer chooses isn’t always indicative of the type of property they live in. In a generation where consumers want to

Ventaglio Radiator, Designer Italian Collection from Aestus

... cont create spaces that have the ‘wow factor’, never assume. Instead listen, consult, discuss and action. Steve Birch says, “It’s fair to say that although contemporary interior design trends invite consumers to embrace a minimalist style of living, traditional design is stronger than ever. Developments in technology and manufacturing techniques have made it possible to bring traditional designs into the 21st century, allowing the best elements of both eras and giving homeowners a quality mix of old and new. Classic ball joints and antique finishes are now being teamed with contemporary design features and technology, like our integral valve collection or melange finish where traditional gold and contemporary chrome are combined.”

Expert knowledge, quality installation and reliable after-care service is crucial for your customers, so visit your local bathroom or kitchen merchant, talk to your suppliers, find out what the latest products and trends are, and be confident in what’s available for you and your customers.

www.vogueuk.co.uk www.aestus.co.uk