400mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rails | 350mm Pipe Centres
14 years supplying UK bathrooms, est. February 2012. Free delivery on orders over £200. 5-year manufacturer's warranty on all towel rails.
At 400mm wide these anthracite towel rails hit the sweet spot for most UK bathrooms. The 350mm pipe centres match standard plumbing without modification, and the wider ladder frame puts more steel in contact with your hot water — delivering noticeably more warmth than a 300mm rail at the same height. Choose from seven heights (600–1800mm) across central heating, pre-filled electric, and dual fuel. The flat matt anthracite powder coat hides limescale marks, resists fingerprints, and works equally well beside modern metro tile or traditional stone.
Heat Output — 400mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rails
Outputs calculated to BS EN 442. ΔT50 = standard combi boiler (70/50°C). ΔT60 = older high-temperature system. ΔT30 = heat pump.
| Height | ΔT50 (BTU/W) | ΔT60 (BTU/W) | ΔT30 (BTU/W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600mm | 618 / 181W | 783 / 229W | 318 / 93W |
| 800mm | 836 / 245W | 1,060 / 311W | 430 / 126W |
| 1000mm | 1,051 / 308W | 1,332 / 390W | 541 / 159W |
| 1200mm | 1,269 / 372W | 1,608 / 471W | 653 / 191W |
| 1400mm | 1,416 / 415W | 1,795 / 526W | 729 / 214W |
| 1600mm | 1,559 / 457W | 1,976 / 579W | 802 / 235W |
| 1800mm | 1,777 / 521W | 2,252 / 660W | 915 / 268W |
Prices — 400mm Anthracite Towel Rails by Height
| Height | Central Heating | Electric (from) | Dual Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600mm | £56.95 | £86.95 | £132.00 |
| 800mm | £61.95 | £94.95 | £140.00 |
| 1000mm | £66.95 | £96.95 | £145.00 |
| 1200mm | £71.95 | £101.95 | £170.00 |
| 1400mm | £77.95 | £107.95 | £185.00 |
| 1600mm | £82.95 | £112.95 | £180.00 |
| 1800mm | £87.95 | £117.95 | £190.00 |
CH price shown without valves. Electric price shown without element — add your choice at checkout. Free UK delivery on orders over £200.
About the Anthracite Finish
Our anthracite towel rails are coated with a powder finish applied electrostatically and cured at high temperature, bonding directly to the steel. The result is a dense, flat matt surface that sits halfway between charcoal and dark grey — cool enough to complement chrome fittings, warm enough to anchor timber-heavy schemes. Unlike polished chrome, anthracite hides watermarks and fingerprints without constant wiping. The coating is rated for bathroom humidity and will not flake, pit, or discolour under normal use. All anthracite rails carry a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.
Central Heating, Electric, or Dual Fuel?
Central heating: Connected to your existing hot water circuit via 15mm compression valves. Zero running cost beyond your boiler. Off in summer when the boiler is off — all our CH rails are pre-tapped for elements if you want to add dual fuel later.
Pre-filled electric: A sealed, self-contained rail with no pipework required. Connect via a fused spur (minimum IP44 for Zone 2 bathrooms) and it heats itself. A 400×600mm rail at 181W costs roughly 4.5p per hour at current rates. Ideal for rooms without existing heating pipes.
Dual fuel: A CH rail supplied with a dedicated T-piece element kit. Run on the boiler in winter for whole-house efficiency; switch to electric in summer when the boiler is off. One rail, two energy sources, fully independent circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pipe centre distance on 400mm wide anthracite towel rails?
The pipe centres on all 400mm wide towel rails are 350mm — measured from the centre of the left inlet to the centre of the right inlet. This follows the industry formula: rail width minus 50mm. Standard 15mm compression valves connect directly; no adaptors required for most UK plumbing.
How much heat does a 400mm anthracite towel rail produce?
At the standard ΔT50 test condition (combi boiler, 70/50°C flow/return), a 400×600mm rail outputs 618 BTU (181W) and a 400×1200mm rail outputs 1,269 BTU (372W). At heat pump temperatures (ΔT30), outputs reduce to approximately 50% of ΔT50 figures. Use our BTU calculator to match the right height to your room.
Can I add an electric element to a 400mm central heating towel rail later?
Yes. All our 400mm CH rails ship with a blanked-off boss pre-tapped for a standard UK dual fuel element. You can add a 150W, 200W, or 300W element at any time to run the rail in summer when the boiler is off. The element must be wired via a fused spur by a qualified electrician.
Is anthracite better than chrome for bathrooms?
It depends on your scheme. Anthracite suits hard water areas (it hides limescale), contemporary and industrial designs, and bathrooms with dark grout or timber accents. Chrome suits traditional, hotel-style, or all-white bathrooms. Anthracite is also more forgiving of fingerprints and rarely needs polishing.
Should I choose a 400mm or 500mm wide anthracite rail?
A 500mm rail at the same height outputs roughly 25–30% more BTU than a 400mm rail and holds more towels. If your wall fits 500mm and you need that extra heat for a larger bathroom, go wider. For standard UK bathrooms or tighter walls, a 400mm rail at the right height will perform well and look proportionate.
What is the delivery time and warranty on these rails?
All 400mm anthracite towel rails dispatch from our Coventry warehouse. Orders over £200 qualify for free UK delivery; orders below carry a £9.99 flat charge. Delivery is typically 2–5 working days. Every towel rail carries a 5-year manufacturer's warranty; electric elements carry a separate 1-year warranty.
Need Help Choosing the Right 400mm Wide Anthracite Towel Rail?
Call us on 02477 220 780 or use the live chat — our team can advise on pipe centre compatibility, height selection, and element wattage for your specific room. We dispatch from our Coventry warehouse (CV7 9NH) with free UK delivery on orders over £200.
