We here at Amba want to ensure that we have enough product variety to appeal to a wide audience — from the wide-panel Vega, to the freestanding Solo models, each collection offers a unique style and different levels of heating. We often get the question: what is the difference between the Jeeves collection and the Radiant?
JEEVES
The Jeeves collection features a classic towel bar design featuring liquid-filled round bars. These electric models are made in South Africa from locally sourced, 100% recyclable stainless steel. You have a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from, with the option of straight or gently curved horizontal cross bars. All models are available in 5 finishes: polished and brushed stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and white. Thanks to the way the liquid system operates and heats, the element is replaceable — meaning even after decades, you can swap out the heating element of any Jeeves model, and it will operate like new!
RADIANT
The Radiant collection is an affordable, wall-mounted heated towel rack made in China. We offer a round or square bar design, with straight or curved horizontal bars, & unlike the Jeeves collection, the Radiant Collection is a Plug-in/Hardwired combo unit, meaning it comes with a cable and outlet plug, along with a hardwiring kit. An installer simply cuts the outlet plug off, and hardwired the unit as usual. Made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, there are a variety of models, all of which come available in Brushed & Polished stainless steel finishes. We have expanded a few specific models with additional finishes, including Matte Black, Satin Brass, Polished Gold, and Brushed Bronze! Using Dry Element Technology to heat, it takes only 15-20 minutes for the unit to heat up. The integrated on/off switch with the pilot light allows direct unit control. They are not big power consumers, rated at 150 watts, equivalent to a few light bulbs. Due to the nature of the internal cable-heated system, the Radiant collection does not have an easily replaceable heating element. In the event that a unit stops operating, it is best to replace the unit outright, either by requesting a warranty replacement if in the warranty window, or purchasing a new unit,
Another big difference is in the available warranties:
- The Jeeves Collection includes a 10-year warranty on the construction of the unit and a 2-year warranty on the heating element, which can be replaced.
- The Radiant Collection includes a warranted for 2 years on the complete unit.
How do I know if I have a Jeeves or a Radiant unit? The packing slip gives item as RWH-CP. Can the unit be mounted to the wall with the electrical connection on the upper left rather than the lower right? T
Hey Dexter — you have a Radiant Hardwired Curved model in a Polished finish; unfortunately we do not offer top assembly for the electrical connection for this collection.
Which model do I choose to get the maximum ambient heating in addition to the towel warming capabilities?
Thanks,
Jan
Hey Jan! The Jeeves collection will outperform the Radiant collection for sure in heat output especially if you go with a larger model – Like the Model E, Model C, or Model D; the more surface area you have exposed to the air means more ambient heat. The only real ceiling to heat output is how much you are willing to spend — our other collections (Quadro/Sirio/Elory/Vega/Antus) all are specifically built to be combination towel warmers and space heaters and put out a considerable amount of heat. Dont hesitate to call us and let us know if you have any questions!
Hey Kari! I put together a little graphic to show you how two towels would fit on the C vs. the E — let us know if you have any other questions!
Thanks so much for that graphic, that really helps a lot! I guess I’m still wondering why I would spend so much more on the Jeeves than the Radiant, could you help explain that? Also, I’d like to be able to turn the unit on and off, and the Jeeves doesn’t have an on/off switch? Would I buy a timer to control it? Thanks again!
The Jeeves collection has a 10-year warranty covering the unit itself — they are also use a liquid-filled system to keep the bars warm vs. the Radiant collection which has a cable that heats it up meaning the Jeeves units will be able to maintain higher temperatures easier! You will need to hardwire a switch for the Jeeves units to be able to turn off/on; they use very little electricity and can easily be left on 24/7 — typically one only really needs to turn them off when going on a vacation or being away for a while to save a bit of power!
Hi, I have a question: This article says there’s a 10 year warranty on the Jeeves units, but the information page about at least the C Curved says 5 years – which is correct?
Greetings Joy – the information page was incorrect: it is indeed 10 years! Thank you for letting us know!
Are the elements in the Jeeves models replaceable by the consumer, or would the unit need to be returned to have the element replaced?
You sure can! We actually have a quick video with directions on how to accomplish this!
Jeeves Left-Hand Assembly DIY Guide
My Jeeves unit no longer heats up.
It is 4-5 years old. I live in Canada. Are new heating elements available for my electrician to fix it here in Canada.
Regards Stephen Boucher
What advantage is it having curved vs. straight?
There is no technical advantage, though the curved units will have more clearance behind — It is mostly an aesthetic choice depending on what your needs are!
You can visit Grab Bar Specialists to order a replacement element!
Can any of your models be left on all the time or do they need to be shut of.
Our heated towel racks are designed to be left on: when you are traveling or on vacation we recommend using an on/off switch and turning the unit off until you return home!
Can I purchase a timer for the radiant hard wired unit?
Certainly! The ATW-T24 is a timer we supply, but you are more than welcome to use any other electrical timer than can be wired in conjunction with hardwired appliances! When in doubt, check with a trusted electrician!
I have the same question as Dexter from 2yrs ago. your units are wired on the lower right, can they be turned 180 degrees which would put the wires in the upper left or are they designed to be installed with designated top and bottom from the factory? How much of an up charge is there to have a unit made with the wiring in the lower left corner?
The Jeeves collection MUST be wired at the bottom right or left — the wet element system is designed to transfer the heat upwards and around the unit: always consult the installation guides for specific instructions. We do not sell direct to consumers so you would need to contact a showroom or retailer to get costs for specific units! Visit our Showroom Locator page to find a retailer near you!
If you are looking at the Radiant collection, which use a dry element technology, these can be installed in any orientation, as there is no liquid involved with the heating process. With any wiring/installation its vital to make sure you have an experienced and licensed electrician, and ALWAYS make sure that local electrical code is being upheld.