Sometimes, it’s the small things in life that keep you fresh and happy all day long. A towel warming appliance, though simple and basic, can help add a bit of luxury to your life. Be it an icy morning or a cold rainy day, when you walk into the bathroom, you’ll know something cozy and comfy awaits.
Towel warmers not only are a benefit to your post-spa sessions; they can also be a wonderful daily treat for the elderly, a loved one with muscular aches or sprains, or a baby’s bath routine.
The essential purpose of a heated towel rail is to provide a warming effect for your towels. However, you also can place a damp towel on the rail, and the towel will quickly dry and be ready for reuse in a few hours.
Page Contents
Our Top Picks
Types of Towel Warmers
We listed four basic types of towel warmers for your bathroom.
- Standard Ladder Style – Obviously, these feature a ladder shape, with rungs on which you can hang towels. Rungs can be flat or curved. They come in many sizes, usually in white or with a chrome finish. White warmers usually output more heat. Units with a chrome finish can easily catch dirt and can be more difficult to clean.
- Traditional Style – These units are a great choice if you like the look of an old-fashioned radiator. Choose the unit with metal rails since it perfectly outputs the heat.
- Statement Towel Warmers – These are ideal if you want them to stand out in your bathroom. You can find them in just about any color and size to perfectly match your bathroom decor.
- Designer Towel Warmers – Designer warmers are excellent if you want to complement your bathroom style since they also come in a variety of colors and sizes. To take up as little space as possible, choose a flat-style unit or the one with circular rails for a more streamlined look. If your bathroom is larger, you can buy the unit with a curved rail.
Comparison of the Cozy Towel Warmers
Review of the 9 Best Towel Warmers (Updated)
When you’re ready to add simple luxury to your bathroom, you’re ready to buy a towel warmer! Imagine stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm towel.
The market is flooded with ample shapes and sizes so finding the right one for you might be overwhelming. You must keep your bathroom size, the position of other toiletries, and tub placement in mind when shopping. However, no matter the style or size of your bathroom, there is an electric towel warmer that can fit in seamlessly.
1. Brandon Basics Wall Mounted – Editor’s Choice
“Known as the Lamborghini of towel warmers, the Brandon Basics is smartly designed without sacrificing efficiency.”
| Dimension: | 33″ x 23″ x 4″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 190 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | 1 or 2 hour |
The Brandon Basics Wall Mounted Electric Towel is our favorite towel warmer because of its fresh, modern look, efficient drying options, and affordable price. Long gone are the days of drying yourself off with a wet towel!
More Features
The Brandon Basics has a built-in LED indicator that allows you to select one or two hours of heating time, depending on how wet your towel is. The towel rack is designed for US towel sizes, drying your towel completely and giving you a warm, fresh one for your next shower. The rack is also perfect for drying or warming up bathrobes, pajamas, and delicates.
The Brandon Basics can be plugged into your wall, in a 115v outlet, or be hard-wired into your wall.
The hard-wire option is more discreet, hiding your power connection in one of the rack’s legs. This feature is what makes the Brandon Basics design so great. Most towel warmers have an awkward fifth leg that makes them look clunky and mechanical. The hidden hard-wire function of the Brandon Basics is a sleek addition that saves space and looks fantastic
The Brandon Basics consists of 12 horizontal bars and is 190 watts. The easy to clean bars are made of 304 Stainless Steel. The rack also includes two garment hooks.
The rack comes in brushed, polished, or matte black.
Pros and Cons
- LED display shows two drying options
- Hidden hard-wire option
- Garment hooks included
- Can be difficult to install
What Customers Are Saying
Over 70% of the Brandon Basics reviews give the towel warmer five stars. Users love the rack’s built-in timer and sturdy structure. Some users note that they were frustrated with the installation process, as they were unable to do it themselves and needed professional help.
2. Tangkula Towel Warmer – Quickest Pre-Heat Time
“Lightweight and convenient, the Tangkula Towel Warmer has an unbeatable heating time that will surely impress.”
| Dimension: | 36″ x 22.25″ x 2.5″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 115 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | 0-8 hour |
The Tangkula is a good pick if you’re in the market for a compact, affordable towel warmer that heats up fast.
Design
The Tangkula Towel Warmer consists of ten stainless steel 201 bars that have a heating power of 115 watts. The towel warmer is wall-mounted and comes with a 5.7’ UL certified plug that’s compatible with any standard outlet. Turning the rack on and off is simple, with just the flick of the safety-protected switch.
This towel warmer has a clever size, warming up everything from small hand towels to large bath sheets. It only takes about ten to fifteen minutes for the rack to heat up to a stable temperature of 122 to 131℉. The rack can hold up to six pounds of clothing and weighs eight pounds itself.
Pros and Cons
- Takes only 10 to 15 minutes to heat up
- Ten well-spaced racks
- Wall-mounted compact design
- Takes long for a towel to become fully dry
Customer Buzz
Users are impressed with how fast the Tangkula heats up and how straightforward it is to install. Positive reviews also boast about the rack’s affordable price. Common complaints about the Tangkula tend to be around the drying time, which takes upwards of a few hours to fully dry a towel.
3. Sharndy Towel Warmer – Best All-Day Drying Option
“The Sharndy Towel Warmer is perfect if you want a towel warmer that can stay on all day without any worries.”
| Dimension: | 16.51″ x 5.51″ x 23.62″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 40 Watts |
One of the smallest models on this list, the Sharndy is a high-end electric towel rack that dries towels throughout the day while saving you energy.
The Design
The six-pound Sharndy is made of four stainless steel bars. The drying rack is 120 volts or 40 watts. It comes with a five-foot power cord that matches the warmer color of choice.
The towel rack heats up in approximately ten minutes to 113-122°F; a built-in temperature monitor prevents the rack from overheating. The model is designed to be on all day, meaning you can put your wet towels on the bars at night and wake up to a fluffy, warm towel in the morning.
Even with the warmer being 24 hours a day, the model takes up limited electrical power, giving you round-the-clock dry towels at a fraction of the cost. The model is created in a one-piece welding style making installation a breeze.
The Sharndy is available in black, brushed, orb, or polished colors. The black and brushed models can also be purchased with a built-in temperature and timer controller. With the controller, you can adjust the heating time in one hour increments and change the temperature in 10°F increments.
The model comes with everything needed for plug-in installation but a hardwire installation guide can be bought separately as well.
Pros and Cons
- One-piece welding design
- Energy-saving model
- Can be left on all day
- Hard-wire option sold separately
Summary of Reviews
For the most part, users like the Sharndy because of its simple installation process, small size, and long-term drying options. Users also like the color selection, which is hard to come by in other models. Negative reviews around the Sharndy tend to be about the hard-wiring option being sold separately. Users were disappointed the towel warmer only came in with a plug in option.
4. Towel Spa Heatwave Industries – Quickest Drying Time
“In a hurry but still want to have the shower experience you deserve? The Towel Spa Heatwave Industries Towel Warmer has got you covered – with cozy, warm towels in just minutes.”
| Dimension: | 11.75″ x 8.25″ x 12″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 300 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | 1 Minute |
This compact towel warmer isn’t your traditional towel drying rack. Instead, you put your towel in the warmer before you go into your shower to take it out as you exit.
The Design
The Towel Spa is a white, plastic container that can be easily moved from room to room, weighing about 6 pounds. As opposed to traditional towel warmers, this model doesn’t require over 20 minutes to heat up and then another few hours to warm your towels. Instead, you simply insert your towel before the shower and in about six minutes, you have a toasty towel warmed to perfection.
The Towel Spa has an indicator light to show when it’s on and automatically turns off after a few minutes; it comes with a power cord as well. The appliance is maintenance-free, at most requiring a wipe-down once in a while.
This towel warmer is also great for robes, baby clothes, and delicates.
Pros and Cons
- Compact and easy to move
- Dries towels in minutes
- No preheat time required
- Not ideal for larger towels
The Buzz From Customers
Massage therapists, spa employees, and residential users praise the Towel Spa’s quick drying time and easy-to-use design. Users are also happy with the unit’s tight-fit nature that can be placed in any size bathroom. The most common complaints are about certain towel sizes being incompatible with the machine and the occasionally faulty temperature sensor. Some users claim the machine only works on smaller towels and that the model would unreliably turn on and off without them touching it.
5. Conair Home Towel Warmer – Most Budget Friendly
“The Conair Home Towel Warmer gets straight to the point, with easy drying at an all-time low cost.”
| Dimension: | 2.00″ x 24.00″ x 32.25″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | No |
| Wattage: | Not Specified |
| Timer Hours: | No |
This model is most notable for its low price, fun design, and fast heating time.
The Design
The Conair is designed in a similar zig-zag shape to the Homeleader Towel Warmer. The towel warmer has a satin nickel finish and can be wall-mounted or freestanding. It takes about 20 minutes for the rack to warm up to an optimal temperature.
The Conair is a bare basic model that’s most notable for its unbeatable low price. The rack has an on/off indicator light and weighs about eight pounds. Warm your towels or delicate clothing in thirty minutes for a luxurious after-shower experience.
Pros and Cons
- Unbeatable low price
- Freestanding or wall-mounted
- Takes long for a towel to become fully dry
What Reviewers Say
Most reviews of the Conair boast about the model’s affordable price and simple design. Users love that the model can stand on its own or hang on the wall if needed. The most common complaint about the towel warmer is that it takes a long time for towels or clothing to dry. While some say their towels were dry in 30 minutes, others claim their towels were lukewarm after a few hours.
6. Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired – Review Champion
“The Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer is a solid find, made of durable stainless steel perfect for any bathroom aesthetic.”
| Dimension: | 31.5″ x 5.75″ x 23.63″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | No |
| Wattage: | 150 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | No |
The Amba is a no-frill towel warmer that gets the job done. Its curved design and well-spaced out bars allow you to dry and warm your towels hassle-free.
Design
Amba is made up of ten curved stainless steel crossbars allowing optimal drying conditions. The crossbars are rust and tarnish resistant requiring minimal maintenance. The rack is 150 watts, saving you money on power while still performing reliably. Both its horizontal and vertical bars are heated.
The Amba also has a built-in on and off switch. The rack has a plug on its bottom right-hand side; it can also be installed upside down, making the plug on the upper left-hand side.
Pros and Cons
- Stainless steel bars
- Low power consumption
- No automatic timer
Our Take on the Reviews
Generally, users are satisfied with the Amba RWH-CB towel warmer, citing the rack’s quick drying time, easy installation, and simple design. Some users report that the towel warmer takes longer than expected to heat up; users had to get used to the fact that they needed to turn the dryer on ahead of time to get a dry towel in time for their shower.
7. WarmlyYours 4-Bar Elements Towel Warmer – Runner Up
“With its four bar funky design, the Warmly Yours Towel Warmer is as stylish as it is effective.”
| Dimension: | 16.3″ x 3.5″ x 28.5″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Not Specified |
| Wattage: | 60 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | Not Specified |
The WarmlyYours 4-Bar Elements Towel Warmer is unlike any other towel warmer on this list. Its smartly-designed ‘B’ shaped structure is a great size for smaller bathrooms and fits two towels at a time.
Design
The WarmlyYours is a wall-mountable swiveling towel rack made of stainless steel and polished chrome. Its five-foot long cord can be plugged into any 120v outlet and is turned on via a power switch that comes with an indicator light.
The model reaches a maximum temperature of 140°F and peak temperature about 45 minutes after being turned on. The towel warmer can fit two towels or bathrobes on it; placing more than this may cause the unit to overheat.
Pros and Cons
- Adjustable wall mounted hinge
- Unique B-shaped design
Made of low maintenance stainless-steel
- Can overheat if too many items are put on top
Not great for long towels
Our Take on the Reviews
Users are happy with the WarmlyYours Towel Warmer because of its convenient size. Reviews mention that when not in use, the warmer can be easily pressed against the wall in seconds. Common complaints about this model are around its temperature control. Some mention the warmer overheating easily while others claim the warmer unreliably dries their towels.
8. Warmrail HSKC Kensington Wall Mounted
“When you’re balling on a budget but still want a luxury bathroom experience, the Warmrails HSKC Kensington is the way to go.”
| Dimension: | 26″ x 6″ x 40″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | No |
| Wattage: | 105 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | No |
The Warmrails HSKC Kensington made our top ten list because of its affordable price, low energy usage, and easy installation process.
More Features
The Warmrails HSKC Kensington is a 105-watt unit wall mounted towel warmer that comes with a 6.5’ power cord and a direct wire option. The unit only weighs eight pounds and is easy to install. The rack is especially great for those not ready to commit to a permanent new fixture in their bathroom.
The Warmrails HSKC Kensington has eight bars and heats up in 15 to 20 minutes. The rack does not have an automatic timer, meaning you’ll have to manually turn the warmer on and off. The Warmrails HSKC Kensington quickly dries your towels as well as delicates, bedding, and swimsuits.
The Warmrails HSKC Kensington comes in nickel or chrome. The Warmrails collection also has two floor standing towel warmers, known as the Warmrails RTC Traditional Towel Warmers, also available in chrome or nickel. The Warmrails WHS Hyde Park Family Sized Towel Warmer is a larger floor mounted model available as well.
Pros and Cons
- Direct wire or power cord installation available
- Easy installation
- No automatic timer
Crooked bars
Customer Buzz
Users like the Warmrails HSKC Kensington’s easy installation, and low-commitment design through its power cord option. The most common complaint about the towel warmer is the model’s crooked racks and long drying times. The model’s low voltage requires more time for towels to fully dry and be warm.
9. Homeleader Towel Warmer and Drying Rack
“The Homeleader Towel Warmer and Drying Rack shows that luxurious living does not have to be expensive.”
| Dimension: | 24.8″ x 2.4″ x 31.8″ |
| Hard Wire: | Yes |
| Plug in: | Yes |
| Built-in Timer: | Yes |
| Wattage: | 120 Watts |
| Timer Hours: | 30 min |
The Homeleader model is fantastic when you need something low-risk and affordable. The warmer dries towels and other delicate clothing items quickly and safely.
Features
The Homeleader Towel Warmer has an in-line on and off switch that reaches 131-141℉ within 30 minutes of being turned on. The switch has a light indicator and a safety cover as well. The towel warmer is made of white lacquered steel that is shaped into a modern, bent structure. The rack can stand on the floor by itself or can be wall-mounted.
The Homeleader’s installation process is painless, with all necessary hardware and tools already included in the package – no professional help required! The rack is 120 watts and comes in white.
For a more high-tech towel warmer, the Homeleader Stainless Steel Towel Warmer is also available. This wall-mounted model has a mirror polish finish and consists of nine bars. It is more expensive and features a built-in thermostat.
Pros and Cons
- Unique zig-zag design
- Can be wall-mounted or freestanding
- Affordable, low price
- Can stop working after heavy usage
What Customers Are Saying
Many users love the Homeleader model because of its easy installation, affordable price, and unique look. Users especially like that they can put the free-standing model away when it’s not in use. Common complaints are about the towel warmer’s durability. Because of its cheaper cost, the towel rack isn’t as long-lasting as its other more expensive counterparts.
Tips and Tricks for Towel Warmers
Here are five simple tips and tricks for using a towel warmer.
- If you want your towels to be warmer, choose a thicker unit.
- It’s important to lay the towels. Put your hand towels over bath towels at night, which will keep the warmth inside.
- In most cases, it’s best to have towels that are no wider than 28 inches. That way, you will be able to fold more towels, which is especially important if you don’t live alone.
- For maximum warmth, fold the towel between the rails.
- If you have young children, keep in mind that the bars can get pretty warm, especially on the sides.
Mounting and Installation
The easiest units to install are electric-plug models, which use the standard 120-volt plug. Hardwired and hydronic units usually need to be installed by a professional. Installing them yourself can void the warranty.
When it comes to mounting, there are two types of towel warmers.
Wall-mounted units – excellent for compact bathrooms since they are very similar to traditional towel bars. They can be both hydronic and electric and can have a plug or come hardwired.
Floor-standing units – usually very similar to wall-mounted models. On the other hand, if you need more flexibility, choose a freestanding unit.
Setup Method Comparisons
We compared two different setup methods for you, which helps you decide the best option.
1. Plumbed vs. Electric
When installing a towel warmer, you are not limited to using the existing heating system of your home. For example, if you have central heating, you can install either a plumbed or an electric unit. When buying, make sure to buy the unit that has the identical pipe as a small radiator that was installed, so that you don’t have troubles with the installation. It’s also a nice idea to turn off the central heating system so you won’t have to remember to turn it on.
If you buy a dual-fuel unit, you will get the best deal. When it’s winter, the warmer will heat up with the central heating system. Yet, you can use it independently as well when the central system is off, due to its electric heating element. The electric heating is controlled with a button and a thermostat, so you can even use it at the same time to boost the warming process. Note that although dual-fuel units offer advantages, they are also more difficult to install.
If you don’t want to work around your existing water heating system, your ideal choice might be to buy an electric unit They are insulated and work with your main electrical system. However, these units should be installed by professionals. Some electric warmers have only an on-off switch, while others come with adjustable temperature control. Some units also have an anti-freeze feature, and will automatically turn on to prevent your pipes from freezing.
2. Plug-in vs. Hardwired
When choosing between these two types of towel warmers, there are two main things you should consider: installation and appearance.
If you want a nice and sleek bathroom look without too many cables, a hardwired unit is the best choice for you. It comes with all the wires tucked inside and doesn’t interfere with the bathroom decor. Plug-in models come with a cable that you need to put into the nearest outlet.
Hardwired units require a connection to the junction box, which makes installation a bit complicated and requires the expertise of a skilled plumber. Plug-in models are far easier to install since they don’t require any work with electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are used at salons, spas, massage centers, or at home to provide you with warm, cozy towels. You’ve been through our best towel warmer reviews, so if you’re planning to purchase a product like this for domestic or commercial use, we developed the following FAQs to help answer some of your questions.
Can You Put a Blanket in a Towel Warmer?
Yes, multifunctional warmers can be used to warm blankets as well as other small clothing items like bathing suits. Large units are the best choice for this task. It is essential that the material of any item can withstand heat.
Do They Consume a Lot of Electricity?
Most warmers operate at 110-120V with a wattage of 60-150W. They consume the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb of the same wattage. Warmer cabinets are energy efficient and are designed to warm your towels around the clock.
Do All Towel Warmers Need to Be Wall Mounted?
No. Not all towel warmers have to be mounted on a wall, although that can be more convenient and usually occupies less space. Freestanding warmers are also available on the market. Best wall-mounted towel warmers have neat wiring and elegant designs to suit your bathroom’s décor.
Bottom Line
A towel warmer is a stunningly simple tool that can make your bath experience comfortable and luxurious. Make sure you find a model that suits not only your household needs but those of your loved ones too. This buying guide has laid out all the necessary pros and cons to assist you with the buying process. Invest time and thought into your purchase and the reward will be a relaxed, comfortable experience every day.