The 9 Best Towel Warmers of 2021

What to Look for in a Towel Warmer

Style

There are several different styles of towel warmers. Rack-style options are great for larger bath-size towels, while cabinet-style versions are perfect for hand towels and washcloths. Some rack-style warmers offer the advantage of being wall-mounted, freeing up floor space, but free-standing models are also common. There are also barrel-shaped warmers that can also hold robes, slippers, and more.

"I prefer towel warmers that are attached to the wall instead of free-standing so that they don't take up valuable floor space," says Merchant. Additionally, she recommends considering the finish of the product and how it will look in your space. "For instance, if you have matte black faucets, pulls, etc., opt for the matte black towel warmer."

Capacity

Whether you get a rack or a cabinet-style version, there are both larger and smaller units to choose from.

"When purchasing a towel warmer, you should consider how many towels you actually want to warm at one time," says Merchant. You'll save space and minimize energy usage with a smaller warmer, but it may not be ideal for a large household.

Electric vs. Hydronic

Most towel warmers on the market are electric. This type of warmer is either hardwired or plugged into the wall and uses electrical energy to create radiant heat. Then there are hydronic towel warmers, which use hot water from your home's plumbing system to generate heat. Generally speaking, hydronic models offer more efficient heating than electric warmers, though it depends on the design.

Warm-Up Time

You'll also want to take note of the warm-up time, as some models heat up faster than others. The average warm-up time is around 15 to 20 minutes, but you'll find models that take as little as 10 minutes or as long as 40 minutes to heat up.

"If you take short showers, you'd want to consider purchasing a towel that heats up quicker," says Merchant. Additionally, just like a conventional oven, the time it takes to reach the desired temperature (preheat) is different than the time it takes to heat what's inside.

FAQs

How long can you leave a towel warmer on?

It's best to turn your towel warmer off after a few hours and avoid leaving it on overnight to prevent electrical hazards. Having said that, some low-wattage models are designed to be left on indefinitely, similar to radiant floor heating. Many of today's towel warmers also have auto-shutoff features, automatically powering down if the temperature reaches a certain degree.

What are the ways you can use a towel warmer?

Most towel warmers are multifunctional, allowing you to use them for more than simply heating your bath linens. Rack-style models help dry your towels and bath sheets, which keeps them smelling fresh and prevents mildew from harboring within the damp material.

You can also hang-dry swimsuits, pool towels, delicates, wet shoes, and outerwear on the bars. Depending on how you use your towel warmer, you might consider placing it in your bathroom, laundry room, mudroom, or entryway.

Can a towel warmer heat up your bathroom?

Similar to space heaters and radiant flooring, a large towel warmer can effectively heat a bathroom. Bear in mind, though, that smaller rack-style models and warming buckets typically don't generate enough heat to warm up even a small room.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer with a background in home improvement, HVAC, interior decorating, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed an interior designer and researched the various types and styles of towel warmers. She considered dozens of models from various retailers, checked user reviews, combed through the specs, and studied the key features and prices before making her final selections. Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, decor, furniture, and household linens.