The 10 best towel warmers brands

Towel Warmers Buying Guide

A towel warmer is a bathroom accessory that improves your daily bathing experience, by providing you with warm and toasty towels to wrap yourself in after a shower or bath. Additionally, towel warmers can also contribute to reducing moisture levels in your bathroom, ensuring that your towels remain fresh and hygienic for longer periods of time. If you've never purchased a towel warmer before, selecting the best one for your needs can be a challenge. In this article, we've compiled a buying guide to help you navigate the different types of towel warmers available and choose the best one for you.

Types of Towel Warmers

Before you start browsing through the different towel warmers, it's essential to understand the various types available. Most towel warmers can be classified into four different categories: electric, hydronic, freestanding, and wall-mounted.

Electric Towel Warmers

Electric towel warmers are often the most popular choice due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. They are usually easy to install and can be connected to your bathroom's electrical system via a 110-volt outlet or hardwired into the wall. They typically come in two formats – plug-in or hardwired, and wall-mounted or freestanding.

Plug-in electric towel warmers are the most accessible to install. You can plug the unit into an outlet, and it will be ready for use. Additionally, you don't have to worry about hiring an electrician to hardwire the unit into the bathroom's electrical system. However, it's vital to ensure the towel warmer is compatible with your bathroom's electrical system and outlets, since some models require a dedicated circuit to function correctly.

Hardwired electric towel warmers are designed to be permanently installed in your bathroom wall, which means there aren't any visible cords or individual outlets. If you're concerned about the aesthetics of the bathroom, hardwired towel warmers are the perfect choice. Additionally, hardwired models usually come with more heating power than plug-in models, making them more efficient. However, their installation process is more complicated and will require you to hire an electrician to install the unit.

Hydronic Towel Warmers

Unlike electric towel warmers, hydronic towel warmers are installed into a home's plumbing system. They work by circulating hot water through the towel warmer's rails, providing warmth to the towels. Hydronic towel warmers often require a separate boiler to heat the water, making them more expensive to install than electric towel warmers. However, if your home already has a hydronic heating system, installing a towel warmer is a cost-effective alternative to integrating a brand new electrical system.

Wall-mounted Towel Warmers

Wall-mounted towel warmers are the most common type of towel warmer, as they offer a sleek and modern look. They are designed to be mounted onto the bathroom wall and can be either plug-in or hardwired. Since they're not free-standing, they don't take up any floor space, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms that require more storage space. Additionally, wall-mounted towel warmers can be hung like traditional towel racks, providing a versatile bath accessory option.

Freestanding Towel Warmers

Freestanding towel warmers, as the name suggests, aren't mounted onto the bathroom wall but rather stand upright on the floor. They are an excellent option for those who don't want to modify their bathroom's plumbing or electrical systems. Freestanding towel warmers are also ideal for bathrooms that don't have enough wall space or have larger towels that need more room to dry. One disadvantage of freestanding towel warmers is that they can take up floor space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Towel Warmer

Now that you know the different types of towel warmers let's dive into what you should consider when selecting a towel warmer that best fits your needs.

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of the towel warmer are essential factors to consider since they'll determine how many towels you can fit on the rail. Ensure that the towel warmer you choose has enough space to hold your bath, face and hand towels without folding or crumpling them. If you have a larger family, you'll want to consider choosing a towel warmer with more rails or larger rails.

Material and Finish

Towel warmers come in a variety of materials and finishes, with the most popular being stainless steel and chrome. Stainless steel is rust and corrosion-resistant, making it a more durable option. Chrome, on the other hand, has a reflective finish that complements most bathroom decors. If you're looking for a more traditional or rustic finish, brass or copper is a perfect option. Also, keep in mind the bathroom's decor and choose a towel warmer that complements the space.

Heating Capacity

The heating capacity of the towel warmer determines how long it takes to heat up the towels. If you want a towel warmer that heats up fast or has a more powerful heating capacity, electric towel warmers are a better option than hydronic towel warmers. Additionally, the heating capacity will also determine how warm the towels will be. If you want to wrap yourself in warm towels, look for a towel warmer with a higher heating capacity.

Timer and Thermostat Features

More advanced towel warmers come with a timer feature that allows you to set the towel warmer to turn on and off at specific times of the day. While this adds convenience, the main benefit is energy savings as the towel warmer can turn off when it's not in use. Additionally, a thermostat feature allows you to set the desired temperature of the towel warmer, ensuring the towels reach your desired temperature while conserving energy.

Price

Finally, price is undoubtedly a significant factor to consider when choosing a towel warmer. Towel warmers can range from under $50 to over $1000, depending on the type, material, size, and heating capacity. Ensure that you set a budget before looking for a towel warmer to make it easier to navigate options within your price range.

Installation

When it comes to installation, towel warmers vary in difficulty. Plug-in towel warmers are the easiest to install since the main requirement is an electrical outlet. Alternatively, hardwired towel warmers require professional installation, which can add to the cost of the towel warmer. If you're not confident in your installation skills, it's best to leave it to the professionals to ensure that the towel warmer is installed correctly and safely.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Like any bathroom accessory, towel warmers need regular cleaning and maintenance to function correctly. To clean your towel warmer, use a soft cloth and mild soap or stainless steel cleaner, avoiding abrasive materials that could scratch the surface. Also, avoid using any chemicals or harsh cleaners, as they could damage the towel warmer's finish. Additionally, you'll want to ensure that the towel warmer is turned off and unplugged before cleaning.

Conclusion

Choosing a towel warmer involves considering several factors, such as installation, types, capacity, heating capacity, and material. Remember to consider your bathroom decor and choose a towel warmer that complements the space. While towel warmers can be an investment, they offer several benefits, such as warmer towels and reduced moisture levels. With this buying guide, we hope you're better equipped to choose the best towel warmer for your needs.