by Jane |
Last Updated: April 24, 2020 When you buy something using the links on our posts, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Warmer racks for towels are multipurpose. They provide the luxury of warmth in cold winter months, but also help to keep mold growth and foul smells from wet towels at bay. Although often installed in bathrooms, they can come in handy in a laundry room or near a swimming pool.
Finding the best towel warmer rack, however, may not be as straightforward as you initially thought. So, what makes the best models? What features and specifications do you need to watch out for?
Reviews of the Best Towel Warmer Racks
Best for Portability: Amba SAFSB-33 Free Standing Plug-In
If you have several bathrooms and need to move the rack around the house, this towel warmer is highly recommended. Unlike other models, it’s a stand-alone type.
To transport, unplug and lift it to its new location. The 5-feet power cord should give you the flexibility to place it where desired.
If you’re worried about efficiency compared to a wall-mount model, this rack doesn’t disappoint reviewers. It can heat to 150-degree Fahrenheit, and both the horizontal and vertical bars warm.
The extra-wide size — 32.5 inches — should fit and dry two large towels. It can reach max heat in 10 minutes and the increase to your electric bill should be negligible.
Pros
- Portable
- Easy to use: one on/off button
- Simple to install
- Lightweight — 13 pounds
- Two years of warranty
Cons
- Uneven warmth throughout towels
- Heats quickly
- Made of 18/8 stainless steel
- Built in on/off switch
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Luxury: Brandon Basics Wall Mounted
This product comes with little extras to bring luxury to your life and increase convenience.
First, the rack includes a timer with three settings: 1-hour, 2-hour, and a manual mode. Each setting has a button with a light indicator for better visibility.
Two, nicely situated garment hooks sit on the frame’s top right corner, giving you extra space to hang a bathrobe, a swimming suit, or even more towels.
The warmer also includes two installation options. If you don’t want to call an electrician, simply plug in the device to an outlet nearby. If you prefer to keep wires out of sight, use the hardwire set-up.
This towel rack is longer than other models reviewed. It includes 12 bars heating providing by 190 watts of power. That’s 40 watts more power than most racks. While it has a larger footprint, Brandon has designed it to be discrete and elegant. It even includes hidden power legs.
Pros
- It comes with 12 bars
- Provides up to 190 watts power
- Clean and elegant design
- It can be hardwired or plugged-in
- Includes two hanging hooks
- One year limited warranty
Cons
- Short power cord — 4 feet 5 inches
- ✅ BUILT-IN TIMER WITH LED INDICATORS – Ok, we live in the age of innovation, yet towel warmers make you hunt for a switch and guess if...
- ✅ BOTH HARD-WIRED & PLUG-IN OPTIONS INCLUDED – We know commitment is hard….so why commit to a hard-wired wired or plug-in model when...
- ✅ THE LAMBORGHINI OF TOWEL WARMERS – Horse power is how you measure a cars performance, but when it comes to towel warmers, bar count,...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Timer: WarmlyYours 10-Bar Metropolitan
WarmlyYours designed this towel rack to work with minimal input from you. You’ll find many towel warmer racks with an included timer, but this may be one of the most advanced. It comes with 50 programmable settings. The 7-day timer allows you to configure varied availability throughout the week.
The timer displays both the set program and the time. If you prefer manual use, the rack also has a temporary manual override option.
This is a rack to install directly on the wall so that no wires are apparent. The ten stainless steel bars can withstand 12 pounds of towel weight.
This is typically used in medium-sized bathrooms for two towels at a time.
Pros
- 50 timer settings available
- High weight capacity
- Displays program and time
- Modern design
- 7-day programmable
- Easy to clean
- Two years warranty
Cons
- None as of writing, but a remote would’ve been nice
- PRODUCT FEATURE UPDATE: In a response customer reviews, we have changed the packaging to make sure each metropolitan heated towel warmer box...
- GENEROUS 10 HEATED TOWEL BAR DESIGN: The Metropolitan towel warmer rack uses 10 polished stainless steel heated bars to evenly distribute...
- HARDWIRED AND WALLMOUNTABLE TOWEL RACK: This towel rack is wall-mounted with cord-free design, the metropolitan towel warmer rack hangs...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Style: Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved
This rack has a simple and classic style that should suit most bathrooms. It contains two sets of five bars to hang one or two towels. The horizontal bars have a gentle outward curve, giving it real panache.
It needs to be hardwired and wall-mounted. You’ll be able to keep the heat on for the entire day or use the built-in switch to turn it on or off as required. The manufacturer mentions that a timer — not included — is available if needed.
The warmer can heat the towels to 150-degree Fahrenheit and generates warmth from both the vertical and horizontal bars. Both speed and heat level are excellent.
Pros
- Curved bars
- It can heat for 24 hours continuously
- A timer is available
- Heats to 150-degree Fahrenheit
- Two years warranty
Cons
- Not wide enough to fit two towels side by side
- It can only be wired from the rack’s lower right side, not from the left bar
- Heats quickly
- Made of Grade 304 stainless steel
- Built in on/off switch and amps is 1.30, average temperature range is up to 149 degree Fahrenheit
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 13:24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Energy Saving: Heatgene Towel Warmer 8 Bar
If you’re afraid that warming up your towels will empty your wallet, this model should ease your fears. It heats towels very efficiently all the while just using 115 watts of power. That’s about 35 watts less than most competitor products.
Nevertheless, the unit will reach 110-degree Fahrenheit within 15 minutes, and it takes 30 minutes to reach the maximum 130-degree Farenheight.
Besides efficient electricity consumption, it includes an overheat protection feature and is ETL certified to ensure its safety. You shouldn’t have to worry about leaving it on 24 hours a day.
Although this is a wall-mount model, the installation process is easy. Instructions are clear and well detailed. The extra-long 6-feet long cord also makes the set-up easier.
Pros
- ETL certified (1)
- Overheat protection
- Smooth installation
- Energy-saving
- Two years warranty
- Extra-long power cord
- Classic style
Cons
- A tad slow to heat up
- CURVED BAR DESIGN: The HEATGENE towel warmer’s curved design is convenient for hanging towels and uses 8 bars to evenly distribute heat,...
- FAST HEATING & OVERHEAT PROTECTION: Multi-layer stainless steel composite structure, rapid heating, rated power 115W(2 amp), only 15...
- SPACE-SAVING & WALL-MOUNTED: The towel warmer is a perfect towel heating solution for homes. This is a wall-mounted and Plug-in towel warmer...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Value: Tangkula Wall Mounted
If you’re after a product offering efficiency and convenience while remaining at an economical price-point, you might want to check out this rack.
First, it has 10 bars, which is suitable for long towels. It provides 115 watts of power and reaches 131-degree Fahrenheit within 5 to 10 minutes.
Tangkula designed this to plug into an outlet, and it includes a 5.7-feet long cord for this purpose. Yet, many users turned it into a wired device easily. Either way, its extra-light weight makes installation uncomplicated.
While this rack is one of the most budget-friendly models, it’s robust and made with durable stainless steel material. The power button also includes a safe cover to protect it from moisture and water.
Pros
- UL certified (2)
- The switch button includes a safe cover
- Budget-friendly
- Extra-long power cord
- Superfast heating
- Waterproof
- Light — 8 pounds
Cons
- Low weight capacity — 5.5 pounds
- 【Constant & Stable Heating】Equipped with 10 stainless steel heating bars, the towel warmer is able to dry towels quickly. The heated...
- 【Safe Design for Secure Use】The heated towel rack has a waterproof grade of IP44 that is suitable for the bathroom environment. What’s...
- 【Smart & Visible Control Panel】Designed with an easy-to-operate control panel with LCD display, the electric heated towel rack is easy...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best for Accent Color: Heatgene Matte Black
The design of this rack features a sleek squared and black matte finish. If you need an accent color or a frame that’ll stand out in your bathroom, this one might be the way to go!
This warmer rack has similarities with our previous Heatgene product. It comes with eight stainless steel bars to heat your wet towels quickly. They designed this model to fix to a wall, however, If you don’t want to rely on outside help to wire it, you can plug it into an outlet.
It uses 120 watts and can warm up towels up to 149-degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Can be wired or plugged in
- Clean design and look
- Black
- ETL certification
- The switch includes a safe cover and light indicator
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- The device can get overly hot and it doesn’t have an automatic shut-off function
- Modern German-style square lines, a wonderful ideal for creating a stylish bathroom, the body totally made of 304 stainless steel which easy...
- Energy-efficient: Rated power 120W, it warms up within 15 minutes and reaches the optimal working temperature 130 °F (based on room...
- Easy installation: This space-saving wall-mounted towel warmer offers two ways of wiring (hardwired/plug-in). Whether you have a new...
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 03:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Choosing the Best Towel Warmer Rack
To choose the best electric towel warmer rack, you should consider these critical elements:
- Size
- Weight capacity
- Heating power
- Timer
- Material, finish and style
- Installation
- Safety
Size
Warmers typically come with a set number of horizontal bars — up to 12. The longer the design is, then the more drying surfaces you have and the more towels it will dry at once.
The width is also important. If you only need to hang one row of towels, most models would be suitable. If, however, you want to place them side by side, measure your towels and choose a model to suit.
Weight Capacity
Few manufacturers show the weight capacity that the frame can bear. If your towels are larger or heavier than most, you’ll need a rack that can handle a big load. Keep in mind that towels are heavier when wet.
Heating Power
A rack’s heating power significantly impacts its efficacy and energy consumption. Most warmers provide between 115 and 190 watts, reaching up to 150-degree Fahrenheit.
The more power it has, the hotter the rack will be. High energy models also warm and reach maximum temperature faster.
Some products provide heat from both the vertical and horizontal bars to give optimum heating efficiency. But, this consumes more electricity, potentially leading to higher bills.
Timer
Most high-quality racks can safely stay on for 24 hours. If, however, you aren’t looking to have it working throughout the day, a timer is a useful feature to have.
You’ll find devices with one or two hours settings. These are ideal for warming towels before or after a shower.
Some products offer you over 50 different programs, allowing you to set up a 7-day heating cycle. You’ll also find timers with an LED clock display.
Material, Finish, and Style
Manufacturers typically make warmers with stainless steel. (3) It’s sturdy and prevents rust and corrosion caused by water or accumulated moisture. Some racks include special finishes such as matte black or polish to fit different bathrooms’ decors and styles.
Below is Heatgene’s matte black towel warmer.
While most warmers’ shapes are similar, some racks are squared-off or showcase a more rounded shape. A few include curved horizontal bars for a smooth and elegant look.
Rack Type
This might be one of the most important characteristics to consider. There are mainly two types:
Stand-Alone Warmer Racks
These frames are often the most affordable and the most portable option. They’re also the easiest to set-up and don’t require professional installation.
Wall-Mounted Warmer Racks
Within this category, you’ll find two types of products.
- Plug-in racks: These get their power through a wall outlet. They’re the simplest to mount, but you must deal with a hanging cord. Try to pick a rack that has a cable no shorter than 5-feet to give you more flexibility. Look at this this Heatgene 8 rack plugged to an outlet.
- Hardwired racks: These products need installation and connection to the main power supply inside the wall. It will require a qualified electrician to fit one, but these units provide a neat, permanent and wire-free set-up. The WarmlyYours is an example of a hardwired rack.
Safety
Warmer racks are electric devices designed for a wet or moist environment. Safety is, therefore, all-important. ETL or UL certification ensures that the quality and safety of your warmer rack meet stringent guidelines.
Conclusion
Once you’ve used a warmer rack, it’s hard to imagine a life without one. It brings such comfort and relaxing warmth, especially in cold winter months. It also prevents smelly towels that remain wet from one shower to another.
Our winner, and best towel warmer rack is, the Amba SAFSB-33 Free Standing Plug-In Towel Warmer. We love that it doesn’t require complicated installation. You can place it in any room and move it easily to suit your needs.
You’ll enjoy it being one of the highest-powered models, that will provide even and fast-drying towels.
References
- ETL Listed Mark; intertek.com
- UL Certification; ul.com
- Stainless steel; brittanica.com
Author: Jane Neu
Jane is the creator of Complete Home Spa – “It’s a good idea,” she said. But even she has been taken aback by its success. She lives with a cranky Englishman in a quiet countryside retreat. And in the past year, has become mom cat to a spunky rescue named Mina. Connect with her on Twitter @completehomespa.