The Best Towel Warmer Racks

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

Amba SAFSB-33 Towel Warmer, W 32 1/2' x H 38', Silver

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

Cons

Amba SAFSB-33 Towel Warmer, W 32 1/2" x H 38", Silver
  • Heats quickly
  • Made of 18/8 stainless steel
  • Built in on/off switch

Last update on 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Luxury: Brandon Basics Wall Mounted

Brandon Basics Wall Mounted Electric Towel Warmer with Built-in Smart Wi-Fi Timer and Hardwired and...

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

Cons

Brandon Basics Wall Mounted Electric Towel Warmer with Built-in Smart Wi-Fi Timer and Hardwired and...
  • ✅ REDUCE YOUR UTILITY BILL - As you already know, slow-drying items like damp towels or clothes left in gym bags lead to unpleasant odors...
  • ✅ SMART CONTROL – Manage your towel warmer effortlessly and cost effectively from anywhere. Easily access control settings instantly on...
  • ✅ 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...

Last update on 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Timer: WarmlyYours 10-Bar Metropolitan

WarmlyYours 10-Bar Metropolitan Towel Warmer, Hardwired, Polished Stainless Steel

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

Cons

WarmlyYours 10-Bar Metropolitan Towel Warmer, Hardwired, Polished Stainless Steel
  • Generous 10-Bar Design: The Metropolitan towel warmer uses 10 polished stainless steel bars to evenly distribute heat, warming up to 2 large...
  • Hardwired: Wall-mounted with cord-free design, The Metropolitan hangs beautifully in any bathroom and is hardwired for 120 volts
  • Easy To Clean: The straight bars are made of durable stainless steel construction

Last update on 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Style: Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved

Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired + Plug-in Combo Curved 10 Bar Towel Warmer in Brushed

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

Cons

Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired + Plug-in Combo Curved 10 Bar Towel Warmer in Brushed
  • 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 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Energy Saving: Heatgene Towel Warmer 8 Bar

HEATGENE Towel Warmer 8 Bar Plug-in Curved Bath Towel Heater Towel Warmer for Bathroom Plug-in...

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

Cons

HEATGENE Towel Warmer 8 Bar Plug-in Curved Bath Towel Heater Towel Warmer for Bathroom Plug-in...
  • EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION WITH CURVED BAR DESIGN: Featuring modern curved bars, this towel warmer enhances any bathroom's style. Constructed...
  • QUICK HEATING & SAFETY PROTECTION: With a multi-layer stainless steel composite structure, this towel warmer heats rapidly. It achieves...
  • SPACE-EFFICIENT & WALL-MOUNTED: Designed for optimal space utilization, this wall-mounted and plug-in towel warmer is ideal for home...

Last update on 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Value: Tangkula Wall Mounted

Tangkula Towel Warmer, Bathroom 10 Bars Heated Stainless Steel Towel Rack with 1-8 Hour Timer &...

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

Cons

Tangkula Towel Warmer, Bathroom 10 Bars Heated Stainless Steel Towel Rack with 1-8 Hour Timer &...
  • 【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 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Best for Accent Color: Heatgene Matte Black

HEATGENE Towel Warmer, Heated Towel Warmer Rack, Wall-Mounted Hardwired/Plug-in Electric Towel...

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

Cons

HEATGENE Towel Warmer, Heated Towel Warmer Rack, Wall-Mounted Hardwired/Plug-in Electric Towel...
  • 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 2025-04-29 at 18:23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info

Choosing the Best Towel Warmer Rack

electric towel warmer rack

To choose the best electric towel warmer rack, you should consider these critical elements:

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.

HEATGENE Towel Warmer, Heated Towel Warmer Rack, Wall-Mounted Hardwired/Plug-in Electric Towel...

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.

HEATGENE Towel Warmer 8 Bar Plug-in Curved Bath Towel Heater Towel Warmer for Bathroom Plug-in...

WarmlyYours 10-Bar Metropolitan Towel Warmer, Hardwired, Polished Stainless Steel

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.

Amba SAFSB-33 Towel Warmer, W 32 1/2' x H 38', Silver

You’ll enjoy it being one of the highest-powered models, that will provide even and fast-drying towels.

References

  1. ETL Listed Mark; intertek.com
  2. UL Certification; ul.com
  3. Stainless steel; brittanica.com

Jane NeuAuthor: 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.