Are Towel Warmers Worth It?

There’s nothing worse than stepping out of a hot shower only to be met with a cold, damp towel, especially during winter months.
If you’re gong through bathroom renovation in Toronto and looking for a way to keep your bathroom towel warm and toasty, then you might want to consider investing in a bathroom towel warmer.
Are towel warmers a good idea?
Yes, for several reasons. They warm your towels for when you need to use them and also add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
Towel warmers also dry your towels faster, reducing mildew and bacteria growth. This is particularly beneficial in small bathrooms with limited ventilation, or if you live in an area where cold, damp weather is common.
Many different types and styles of towel warmers are available on the market, so it’s important to study your options carefully. Choose one that fits both your needs and your bathroom’s decor. Towel warmers are an investment, so take your time in selecting the perfect one that will make your bathroom feel like a spa!
Whether you’re on the fence about which model to get or are on the hunt for the best towel warmer in Canada, we’ve got you. Our comprehensive guide on how to choose a towel warmer suitable for your bathroom will help you zero in on a model that’s right for you.

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What You Need to Consider When Purchasing a Towel Warmer

Use the Following Tips for Selecting the Best Towel Warmer

Location

You’ll need to consider where to mount your towel warmer relative to electrical outlets and other fixtures in your bathroom.

If your bathroom does not have multiple outlets, choose a model that fits near and with an existing outlet. Otherwise, you’d need to hire an electrician to install a new one specifically for your towel warmer.

A hardwired unit, for instance, should be situated near your bathroom’s electrical panel.

On the other hand, if you’re installing a hydronic unit, you must check the plumbing hookups to ensure it can connect to your hot water plumbing.

Size

Towel warmers come in all shapes and sizes! Some have shelves for storage, while others are designed to be hung on the wall or placed as standing racks.

Choose one that suits not only your needs but also your space. Your selection greatly depends on the size of your bathroom. So, measure the area where you plan to place the warmer.

Generally, larger towel dryers warm towels faster, and more pieces at once. But if you have a smaller bathroom, then a wall-mounted unit might be a better option.

Projection

Projection refers to how far the towel warmer protrudes from the wall. A unit with a short projection is ideal for a small bathroom so it doesn’t take up too much space.

Conversely, a larger bathroom can accommodate a unit with a longer projection.

You need to take projection into consideration to ensure your towel warmer won’t end up being too close to any fixtures or objects in your bathroom. For example, if its designated space is near the door, you might accidentally knock off the warmer when you enter or exit the bathroom.

Price

Depending on factors like brand, quality, size, and features, towel warmers can cost anywhere between $100 to over $3000. If you’re on a budget, you can easily find good-quality brands for as little as $200. But if you desire a top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles, be prepared to shell out $1000 or more.

When deciding on the amount to allocate for your towel warmer, keep in mind that it’s an investment. You’ll be using it daily just like other major appliances. So, ensure you purchase a quality unit that will last for years to come.

Storage Capacity

Another thing you’ll want to consider when choosing a towel warmer is its capacity. You’ll need a warmer that holds the amount and sizes of towel your household regularly uses.

If you have a large family or entertain often, you’d need a unit that can accommodate many towels.

Some towel warmers are built with shelves to hold several towels and are great for bigger bathrooms.

However, if you’re limited on space, you might have to opt for a wall-mounted, rack-type unit.

Alternatively, you can consider warming racks and warming buckets too.

Colours and Finishes

Towel warmers come in various colours and finishes to match any bathroom decor.

The most popular finish is stainless steel, as it goes well with any colour scheme and is easy to clean. However, elegant towel warmers are available in bronze, brass, chrome, nickel, and even wood finishes.

Some homeowners custom-paint their towel warmers to match their bathroom’s motif, so feel free to get creative!

You can also go the classic route with a metal finish or try something unique like wood. Either way, your towel warmer can add a personal touch to your bathroom.

Stylish Design

A heated towel warmer is not only functional but also aesthetic. With a variety of designs, sizes, and finishes to choose from, you’re sure to find one to match your bathroom décor. It can be floor-standing, wall-mounted, or glass-mounted, for easy integration into any space.

When selecting your towel warmer, don’t just settle for the first one you find. You’re going to use it for a long time, so make sure it complements your bathroom perfectly. Take a look at your bathroom’s current finishings and shortlist towel warmers that would fit right in.

Cost-Efficiency

While it may seem that installing a bathroom towel warmer will lead to an increase in power consumption and subsequently your utility bills, this is not necessarily true.

You do not need to leave it on 24hrs a day, 365 days of the year. You can switch on the warmer an hour or two before your shower and then turn it off once your towel has dried.

So, you would approximately be keeping your bathroom towel warmer powered on for 4-5 hours at max.

Also, these units typically consume very little energy and if we had to estimate based on the national average electricity rate, it may cost you about 15 cents a day.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

Damp towels are more prone to developing mold and mildew in the humid environs of the bathroom. Research shows that mold colonies can grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.

A nice shower towel warmer will help keep your towels dry and at a consistent temperature, which discourages the growth of fungi. This is especially beneficial for people with allergies or sensitivities who require a more hygienic environment.

And since your towels will remain mold and mildew free, you won’t have to replace them often, saving you the cost of purchasing new towels frequently.

Warmer Tiles

Your bathroom towel warmer also works as a space heater — the supplemental heat an added bonus during winters.
Tiles are typically cold to the touch, and can be even colder during the winters. The heat radiating from the towel warmer and the warm towels keeps the surrounding tiles warm and your bathroom at a comfortable temperature.
Towel warmers can also be used in mudrooms, laundry rooms, sunrooms and indoor pool areas. They can also be used to gently dry delicate pieces of clothing or wet coats and gloves on rainy days.

Hydronic Towel Warmers vs Electric Towel Warmers

So, what type of heated towel rail is best?
To answer that question, you need to understand the difference between hydronic and electric towel warmers. Hydronic warmers use water to heat the rack, while electric ones use an electric heating cable.
Hydronic towel warmers must be connected to hot-water plumbing, which can be a complicated process. However, they tend to be more efficient than their electric counterparts. The hydronic type can also replace an existing radiator, making installation a bit easier.
Electric towel warmers, on the other hand, can be either plugged into a standard outlet or hardwired to the home’s circuit. Hardwiring requires some electrical work, though, while plug-in towel warmers need only a three-prong outlet. In fact, plug-ins are as easy to hang as picture frames.
Most top-rated towel warmers, whether hydronic or electric, already come with built-in cautionary features, like automatic shut off and thermostats. This makes them safe to install in any bathroom, even those used by pets, children, or elderly individuals.
If you live in a cold climate, a hydronic towel warmer would be ideal because it will heat up your towels quickly. For warm climates or small bathrooms, an electric towel warmer is ideal since it requires less space.
To find the best towel warmer for your home, you also need to consider your preferred installation method. Don’t just go for a high end towel warmer and call it a day! Ensure you’re getting a unit that is compatible with your plumbing or electrical system. When in doubt, consult with an electrician or plumber before purchasing your unit.
No matter which type of towel warmer you choose, make sure it comes with a warranty. So if anything goes wrong, you can get it fixed or replaced without having to pay for a new one.

What Are the Best Towel Warmers and Racks?

Towel Warmers Ideas to Add Style and Comfort to Your Bathroom

Freestanding Hot Towel Rack

If you’re looking for a towel warmer that’s easy to install, a freestanding hot towel rack might be the best option. These racks usually come with a sturdy base and do not require installation of any kind.

You can also move them around as needed. And since they don’t require installation, they are a better alternative if you’re renting your home or don’t want to permanently install a towel warmer.
Some convertible units even come with spare parts that can be used to mount the rack on a wall.

Hardwired Curved Towel Warmers

For a more permanent towel warmer solution, a hardwired curved towel warmer would be ideal. Just keep in mind that it must be connected to your home’s electrical system.

The hardwired curved type provides a sleek look and heats towels quickly. A good example is the Amba Radiant 10-Bar Towel Warmer, which is a great option if you have a small bathroom. It takes up less space than other models.

Hardwired units are not only space savers. They also do not necessitate cords running across your wall or bathroom floor. Most hardwired units come with a built-in thermostat as well to prevent them from getting too hot. Plus, you can use them to dry delicates, light shirts, bathing suits, and other small items.

Ladder Style Towel Warmer

After relocating the shower drain and moving the shower plumbing to another wall, the fun part arrives, which is putting in the fixtures.

Highly stylized to the client’s tastes and desires, the sleek black fixtures were dressed in a matte finish and matched various other aspects of design in the bathroom expansion. We have the towel ring, towel bar, toilet paper holder, robe hook, single-handle faucet, and shower elbow all in the same matte black from Delta throughout the bathroom.

The rain shower head and handheld shower set are an advantageous addition, providing the client with two separate shower experiences in the same enclosure. These were also taken from the Delta brand, identical in look and style to the other fixtures.

The slight-monochrome look of the white wall tiles and the matte black fixtures prove to be a very attractive and appealing bathroom aesthetic.

Classic Towel Warmer

Classic towel warmers are a preferred choice for homeowners aiming for a timeless look. They come in various styles, including wall-mounted and freestanding.

This type is also available in different materials like stainless steel, brass, and bronze. Some models come with a built-in thermostat to help regulate the temperature and prevent the unit from getting too hot.

These towel warmers are a great addition to a walk-in bath or shower. You have the freedom to choose the size and finish, while sticking to the classic style.

2-in-1 Towel Warmer

2-in-1 towel warmers are a good option if you’re looking for a space-saving design. These units can function as a towel warmer and a drying rack at the same time. They also come in both freestanding and wall-mounted styles so reinstalling them won’t be an issue if you move.

2-in-1 towel warmers are a perfect choice if you have a small bathroom, because of its dual functionality. Some models also offer added features like built-in hooks for hanging light pieces of clothing.

And even though they are designed to save space, they come in different size options, so you’ll find one that fits your specifications.

Large Towel Warmer Bucket

Large towel warmer buckets are great for large families with several towels to warm simultaneously. You can also use them to store other items of clothing such as delicates, robes, and bathing suits. Most large towel warmer buckets have built-in timers with an automatic turn off setting.

Some models come with wheels for easy mobility. And if you have a big household or entertain guests often, you can consider supplementing your towel rack with a warmer bucket?

These warmer buckets come in handy for warming baby blankets, too. And since their outside surface does not heat up, they’re safe even for households with pets or young kids. You can also turn the warmer off when not in use to save on electricity.

FAQs – Find Out Everything About Towel Warmers to Choose the Best One Possible

What are the ways to use towel warmers?
Here are several ways to use your towel warmers:

Hang towels over the bars to dry and warm them at the same time.
Place delicates and bathing suits over the unit if you need to dry them quickly.
Hold robes, light blankets, pillowcases, linen, and other similar items that you want to dry or warm up.
Choose the warmer bucket, rack, or cabinet types so you can dry outerwear, gloves, or wet shoes faster.
Warm up your gloves, masks, hats, earmuffs, and other winter clothing items on the unit before putting them on.

How long will it take for your towel to dry?
The time it takes to dry your towel depends on the type of warmer you have, how wet your towel is, and the fabric type. Microfibre towels and flat weave cotton towels typically dry faster than regular cotton towels.

You should also double check if your towel warmer is turned on and set to the correct temperature. Most types and models are equipped with a thermostat that regulates their temperature. If your unit doesn’t have one, you can try using a timer to remind you to turn it off manually at a certain time.

Is a towel warmer always on?

It depends on the model you own. Some have thermostats for regulating the temperature, while others have timers that turn the towel warmer off after a set period. Several models are designed to be constantly on without consuming high energy.

Is a towel warmer safe around kids?

Yes, most towel warmers are safe to install in all bathrooms, including those used by kids. The outside surface is hot to the touch but not to the point of scalding, so there’s no risk of burns. However, you should always exercise caution and keep an eye on children and pets when they are around any type of heated appliance.

Towel warmers are generally designed to operate within temperatures that are safe even for adults. This range is usually between 100° to 150° so that the appliance remains efficient at heating without being a hazard.

Hydronic towel warmers mimic the temperature of the water in the heating system. This means that the homeowner controls the maximum temperature. But you shouldn’t eliminate the risk of scalding if the water temperature becomes too high.

For an added layer of protection, installing a timer is recommended. This way, the towel warmer turns off automatically after a set amount of time, especially when not in use. Supervising children when the towel warmer is in use is always the best precaution. It may also help to install the unit out of reach, such as on a wall, high shelf, or countertop (in the case of bucket warmers).

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Best Towel Warmers Ideas For Your Bathroom

Are Towel Warmers Worth It?

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