When you step out of the shower, there is something so calming about wrapping a freshly laundered bath towel around yourself before drying off and carrying on with your routine. If you don't have a washer and dryer in your home, a towel warmer can create the same effect, with additional benefits like helping reduce bacterial growth if you don't wash your towels as frequently. Most towel warmers run on electricity, though some connect to your home’s hot-water system, similar to a radiator. Are towel warmers worth it, though? They take up space in an oftentimes small room, require proper installation and may increase your electric or gas bill. We combined our experience debunking sensational products with insight from an industry expert.
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What are the pros and cons of towel warmers?
To better understand these devices, we spoke with Elisabeth Easter, M.S., Ph.D. , who has conducted research in textile science and is currently a professor in the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management at the University of Kentucky. She shares the following pros and cons.
Towel warmer pros
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Makes towels cozy, warm:It goes without saying that towel warmers make room-temperature, maybe even chilly towels, nice and warm. The pleasant warmth is a luxurious experience after your shower or bath and can even create a calming effect. In fact, towel warmers are often used in hospitals and healthcare facilities to deliver warm blankets to patients rather than electric blankets .
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Can dry wet towels:Rather than run a load of laundry, you can place your wet or damp towel inside a towel warmer to dry it instead. The drying process may take longer depending on how wet or thick your towel is, but it's a convenient way to freshen your favorite towel for tomorrow's use or to dry your beach towel before plopping it in your hamper.
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Reduces bacterial and mold growth:If you don't wash your bath towel after every use, a towel warmer offers an easy solution. Since it can dry a wet towel, this helps reduce the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
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Reduces odor:In the same vein, drying a wet towel can also help reduce odor. This is another major benefit if you use your bath towels multiple times before washing them with laundry detergent .
Towel warmer cons
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Energy consumption:Most towel warmers use electricity, which can add to your energy bill over time, especially if you run them often or leave them on for long stretches. Larger models may use a bit more power than smaller ones, but features like timers or automatic shut-off can help keep things in check.
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Professional installation:To err on the side of caution, it is safest to hire an electrician or plumber to help you install a towel warmer. This, of course, adds to the overall cost of your purchase, but Easter recommends users call in a qualified professional for most models. It is very important to properly install a heated towel rack so it is sturdy in case you accidentally grab it while coming out of the shower.
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Potential risk of burns:"I think that the biggest concern that I have with [towel warmers], other than installation, is the temperature," shares Easter. Towel warmers typically create temperatures ranging between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is "obviously high enough to create a burn for adults, but especially for children who had direct contact," adds Easter. Older adults and those with limited mobility or dexterity may also be at greater risk.
How to choose a towel warmer
Given the advantages and disadvantages of towel warmers, it's important to weigh certain factors before purchasing a model. Consider the following when narrowing down which device to choose for your bathroom.
✓ Type:Towel warmers are either powered by electricity or are connected to your home's hot-water supply. There is a lot of variety among electric models, from freestanding heated racks to bucket-style warmers. Others plug into an outlet or can be mounted to a wall if you have limited space. Plug-in models are typically the easiest to set up, while hardwired options may require more involved installation. Towel warmers with racks or bars offer less surface area to warm a towel, so the process will take longer, whereas a bucket-style warmer will likely warm a towel faster.
✓ Size and space:If you have a smaller bathroom, a compact towel warmer that you can squeeze into a corner without taking up too much floor space is ideal. You may consider a freestanding model or, better yet, a mountable one. Just make sure that you have enough wall clearance to the rods (some are longer than others). If you're working with more space, or are willing to rearrange to make room for a towel warmer, a larger bucket-style model or a wider freestanding rack are great options. Just make sure to measure both the towel warmer and your bathroom before ordering.
✓ Safety features:Tight quarters mean it's easy to bump into things. Given the concern about burns, Easter recommends a towel warmer with safety features. Some models will have timers for automatic shut-off or a turn-off switch for the warmer.
✓ Cost:Like many large devices or appliances, towel warmers will cost you in two ways: First, the upfront cost of your purchase and its installation, and then the ongoing payment to power it. Depending on how often you use a towel warmer, it may not be a noticeable bump in your monthly bills. In our research, we found that towel warmers can range from around $70 on the lower end to over $300 on the high end. Most of our testing pool hovers between $100 and $150, which we feel is a more reasonable amount to spend.
Are towel warmers worth it?
Whether a towel warmer is worth it depends on your bathroom priorities and your bath towel-washing habits. If you have the space to spare and want to end your shower routine with a warm towel, then these devices are for you. Equally, if you use your towel multiple times before tossing it in the washing machine, towel warmers may also be a good idea.
But they don't come without some forethought. Think about how long it takes the model to warm a towel, and whether you will remember to turn it on before you go into the shower. Will the towel be ready when you want it? Or does it take a long time? Weigh the potential energy consumption and installation costs.
Towel warmer FAQs
Are towel warmers safe?
"Yes, if they are installed correctly and if safety measures are taken," states Easter. She recommends hiring a qualified electrician or plumber, depending on the type of towel warmer you have. Separate from the installation process, there is a level of risk when it comes to burns, given the high temperatures towel warmers can reach. Safety features like automatic shut-off help mitigate this risk.
Can towel warmers kill bacteria?
The short answer is no — if we are strictly talking about killing bacteria. "Some towel warmers use UV light to kill bacteria and pathogens, but most do not reach the temperature required to do so," explains Easter. "However, drying a wet towel with a towel warmer will reduce bacterial and other pathogen growth and reduce odors generated by wet towels."
Can towel warmers dry wet towels?
With enough time, a towel warmer can dry a wet towel, says Easter. Some towel warmers will circulate air to speed up drying. A damp towel will likely need around 24 hours to dry, notes Easter, "But if it is soaking wet and there's no circulation, it's not going to dry, especially for a plush, thick towel." Waffle towels , on the other hand, are likely to dry faster due to their lightweight design.
Meet our experts
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Elisabeth Easter, M.S., Ph.D. , professor, Department of Retailing and Tourism Management at the University of Kentucky
