The 6 Best Towel Warmers of 2024, According to Lab Testing

Best Overall

Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer

Setup5/5
Design5/5
Heating Performance5/5
Features5/5
Value4.5/5
Ease of setup, a stylish appearance, and extra aromatherapy features make this freestanding towel warmer a winner.

Ease of setup, a stylish appearance, and extra aromatherapy features make this freestanding towel warmer a winner.

There aren’t adjustable temperature settings.

There aren’t adjustable temperature settings.

The Zadro Large Aromatherapy Towel Warmer is a bucket-style electric towel warmer that performs exceptionally well. It earned top scores across the board in lab testing and easily secured our overall best towel warmer accolade. This model can comfortably accommodate two large bath towels and is freestanding, making it a versatile option for couples sharing a bathroom or easy to move from room to room.

Bucket-style towel warmers are popular because they’re easy to use and also tend to be a little more stylish-looking than cabinets or steamers. This one has a lovely ivory finish and a large lid that lifts easily. We also found there was plenty of room to insert the towels, and we felt it was safe to access the towels without having to go near the hot sides of the bucket.

This towel warmer impressed us with its ease of use. It came fully assembled (we just needed to remove the plastic wrap) and was very simple to operate. There are three timer settings (a default of 15 minutes, as well as 30-, 45-, and 60-minute options).

While there isn’t a heat setting, there’s a red light to indicate whether the bucket is still hot. We found that it heated the towels very evenly, with a heat that was warm but not too intense to touch.

Freestanding towel warmers can sometimes be a little wobbly; luckily, this one felt durable and sturdy, thanks to four wooden legs, which are made from stylish-looking bamboo. The warmer didn’t budge when we bumped into it. However, we noted that you’ll just want to make sure that the cord is situated properly to ensure it can’t easily topple.

We liked the option to add a few drops of our favorite essential oils to infuse our towels with a light scent. We found this feature easy to use (oil is added by placing a few drops on a wooden disc located on the lid). The aroma on the towel was very faint, however, so we recommend doing a few extra drops for a stronger scent.

This towel warmer is on the high end in terms of price. While it represented a good value overall, we did wish that it had an adjustable temperature setting to allow you to customize your experience a little more.

How It Performed After Six Months

After using this towel warmer for six months, we were pleased that it continued to perform consistently. We were able to fit two bath towels in the warmer at the same time, and we also used it to warm up bathrobes and blankets during the colder months.

We typically set the timer for 15 minutes and placed our bath towel in it, and we found that the towel was always evenly and sufficiently warmed when the timer ended. We also moved the towel warmer a few times, and we appreciated how lightweight it was.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Budget

StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer

Setup5/5
Design4/5
Heating Performance5/5
Features4/5
Value4.5/5
Though very basic, this miniature towel steamer is an excellent option for heating a large number of smaller towels.

Though very basic, this miniature towel steamer is an excellent option for heating a large number of smaller towels.

It’s made of plastic, and we noted that some features (such as the lid) feel a little cheap.

It’s made of plastic, and we noted that some features (such as the lid) feel a little cheap.

If you’re looking for a basic freestanding towel steamer to use for small towels (such as for a gym or spa), the StateRiver Mini Towel Heater and Steamer is a solid choice and less expensive than other towel warmers.

The unit is quite simple and compact. We noted that it seems to optimize the amount of product it can steam at once and also has a transparent container, which we liked.

All in all, this model lives up to its claims: It can comfortably fit eight rolled-up mini towels, and we found it heated them evenly for a touchable yet soothing temperature. We put eight towels in the unit and after 15 minutes of use, all of them read about the same temperature.

Some of the more expensive models we tested had inconsistent heating, so the fact that all eight mini towels came out equally warm is notable. During testing, it also had one of the highest average towel temperatures after warming, so you’ll want to handle the towels carefully when taking them out of the warmer.

This product is less expensive than other options, and you do get what you pay for, we noted. For example, the lid, which is made of plastic, enables water droplets to collect inside.

The device comes with small wooden tongs, but they’re not long enough to comfortably place the rolled-up towels inside the steamer. There’s also no thermostat or adjustable heat settings, and the timer is a little tricky to use correctly, we found.

Ultimately, we would still recommend this to anyone looking for a less expensive towel warmer to heat a large number of mini towels all at once as we noted that it does perform well at a basic level.

But you’ll want to understand its limitations before you purchase, and perhaps opt for a higher-quality model if you’re looking for features like a thermostat, easy-read dial, or aromatherapy.

How It Performed After Six Months

To gain additional insights on this towel warmer, we tested the product for six months. We continued to be pleased with this towel warmer, and we loved that the eight mini towels that came with it were soft and high quality.

The mini towels felt nice on our skin, and we found that they didn’t irritate sensitive skin. We noted that this would be a great towel warmer for someone who frequently participates in at-home spa days or has a spa business since you can fit mini eight towels in it at one time.

There was only one heat setting, but it heated up to 202°F, which we felt was impressive for a mini towel warmer. The timer could be set in increments of 15 up to 60 minutes, and we frequently used the 30-minute setting.

We also found that if we didn’t get the towel out of the warmer immediately when the timer went off, the towel would stay warm for about 90 minutes. This towel warmer is also travel friendly—it was able to fit into a weekender bag with no problem.

Our only complaint with this product is how difficult it was to fill up the warmer with water. We essentially had to take the device apart to remove and fill the water reservoir, which wasn’t an easy process. However, because it heated up quickly and is available at an affordable price, we still felt it was a quality product after using it for half a year.

Product Details: Type: Freestanding electric steamer | Dimensions: 9.53 x 8.78 x 8.7 inches | Material: Plastic | Heat Time: 8 to 10 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes for extra towels | Temperature Range: Up to 202°F | Towel Capacity: 2-3 15.5 x 27.5-inch towels or 6-8 small square towels

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Splurge

Rejuvenation Wall Mounted Towel Warmer

Setup5/5
Design5/5
Heating Performance5/5
Features5/5
Value4/5
This stainless steel wall-mounted towel warmer will instantly elevate a bathroom.

This stainless steel wall-mounted towel warmer will instantly elevate a bathroom.

It took about an hour to install.

It took about an hour to install.

If you’re shopping for a towel warmer because you’re hoping to give your bathroom a spa-like upgrade, the Rejuvenation Traditional Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer is the model you’ve been looking for.

This stunning wall-mounted towel warmer is made from stainless steel and offered in two beautiful finishes: polished chrome or polished nickel. The rails are designed to be spacious enough to accommodate larger towels and bath sheets, but it also has smaller racks for hand towels and washcloths.

We tried this pick at home and although it took about an hour to install, it was worth the wait. We used the towel warmer to dry our pool towels and noted that they felt like they came straight out of the dryer.

The towel warmer has two settings: manual or automatic. The manual mode allows you to set a specific time period for heating, while the automatic mode allows the unit to operate for hours at a comfortable temperature. During testing, we stuck with the manual mode and felt that it got the job done.

As with many other wall-mounted towel warmers, you’ll want to ensure you have enough space in your bathroom to hang this (at over 34 inches long, it’s generously sized). You’ll also want to have a deep single-gang electrical box to attach to the power feed, which is used for the timer. Though this box can be located anywhere in your bathroom, the manufacturer recommends it be located alongside light switches for best results.

How It Performed After Six Months

This towel warmer still worked well after using it for six months. We were initially worried it would be an eyesore, but we appreciated how elegant it looked. During the summer months, we used it to warm towels to be used after swimming in a pool and appreciated how warm and cozy we felt while using the towels.

We also used it to dry damp towels, and we found that they were dry again within minutes. Two to three towels could fit on it at once, and it heated up the towels quickly. In the cooler months, we also used it to warm bathrobes.

It performed exceptionally well, and while the price is high, we were impressed by the quality and durability of it.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHAEL NAVARRO

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHAEL NAVARRO

Best Wall-Mounted

Heatgene Wall Mounted Towel Warmer

AMAZON

Setup4.3/5
Design4.8/5
Heating Performance4.8/5
Features4.5/5
Value4.5/5
The installation was straightforward, and we could fit two towels and a bathrobe on it.

The installation was straightforward, and we could fit two towels and a bathrobe on it.

It doesn’t come with any special features, like a timer.

It doesn’t come with any special features, like a timer.

For those looking for a convenient wall-mounted option, we loved the Heatgene Towel Warmer Wall Mount during testing.

The installation process was fairly straightforward, and the whole process took about 45 minutes. You’ll need a drill and a level to complete the installation, so make sure you have these tools on hand before you get started.

You may also want to have a few extra dry wall screws on hand if you aren’t installing it directly into studs—one of our drywall screws broke during installation, but thankfully we had a spare on hand.

After it was installed, we used it to warm bath towels to use after showering. We appreciated its large size and multiple rows—we were able to hang two bath towels and a bathrobe on it at the same time.

We found that the towel warmer worked best when we turned it on about half an hour before we took a shower, so it was nice and toasty by the time we added our towels to it.

It doesn’t come with any special features and only has an on/off button. However, we did add a smart plug to it so we could turn it on and off with our Alexa.

How It Performed After Six Months

We used this towel warmer daily for six months, and we were pleased that it continued to perform well despite frequent use. We also used it to dry damp towels, and we were surprised at how quickly it dried them. It evenly heated up towels and robes, and we always felt warm and cozy using the warmed towels.

Our only complaint continued to be the lack of any special features, particularly a timer. We wished it turned itself off automatically after use.

Best Rack

Amba Solo Towel Warmer

Setup5/5
Design5/5
Heating Performance4.5/5
Features4.5/5
Value3/5
This freestanding electric rack is stylish and very convenient to use.

This freestanding electric rack is stylish and very convenient to use.

Though it can fit up to two towels, weaving one towel between the racks may deliver better results.

Though it can fit up to two towels, weaving one towel between the racks may deliver better results.

If you like the look of a wall-mounted towel warmer but would prefer not to deal with elaborate installation, a freestanding electric rack such as the Amba Solo may be the best towel warmer for you.

This one is undeniably attractive, delivering the style points you want in a wall-mounted model (it’s made of stainless steel and offered in two finishes) but much easier to assemble: All we needed to do was screw in the feet.

In addition to good looks, this towel warmer has several nice features. For one, it’s made of stainless steel and generally feels well-made: Though it has a slight wobble when empty, with towels hanging on it it feels heavy and sturdy. We observed that it would be difficult to knock over.

With its large size, it’s generous enough to be placed in a laundry or mudroom in addition to a bathroom. It also has one of the fastest heat times of the towel warmers we tested and can warm in just 10 to 15 minutes.

There is one downside, however: Compared to some other towel warmers we tested, this one didn’t deliver the same level of heat. While the manufacturer doesn’t list a temperature range, we were initially a little nervous about bumping into this towel warmer, but after it had been on for 15 minutes, we touched it and noted that it wasn’t hot at all.

During testing, we found that it seems to heat a little unevenly, too: In testing, we noticed that the towel placed on the bottom rack was “significantly warmer” than the one placed on the top rack.

As a result, this may be a better option for someone wanting a slightly warm towel after getting out of the shower as opposed to one that is truly toasty. We did note that they were able to work around this by weaving one towel through multiple racks; however, this may not be the best option for those in bigger households.

How It Performed After Six Months

This standing towel warmer performed well and consistently after six months of use. We used it to warm up bath towels, but we found another useful purpose for it: to warm up children’s clothes during the winter months.

One of our testers, who lives in the Pacific northwest, used the towel warmer each morning to warm her children’s coats before they boarded the school bus. The towel warmer was placed in a central location in the home, and it was nice and quiet while it warmed up clothes.

The children appreciated having an extra layer of warmth before going out in the cold. It took about 10 to 15 minutes to warm both clothes and towels. We do wish the cord was slightly longer, but otherwise it exceeded our expectations.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

Best Large

LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer

Setup5/5
Design4.5/5
Heating Performance4.5/5
Features5/5
Value4/5
This towel warmer is spacious enough for bigger linens and delivers even heating.

This towel warmer is spacious enough for bigger linens and delivers even heating.

It’s lightweight and can topple easily, so it’s best to store it in a corner or against a wall.

It’s lightweight and can topple easily, so it’s best to store it in a corner or against a wall.

To warm multiple large towels such as bath sheets or a mix of linens, a bigger towel warmer is in order, and the LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer emerged as the best large towel warmer in our testing. This freestanding, bucket-style electric model is roomy enough for two oversized towels or a mix of washcloths, robes, pajamas, and smaller towels.

The LiveFine towel warmer is easy to set up (it comes pre-assembled) and use. During testing, adding towels was simple since all we had to do was drop them inside the bucket, which is more than spacious enough for two towels.

The larger bucket also makes it easy to remove towels once warmed; because they’re not squished inside, we noted that you can pull them out without potentially touching the hot sides.

Compared to some rack-style towel warmers that we had previously tried, we found this one more effective and easier to operate. It thoroughly heated our towels and since the heating element is inside, we weren’t as concerned about touching it and hurting ourselves.

Even after using the towel warmer for 30 minutes, the handle, sides, and lid were warm but not hot to the touch. We also appreciated the unit’s design, especially the wood detailing on the lid.

The buttons on this towel warmer are a little tricky to push, we noted — while this is good from a safety perspective, it does mean you have to press quite hard, which can knock over the bucket if you’re not careful.

Holding the towel warmer with one hand while pressing the on/off button works fine, we found, but it’s not the most user-friendly experience. The bucket itself is also fairly lightweight and could topple easily, so we recommend putting it in a corner for added safety.

How It Performed After Six Months

After using this towel warmer for six months, we were still impressed with its quality and performance. During the testing period, we warmed up full-sized bath towels in this warmer as well as towels for a six-month old.

We thought the baby towel would take less time to warm up compared to the adult towels, but they both took the same amount of time to warm up. We consistently used the 30-minute timer, which yielded the coziest and warmest towels without being too hot. The towels were always evenly warmed without any cool spots.

“I would recommend it, especially during the winter or for those with kids who are always cold after a bath. I didn't think it would be useful or really that beneficial, but it's a nice treat! Plus, with this specific product, it was so simple to use and so effective at heating that it was quite useful. If someone is looking for a little 'treat yourself' feel post-shower or wants to warm up towels easily without running to the dryer, it's quite handy.” -Better Homes and Gardens Tester

We also appreciated that the outside of the towel warmer was never warm to the touch, which was a nice safety feature. We wish it came with more special features, like the ability to adjust the temperature, but otherwise we were pleased with this towel warmer.

If you have limited space, we also tested the smaller version of this towel warmer, the Live Fine Towel Warmer. It performed similarly, and it’s still working consistently after testing it for six months. It can hold one towel or one bathrobe, but it only has room for one at a time.

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HENRY WORTOCK