The 8 Best Towel Warmers, Tested by PEOPLE

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Henry Wortock

People / Henry Wortock

We can’t all have an in-home spa like Gwyneth Paltrow and Paris Hilton, but youcanmake your existing bathroom feel a little more luxurious with one-step upgrades like anicer showerheadand a towel warmer. The latter gadget is particularly great to have during the winter, as it keeps yourbath towels(andplush robes) toasty until you step out of the shower.To help you find the best towel warmer for your home, we tested 29 popular models, including buckets, freestanding racks, and wall-mounted units, in a variety of sizes. We evaluated each one based on its setup, design, heating performance, and value. We also continued testing them at home for several months to see how well they held up over time. Keep reading for the best towel warmers that PEOPLE tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEZadro Countertop Towel Warmer at Nordstrom$160$128Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer at Target$200Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALELive Fine Towel Warmer at Amazon$130$100Jump to ReviewBest Wall-Mounted:KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest Freestanding:Amba Solo Towel Warmer at Home Depot$280Jump to ReviewBest Small:StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Large:LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$134Jump to ReviewBest for Blankets:TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$110Jump to Review

We can’t all have an in-home spa like Gwyneth Paltrow and Paris Hilton, but youcanmake your existing bathroom feel a little more luxurious with one-step upgrades like anicer showerheadand a towel warmer. The latter gadget is particularly great to have during the winter, as it keeps yourbath towels(andplush robes) toasty until you step out of the shower.

To help you find the best towel warmer for your home, we tested 29 popular models, including buckets, freestanding racks, and wall-mounted units, in a variety of sizes. We evaluated each one based on its setup, design, heating performance, and value. We also continued testing them at home for several months to see how well they held up over time. Keep reading for the best towel warmers that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEZadro Countertop Towel Warmer at Nordstrom$160$128Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer at Target$200Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALELive Fine Towel Warmer at Amazon$130$100Jump to ReviewBest Wall-Mounted:KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest Freestanding:Amba Solo Towel Warmer at Home Depot$280Jump to ReviewBest Small:StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Large:LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$134Jump to ReviewBest for Blankets:TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$110Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEZadro Countertop Towel Warmer at Nordstrom$160$128Jump to ReviewBest Overall (Almost):Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer at Target$200Jump to ReviewBest Budget:SALELive Fine Towel Warmer at Amazon$130$100Jump to ReviewBest Wall-Mounted:KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer at Amazon$99Jump to ReviewBest Freestanding:Amba Solo Towel Warmer at Home Depot$280Jump to ReviewBest Small:StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer at Amazon$33Jump to ReviewBest Large:LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$134Jump to ReviewBest for Blankets:TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$110Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEZadro Countertop Towel Warmer at Nordstrom$160$128Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEZadro Countertop Towel Warmer at Nordstrom$160$128

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Overall (Almost):Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer at Target$200Jump to Review

Best Overall (Almost):Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer at Target$200

Best Overall (Almost):

Best Budget:SALELive Fine Towel Warmer at Amazon$130$100Jump to Review

Best Budget:SALELive Fine Towel Warmer at Amazon$130$100

Best Budget:

Best Wall-Mounted:KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer at Amazon$99Jump to Review

Best Wall-Mounted:KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer at Amazon$99

Best Wall-Mounted:

Best Freestanding:Amba Solo Towel Warmer at Home Depot$280Jump to Review

Best Freestanding:Amba Solo Towel Warmer at Home Depot$280

Best Freestanding:

Best Small:StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer at Amazon$33Jump to Review

Best Small:StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer at Amazon$33

Best Small:

Best Large:LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$134Jump to Review

Best Large:LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$134

Best Large:

Best for Blankets:TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$110Jump to Review

Best for Blankets:TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer at Amazon$110

Best for Blankets:

Best OverallZadro Countertop Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$160$128 at Nordstrom$160 at Target$160 at Crate & Barrel

Best OverallZadro Countertop Towel Warmer

Best Overall

Zadro Countertop Towel Warmer

PHOTO: Amazon

$160$128 at Nordstrom$160 at Target$160 at Crate & Barrel

Star QualitiesCompact design great for small spacesWide base feels very stableTowels reach 100 degrees in 15 minutesRed FlagsOnly fits one towel at a time

Star QualitiesCompact design great for small spacesWide base feels very stableTowels reach 100 degrees in 15 minutes

Compact design great for small spaces

Wide base feels very stable

Towels reach 100 degrees in 15 minutes

Red FlagsOnly fits one towel at a time

Only fits one towel at a time

The Zadro countertop towel warmer is compact and efficient, making it a top choice for your bathroom. This countertop model is only 13.5 inches tall, so it won’t take up too much space, and it’s the perfect size to hold one large bath sheet.

During testing, we liked that the shallow design makes it easy to grab your warm towel — you don’t have to reach deep into the bucket like other models — and the unit’s wide base makes it stable, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally knocking it over.

What We Think NowDuring the last six months (including a cold winter), we have been using this towel warmer every single day. We plug it in shortly before getting in the shower, and it delivers a luxuriously warm towel every time.

What We Think Now

During the last six months (including a cold winter), we have been using this towel warmer every single day. We plug it in shortly before getting in the shower, and it delivers a luxuriously warm towel every time.

Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12 x 12 x 13.5 inches |Capacity:16 liters |Power:210 watts

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Best Overall (Almost)Zadro Aromatherapy Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$200 at TargetView on Crate & Barrel$200 at BloomingdalesStar QualitiesSpacious enough for multiple bath sheets or a blanketWarmed to 115 degrees in 15 minutesEssential oil diffuser gives a pleasant scentRed FlagsBucket can become unstable if power cord isn’t correctly placedYou can heat up multiple towels (or even a blanket) in the Zadro aromatherapy towel warmer. This model is a larger option, measuring over 21 inches tall, so it does need to be placed on the ground, but we found that it can comfortably hold two large bath sheets at a time.The timer offers four settings in 15-minute increments, and after just 15 minutes in the bucket, our linens were warmed to around 115 degrees — perfectly warm to wrap up in without being too hot.This bucket-style towel warmer has stylish wooden feet on the base that keep it steady, though you have to thread its power cord carefully through the base. Otherwise, it may make the unit unstable. Inside the lid, there’s a wooden disc where you can put a few drops of essential oil, and we found that it lends a faint smell to the towels without being overwhelming.What We Think NowWe use this warmer first thing in the morning to heat our towel or robe, which it does in about 10 to 15 minutes, or to create aheated blanketeffect with our throw blanket.Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12 x 12 x 21.25 inches|Capacity:20 liters |Power:480 wattsPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Best Overall (Almost)Zadro Aromatherapy Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$200 at TargetView on Crate & Barrel$200 at Bloomingdales

Best Overall (Almost)Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer

Best Overall (Almost)

Zadro Aromatherapy Towel Warmer

$200 at TargetView on Crate & Barrel$200 at Bloomingdales

Star QualitiesSpacious enough for multiple bath sheets or a blanketWarmed to 115 degrees in 15 minutesEssential oil diffuser gives a pleasant scentRed FlagsBucket can become unstable if power cord isn’t correctly placed

Star QualitiesSpacious enough for multiple bath sheets or a blanketWarmed to 115 degrees in 15 minutesEssential oil diffuser gives a pleasant scent

Spacious enough for multiple bath sheets or a blanket

Warmed to 115 degrees in 15 minutes

Essential oil diffuser gives a pleasant scent

Red FlagsBucket can become unstable if power cord isn’t correctly placed

Bucket can become unstable if power cord isn’t correctly placed

You can heat up multiple towels (or even a blanket) in the Zadro aromatherapy towel warmer. This model is a larger option, measuring over 21 inches tall, so it does need to be placed on the ground, but we found that it can comfortably hold two large bath sheets at a time.

The timer offers four settings in 15-minute increments, and after just 15 minutes in the bucket, our linens were warmed to around 115 degrees — perfectly warm to wrap up in without being too hot.

This bucket-style towel warmer has stylish wooden feet on the base that keep it steady, though you have to thread its power cord carefully through the base. Otherwise, it may make the unit unstable. Inside the lid, there’s a wooden disc where you can put a few drops of essential oil, and we found that it lends a faint smell to the towels without being overwhelming.

What We Think NowWe use this warmer first thing in the morning to heat our towel or robe, which it does in about 10 to 15 minutes, or to create aheated blanketeffect with our throw blanket.

We use this warmer first thing in the morning to heat our towel or robe, which it does in about 10 to 15 minutes, or to create aheated blanketeffect with our throw blanket.

Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12 x 12 x 21.25 inches|Capacity:20 liters |Power:480 watts

Best BudgetLive Fine Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$130$100 at Amazon$140 at Target$111 at WayfairStar QualitiesSmall but efffectiveLid and upper edges of the bucket stay cool to the touchRed FlagsNeed to heat one towel at a time to avoid cold spotsTowel warmers can be pricey, and the Live Fine towel warmer was the top-performing budget model during our tests. It’s on the smaller side, so you could easily put it on a counter, but we found that it can still hold two regular-sized towels or one bath sheet.The bucket was very stable, especially when it had towels inside. The lid and upper edges stayed cool to the touch during operation, so we were never worried about burning our hands when pulling towels out.This unit has a small digital screen, and you can set its timer to 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. After 15 minutes of warming, a single towel was close to 115 degrees, though we did notice that there were a few cold spots on it. When we tried warming two towels at once, the heat wasn’t distributed evenly, so we’d recommend sticking to one loosely folded towel for the best results.What We Think NowSince it takes a full 15 minutes to evenly warm a towel, we don’t use it every day, but when we do, it truly elevates our after-shower experience.Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12.6 x 12.6 x 13.4 inches |Capacity:10 liters |Power:220 wattsPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockThe More You KnowThere are two common styles of towel warmers. Bucket-style warmers are the most affordable, and they’re essentially just a large, heated bucket that you toss linens into before you get in the shower. There are also rack-style warmers, which can either be freestanding or mounted to the wall and are meant to be used for longer periods of time.

Best BudgetLive Fine Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$130$100 at Amazon$140 at Target$111 at Wayfair

Best BudgetLive Fine Towel Warmer

Best Budget

Live Fine Towel Warmer

$130$100 at Amazon$140 at Target$111 at Wayfair

Star QualitiesSmall but efffectiveLid and upper edges of the bucket stay cool to the touchRed FlagsNeed to heat one towel at a time to avoid cold spots

Star QualitiesSmall but efffectiveLid and upper edges of the bucket stay cool to the touch

Small but efffective

Lid and upper edges of the bucket stay cool to the touch

Red FlagsNeed to heat one towel at a time to avoid cold spots

Need to heat one towel at a time to avoid cold spots

Towel warmers can be pricey, and the Live Fine towel warmer was the top-performing budget model during our tests. It’s on the smaller side, so you could easily put it on a counter, but we found that it can still hold two regular-sized towels or one bath sheet.

The bucket was very stable, especially when it had towels inside. The lid and upper edges stayed cool to the touch during operation, so we were never worried about burning our hands when pulling towels out.

This unit has a small digital screen, and you can set its timer to 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. After 15 minutes of warming, a single towel was close to 115 degrees, though we did notice that there were a few cold spots on it. When we tried warming two towels at once, the heat wasn’t distributed evenly, so we’d recommend sticking to one loosely folded towel for the best results.

What We Think NowSince it takes a full 15 minutes to evenly warm a towel, we don’t use it every day, but when we do, it truly elevates our after-shower experience.

Since it takes a full 15 minutes to evenly warm a towel, we don’t use it every day, but when we do, it truly elevates our after-shower experience.

Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12.6 x 12.6 x 13.4 inches |Capacity:10 liters |Power:220 watts

PHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

The More You KnowThere are two common styles of towel warmers. Bucket-style warmers are the most affordable, and they’re essentially just a large, heated bucket that you toss linens into before you get in the shower. There are also rack-style warmers, which can either be freestanding or mounted to the wall and are meant to be used for longer periods of time.

The More You Know

There are two common styles of towel warmers. Bucket-style warmers are the most affordable, and they’re essentially just a large, heated bucket that you toss linens into before you get in the shower. There are also rack-style warmers, which can either be freestanding or mounted to the wall and are meant to be used for longer periods of time.

Best Wall-MountedKEG Wall-Mounted Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$99 at Amazon

Best Wall-MountedKEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer

Best Wall-Mounted

KEG Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer

$99 at Amazon

Star QualitiesCan be plugged in or hardwiredCan weave towel through bars for more even heatingSpace-saving designRed FlagsIncluded drywall anchors broke during installation

Star QualitiesCan be plugged in or hardwiredCan weave towel through bars for more even heatingSpace-saving design

Can be plugged in or hardwired

Can weave towel through bars for more even heating

Space-saving design

Red FlagsIncluded drywall anchors broke during installation

Included drywall anchors broke during installation

If floor space is at a premium in your bathroom, the Keg wall-mounted towel warmer can be installed right on the wall. This unit comes with a six-foot power cord, but you can also hardwire it into your home’s electrical system for a more seamless look. The installation is more complicated than a bucket towel warmer (especially if you’re hardwiring it), and the drywall anchors included with the product broke during installation, forcing us to purchase new ones.

What We Think NowIt consistently takes around 30 minutes to warm up towels, so we found that it’s best to preheat the rack before getting into the shower or bath. While its performance remained consistent over long-term testing, we did run into installation problems after a few months. The drywall anchors ended up pulling out of the wall due to the weight of the rack and towels, so we’d recommend installing the rack directly into studs for better security.

It consistently takes around 30 minutes to warm up towels, so we found that it’s best to preheat the rack before getting into the shower or bath. While its performance remained consistent over long-term testing, we did run into installation problems after a few months. The drywall anchors ended up pulling out of the wall due to the weight of the rack and towels, so we’d recommend installing the rack directly into studs for better security.

Type:Wall-mounted |Dimensions:16.4 x 20.86 x 3.15 inches |Capacity:1 towel |Power:40 watts

PHOTO: People / Megan WoodPHOTO: People / Megan WoodPHOTO: People / Megan Wood

The More You KnowOnly certain types of towel warmers are designed to be used with wet towels. In general, rack-style towel warmers, whether freestanding or wall-mounted, can be used to dry off wet towels, as they allow for enough air circulation around the fabric. On the other hand, if you put a wet towel into a bucket-style towel warmer, you’ll likely end up with a linen that’s simply damp and warm — which doesn’t sound pleasant.

Only certain types of towel warmers are designed to be used with wet towels. In general, rack-style towel warmers, whether freestanding or wall-mounted, can be used to dry off wet towels, as they allow for enough air circulation around the fabric. On the other hand, if you put a wet towel into a bucket-style towel warmer, you’ll likely end up with a linen that’s simply damp and warm — which doesn’t sound pleasant.

Best FreestandingAmba Solo Towel WarmerPHOTO: The Home Depot$280 at Home DepotStar QualitiesFelt sturdy and stable with towels insideCan use to dry towelsRed FlagsDoesn’t warm towels quicklyBucket-style towel warmers are designed to heat linens quickly — usually, while you’re in the shower or bath — but if you want a unit that helps dry off wet towels, the Amba towel warmer was the best freestanding rack we tested. It can hold two towels at a time, and we found it quite sturdy when there were linens hung over its bars. It has a five-foot power cord, and it’s simple to operate with a single on/off button.This towel warmer isn’t the best option for quick heating — after 10 minutes on the rack, towels were only about 10 degrees warmer than their starting temperature. However, if you leave your towels on this rack throughout the day, it will help dry them off, preventing them from getting musty and leaving them nicely warm.What We Think NowWe continue to find new ways to use the Amba towel warmer. It’s a great device to give that fresh-from-the-dryer feeling to our kids' clothes on a cool morning.Type:Freestanding rack |Dimensions:12 x 33 x 38 inches |Capacity:2 towels |Power:150 wattsPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockThe More You KnowIf you have a rack or wall-mounted towel warmer, you may find that it works best if you leave it running 24/7, as this allows it to keep towels warm and dry. “Leaving a towel warmer on all the time is fine — this is another reason why we choose better quality units,” explainsMichael Taylor, director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington.

Best FreestandingAmba Solo Towel WarmerPHOTO: The Home Depot$280 at Home Depot

Best FreestandingAmba Solo Towel Warmer

Best Freestanding

Amba Solo Towel Warmer

PHOTO: The Home Depot

$280 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesFelt sturdy and stable with towels insideCan use to dry towelsRed FlagsDoesn’t warm towels quickly

Star QualitiesFelt sturdy and stable with towels insideCan use to dry towels

Felt sturdy and stable with towels inside

Can use to dry towels

Red FlagsDoesn’t warm towels quickly

Doesn’t warm towels quickly

Bucket-style towel warmers are designed to heat linens quickly — usually, while you’re in the shower or bath — but if you want a unit that helps dry off wet towels, the Amba towel warmer was the best freestanding rack we tested. It can hold two towels at a time, and we found it quite sturdy when there were linens hung over its bars. It has a five-foot power cord, and it’s simple to operate with a single on/off button.

This towel warmer isn’t the best option for quick heating — after 10 minutes on the rack, towels were only about 10 degrees warmer than their starting temperature. However, if you leave your towels on this rack throughout the day, it will help dry them off, preventing them from getting musty and leaving them nicely warm.

What We Think NowWe continue to find new ways to use the Amba towel warmer. It’s a great device to give that fresh-from-the-dryer feeling to our kids' clothes on a cool morning.

We continue to find new ways to use the Amba towel warmer. It’s a great device to give that fresh-from-the-dryer feeling to our kids' clothes on a cool morning.

Type:Freestanding rack |Dimensions:12 x 33 x 38 inches |Capacity:2 towels |Power:150 watts

The More You KnowIf you have a rack or wall-mounted towel warmer, you may find that it works best if you leave it running 24/7, as this allows it to keep towels warm and dry. “Leaving a towel warmer on all the time is fine — this is another reason why we choose better quality units,” explainsMichael Taylor, director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington.

If you have a rack or wall-mounted towel warmer, you may find that it works best if you leave it running 24/7, as this allows it to keep towels warm and dry. “Leaving a towel warmer on all the time is fine — this is another reason why we choose better quality units,” explainsMichael Taylor, director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington.

Best SmallStateRiver Towel Heater and SteamerPHOTO: Amazon$33 at AmazonStar QualitiesEvenly heated eight mini towelsWarmed towels to 175 degreesRed FlagsUnit feels lightweight and flimsyIf you like to use a hot washcloth to clean your face or just soothe yourself after a long day, the StateRive mini towel heater is an inexpensive product to add to your bathroom. Unlike most towel warmers, which use radiant heat to warm your linens, this unit steams them using hot water.We tested it with the eight mini towels that come with the unit, and we were impressed to find that they were all evenly heated to an average temperature of 175 degrees. The warmth was soothing yet still safe to touch, and it would be a useful gadget for a spa setting or even to pamper yourself at home. Add it to your home spa experience along with afoot massager.While the towel steamer did perform well, there were a few design features that we didn’t love. The whole thing feels pretty cheap in its construction, with lightweight plastic and a flimsy lid that rests on top of the bucket.What We Think NowThe warm towels are great for steaming our face or to use as a warm compress on an injury. While it takes a bit of time to warm towels, the consistency has remained unchanged, and we love the portable size of the unit.Type:Countertop steamer |Dimensions:8.7 x 8.7 x 9.5 inches |Capacity:Not listed |Power:400 wattsPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Best SmallStateRiver Towel Heater and SteamerPHOTO: Amazon$33 at Amazon

Best SmallStateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer

Best Small

StateRiver Towel Heater and Steamer

$33 at Amazon

Star QualitiesEvenly heated eight mini towelsWarmed towels to 175 degreesRed FlagsUnit feels lightweight and flimsy

Star QualitiesEvenly heated eight mini towelsWarmed towels to 175 degrees

Evenly heated eight mini towels

Warmed towels to 175 degrees

Red FlagsUnit feels lightweight and flimsy

Unit feels lightweight and flimsy

If you like to use a hot washcloth to clean your face or just soothe yourself after a long day, the StateRive mini towel heater is an inexpensive product to add to your bathroom. Unlike most towel warmers, which use radiant heat to warm your linens, this unit steams them using hot water.

We tested it with the eight mini towels that come with the unit, and we were impressed to find that they were all evenly heated to an average temperature of 175 degrees. The warmth was soothing yet still safe to touch, and it would be a useful gadget for a spa setting or even to pamper yourself at home. Add it to your home spa experience along with afoot massager.

While the towel steamer did perform well, there were a few design features that we didn’t love. The whole thing feels pretty cheap in its construction, with lightweight plastic and a flimsy lid that rests on top of the bucket.

What We Think NowThe warm towels are great for steaming our face or to use as a warm compress on an injury. While it takes a bit of time to warm towels, the consistency has remained unchanged, and we love the portable size of the unit.

The warm towels are great for steaming our face or to use as a warm compress on an injury. While it takes a bit of time to warm towels, the consistency has remained unchanged, and we love the portable size of the unit.

Type:Countertop steamer |Dimensions:8.7 x 8.7 x 9.5 inches |Capacity:Not listed |Power:400 watts

Best LargeLiveFine Large Bucket Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$134 at Amazon$137 at Wayfair$140 at Macy’s

Best LargeLiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer

Best Large

LiveFine Large Bucket Towel Warmer

$134 at Amazon$137 at Wayfair$140 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesCan fit two bath sheets or three bath towelsWarms quicklyInside doesn’t get too hotRed FlagsA bit wobbly

Star QualitiesCan fit two bath sheets or three bath towelsWarms quicklyInside doesn’t get too hot

Can fit two bath sheets or three bath towels

Warms quickly

Inside doesn’t get too hot

Red FlagsA bit wobbly

A bit wobbly

If you generally use bath sheets, which are larger than standard towels, you might want a model like the Live Fine large towel warmer. It has an 18-liter capacity, and we found that you can fit two bath sheets or three towels inside the bucket. Plus, it was able to warm towels evenly, reaching a temperature of around 100 degrees after just 10 minutes.

Like most of the bucket-style warmers we tested, this unit has a timer that you can set to a maximum of 60 minutes, and its digital screen makes it easy to program. We liked that the interior of the bucket didn’t get overly hot during operation, so we didn’t have to worry about burning our hands while fishing towels from the bottom. However, the unit is slightly wobbly, so you may need to tuck it in a corner to prevent it from being knocked over.

Type:Bucket |Dimensions:12.9 x 12.9 x 21.25 inches |Capacity:18 liters |Power:480 watts

Best for BlanketsTMWings Bucket Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$110 at Amazon$78 at Walmart$252 at Home DepotStar QualitiesWarmed a plush throw blanket in 15 minutesSleek, practical designRed FlagsTips easily on carpetingYou can enjoy a toasty warm blanket every night with the Tmwings towel warmer. In testing, we found that this bucket-style model is big enough to hold two bath sheets or three standard towels, and we were also able to put a plush throw blanket inside with room to spare. The towels were heated to around 100 degrees after just 10 minutes inside the bucket, and the blanket came out evenly heated, though it did require more time to reach a cozy temperature.This towel warmer has sleek wooden accents, and it even has a large handle on top, in case you need to move it around your home. The unit is stable on hard floors, but we did find it off-balance and easy to tip over on carpeting.What We Think NowIt does take quite a long time to heat towels throughout, so we recommend preheating them before you hop into the bath. Additionally, it leaves towels a bit damp if they were wet going into the bucket, so we recommend it for blankets more than bath towels.Type:Bucket |Dimensions:13.2 x 13.2 x 20.5 inches|Capacity:20 liters |Power:Not listedPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry WortockPHOTO: People / Henry Wortock

Best for BlanketsTMWings Bucket Towel WarmerPHOTO: Amazon$110 at Amazon$78 at Walmart$252 at Home Depot

Best for BlanketsTMWings Bucket Towel Warmer

Best for Blankets

TMWings Bucket Towel Warmer

$110 at Amazon$78 at Walmart$252 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesWarmed a plush throw blanket in 15 minutesSleek, practical designRed FlagsTips easily on carpeting

Star QualitiesWarmed a plush throw blanket in 15 minutesSleek, practical design

Warmed a plush throw blanket in 15 minutes

Sleek, practical design

Red FlagsTips easily on carpeting

Tips easily on carpeting

You can enjoy a toasty warm blanket every night with the Tmwings towel warmer. In testing, we found that this bucket-style model is big enough to hold two bath sheets or three standard towels, and we were also able to put a plush throw blanket inside with room to spare. The towels were heated to around 100 degrees after just 10 minutes inside the bucket, and the blanket came out evenly heated, though it did require more time to reach a cozy temperature.

This towel warmer has sleek wooden accents, and it even has a large handle on top, in case you need to move it around your home. The unit is stable on hard floors, but we did find it off-balance and easy to tip over on carpeting.

What We Think NowIt does take quite a long time to heat towels throughout, so we recommend preheating them before you hop into the bath. Additionally, it leaves towels a bit damp if they were wet going into the bucket, so we recommend it for blankets more than bath towels.

It does take quite a long time to heat towels throughout, so we recommend preheating them before you hop into the bath. Additionally, it leaves towels a bit damp if they were wet going into the bucket, so we recommend it for blankets more than bath towels.

Type:Bucket |Dimensions:13.2 x 13.2 x 20.5 inches|Capacity:20 liters |Power:Not listed

Other Towel Warmers We Tried

Pottery Barn Classic Towel Warmer:If you don’t mind spending a bit more, this wall-mounted towel warmer has a classic appearance and comes in several sizes and finishes. We were impressed with how quickly it dried wet towels and even clothing, but you do have to leave it on for long periods of time if you want your towels to be warm after your shower. Additionally, after several months of continued use, we found that the rack sits a bit too close to the wall when mounted, making it hard to fit more than one or two towels on the bars.

People/Henry Wortock

What to Know About Towel Warmers

Style

The first thing you’ll need to decide is which style of towel warmer will work best in your home.

Bucket-style warmers, like our top-ratedZadro Countertop Towel Warmer, are often the most affordable, and they’re easy to set up and use. These warmers are meant for dry towels only, and most people simply place their towels in the bucket and turn the unit on before getting into the bath. Within around 15 minutes, your towel will be toasty warm. The downside of these towel warmers is that they can be quite bulky and take up a lot of space in your bathroom.

Rack-style towel warmers, like theKeg Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer, are another popular choice, offering a different set of benefits. These units come in bothfreestandingandwall-mounteddesigns, and they can often be used to dry towels in addition to warming them. Many of them take up less space in the bathroom, but they need to be left on for longer periods of time to be effective.

Capacity

Towel warmers can generally hold betweenone and three towelsat a time, and it’s important to think about how many towels you’ll want to heat at once. Larger models will be able to hold more and accommodate bulky bath sheets, but they also take up more space in your bathroom. Smaller countertop models, such as theZadro Countertop Towel Warmer, can generally only warm one towel at a time, but they’re also compact enough to tuck under a vanity when not in use.

Installation

Some towel warmers are simply plug-and-play, but others require fairly complicated installation. “If you decide to install a higher-quality towel rail where the electrical cabling is run in the wall, you will need an electrician,” saysMichael Taylor, director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington.

“Regardless of which model you install, you should always backblock your towel rail. This means installing timber support behind the tiles so the towel rails can be secured to the timber backing.”

Even if you don’t have a hardwired model, any wall-mounted towel warmer should be leveled and securely fastened to the wall, which may require special tools. Keep this in mind when selecting which option will work best in your home.

Warm-Up Time

In general, bucket-style towel warmers work faster than racks, and the higher the wattage, the quicker they’ll warm up your towels. For fast, even heating, you’ll likely want a model like theZadro Large Aromatherapy Towel Warmer, which has a high wattage of 480. It will generally be able to heat towels in just 10 to 15 minutes.

Price Range

The best towel warmers we tested range from $100 to $300. We even found a mini towel warmer for less than $40. Most freestanding towel warmers fall in the $100 to $200 price range. Wall-mounted units typically cost more than freestanding towel warmers, in addition to the cost of installation.

To find the best towel warmers, we tested a total of 29 products, including 20 freestanding options and nine wall-mounted models. We tested the freestanding options, including bucket-style towel warmers, in our lab, while wall-mounted units were set up in the homes of our testers. For both styles, we evaluated them on the following:

Using our testers' insights, we scored each product on a scale of one to five in all the different areas. We compiled the data, and the top-scoring products were theZadro Countertop Towel WarmerandZadro Large Aromatherapy Towel Warmer.

Camryn Rabideauis a contributing shopping writer and product tester for PEOPLE who specializes in home products. In addition to her own research, she compiled this list of the best towel warmers using notes from the PEOPLE Tested team. She also spoke with a bathroom renovation expert for insights on the benefits and installation requirements of towel racks.

Meet Our ExpertMichael Tayloris the director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington, a bathroom remodeling company based in Victoria, Australia.

Meet Our Expert

Michael Tayloris the director at Form Bathroom Renovations Mornington, a bathroom remodeling company based in Victoria, Australia.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

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source: people.com