The 8 Best Towel Warmers of 2024, According to Lab Testing

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We tested the best towel warmers that are easy to set up, well-designed, deliver a solid heating performance, and are durable enough to last many years. stainless toilet

Better Homes & Gardens / Brian Kopinski

Looking for an easy way to upgrade your bathroom? Consider investing in a towel warmer. Stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a toasty-warm towel is pretty much the closest you can get to a spa day at home.

But in addition to feeling luxurious, towel warmers can also be practical. “Towel warmers are a great way to both dry and warm towels efficiently,” says Jennifer Stephan, an interior designer based in New York. “This helps avoid a musty smell from damp towels and reduces laundry.”

To find the best towel warmers, we tested 29 different products in our lab as well as at home. We used a predetermined methodology to evaluate each towel warmer in six categories: setup, design, heating performance, features, and value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick's scores across categories.

We also consulted Stephan for additional insight about towel warmers, including features she recommends shoppers look for, types of materials that are best suited for different bathrooms, and what you need to know about heat time and temperature range when purchasing a towel warmer.

We evaluated 29 towel warmers on their setup, design, heating performance, and features.

For more information on how we tested towel warmers, check out our testing process below.

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

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.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

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.

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.

Product Details: Type: Freestanding electric steamer | Dimensions: 9.53 x 8.78 x 8.7 inches | Material: Plastic | Heat Time: 8–10 minutes, or 10–12 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 & Gardens / Henry Wortock

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

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.

Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro

It has a basic but versatile design and reasonable price point and is offered in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

We noted that the drill plugs that came with this towel warmer weren’t the highest quality and may need to be replaced for installation.

Though not necessarily the flashiest towel warmer on the market, the KEG Towel Warmer delivers a solid performance and was one of the best wall-mounted models we tested. It has a simple but attractive design and is available in 10 different finishes and five sizes (choose from a rack with four, six, eight, or 12 bars, as well as an “S” shape model).

We tried this model at home and were able to set this up relatively easily. However, we did purchase a laser level and additional drywall plugs as the ones that came with the product collapsed on themselves when we tried to hammer them into the wall.

We opted for the four-rung towel rack due to space constraints in our bathroom but wished we had space for a larger rack, as their bath towel took up all four rungs. These limitations aside, it was easy to add and remove towels from this rack, and the spacing allowed us to weave the towel in between each bar for extra warmth.

During testing, we liked that the bar would get warm to the touch but not feel like it was going to burn you. Initially, we put a towel on the rack about 15 minutes before showering, which gave the towels a nice warmth. However, waiting up to 20 minutes resulted in a toastier towel.

This rack has a timer, so you can either turn it on and leave it or set it for two or four hours, which we liked. There are no other features, but you can opt for a slightly more expensive Wi-Fi-connected version, which lets you control the timer via an app or voice control.

Better Homes & Gardens / Megan Wood

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.

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.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Basic but effective, this cabinet is a good option for heating up to 12 washcloths quickly.

It’s not as stylish as other options.

If you’re hesitant to invest in a towel warmer for fear of injuring yourself, know that the Elite Hot Towel Cabinet is particularly easy and safe to use. There’s a rack that goes into the warmer, so you can place your towels on the rack and then insert it without worrying about sticking your hand inside. The towel warmer itself was warm, but not uncomfortably so, and not hot enough to injure us during testing.

This is a freestanding electric cabinet model that’s designed to hold up to 12 washcloth-sized towels. While very basic-looking, it’s straightforward to use and does mostly deliver on its promises. The manufacturer doesn’t list the heat time, but it seemed to heat up quickly during testing. This would be perfect to use in a professional setting such as a spa, nail salon, or gym, we noted.

There are few bells and whistles here — you’re getting the warmer, a power cord, a drip tray (this was easy to remove and reinsert), and an on/off button. Still, we felt that it was a good value overall.

One criticism we had was that the top could get a bit hot, and the model doesn’t come with tongs. While it generally heated the towels quickly and efficiently, some of the washcloths had cool spots after 10 minutes (this was usually on areas that weren’t exposed to an inside surface).

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

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.

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.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Very similar to our overall best towel warmer pick, this model has many of the same features in a slimmer profile.

It’s not very deep and truly can fit just one large towel.

Smaller bathrooms can still accommodate a towel warmer, thanks to this small but mighty model. The Zadro Hot Towel Warmer Bucket has many similarities to our best-overall pick, including the modern-looking design, auto shutoff, and four timer settings. But it’s more than 7 inches shorter, so you may be able to fit it under a sink or in a tight corner more easily.

The wide wooden base felt sturdy and we liked that it’s even more tip-resistant with the weight of the towel inside. As with our best overall pick, it’s easy to add towels to the bucket and very simple to operate.

There’s a timer feature that gives you the option to warm your towel for 15 to 60 minutes in 15-minute increments, as well as a light that turns red when it’s hot, a nice safety feature.

This smaller size does mean fewer towels can fit in the bucket: Unlike our best overall pick, this Zadro model can fit just one large towel. And even then, we had to fold the towel over twice to fit into the bucket. So while an excellent option for smaller bathrooms, you wouldn’t want to try to squeeze more than one towel in this.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Although we tested many excellent towel warmers, the Zadro Large Aromatherapy Hot Towel Warmer was a clear winner. This freestanding towel warmer is easy to set up and use, warms towels to an ideal temperature, and has a stylish appearance that looks right at home in any bathroom. It also has an aromatherapy feature, a nice touch that lets you infuse your towels with your favorite essential oils.

Available in several size options and stylish finishes, the Pottery Barn Classic Towel Warmer had a beautiful, modern look that we liked. As a wall-mounted towel warmer, this model requires a significant amount of installation help and time, and it’s pricey, too (at $629 to $800, this is one of the more expensive towel warmers we tested). However, we didn’t find the performance to be worth the installation time and price: Only two towels can fit on the rack at one time, there’s no timer, and the warming time was a little long for someone who takes short showers.

The freestanding Mibihibi Personal Moist Towel Steamer and Warmer is less expensive than other options, and it hasseveralf nice features. It holds up to 15 small towels at one time, making this a solid option for home spa days or after shaving. But its heating performance was uneven — some of the towels were painfully hot to touch, we noted. For this reason, it didn’t make our list of the best towel warmers.

The Sharper Image Towel Warmer is lightweight and has a basic design that makes it highly versatile, and it was blissfully easy to set up during testing. But while the retailer claims this model can accommodate two large bath towels, we struggled to comfortably fit them inside. We also noted that despite the higher price point, the plastic is a little cheap-feeling.

To find the best towel warmers, we put 29 towel warmers to the test in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as in our home homes.

In the lab, freestanding towel warmers were set up and assessed for ease of use depending on whether they were racks, buckets, cabinets, or steamers. The towels used with each of the models were checked for surface temperature measurements before and after going through a warming cycle. If models offered aromatherapy, we added some essential oil to the tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In the real-world setting, towel warmers were wall-mounted and assessed for ease of installation. We checked how many towels could fit on the racks, how warm they got after a 20-minute heat-up period, and how well towels dried in between uses. We were also asked to consider how easy it is to add and remove towels to the warmer, how much space the model uses in a bathroom, and how many towels it can hold and adequately heat simultaneously.

We used a predetermined methodology to evaluate each towel warmer in six categories: setup, design, heating performance, features, and value. The final rating was determined by averaging each pick's scores across categories.

When it comes to choosing the best towel warmer for your home, it’s important to consider the different types that are offered.

Always check the dimensions of a towel warmer you’re considering to ensure you have enough space to fit it in your bathroom — especially important if you’re opting for a freestanding model, as you want to be able to move around without bumping into it. Wall-mounted towel warmers may be a better choice for bathrooms where floor space is a premium, though you’ll need enough room for the unit on a wall.

“Towel warmers are typically brass or stainless steel, typically finished in chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black,” says Stephan. Other materials you might encounter, particularly for wall-mounted models, include aluminum, chrome-plated steel, copper, or powder-coated steel. Free-standing towel warmers (especially steamers and cabinets) are more likely to be made of plastic.

Some towel warmers take a little longer to heat up than others, though most of the best towel warmers on our list work within 15 or 20 minutes. “You'll want to know the warm-up time so that the towels are warm enough when ready to use,” says Stephan. If you take short showers, for example, you’ll want a towel warmer that can heat up more quickly.

Though all towel warmers are designed to operate at a safe temperature, some come with built-in timers and thermostats, which are a great way to ensure your towels are ready when you want to use them (you may pay more for these features, however).

Some towel warmers have a larger capacity, so you’ll want to consider how many you’d like warmed at a time. If you have a large family with multiple people sharing a bathroom, a towel warmer with a bigger capacity will likely be a priority. On the other hand, a couple can probably get by with a towel warmer that holds just two towels at a time.

Towel warmers are available at every price point: The options on this list range from $40 for our budget pick to nearly $3,000 for a splurge-worthy towel warmer, but most models featured fall somewhere between $100 and $200. You’ll usually pay more for high-quality materials such as stainless steel, as well as extra features like a timer or aromatherapy. Wall-mounted towel warmers may also cost a little more than freestanding models.

They can be, Stephan says. Many towel warmers are designed to be used to both dry and warm towels, which means they can cut down on the amount of laundry you have to do and help prevent towels from having a musty smell.

Though excellent for warming towels, don’t expect your towel warmer to generate enough heat to keep the entire space warm. “They are a source of heat, but not enough to warm an entire bathroom,” says Stephan.

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best towel warmers, Kathleen analyzed lab and real-world insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa. She also spoke to Jennifer Stephan, an interior designer based in New York.

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