Are you sure you want to remove this item from your Recipe Box?

Please enter a valid email address...

The emails have been sent

No, thanksI'm already a PureWow fan.

No, thanks I hate pretty things.

Ask any woman and she’ll tell you: The best part about getting a manicure, facial or massage is when they break out the warm, steamy towel. Not only does it rejuvenate our skin, but it’s the thing we equate most with a luxurious spa. That said, it makes sense why towel warmers are trending; creating a tranquil, at-home spa is the bathroom design trend of 2022. But, there are a few things to consider before you break out the aromatherapy candles. Here’s a rundown of what to look for, plus 12 of the best towel warmers to shop now.

The main difference between the two is that electric towel warmers use—you guessed it—electricity, while hydronic towel warmers use hot water from your plumbing system to heat its exterior bars. Basically, you can assume that anything with a removable plug is electric, because hydronic warmers are connected to your home’s water supply. And yes, as you can imagine, hydronic warmers tend to be the more luxurious (and expensive) choice. Still, there are several electric warmers that can be hard-wired into your electrical system for a similar, unsightly cord-free effect. Plus, you can always use a freestanding electric warmer to create a spa-like experience—at half the price.

If your towel heater resembles a large, electric hamper with a lid, it’s electric. Essentially, if you’re trying to heat as many linens as possible (in the least amount of time) an oversized, freestanding bucket is the best option. However, these guys can take up *a lot* of floor space. So, if you live in a tiny apartment, you’ll probably need something compact and cabinet-friendly (see below).

Since hydronic heaters use water from your home’s plumbing, they need to be mounted to the wall—and in most cases, professionally installed. (These racks tend to be the best at evenly heating hanging towels, linens and clothing.) Yet, while all hydronic warmers are wall-mounted, there are a number of electric warmers that utilize wall-mounted, hard-wired racks. Plus, if you choose to go electric, they’re usually easier to install and you won’t need to hire a handyman if it suddenly stops working (although you might need some replacement wires).

If you’re strapped for space, we’d recommend going with a heated, wall-mounted rack. Not only does this free up floor and counter space, but the rack’s open design allows for ample airflow (AKA less wrinkles). However, racks only allow you to hang a few items at a time, and it can take longer to heat everything up—especially if it’s electric. So, if you’re looking for something that can warm linens quickly, an enclosed heater is the more practical option. And, while bucket warmers tend to be the best freestanding choice, there are also cabinet warmers that can fit seamlessly into your bathroom's built-ins (just be sure to measure everything beforehand).

Scroll down for in-depth reviews of each.

RELATED: The 12 Best Bath Towels and Hand Towels of 2021 - PureWow

1. Amba Wall-Mounted Towel Warmer Best Overall

First up on our list: A hardwired, electric towel warmer that’s just as chic as it is effective. This one features ten sleek, stainless steel bars that can hold two towels at a time. Plus, each bar is scratch, rust, and chip resistant and it can reach up to 149 degrees in less than 15 minutes. One reviewer raves: “I don't know how we lived without a towel warmer before! It is so wonderful to have a warm towel waiting when you get out of the shower. And a major bonus is that your towels actually dry, so you don't get that funky towel smell.” It also comes in five trendy finishes—matte black (our fave), brushed nickel, polished steel, satin brass and polished gold—to complement your bathroom’s existing hardware.

2. ​​Odass Towel Warmer with Timer Best Electric

Not sure if you should do hard-wired or plug-in? Now you don’t have to choose. This 10-bar warmer comes with a 1.7-meter cord that you can plug directly into the wall, AND it allows for hard-wired installation (with directions included). Plus, aside from its versatile installation, we love how it features three finish options (brushed nickel, chrome and carbon steel) and includes a built-in timer two and four-hour modes. “The on/off switch and timer work great, [and] it doesn't take up much room on the wall...I turn it on about 5 [to] 10 min before a shower, and when I'm done the towel is nice and warm,” writes one reviewer.

3. ICO Savoy Hydronic Steel Towel Warmer Best Hydronic

Looking for something really warm? This hydronic heater connects to your home’s hot water supply to circulate ample heat in the unit AND throughout your entire bathroom (which is a major plus during the winter months). The unit ​​includes 16 bars and has a 31-inch height that can heat everything from towels to bed sheets—all at the same time. You’ll have to buy some installation and valve hardware separately, but it does come with a lifetime warranty.

4. Cinier Minimal Wall Mounted Towel Warmer Most Luxurious

Here, the crème de la crème of towel warmers. This towel heater by Cinier is crafted with stunning Olycal, a type of limestone that’s crushed at the initial stage of production and then restructured with an exclusive patented process that allows heat to be emitted with unique efficiency. It comes in both hydronic and electric options, and it can achieve maximum heat in less than 10 minutes. And, during the colder months, the electric version comes with a smart hot air blower that can heat an entire bathroom in record time. However, as if its innovative technology wasn’t enough, it has a minimalist, three-dornbracht-hook design that’s basically a work of art, and it comes in 34 finish options to match any interior style. If you can afford it, we guarantee that this guy will give your bathroom the ultimate spa-like feel.

5. Pursonic Electric Towel Warmer Best Budget

And now, for the other side of the spectrum. If you need something versatile, affordable and compact—this is your guy. It features six chrome-plated bars that can reach 122 degrees within 30 minutes, and its lightweight design makes it a great fit for small spaces. However, the real draw is its versatility. Not only does this unit come with freestanding and wall-mounted options, but it also includes hardwired and plug-in installation. “It’s lightweight and slim and doesn't take up a lot of space. Nothing better than a nice warm towel and robe after your shower,” writes one reviewer.

6. Keenray Oversized Bucket Towel Warmers Best Bucket

Not interested in the wall-mounted look? We feel you. People are absolutely *obsessed* with this bucket warmer, which is designed to reach its highest temperature (122 degrees) in less than six minutes. Perhaps this is because in addition to a large, 20-liter capacity, this one features auto-shutoff technology and a sleek minimalist design with seven color options to choose from.

7. Pollenex Electric Towel Warmer Best Cabinet

If you’re someone who cringes at the sight of cluttered countertops, we recommend you give this cabinet warmer a try. It features a compact, 14-inch by 14.25-inch size that can accommodate most under-the-sink cabinets, and it can still hold two standard towels. Not to mention that it’s super lightweight and can reach its maximum temperature in 20 minutes. “I can truly say that for the money, I am amazed. This unit is SO lightweight—I could definitely see traveling with it very easily. It's also big enough to hold my two large bath towels or one large towel and my pajamas, but it stores easily out of the way in my bathroom,” enthuses one reviewer, adding that “the cord is long enough to move it around wherever I want it in my bathroom.”

8. COMFIER Towel Warmer Bucket Largest Capacity

Need something extra large that can warm multiple towels, blankets or bedding at the same time? This bucket warmer has an oversized 20-liter capacity that can do just that. Plus, this has a one-touch control that heats up in under ten minutes, and it keeps everything toasty with up to 60 minutes of heating time. “We love this product,” writes one reviewer. “We use it to warm our towels about 15 minutes before we get in the shower [and] we find that it holds three towels. The bottom one doesn’t seem to heat up as fast, so we put one in the bottom that we aren’t going to use, and just pull on from the top.”

9. Mini Towel Steamer and Warmer Most Compact

Small-apartment dwellers, this one goes out to you. This mini-towel heater is an expert when it comes to warming (and steaming!) your face towels. And, while it might not be able to hold your bath towels, it can accommodate up to 15 standard hand towels. “I loved that it was easy to assemble, lightweight and that it [warmed the towels in under 10 minutes],” writes one reviewer. “It can fit about 10 [to] 12 small washcloths in it. I suggest buying tongs to pick up the towels out of the machine, because they are VERY hot.”

10. Vintage Style Towel Warmer Best Design

All right design lovers, we know you’ve been waiting for this one. This luxury towel warmer from Pottery Barn is the perfect accent for your Newstalgia-inspired bathroom. Its retro, European-inspired design looks like a vintage staple while its 110-volt electric technology brings the innovation you crave in the bathroom. Plus, it comes in three au courant finish options (chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel) that will be sure to complement your chic, Parisian-inspired hardware.

11. Zadro Extra Large Towel Warmer Best on Amazon

If you need something that can get here ASAP, you already know what we’re going to say: Prime it. Luckily, this bucket warmer is hardly a settle-for-something-less situation. It includes all kinds of bells and whistles; most notably, a large, 20-liter capacity and an aromatherapy feature that includes lavender essential oil to help you destress. “It holds 2 bath size towels easily and has [four different] time settings. I place my towel in right before I go in the shower, and place it on 15 minutes and my towel is perfect! Nice and warm,” one reviewer writes. “My kids come in and use too...they love it!”

12. ROADVIEW Towel Warmer with UV Sanitizing Most Unique

If you’re someone who has become obsessed with sanitizing since the onset of COVID, you need this towel warmer. Not only is it designed with a UVC light sanitizer that works as a disinfectant, but it features two towel rods, two hooks, a built-in timer and it’s Alexa, Google and Siri-compatible. Plus, while its 50-degree temperature might be cooler than other options on this list, it features hot air-drying technology to give towels a burst of warmth when you need it. “I bought this [towel warmer] because of the UV Light sterilizer function, but fell in love with all the other features,” writes one reviewer. “[My] bathroom doesn't have an exhaust fan, so towels tend to not dry completely. I just tell Alexa to ‘turn on the Towel Warmer’ and it dries and sanitizes my towel, and shuts off when it is done!”

RELATED: 12 Products That Will Transform Your Next Bath Into a Self-Care Ritual

Enter your registered email below!