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There’s no doubt about it. One of the best things about a massage or day at the spa is the wonderfully warm towel you get wrapped in. Whether you’re a professional stocking your spa, or you simply want to bring that soothing level of comfort home, nothing else will keep you quite as cozy.
Towel warmers are worth the investment for more than comfort though, because depending on the model, they can use UV light or dry damp towels more quickly to help prevent bacterial growth to keep your towels feeling and smelling cleaner.
From electric towel rails to bucket-style and cabinet-style towel warmers, we’ve found the best models to give you great results. And if you’re shopping for a gift for that special senior on your list, they’ll definitely appreciate the added comfort of a toasty towel or robe.
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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1. Dermalogic Towel Steamers (120 to 480 Towel Capacity)
Pros:- Great for larger salons
- Viewing window
- 90 to 200 degrees of adjustable temperature
- Capcities of 120 to 360 towels
- Safety shut off
- Trusted brand
Cons:- Louder than others
- Too large for some
- Bigger investment
If you need something larger, Dermalogic has several great models including this featured countertop cabinet with a 120-towel capacity and a freestanding industrial model a whopping 360-towel capacity.
Each has an adjustable temperature range of around 90 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit giving you more control over your towels allowing for sterilization. (But keep in mind for full CDC-approved sterilization of towels you’ll want a pre-vacuum autoclave sterilizer.) The water tank has an indicator light to alert you when it’s low and the cabinet will automatically shut off for safety.
I like that the 120 model has a window in the door so it’s easy to see if there are towels still in the cabinet when doing your nightly clean up or to make sure you have enough during the day. It has three shelves and reflective insulated walls which help keep the heat where you want it.
The larger models are stand-alone units with two separate doors for different cabinet compartments. They have all the same features but larger to accommodate the greater needs of businesses like spas.
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2. Evokor Smart Touch Heated Towel Rack
Pros:- Brilliant unique design
- Loses less heat
- Available in several sizes and colors
- Optional built-in shelf
- Can be plugged in or hardwared
Cons:- Must be wall-mounted
- Takes up more eye space than some
- Only room for one large towel
Sick of your towels only being heated up in stripes? Or losing heat when only warming up a small towel? The Evokor Wall-Mounted Warmer has a completely fresh take on the towel rack. Instead of skinny heated bars with lots of space in between the heated elements, the Evokor has long solid panes of heat which just makes more sense since your towels are a solid pane.
There are three sections, a small, a medium, and a large. Each section can be turned on individually or all at once. This helps you waste less electricity when you’re not using every available inch of the heater. Only using the bottom section for a large towel? Don’t turn on the top two sections. There are also timer preset options if you’re the type to set a towel warming, get distracted doing something else, and suddenly it’s been five hours before you remember you have a towel warming.
It’s available in white, black, or black with gold as well as in several widths. They also have an option that just has the medium and large sections while the top one has been replaced with a small shelf.
Find more Evokor Smart Touch Heated Towel Rack information and reviews here.
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3. Keenray Bucket Towel Warmer
Pros:- Easy to lift bamboo lid handle
- Top mounted controls
- 60 minutes of consistent heat with auto shut-off
- Rapidly heats up
- Large capacity
Cons:- Looks better in pictures than in person
- Inside gets hot enough to burn skin
- Doesn't get towels warm enough for some
Have you been looking for a towel warmer with a taller and narrower profile? The Keenray bucket towel warmer stands 19 inches high but it’s just 13 inches in diameter, meaning it will fit into a tighter space than many. This warmer has a top side easy single buttom control for 60 minutes of heating time before it automatically shuts off.
Large enough to accommodate two regular towels and a robe or two oversized towels, no one will have to wait for a toasty towel after showering. It heats up quickly and maintains the heat for a good amount of time. This warmer also features a top with an easy-to-grip bamboo handle, which makes it simple to quickly check the temp of contents inside or make sure none of your little ones have tossed anything in there. (Just in case you’re worried about tossing a towel on top of a child’s meltable toy.
The inside can get hot, so it’s not recommended for anyone but adults to remove warm towels from the unit.
Find more Keenray Bucket Towel Warmer information and reviews here.
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4. Elite Mini Hot Towel Cabinet
Pros:- Mini sized for small spaces
- Internally moderated temperture
- Heats up in under 45 minutes
Cons:- Too small for many
- Not enough control for some
- Not as durable as others
The Elite Mini is a solution to space constraints. At 13 inches by 10 inches by 11 inches this small cabinet can hold about 10 manicure sized towel or five hand towels.
It’s too small for large operations but for a home business or salon that doesn’t need hot towels for most of their treatments, this is a nice compact unit that won’t take up much space but still deliver steamy hot towels by maintaining a temperature between 150 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The small size allows it to heat up in around 40 minutes.
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5. Best Budget Towel Warmer: Tangkula Free Standing Towel Warmer
Pros:- A budget-friendly choice
- Easy to operate
- Compact design is sturdy and stable
Cons:- Doesn't warm as well as some
- Some operational issues reported
- Doesn't evenly heat
If you’ve always wanted an electric towel warmer but it just seemed too expensive to treat yourself to one, this affordable free standing towel warmer is a great budget find. Simply plug it into any AC 120 outlet and it will deliver 100 watts of power to warm your towels, dry your swimsuits and more. This white warmer will fit virtually any bathroom decor and features five bars from which to hang your hand washables, as well as towels.
Made of premium painted iron, it’s built for stability as well as a long life. It stands 36 inches high, is 13 inches deep, and 23 inches wide. It comes with a 6.5 foot power cord for ease of operation, but it’s made to stay on all day if you so desire.
Find more Tangkula Free Standing Towel Warmer information and reviews here.
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6. K Salon Hot Towel Cabinet
Pros:- Holds 60 facial towels
- Rust-proof interior
- Heats to 176 degrees
- Two-year warranty
- Cute white and aqua look
Cons:- No UV sanitizer
- No temperature adjustment
- Not big enough for large spas
This towel cabinet by K Salon is a good size for most salons. It holds around 60 washcloth-sized towels and keeps that at around 174 degrees.
There are two wire shelves to properly circulate heat throughout your towels and a drip tray to catch any moisture. Plus two trays means you can organize and warm different size towels or keep one tray for hot massage stones.
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7. Zadro Ultra Large Bath Towel Warmer
Pros:- Heats towels and other items evenly without leaving cold spots
- Four timer settings with automatic shut-off feature
- Large capacity for two bath sheets or items like blankets
- Contemporary design that's lightweight and easy to move around
Cons:- A bit large for smaller bathrooms
- Top handle isn't genuine bamboo
- Buttons on the base can be difficult to operate
When you’re looking for a large capacity towel warmer, this bucket style Zadro warmer is ideal. It can accommodate up to two bath sheets, as well as being an awesome way to cozy up your bathrobe, pajamas, blankets and more. It features a built-in timer that allows you to set it for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes before automatically shutting off, which helps to alleviate any worry that the machine will overheat.
This electric towel warmer evenly heats what you put in it, so you won’t have cold spots when you’re ready to wrap yourself up. The natural bamboo handles and feet make this machine look modern and contemporary in your bathroom, and you’ll love that it features cord storage in the base so it won’t be a trip hazard.
Easy-to-operate controls make using the warmer so simple, and because it’s so lightweight, you can easily move it from bathroom to bathroom if you’re sharing home space with kids or guests.
Find more Zadro Ultra Large Bath Towel Warmer information and reviews here.
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8. Premium Hot Towel Warmer & UV Sterilizer
Pros:- Warms and sterilizes cloth items from towels to face masks
- Good for keeping massage stones and neck pillows warm and toasty
- Heats up in 30 minutes and can be left on all day
- Insulated door stays cool to the touch even after all day use
Cons:- Not good for sterilizing electronics
- Condensation may accumulate around the door
- Doesn't get hot enough for some
If you’re looking for a UV sterilizer that can do double duty as a towel warmer, this double-decker cabinet is an ideal find. It heats towels up to 158 degrees in just about 30 minutes, but with two stainless steel racks, you can use the UV sterilizing function for other items like cloth masks or other mask alternatives. Each super-high capacity cabinet serves a dual purpose as a UV santizer and a hot towel warmer, and each can be used independently making this an ideal choice for salon and spa use.
A stainless steel inner chamber allows for good heat conduction, and it can hold up to 60 hand towels at one time. The metal cabinet features a cool-touch composite door and an integrated handle with a magnetic latch.
It features an easy-to-clean drip tray on the bottom. One thing we like is that if you’re using this in a barber shop or spa, the insulated cabinet stays cool on the outside, even if you’re leaving it on all day. This cabinet is also great for keeping neck warmers and massage stones heated and ready to use on-demand.
Find more Hot Towel Warmer & UV Sterilizer information and reviews here.
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9. HEATGENE Wall Mounted Towel Warmer
Pros:- Heats up fast and can dry even damp towels in a few hours
- Big size allows for multiple towels at a time
- Flexible as it can be hardwired or plugged in
- Space saving wall mounted design
Cons:- Doesn't have a timer so it operates all day
- Takes patience and expertise to install
- Quite expensive
If you’ve been on the hunt for a large wall mounted towel warmer, this beauty features 12 bars for extra heating and room for more than one towel at a time. Another thing we appreciate about this towel bar is its flexibility. It can either be installed by you or your resident electrician, or you can opt to plug in this model as well. Convenient, right?
This space-saving towel rack will warm towels in just 15 minutes from the time you turn it on and can reach its optimum temperature of 149 degrees Fahrenheit in 45 minutes, drying a wet towel in 2-6 hours to avoid bacterial growth. Its thermostat can maintain its temperature which saves energy, without ever overheating or causing your towels to discolor or burn. it won’t overheat or cause towels to burn. It is designed to run 24-hours a day.
You’ll also appreciate the two-year warranty that allows you to fully experience the benefits without feeling too much sticker shock. Get it in black, brushed nickel or mirror finish.
Find more HEATGENE Wall Mounted Towel Warmer information and reviews here.
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10. JJ Care UV Towel Warmer & Sterilizer
Pros:- Two stainless steel racks hold up to 40 face towels at once
- Large enough to sanitize other items
- Heats up in 10 to 20 minutes
Cons:- Feels less durable than some
- Doesn't get as hot as many spa professionals prefer
- Finish damages more easily than others
If you’re looking for a UV sterilizer that can do double duty as a towel warmer, the JJ Care cabinet is an ideal find. It heats towels up to 167 degrees in just 10 to 20 minutes, but with two stainless steel racks, you can use the UV sterilizing function for other items like cloth masks or other mask alternatives. This cabinet features a powerful 6 Watt UV lamp inside.
At 14.72 inches wide by 11.61 inches deep and 14.17 inches tall, it can accommodate up to 40 smaller hand towels and other cloth items like scrubs. It features an easy-to-clean removable drip tray on the bottom. One thing we like is that if you’re using this in a barbershop or spa, the insulated cabinet stays cool on the outside, even if you’re leaving it on all day. This cabinet is also great for keeping neck warmers and massage stones heated and ready to use on-demand.
Find more JJ Care UV Towel Warmer & Sterilizer information and reviews here.
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11. Salon Sundry Facial Spa Warmer Cabinets
Pros:- Easy one-button operation
- Choice of size and colors
- Removable rack and drip tray
- Heats to 176 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:- No UV light
- No temperature control
- Harder to fit large towels
The Salon Sundry Towel Cabinet line come in 24 or 72 towel capacities as well as in black or white. The smaller cabinet has one shelf while the 72-towel cabinet has two shelves behind one door.
There are not complicated dials or temperature adjustments to be made here. It simply has a button that you press to turn it on. Once on, the cabinet will maintain an average temperature of around 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
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12. Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer
Pros:- Stainless steel construction is rust resistant
- Ten cross bars allow towels to dry fast
- Doesn't take any floor space
- Warms towels nicely
Cons:- Quite expensive
- Requires some installation skills or a professional
- On/off switch is poorly located
There’s nothing worse than getting out of the shower in the morning to a cold, semi-soggy towel. That’s why this awesome radiant warmer rack is one of the best gifts for your parents or anyone who has been wanting a towel warmer but simply doesn’t have the floor space. It’s the promise of cozy mornings, on even the coldest of day. The Amba towel warmer is thoughtfully designed to make the most of available bathroom space.
It’s easy to operate with a built-in on and off switch. With ten rust and tarnish-resistant crossbars, a cozy warm towel can await them every morning.
Buy the Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer here.
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13. AW 2-in-1 Towel Warmer & UV Sterilizer
Pros:- Sterilizes with heat and UV light
- Easy to operate
- Heats in around an hour
- Removable tray
- Viewing window
- Cheap
Cons:- Too small for some
- No temperature controls
- Not as long-lasting
If your biggest concern is making sure your cabinet is fool-proof to use, check out this Two-in-One Warmer by AW. There is one button on the outside of it that is either on or off. That’s no. No fiddling with temperature settings or timers.
You do lose some control, but it also means you don’t have to worry about remembering what temperature you want. When on, the cabinet will heat to average around 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
The AW warming cabinet has space for maybe 40 or so hand towel across two shelves which are removable for cleaning. This cabinet also doubly sterilizes with the use of a UV light.
They also make a mini version if you’re tight on space.
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14. ANZZI Eve 8-Bar Wall Mounted Towel Warmer with Top Shelf
Pros:- Oil rubbed bronze finish is popular
- Warms towels nicely
- Large size plus an upper storage rack
- Easy to install
Cons:- Cannot be hardwired
- No automatic shutoff feature
- Some assembly required
When you’re looking for a towel warming rack with a twist, this unique wall mounted warmer has both traditional hanging bars as well as a top rack for additional towel storage. With the flip of a switch, this towel warmer will evenly heat thick towels, bathrobes, washrags, and hand towels. Made of rust-resistant stainless steel it features the popular oil rubbed bronze finish.
With a three rail grouping up top, and five more rails below, this is sizeable enough for a family. While this is a plug-in model, the on/off switch is conveniently located on the bottom of the rack. It heats up fast and looks like something you’d expect in a high-class hotel room. If you install it with a smart switch, you can even program this towel warmer to your most reliable showering and bathing times. Get a switch that works with Alexa to make things even easier.
Find more ANZZI Eve 8-Bar Wall Mounted Towel Warmer with Top Shelf information and reviews here.
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15. Haven Electric Towel Warmer
Pros:- Easily accommodates two large towels or more washrags and hand towels
- Clear lid provides great visibility
- Keeps towels at a cozy 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Top control panel is great for those with difficulty bending or stooping
Cons:- Doesn't heat as efficiently as some
- Some shelf life issues reported
- Gets very hot inside so you might risk burned hands
Nothing feels better getting out of the tub or shower than wrapping up in a cozy warm towel or bathrobe. This Deeroll bin towel warmer features a minimalist design that can accommodate up to two oversize towels, or dozens of washrags and face towels. It warms one towel in ten minutes and two in just 18 minutes. It keeps towels toasty warm at a consistent temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
This unit plugs into a standard outlet, so it can easily slip into a corner of the bathroom. Once towels and robes reach the perfect temperature this unit automatically shuts off, but holds the warmth in until you’re ready to use them. We especially like the fact that the control panel is on the top of this towel warmer, making it easy to use for anyone who has issues bending and stooping.
You’ll appreciate the simple design and the clear cover that lets you see what’s inside. At just 7.5 pounds, it’s also easy to move around to the space that’s most convenient.
Find more Haven Electric Towel Warmer information and reviews here.
What Are the Best Towel Warmers?
As always, context is key. If you're in a spa setting, box warmers are the most frequently used because they infuse steam into heated towels to create an especially relaxing experience.
If you're looking to bring that spa experience home, a bucket towel warmer or warming towel rack are more likely the models you'll choose. Both have advantages depending on who uses them and how they fit your space.
How Can You Keep Your Towel Warmer Clean?
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A sealed warm bucket or box towel warmer full of damp towels is the ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow--which is exactly the opposite of what you're looking for. The smell of mildewy towels is not relaxing.
- For professionals, some state licensing boards will have protocols for warmer boxes. For example, Connecticut's board requires our first tip below.
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Empty your box towel warmer every day. Remove all towels at the end of the day and empty the drip tray. Leaving towels in your cabinet overnight can foster mold growth and make towels smell musty.
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Regularly wipe down all interior surfaces of the cabinet with disinfectant including the racks.
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Pay special attention to clean the rubber gasket around the perimeter of the door. Make sure to pull the rubber back away from the door and clean in that little, covered area that can hide bacteria and mold.
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Leave your cabinet door open overnight to give it time to air out.
What Are the Best Hot Towel Tips?
If you're using a hot towel warmer cabinet, you're likely adding steam to heat. Adding a small amount of vinegar to your towels during the last part of the washing cycle can help prevent your towels from smelling musty.
Using only distilled water in your steamer tanks will also help prevent your towels from absorbing odd smells. Distilled water, according to Healthline, is water free from all impurities including minerals. It also can pull minerals from anything it touches--so it's best not to drink it.
Cabinets that don't seal well or heat up to the right temperature can also cause issues so buying the best quality for spa use is key.
What Is the Best Towel Warmer for Home Use?
When you're buying a towel warmer for your bathroom at home, you could certainly consider a spa model if you have the counter space for one, however, we highly recommend some of the styles included in our reviews like the towel warming racks and bucket towel warmers.
Racks take up about the same space as your regular towel rack meaning you won't need significant bathroom space, although you will need a convenient electrical outlet. The bucket-style warmers are often easy to locate in an unobtrusive corner, again making the most of your existing space.