The Complete Guide to Electric Towel Warmers: Everything You Need to Know

Electric towel warmers have become one of the most popular bathroom upgrades in North America — and for good reason. They deliver warm, dry towels every day, reduce mildew and bacteria, add supplemental bathroom heat, and transform an ordinary bathroom into a spa-like retreat. But with 20+ models, three connection types, five finish options, and prices ranging from $355 to $650+, choosing the right one takes a little guidance. This is that guide.

What Is an Electric Towel Warmer?

An electric towel warmer — also called a heated towel rack or heated towel rail — is a wall-mounted or freestanding appliance that uses low-wattage electric heating elements to warm towels, dry delicate garments, and add supplemental heat to a bathroom. Unlike hydronic (water-filled) towel warmers that connect to a home's hot water system, electric models plug into a standard outlet or wire directly into the wall — making them far easier to install in any bathroom.

WarmlyYours pioneered the electric towel warmer market in North America over 30 years ago, and today offers the most comprehensive lineup of electric models available — from the compact Tahoe 6 at $355 to the flagship Infinity with optional WiFi control.

Benefits of a Towel Warmer

The appeal of a towel warmer goes well beyond warm towels. Here's what owners consistently report after installation:

• Warm, dry towels every day — step out of the shower to spa-like comfort, not a cold damp towel.
• Reduced mildew and bacteria — damp towels are a breeding ground for bacteria and musty odors. A towel warmer keeps them dry between uses.
• Fewer laundry cycles — dry towels last 3–4 uses before washing vs. 1–2 for damp ones. Real savings over time.
• Supplemental bathroom heat — a 150W towel warmer adds 512 BTU/hr of gentle radiant warmth — enough to take the chill off a small bathroom.
• Versatile drying — works equally well for swimsuits, delicates, gym clothes, and winter gear.
• Design upgrade — modern finishes (matte black, brushed gold, polished stainless) replace a basic towel bar with a statement fixture.

How to Choose the Right Towel Warmer

Every towel warmer decision comes down to four questions: Where will it go? How will it connect? How big does it need to be? And what finish matches your bathroom? Work through each in order.

Step 1 — Wall-Mounted or Freestanding?

Wall-mounted models are the most common — they mount directly to the wall and are available in plug-in, hardwired, or dual connect configurations. They're the right choice for most bathrooms with available wall space.

Freestanding models like the Ibiza stand on the floor and require no wall mounting whatsoever — just place and plug in. They're ideal for renters, finished walls, or bathrooms where wall space is very limited.

Step 2 — Connection Type

Step 3 — Size & Bar Count

Bar count determines how many towels you can warm simultaneously. As a rule of thumb:

• 4–6 bars: Guest bath or single-person bathroom — warms 1 bath towel.
• 7–10 bars: Master bath or couple's bathroom — warms 2 bath towels.
• 11+ bars: Family bathroom or spa-style — warms 3+ towels or large bath sheets.

For small bathrooms, width and height matter as much as bar count. The Maple 8 at 20.4" wide is the narrowest wall-mounted option. The Tahoe 6 at 26.7" tall is the shortest — ideal for low walls or under windows. Read our full guide: Best Towel Warmers for Small Bathrooms.

Step 4 — Finish

Introducing WarmlyYours Gold Towel Warmers

Gold finishes are the fastest-growing trend in the towel warmer category — now representing nearly 20% of WarmlyYours sales. Available in Polished Gold and Brushed Gold via PVD coating for lasting durability. See them in action:

The WarmlyYours Model Lineup

WarmlyYours offers 20+ towel warmer models across three tiers. Every model includes TempSmart™ overheat protection, cULus certification, IP44 moisture rating, and a 5-year warranty.

Value Tier — Starting at $355

The Tahoe series (6 and 7 bars) and the Ibiza Freestanding offer full safety certifications and quality construction at the most accessible price points. The Tahoe 6 ($355) is the most affordable hardwired model; the Ibiza ($360+) is the only freestanding plug-in option.

Mid-Range Tier — $445–$565

The Maple 8 (narrowest at 20.4" wide), Summit (5 bars + integrated shelf), and Sierra (8 bars, dual connect) offer more output, more finish options, and more installation flexibility.

Premium Tier — $565+

The Infinity is the flagship: 10 bars, 150W, 512 BTU/hr, dual connect, available in brushed stainless, matte black, and brushed gold. Optional WiFi module adds Alexa and Google Home control. The Malta and Grande offer high bar counts for large family bathrooms.

Safety: What to Look For

A towel warmer is a permanently installed electrical appliance in a wet environment. Safety certification is non-negotiable. Every WarmlyYours model meets or exceeds the following standards:

• cULus and cETLus listed — independently verified electrical safety for the U.S. and Canada.
• IP44 rated — protected against moisture splashing from any direction.
• UL499 tested — surface temperature verified safe for bathroom use.
• TempSmart™ overheat protection — automatically limits surface temperature to 149–167°F. Safe for homes with children and pets.
• GFCI required — all models must be installed on a GFCI-protected circuit or outlet per NEC and CEC codes.

Read more: Are Towel Warmers Safe? TempSmart™ Explained.

Installation Overview

Installation difficulty depends entirely on connection type. Here's the quick summary:

• Freestanding plug-in (Ibiza): Zero installation — place and plug in.
• Wall-mounted plug-in: 15–30 minutes — use the shipping box as a template, drill, mount brackets, hang unit, plug in.
• Hardwired: Same physical mounting as plug-in, plus 1–2 hours with a licensed electrician for the electrical connection.
• Dual connect: Ships plug-in ready — convert to hardwired anytime during a future renovation.

For the complete step-by-step guide with videos, see: How to Install a Towel Warmer.

Watch: How to Find and Install the Perfect Towel Warmer

This webinar covers the full selection and installation process — from measuring your wall and choosing a model to mounting and connecting power. A great starting point if you're new to towel warmers:

Operating Costs

Towel warmers are among the most energy-efficient bathroom appliances available. At 60–150W, they use less electricity than a standard incandescent light bulb left on all day. Most owners run them 1–2 hours per day using a programmable timer — enough to have warm towels ready every morning.

Explore the Full Ecosystem

This guide is the starting point. Dive deeper into any topic with these dedicated resources: