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Which is Better, a Heated Towel Rack or a Towel Warmer?

Which is Better, a Heated Towel Rack or a Towel Warmer?

Ever had an enjoyable day at the spa or sauna and wondered what it would be like to enjoy that towel warmth in your own home? Wonder no more, because the modern luxury of towel warmers is already a reality for many homeowners, and it can be for you too! Towel warmers add an element of comfort and convenience to an otherwise mundane daily routine. The choice boils down to a heated towel rack or a towel warmer (bucket-style).

Freestanding heated towel rack warming bath towels in a modern bathroom

Knowing that there are two primary towel warmer types, the question most buyers ask is: Which is better, a heated towel rack or a towel warmer? In short, heated towel racks have a sleek appearance and can warm and dry towels simultaneously, while towel warmers (bucket-style) require no installation and have a compact design that allows them to travel with you anywhere there’s a plug.

Continue reading to explore the pros and cons of each towel warmer style.

Rack-Style Towel Warmer

A heated towel rack has been a staple in European homes for decades and is gaining popularity in American homes as well. There are two types of rack-style towel warmers: freestanding and wall-mounted.

Freestanding Heated Towel Rack

Templeton TWW3720SN freestanding towel warmer in brushed nickel

Propped up and plugged in, a freestanding towel warmer can stand on its own, quite literally. No installation is needed; you simply assemble it as instructed in the manual, plug it in, and it’s ready to be used to warm your towels.

Related: Keep Towels Close at Hand with Freestanding Towel Racks

Wall-Mount Heated Towel Rack

DTC182837 wall-mounted heated towel rack in a bathroom

Keep your towels warm and out of the way with a wall-mounted towel warmer. These towel warmers are installed on the bathroom wall, which can enhance a bathroom’s overall look.

Pros of Heated Towel Racks

For many people, a heated towel rack is an easy yes. One of the reasons why people choose a towel warmer with a rack construction is because of how nice they look in the bathroom. These towel warmers have finish options like Brushed Nickel for a modern look and Brushed Brass for an elegant touch.

Because of how the towels hang while the rack heats them up, rack-style towel warmers provide the convenience of warming and drying towels simultaneously and evenly. You won’t have to worry about half-damp, half-dry inconsistency with your towels.

Related: How to Install a Wall-Mount Towel Warmer

Cons of Heated Towel Racks

A negative point is that most rack-style towel warmers are not portable, and the ones that are would not be the easiest to transport from your home to another destination.

Additionally, wall-mount towel warmers have to be installed, which can be a negative for homeowners who are hesitant to install yet another product in their home.

Bathroom towels hanging near a towel warmer rack

Bucket-Style Towel Warmer

Bucket-style electric towel warmer with towels inside

When people search for or think of towel warmers, many already know about the bucket type of towel warmer. Bucket-style towel warmers have also gained a lot of momentum for homeowners looking for a product that adds comfort to their hygiene routine.

Pros of Bucket-Style Towel Warmers

For many, the ease of simply plugging in the towel warmer is a major benefit. There is no installation required, giving homeowners less to do when adding a new amenity to their bath and shower space.

Additionally, bucket-style towel warmers are compact in their construction. They take up very little space in the bathroom, and can even be placed on or under the counter to preserve space.

Cons of Bucket-Style Towel Warmers

Some users report difficulty getting their towels to warm evenly, especially when more than one towel is stuffed inside. Moreover, bucket-style towel warmers can only warm the towel. Once the towel is wet, the heat inside isn’t enough to dry it fully, and it will need to be hung on a rack to dry completely.

Another reason people may decide against bucket-style is because of the lack of options. These rarely come in metallic finishes so they likely won’t match any finishes or trim that are in your bathroom. For homeowners who take every detail of their interior space seriously, this could be enough reason to say no.

Related: The Best Heated Towel Warmers for Winter

Selecting the Right Towel Warmer Type for Your Home

Spa-style towels folded neatly for a warm towel experience at home

Now that you know the main differences, pros, and cons of both rack-style towel warmers and bucket-style towel warmers, you can make the best decision for you. Consider key factors such as installation, aesthetics, portability, size, and performance.

Towel Warmers Available at KINGSTON

At KINGSTON, we gladly offer both freestanding towel warmers and wall-mount towel warmers that will add luxury to your bath and shower routine and look amazing in your bathroom. Shop all towel warmers and select the one that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Towel Warmers

What is the difference between a heated towel rack and a bucket-style towel warmer?

A heated towel rack warms and dries towels at the same time by allowing them to hang evenly across heated bars, and it is available in freestanding or wall-mounted styles. A bucket-style towel warmer is portable and requires no installation, but it primarily warms towels and does not fully dry them once wet.

Are heated towel racks worth installing in a bathroom?

Heated towel racks are worth installing for homeowners who want a spa-like experience, improved towel drying, and a stylish bathroom upgrade. They help keep towels warm, reduce dampness, and add a polished design element, making them both a functional and aesthetic investment.

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