When it comes to keeping your towels warm and cozy, there are two main options: a towel warmer or a heated towel rack. So what’s the difference? And which one is right for you?
What is the Difference Between A Towel Warmer and A Heated Towel Rack?
Towel warmers and heated towel racks both serve a similar purpose: providing warmth to your towels. However, the primary difference between these devices lies with their function.
What is a Towel Warmer?
Towel warmers are specifically designed to warm up your towels before use, adding a touch of luxury to your life and providing you with a toasty towel after your bath or shower. Most towel warmers require that the towels be mostly dry before use, as they are not intended to fully dry your towels.
While some heated towel racks are marketed as “towel warmers” because they provide heat to your towels, true towel warmers often come in the form of closed containers. You can simply place folded towels inside, close the lid, and set a timer to warm your towels.
Keep Reading: How to Make A Hot Towel
What is a Heated Towel Rack?
Heated towel racks, or heated towel rails, feature multiple bars on which you can hang your towels, with options for wall-mounted or free-standing designs. These devices are primarily meant for drying your towels after use, though some do offer a mild warming effect. Since they’re designed for damp towels, they can accommodate wetter towels than most towel warmers.
Benefits of Using a Towel Warmer or a Heated Towel Rack
There are several benefits to using a towel warmer or heated towel rack, including:
- Warmed, dry towels
- Mildew, mold, and bacteria growth prevention
- Enhanced towel freshness
- Space-saving designs
Each device has unique benefits, as well.
Towel Warmer Benefits
Purchasing a towel warmer is great for anyone looking to add a luxurious touch to their lives. Whether you want to relax after a bath, warm up on a cold morning, or enjoy a spa-like experience at home, a towel warmer could be the answer.
Heated Towel Rack Benefits
While towel warmers are almost exclusively marketed as a luxury item, heated towel racks are much more accessible. With a simple towel rack design, you can integrate a heated towel rack into virtually any bathroom space.
Heated towel racks can be used as both a drying rack and a mild warmer. However, since they’re not designed specifically for warming, they don’t typically offer the same level of heat as a true towel warmer.
How to Choose the Right Towel Warmer or Heated Towel Rack for You
Now that you know the difference between a towel warmer and a heated towel rack, as well as the benefits of each option, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
Installation
Heated towel racks are available in plug-in and hardwired models, so you can find one that suits your needs and available space. However, towel warmers are designed to be portable, which means you will have to either keep it out all the time or retrieve it from storage when you want to use it.
Size
A wall-mounted heated towel rack is ideal for most small bathrooms, especially if you have limited floor space, but a towel warmer typically requires a flat surface to rest on.
Usage
If you only want warm towels on occasion, a towel warmer may suffice. However, heated towel racks are perfect for regular use so you never have to remember to turn it on or off. Additionally, heated towel racks are much more versatile than towel warmers; you can use these racks to dry hand towels, delicate clothing items, sports gear, swimwear, and more!
Heated Towel Racks Vs Towel Warmers: Which Will You Choose?
Now that you know the difference between a towel warmer and a heated towel rack, as well as the benefits of each option, you can choose the right one for your needs. Keep in mind these factors to find the perfect towel warmer or heated towel rack for your home.
