Tested by Theresa Holland

Taking a hot shower or bath is an excellent way to warm up, but without warm bath linens at the ready, all that coziness may slip away the second you step out. Of course, you can tumble your towels in the dryer for a few minutes, but unless it's located in your bathroom, this isn't the most practical solution. Enter towel warmers.

A towel warmer solves this post-shower problem by keeping your bathroom linens perfectly warm right where (and when) you need them — the ultimate luxury. There are a few types, including wall-mounted and hardwired options, but we tested freestanding, plug-in models like buckets, bins and racks.

Learn more about our in-depth testing process and see our picks for the best towel warmers down below.

How We Tested

We began by researching top-rated towel warmer options from online retailers such as Amazon, Target and Wayfair. We purchased 12 options, from racks to bucket models, to put through our rigorous testing process. After unboxing the towel warmers, inspecting the design, checking for damage and looking at the manuals, we evaluated them based on setup and assembly, heating performance, capacity, settings and controls.

Setup and Assembly Test: All the bucket-style towel warmers we tested came ready to use, so we were able to plug them in and get started immediately. The racks called for partial assembly. Since this type of warmer can also be wall-mounted, assembly typically just means attaching legs to allow for freestanding.

Heating Performance Test: Once the units were plugged in, we placed bath towels in or on them, and then powered them on. We noted how long it took for the interiors or bars to heat up and how many minutes it took to thoroughly warm towels.

Capacity Test: We placed rolled-up towels, bath sheets and blankets in the bucket warmers to see if they could hold as much as the manufacturers claimed. Most rack warmers are only meant to hold up to two large towels — though they could technically fit more layered on, the bars need to touch the fabric to warm it. We assessed the sturdiness of the racks and considered whether they'd wobble or easily tip over with oversized blankets or damp bath linens.

Settings and Controls Test: A few towel warmers we tested had very simple controls, often just an on/off switch. Others had built-in timers, automatic shut-off features and LED screens showing the remaining minutes before powering down. Only one had an adjustable temperature setting.

Towel warmers are generally easy to clean. All the ones we tested can be wiped down as needed — just make sure to turn the unit off and let it cool down first.

What to Consider When Buying a Towel Warmer

Size and Type: There are a few types of towel warmers, including mountable rails, freestanding racks, lidded buckets and flip-top bins. Those with metal bars can be used not only for warming but also for quickly drying damp bath linens, whereas buckets are exclusively for warming. Racks take up substantially more floor space than buckets, so check the dimensions and make sure you have enough room (and a nearby outlet) before buying one.

Capacity and Usage: Many bucket warmers have a 20-liter capacity, generally enough to fit two large bath sheets, two robes or one blanket. Smaller bins may accommodate up to two standard towels or several smaller hand towels. Even though racks could technically fit a few towels layered over one another, most are meant to hold no more than two to ensure they can warm and dry the fabric properly. Overloading the rack could also be a risk for overheating or tipping.

Heat-Up Time: Heat-up times varied for the towel warmers we tested. Some buckets are hot within a minute and get up to maximum heat in five or six minutes. Others take closer to 10 minutes. But this is just the time for the interior or bars to heat up. You can expect towels and blankets to be warmed thoroughly in 10 to 20 minutes. Based on our tests, bins seem to work a little faster than racks.

Additional Features: Some towel warmers are incredibly simple, with no more than an on/off button. Others have extra features, like timers, automatic shut-off or LED control panels that show how many minutes are left before the unit powers down. High-end mountable rails may have adjustable temperature controls. You'll also find options with an aromatherapy element, typically a slot in the lid for an essential oil disc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are towel warmers safe?

Towel warmers are generally safe if used as intended. But they're still electronics with heating elements, so it's vital to follow the directions and remember to turn off your warmer if it doesn't have an automatic shut-off feature. The main thing with rack warmers is not overloading them with too many towels. This could make them overheat or topple over, posing a burn risk or fire hazard. Also, don't touch the bars or bin interior until the towel warmer is turned off and has had time to cool down.

Is it worth getting a towel warmer?

A towel warmer is a luxury item. But just because you don't necessarily need one doesn't mean it's not worth buying one. If you covet the cozy feeling of warm bath linens after bathing or a heated blanket when cuddling up at home, a towel warmer might be just the thing. Also, if you shower more than once a day and want a dry towel every time, the quick-drying aspect of a warming rack might be worthwhile.

How long can you leave a towel warmer on?

Like space heaters, towel warmers can safely be left on for several hours. But you want to avoid keeping yours on overnight or anytime you're away from home. Most models with automatic shut-off will power down after an hour, and we didn't see any with timers longer than 60 minutes. For most purposes, you probably don't need to keep a towel warmer on for longer than an hour.

Other Towel Warmers We Tested

The Costway 2-in-1 Towel Warmer Rack is attractive-looking and clearly well-made, with high-tech controls such as adjustable temperature to the exact degree. That said, assembly was a little complex and called for an extra set of hands. Additionally, the attachable base makes the footprint notably large, and the power cord is short. For these reasons, we think it would be best mounted to a wall and hardwired by an electrician.

We also liked the Live Fine Bucket-Style Towel Warmer, which is essentially a taller version of our Best Compact pick. Though the vertical texture and overall silhouette make it look a bit like a fancy trash bin, it heats quickly and has more settings than other bucket warmers.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Theresa Holland is a freelance shopping writer and product tester specializing in consumer tech, small appliances, home decor, household linens and lifestyle. She has substantial experience with hands-on testing and a keen understanding of what to look for when buying towel warmers and other plug-in devices. For HGTV.com, Theresa has covered the best cooling fans, essential oil diffusers, canister vacuums and automatic drip coffeemakers.

Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts

HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our readers.