Towel warmers: plug-in vs hardwired, and how to size one

A warm towel is a small luxury that people use every single day, especially in a New England winter. Towel warmers are simple, but a few choices make a big difference.

Plug-in or hardwired

Plug-in warmers mount near an outlet and are easy to add anytime. Hardwired warmers hide the cord for a cleaner look, usually on a wall switch or timer, and should be installed by a licensed electrician. Bathroom outlets and circuits need GFCI protection.

Electric or hydronic

Most homes choose electric. Hydronic warmers connect to a hot water heating system, which can make sense in homes with baseboard or radiant heat, but they only warm when the heat runs.

Dry or fluid-filled

Dry elements heat up fast and use less energy. Fluid-filled bars heat more evenly and hold warmth longer. Either way, most towel warmers draw modest power, similar to a few light bulbs.

Size and placement

Plan about one bar length per towel, plus a bit of extra room. Mount it within reach of the shower or tub, away from direct spray, with the top at a comfortable height. The towel warmer size calculator does the math.

Shop and install

Browse Amba towel warmers and our heated towel bars page. Adding one during a remodel is the easiest time to hardwire it.

Common questions

Do towel warmers use a lot of electricity?

No. Most draw modest power, and a timer keeps them on only when you need them.

Can a towel warmer heat a bathroom?

Only a little. Towel warmers are made to warm and dry towels; a larger model can take the chill off a small room.

Can I install a plug-in towel warmer myself?

Plug-in models mount like a towel bar near a GFCI outlet. Hardwired models should be installed by a licensed electrician.