Towel Warmer History
In the early 1900’s, when the modern plumbing system became more and more accessible in common households, the need of having towel warmers was at an all time high. Most places around Europe remain damp even during the driest seasons, therefore having a smelly damp towel after a bath was just another step to the invention of towel warmers.
What seemed to only be a luxurious addition found in high end hotels and were kept in spas, gradually made its way into the homes of many all over the world. Not just confined to bathrooms but also for kitchen, basements, store rooms, janitor’s closet and any place that requires a solution for damp, humid and moisture-filled areas.
With improvements in design and its functionality, there is now a range of towel warmers available to fit your budget and requirements. This guide will help you find the best way to choose the most effective and efficient option that will make you question your lifestyle without it for all these years.
Things To Consider Before Making Your Purchase
Before you head out to buy a towel warmer, there are certain factors you should consider and decide on in order to get the perfect unit. The first thing you should keep in mind is the budget that you can easily go with. This will shortlist options for you and provide you with cost-effective solutions as low as even $300 in case you want to go with something affordable. If you’re looking for something more fancy and luxurious, there are options that come with a designer finish; these could range over to $4000.
Once you’ve set your budget, you can browse through for the other requirements.
Electric vs. Hydronic Warmers
Towel warmers generally come in two types. These are: Hydronic and Electric warmers. Just like the name itself suggests, Hydronic warmers use the existing warm water from your plumbing to act as a radiator. You can either connect your home’s heating supply directly to the hydronic heating system or in case of an old plumbing system, you might want to consider remodeling your bathroom to provide the connection. Although this may be the most energy effective solution for you, it may be challenging to install these if the original construction does not support it.
Electric warmers on the other hand work solely on your building’s electric supply. These are further classified into two types; hard-wired or plugged-in. The hard-wired option needs to be integrated with the electrical units of the house whereas the plug-in one works just like any other electrical appliance. Electric warmers work on less energy consumption, their power is as low as that of a light bulb. These models come in a variety of 2 components: a few utilize a dry component, whereas others utilize a component to warm mineral oil present inside the unit.
Mounting and Installation
When dealing with such appliances, it is most important to consider the ease of installing them. If you're someone with a very tough routine and do not have the time to DIY something, the simplest and easiest to use is the electrical plug-in model. Most of these come with a standard 120V plug, which can easily be used like any other appliance by simply plugging it in the electric socket. The model is easy to carry around if you wish to take it with you as it is portable and can be moved to different rooms around the house.
Although the installation of any towel heater is generally simple, there are many settings in the plumbing and electrical system which require the attention of a licensed personnel; a plumber or an electrician depending on your appliance. Hiring additional professionals can indirectly lead to added expenses but it will save you on repairs later if you get this done right the first time. Remember to always buy appliances on warranty, whether from an online merchant or any store.
Types
Wall mounted towel warmers are a brilliant idea for areas with limited floor space and can replace traditional towel bars. The wall mount device also comes in two versions, hydronic and electric, and can be plug-in or wired. All hot water towel warmers are wall or floor mounted because they must be connected to existing hot water pipes or radiant heating systems.
When choosing between wall or floor units, consider mounting them on the wall. If your bathroom wall design includes items such as wainscoting, or if the bottom half of the wall is tiled and the top is flat, you need to determine if you want to place the unit above the tile line, in the floor facing the wall. o Find a unit that can be leveled on uneven walls.
On the other hand, the freestanding towel heater provides great flexibility in placement and use. In addition, installation is a breeze-even the most up-to-date DIYers can solve this problem! All free-standing towel heaters are electric, and most use standard household electrical outlets to operate.
Important note: Please read the safety manual carefully before installing or using the towel warmers. Do not keep them in close proximity to wet areas and surfaces where there may be a risk of being exposed to water and can lead to shocks, fires and short circuits.
FAQs
How long does it take for towels to dry?
This depends on how damp the towel is and the temperature of the room. If the towel is spread out evenly, it will dry faster and will require less time considering the temperature of the room is warm too.
Can towel warmers be used outside the hot tub?
Yes, but it is advised to use towel warmers away from elements where there is a risk of exposing them to water. This can lead to electric shocks, fires and other safety hazards. Please read the instruction manual and safety guide for more details.
What are towel warmers used for?
Towel warmers as the name suggests are used primarily for drying towels, however, people have been using them creatively for other purposes too like drying bathing suits, keeping rooms fresh and warm, etc.