One of the most difficult parts about owning an outdoor hot tub or pool is trying to maintain that warm, cozy temperature the second you step outside of it. As we all know, there’s nothing worse than stepping out of a steamy hot tub or warm outdoor pool, and instantly being covered in goosebumps due to the chilly air. Only to then go wrap yourself in a brutally cold towel afterwards.
Thankfully, you can instead choose to invest in your very own outdoor towel warmer, this way you can cover yourself in a pleasantly warm towel the second you step outside of the tub. In the following guide, we will further explain everything you need to know about outdoor heated towel warmers, as well as some of the best options currently on the market.
What is a Towel Warmer and How Do They Work?
As previously mentioned, towel warmers allow homeowners to experience the luxury of always having toasty warm towels or bathrobes available every time they step outside of the tub or pool. Generally, there are two basic types of towel warmers; electric and hydronic.
The electric towel warmers operate independently from the heating system, whereas the hydronic ones have to be connected to either a hot-water plumbing or radiant-heating system in order to function. However, the basic function of both is the same; to dry and warm your towels for a comfortable exit from your hot tub or pool.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Towel Warmer
Overall Size
One of the most important things to consider when buying an outdoor towel warmer is the overall size. Firstly, you will want to take into account the dimensions of the space in which you are hoping to place the towel warmer, as well as the number of towels that you wish to heat. While a smaller towel warmer can help you save space while also reducing energy consumption, it may not be as effective if you have larger or more towels that need to be heated.
Similarly, warming racks will work best in smaller bathrooms or outdoor spaces, but it is not the most efficient way to heat large towels. So you need to account for the available space that you have, as well as the overall size of the unit, and how many items need to be heated.
Rack vs Bucket Style
Another vital consideration should be the actual style of towel warmer that is best suited for you. Rack-style options are ideal for larger, bath-size towels, while cabinet/bucket-style versions are perfect for hand towels and washcloths. Most rack-style warmers offer the additional advantage of being wall-mounted, meaning that you can also free up some floor space in the process.
Though you will also have to go through the process of installing it onto your bathroom wall yourself, whereas bucket-style warmers are generally freestanding. Requiring little to no installation. Much of your decision will depend on individual preference, what is being heated, and how much available space you have.
Is it Really Outdoor Rated?
What you might notice after going through our list of outdoor towel warmers is that none of them are technically designed for outdoor use. That being said, all of these options are tremendous for the outdoors so long as you provide it with a little bit of shelter.
If you do not keep it covered, then rainwater could damage the machine or cause electrocution if you are not careful. Don’t be discouraged that there aren’t any that are specifically built for the outdoors, any of these will work fine so long as you place them inside your door or under shelter.
10 Best Outdoor Heated Towel Warmers
1. DERMALOGIC Towel Warmer (Best Quality) 
The number one rated, best outdoor towel warmer for hot tubs and pools currently on the market is the DERMALOGIC Towel Warmer. This 20L stainless-steel finish towel warmer is designed to match with any indoor, or outdoor setting, and can heat up to the optimal temperature every time. Plus, it even includes an auto-shutoff function for additional safety.
Furthermore, it comes loaded with tons of space and multiple racks so that you can heat numerous towels at once. As well as a durable aluminum interior, stainless steel rack, and reliable rubber seal. Altogether forming one of the safest, and most reliable towel warmers on the market.
2. HEATGENE Wall Mounted Towel Warmer Rack (Best Rack Option)
Another fantastic option is the HEATGENE Wall Mounted Towel Warmer Rack, which is the best overall towel warmer for those who prefer the rack style. This extraordinarily sleek and functional towel warmer comes available in three stunning colours and is oversized making it perfect for family use. It has a great slight curved design, perfect for hanging towels on one of its 12 available bars.
It is recommended to warm 2 bathrobes or 2 towels at a time. The exterior of the racking is made entirely out of multi-layer stainless steel which can heat up rapidly in just 15 minutes, working to reach an optimal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Most importantly, this unit is safe and energy-saving features a waterproof on/off switch with a light indicator, and showcases a stunning yet classic look that’s sure to complement any indoor or outdoor space.
3. ForPro Professional Collection Premium Hot Towel Warmer
Next up we have the ForPro Professional Collection Premium Hot Towel Warmer. This quick and professional towel warmer heats up to 158-176 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes and can hold up to 24 facial-sized towels.
Furthermore, the entire unit is made from durable stainless steel that features two stainless steel racks, and a water drip tray that will not rust. While the interior of the cabinet stays cool when on all day, and can even be used for hot packs, neck warmers, and massage stones.
4. Zadro Ultra Large Luxury Bucket-Style Towel Warmer
Another amazing solution is the Zadro Ultra Large Luxury Bucket-Style Towel Warmer. This ultra-large insulated plastic bucket design can accommodate up to two oversized bath towels, robes, throw blankets, PJ’s, blanket warmers and more. Also, the unit comes with a built-in timer so that you can always have your towels warm by heating them up 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes before automatically shutting off.
Plus, the built-in cold storage in the base helps to keep the extra-long power cord tidy when it’s not in use, and the natural bamboo handle and feet help to form one of the more aesthetically-pleasing towel warmers available. Not to mention the fact that it comes in up to 4 different color options, and takes up little to no room in any interior space.
5. Auzro 18L Professional Hot Towel Warmer
Next up is the Auzro 18L Professional Hot Towel Warmer. This powerful and multifunctional unit comes with a massive 18L capacity that can hold up to 60 facial-sized towels and can heat up rapidly to a maximum temperature of 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moreover, this towel warmer comes with 360-degree all-around heating which allows it to heat up wet towels well, while also warming up dry towels to the optimal temperature. While the magnetic door design helps to keep the high temperature enclosed at all times.
Plus, it boasts a sturdy stainless steel exterior and two baskets, as well as a drip water tray, towel clamp, and convenient handle.
6. Brandon Basics Wall Mounted Electric Towel Warmer
The Brandon Basics Wall Mounted Electric Towel Warmer is another remarkable design for anybody in search of a quality outdoor heated towel warmer for their hot tub or pool. First and foremost, this unique towel warmer is one of the few on the market that comes with a built-in timer and visual LED indicator. It also features conveniently located buttons that can help your towels, small blankets, bathrobes, and more stay dry for up to 1 or 2 hours before automatically shutting off.
More specifically, this model comes with 12 bars for even heat distribution, 190 watts for faster drying, and 304 stainless-steel construction to handle all of the aforementioned features. Also included is a convenient garment hook, a hidden power leg for hardwired installations, and a 4’5” power cord for quick and easy plug-ins. Making this not only one of the more powerful heated towel warmers but also one of the easier to assemble.
7. JJ CARE UV Towel Warmer and UV Sterilizer
![JJ CARE UV Towel Warmer with 36L Capacity [Premium] 2-in-1 Spa Hot Towel Warmer and UV Sterilizer, Hot Towel Cabinet for 40-60 Small Facial Towels, Towel Warmer for Salon, Barber Shops](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Bdrp439uL._SL500_.jpg "JJ CARE UV Towel Warmer with 36L Capacity [Premium] 2-in-1 Spa Hot Towel Warmer and UV Sterilizer, Hot Towel Cabinet for 40-60 Small Facial Towels, Towel Warmer for Salon, Barber Shops")
Sliding into our 7th spot on the list we have the JJ CARE UV Towel Warmer and UV Sterilizer . This cabinet-style towel warmer comes with a strong heating feature that takes just 10-20 minutes to reach up to 167 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with a massive capacity that can hold up to 60 small facial towels.
Additionally, this particular towel warmer has a stainless steel interior and racks that do not rust, as well as a removable drip tray to help keep the chamber dry. Moreover, the entire unit comes fully assembled, with no complicated installations required, an easy-to-operate control system, and a double-seal door. As well as additional sterilizing features, including a built-in 6 watts UV lamp for quick and easy disinfection.
8. Keenray Bucket Style Towel Warmers
The Keenray Bucket Style Towel Warmer is another fantastic alternative. This unique design offers rapid heating in just 1 minute with the ability to reach a high temperature in just 6 minutes. Not only that but it also offers up to 60 minutes of heating time with single-button control, and can hold up to two oversized bath towels, bathrobes, blankets, PJs and more with its extra-large bucket-style design.
Furthermore, this towel warmer will heat towels all the way through, leaving behind no cold spots, and is even lightweight enough to maneuver around your home whenever need be. Plus, the unit even comes with an innovative ‘Fragrance Disc’ which can effectively eliminate odours, as well as 3 layers of functional protection with their temperature sensor, switch, and fuse. Not to mention that the whole unit features a round-shaped base that is stylish and attractive.
9. StateRiver Spa Hot Towel Warmer
Next up is the StateRiver Spa Hot Towel Warmer. This high-capacity design can hold up to 60 facial-sized towels at once, and keep a constant temperature of up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, this towel heater has an oxidized aluminum interior which helps to prevent rusting, as well as a chrome-plated wire basket and water drip tray. Also, this towel heater can thoroughly and evenly warm both traditional and disposable towels, and its unique design allows for more efficient heat conduction. Plus, the unit even comes with a 70-inch plug-in cord and is CTUVus certified.
10. WarmlyYours 6-Bar Ibiza Freestanding Electric Heated Towel Warmer Rack
Finally, we have the WarmlyYours 6-bar Ibiza Freestanding Electric Heated Towel Warmer Rack. This stunning rack design uses 6 polished 304-stainless steel bars to evenly distribute heat, warming up to 2 small towels or bathrobes at a time. It is also a freestanding plug-in-only heated towel warmer that features on/off controls, allowing continuous heat for up to 2 or 4 hours at once.
Moreover, this model comes with built-in TempSmart overheat protection to prevent the unit’s surface temperature from exceeding 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the entire unit is remarkably easy to assemble, and use long-term.
Alternative Ways to Keeping Your Towels Warm
Place Towels in the Clothes Dryer
One of the best alternatives if you don’t feel the need to invest in a towel warmer is to simply place your towels or bathrobes into your clothes dryer. All you need to do is store them inside your dryer for 10-15 minutes before you intend on using them, and voila, you’ve got yourself a cozy set of warm towels or bathrobes.
Microwavable Heat Packs
Another solid alternative is to get yourself some microwavable heat packs (the same kind that you use for camping or pain relief). Simply warm up the heater packs in the microwave as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and then wrap your towels around them before you intend on using them. Or you can even store your items in a concealed area like an insulated bag or cooler, and place the heat packs on the top and bottom of the towels or robes so that they stay toasty warm.
How NOT to Heat Up a Towel
In the Oven
What you might be surprised to learn is that there are a lot of people who instead choose to heat up towels in their ovens. Even though many people do heat up their towels in the oven, the potential for something to go wrong here is actually quite high. Ovens can reach up to dangerously high temperatures, and if you leave your towels in there for even slightly too long, you could be dealing with some very serious circumstances.
Placing on the Radiator
This one is a bit tricky because it will depend on the type of radiator and how you go about placing your towels onto the radiator. For example, if it is an old-fashioned cast-iron radiator, then anything you place on it will interfere with the heat transfer.
Meaning that if you stack towels on top of it, this will slow down the convective movement of the air through the radiator, which is not only a waste of energy but time as well. However, it can be accomplished so long as you disperse the towels correctly, and are aware of the type of radiator in your home.
Related Questions
How Long Can You Leave a Towel Warmer on?
In order to avoid serious electrical hazards, you should always switch off your towel warmer after just a couple of hours of use. That being said, there are some low-wattage heaters that can be left on for indefinite periods of time, similar to radiant floor heaters.
Thankfully, most modern towel warmers have numerous automatic shutoff features, which naturally shut off the entire machine once the temperature exceeds a certain point. Ensuring that no damage or harm ever occurs with your towel warmer.
What Temperatures Do Towel Warmers Reach?
The truth is that most modern electric towel warmers can reach up to extremely high temperatures, which can pose serious health hazards. In fact, modern heated towel racks can reach temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit! Which can be quite painful if touched or brushed against.
Also keep in mind that since heated towel racks come with an offset built-in from the wall, the towel warmer will need to be kept at least 4 inches away from surrounding fixtures.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, those are the 10 best outdoor heated towel warmers for hot tubs or pools. Ultimately, what you choose will be entirely up to you. But so long as you keep this handy guide by your side throughout the process, you should be able to find the perfect towel warmer for your hot tub or pool in no time.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.