Electric towel warmers used to be a luxury appliance that were only found in high-end bathrooms of hotels and spas. But not anymore. These days, towel warmers have become an appliance that is found in bathrooms of elegant homes. These appliances provide comfort that also keeps the bathroom atmosphere free from moisture. There are two widely used models: plug-ins and hardwired.
In this blog, we will do an in-depth comparison of both. We will dive into their advantages and limitations, and other factors that may help you decide on which type will be better for your home lifestyle.
Electric towel warmers generally fall into two main categories: plug-in and hardwired. Plug-in models connect to a standard wall outlet and offer easy installation and portability. Hardwired units, on the other hand, are installed directly into the wall’s electrical system for a cleaner, built-in look. Both types come in various styles and sizes to suit different bathroom layouts and user preferences.
Hardwired towel warmers are power-operated directly from the home's wiring. In other words, it is installed behind the wall or in the wall cavity and operated without cords or outlets. The electrical element stays behind the wall, leading to a clean and unbroken appearance that goes well with the contemporary look of a bathroom.
The hardest-wired towel warmer will, in most cases, be installed by a licensed electrician, especially to comply with the electrical code and safety requirements. Since such models are permanently installed and fixed in place, they are typically regarded as more of a permanent bathroom improvement.
Installation of hardwired towel warmers is usually performed by a licensed electrician. This is mainly because it has to be according to electrical codes and safety standards. Hardwired towel warmers can be considered a permanent bathroom fixture since they are permanently wired. Buying can be a critical process, which is why you should go for a trusted brand in this field, known as Jasmine AD, which provides better quality and fast delivery times.
One of the great benefits of hardwired towel warmers is, of course, their looks. There are no visible wires or plugs; therefore, they integrate seamlessly into the decor of the bathroom, giving a built-in, high-end look. This is highly valuable for a homeowner opting for a minimalist or spa-like design.
Hardwired models are more appropriately suited for long-term installations. Once integrated into the bathroom, they act as permanent fixtures contributing to comfort and, of course, enhancing the value of the home. A good number of models are also capable of connecting to a wall switch or programmable timer to help users manage their energy and heating schedules more effectively.
When working with a hardwired installation, placement is another consideration. There’s no need for a towel warmer to be installed only near available outlets. You can have it where it functions best, for instance, right next to the shower or across from the vanity, without worrying about how far a cord stretches or whether there’s an outlet there.
Still, despite the nice look and reliable performance of hardwired towel warmers, these models do possess certain drawbacks. Chief among these would be the need for professional installation. Hiring an electrician tacks on to the costs of the product and may prolong the installation time, especially during bathroom remodels or renovations.
Hardwired units are not so flexible when being installed. If at any time you wish to relocate or even change the model, such work can be much more laborious and costly compared to plug-in units. For this reason, hardwired models are particularly unsuitable for renters or for those who remodel their homes often.
Maintenance and repairs are other factors worth considering. If the electrical fault is due to a wall fault in the wiring, repairs can be complicated and costly.
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In fact, plug in warm towels for electric heating. It works just as any normal unit, using a visible power cord that connects to a wall socket, the same way you would plug in a space heater or hair dryer. Usually wall-mounted or free-standing, they allow for greater flexibility of placement and mobility.
Installation is simple. No electrician needed for this. For most homeowners or renters, this makes plug-in towel warmers an even more convenient consideration.
The main attraction of plug-in towel warmers is their simple installation. The majority of models can be set up in under an hour and do not need expert assistance. If you like DIY home upgrades or just prefer to avoid the trouble of employing an electrician, this is the sensible option.
Plug-in models are really versatile as they can be unplugged or plugged as required, and even if you change houses or apartments, this portable version of a towel warmer can be just plugged into another socket without any installation hassle. For people who move around frequently, this is a perfect option.
Cost-effectiveness is another crucial aspect. Plug-in units typically have a reduced initial cost and spare you from extra installation charges. Although they might lack the inherent visual charm of hardwired models, numerous plug-in towel warmers are crafted with aesthetics in focus and feature modern, streamlined finishes.
Even though plug-in towel warmers are generally easier to use and often less expensive, they come with some limitations. Perhaps the most obvious is the visible power cord. If a homeowner is trying to create a clean, modern design for their bathroom, a cord reinstates the design's simplicity.
In general, plug-in models have to be sited near a suitable electrical outlet, which can also impede customer's placement choices for the towel warmer. They may have a less-than-ideal towel access point to both the shower and bath.
Another limitation is power control. Without a built-in timer or switch, the model owner has to physically plug and unplug the warmer from the outlet to operate it. Towel warmer users who rarely use the product may remove it from the outlet every time they are finished using it, thus creating additional inconvenience when managing where towels are within their bath space and possibly increased costs by keeping the unit plugged in both accidentally or unnecessarily.
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If we compare the energy consumption of the two, then both towel warmers are typically energy-efficient. Noth variants use between 60 and 150 watts, on average, which is less than most appliances. However, hardwired towel warmers with programmable timers tend to be the better option. These units can be programmed for specific operation times, enabling the most efficient operation and only warming the towels when you need them.
Plug-in towel warmers can be considered slightly less effective if they run all day for your towels, unless they have a timer specified on the model. The degree of differentiation is typically nominal as well, with average use, so it comes down to the act of the user and being able to efficiently manage the on and off schedule.
Selecting the right towel warmer for your home relies on three main components: your budget, your need for flexibility, and where your design preferences lie. If you are willing to spend on the purchase of a towel warmer and have it professionally installed for a long-term, seamless bathroom upgrade, then a hardwired towel warmer is likely the best choice. Hardwired towel warmers often provide a better overall look and visually integrate into the electrical system of the bathroom, resulting in a more seamless appearance.
On the contrary, if your priorities are flexibility, price, and convenience, then a plug-in towel warmer may be more suitable. Plug-in units are ideal for renters, small bathrooms, or secondary developments where installation of permanent fixtures is not desirable for the space.
Towel warmers may appear to be a small appliance, but they contribute significantly to making any bathroom user-friendly and convenient. For buying purposes, we suggest you check this electric towel warmer manufacturer for any purchases. In the end, it is all up to you to choose the option. Hardwired models give the bathroom that modern, luxury appeal, while plug-in ones are easy to use. But before you buy one, think over how you want to use the bathroom space and the long-term improvement goals.