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How to choose which brand of towel warmer?

jacobse
13 years ago

I previously posted a question about whether to put a towel warmer in our master bath remodel, and we're now pretty well sold on the idea -- providing we don't have to go for one of the ones which cost upwards of $2,500!. Which brings me to today's question: which brand of towel warmer?

We'll be looking for an electric model, hardwired, ideally not much wider than 20". I've seen a number of positive comments here about Runtal. Doing a broad search for electric towel warmers, I've also looked at Mr. Steam, Amba, Myson, Warmrails, and others. Some similar-looking models -- approx. 20" wide, 18-24" hight, curved rails -- range in price from the low $300's to well above $1,000. What more do you get with a significantly more expensive towel warmer? Are there brands which are particularly good, or ones to stay away from? If you have purchased a towel warmer, aside from choosing a look (curved vs. straight, flat rails vs. tubes, finish, etc.), how did you choose among the various brands on the market?

Thanks!

-- Eric

Comments (14)

  • wi-sailorgirl
    13 years ago

    Great questions and I'm looking forward to the answers! It's strange that there's such a huge range of prices.

  • busybee3
    13 years ago

    eric--after much debating, i think i'm going with the amba antus 28x60..... the cheapest i've seen it on-line is about $1600. i e-mailed amba asking what the difference was between the jeeves models(i was looking at the ~ 20x54" which i could get for ~ 700) and the antus models....basically the wattage is significantly higher on the more expensive models, so they also act more like space heaters in addition to towel warmers which is appealing to me....they also warm up about twice as fast as the lower watt models. the jeeves model has a water and glycol solution that runs through it to warm the rails and the antus unit does not...antus also has thicker grade of steel. i looked into the runtal---particularly the versus model, but decided that the extra $500 or so that it would cost wouldn't be worth it. that's basically what i know...i didn't really look into other brands( myson seemed much too expensive and too limiting size wise and mr.steam models all seemed to be lower wattages.) amba seemed to offer the most for the dollar---i liked the curved rails of the jeeves, but think i'm going with the higher watts and the wider width of the antus.

  • wa8b
    13 years ago

    I've used Runtal in my homes for years. Originally when I lived in Europe (where Runtal is practically ubiquitous), then again during the last 15 years since I've returned to N. America. They're a quality product and have stood the test of time. I really wouldn't consider any other brand.

  • jacobse
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    Thanks busybee and wa8b. Just bumping this to see if I can get any additional input.

    -- Eric

  • wi-sailorgirl
    13 years ago

    Thanks, Mongoct ... that's the kind of information I was hoping to see in reply to this post. I know that some people are loyal to specific brands, and that's great, but it's nice to know what differentiates one model/brand from another other than which has the most loyal following.

  • jacobse
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    bump

  • pepperidge_farm
    13 years ago

    We had a warmrails from a previous owner left in the bathroom. I would concur with what Mongo said about at least the one I had. It just didn't do it for me, nor the towels.

    Our current setup uses our home heating, a Runtal, but that's a different system, but it's wonderful nonetheless.

  • gingert63
    10 years ago

    Thanks for all this help. I have the same question, and your information (especially mongoct) is very helpful.

  • ljsandler
    10 years ago

    "A nice touch is that the higher BTU models can serve as room warmers too."

    What BTU amount is considered "higher" ?

    Thanks!

  • mgabriel
    10 years ago

    Amba manufactures several models that can act as a space heater as well. One model that comes to mind is the Amba Sirio (approx 790 BTUs).

  • Kim-Trish
    10 years ago

    From what I've seen, Runtal, Myson, and Amba all make high quality and high value towel warmers. Other brands provide more design and some comfort but not the real functionality of a towel warmer and radiator. I personally like the programmable timers that allow you to have a warm towel ready at any time of day. After that, the decision is about budget and design. Runtal makes nice painted warmers while Myson and Amba offer finishes that are consistent with bathroom fixtures.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Example of Amba towel warmers

  • patricc
    9 years ago

    It looks like there is a concensus that the best towel warmer is made by Amba and I will agree. What I would especially recommend are Amba Radiant series that offer a wide range of desing and finish options as well as hardwired and plug-in models. They get quite hot, definitely enough to get the towels warm and perhaps to heat the bathroom, too. And most importantly, the price is just great when you compare them to some high-end brands such as Thermique. With prices under $200, Amba is a bargain.

  • wusofamily
    7 years ago

    What about the Anzzi towel warmer sold by Home Depot? Is that exclusively being marketed by Home Depot and if so, who is the manufacturer? Amba??? Also, they say they use a stainless steel called an Rhino Alloy stainless steel. What exactly is Rhino Alloy stainless steel and how does that compare to Amba's high grade stainless steel? Thanks.