This towel warming gadget is going viral – it's an alternative to the one thing most bathrooms in the US are missing

This plug-in towel warmer has become a new viral sensation for those looking to keep it cozy when they step out of the shower

A stack of fluffy towels in a bathroom
(Image credit: Alamy )

There really is nothing more comforting than stepping out of the shower and enveloping yourself in a warm towel, especially during the winter months. If you've ever travelled to Europe, you may have noticed a bathroom feature that's very common there that you don't often see in the US - a heated towel rail. For these homes, they act as heat sources for bathrooms that also mean you can dry, and warm, your towels. 

If you don't have a heated towel rail but love the idea of a warm towel greeting you post-shower, this gadget is an absolute must-have for a modern bathroom. This towel warmer has taken TikTok by storm with users praising it as a quick and effective way of heating your towels and blankets for less, and its portable plug-in design makes it perfect for moving around your home, as well as being suitable for renters, too. Honestly, self-care doesn't get much better than this. 

Sound intriguing? We've taken a closer look at the towel warmer to find out just how useful it is, alongside some tips on how to get your hands on one. 

Lilith headshot for bio
Lilith Hudson

Lilith is an expert at following news and trends across the world of interior design. As a renter, she's committed to helping readers make the best choices in their homes through writing practical tips and guides on budget-friendly alternatives to fitted furnishings. After spotting this clever towel warmer on TikTok, she couldn't wait to share the idea.

What is a towel warmer?

a towel warmer

(Image credit: Comfier / Amazon)

It's likely that your mind is conjuring images of electric towel rails, but this towel warmer is a little different. Unlike traditional towel racks, this gadget is bucket shaped with a lid for you to literally place your towels inside. While it's intended for use in the bathroom, it can heat any cotton material making it perfect for your pajamas, blankets and face cloths too. 

We're all looking for small ways to make a bathroom feel like a spa, and this device is certainly one of the easiest ways to make your space feel more luxurious. After putting your towels into the compartment you can set an adjustable timer for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes depending on whether you're having a short shower or a long soak in the bath. Your towels will stay warm for up to 20 minutes after the cycle ends too, so there's no need to worry if you're tempted to stay in a little longer. 

Unlike towel racks that attach to your wall, the one downside to this towel warmer is that it's freestanding so takes up an area of floor space (12.9 inches). This means it might not be best if you have a small bathroom. That said, the sleek and modern design means you won't feel the need to hide it away, and the cord hides away neatly at the back. And of course, there's no need for any power tools or tricky installation! Essentially, it just looks like a discreet laundry basket. 

Where can I get one? 

So, where can you buy one? The most popular brand on TikTok is the LiveFine towel warmer, available on Amazon. The large 18 liter heater comes in three colors - white, grey and black - and is priced at $139.99. It also comes in a smaller 10 liter variety in the same colors for $99.99. Wayfair, Walmart, and Bed, Bath and Beyond also have towel warmers by different brands on offer in a range of sizes and prices.

LiveFine Towel Warmer, Amazon
Editor's pick

LiveFine Towel Warmer, Amazon

Make every shower a spa day with this towel warmer from Amazon. This clever gadget fits up to two towels at a time making it super economical plus it has an adjustable timer, allowing you to step into the cozy embrace of a warm towel after your bath. Pure bliss.

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Lilith Hudson
News Editor

Lilith Hudson is the News Editor at Livingetc, and an expert at decoding trends and reporting on them as they happen. Writing news, features, and explainers for our digital platform, she's the go-to person for all the latest micro-trends, interior hacks, and color inspiration you need in your home. Lilith discovered a love for lifestyle journalism during her BA in English and Philosophy at the University of Nottingham where she spent more time writing for her student magazine than she did studying. After graduating, she decided to take things a step further and now holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, with previous experience at the Saturday Times Magazine, Evening Standard, DJ Mag, and The Simple Things Magazine. At weekends you'll find her renovating a tiny one-up, one-down annex next to her Dad's holiday cottage in the Derbyshire dales where she applies all the latest design ideas she's picked up through the week.