When it comes to elevating a bathroom design, a heated towel rack is one of those rare upgrades that blends form, function, and comfort in a single detail. But for designers, architects, and builders unfamiliar with the category, specifying the right model can raise a few key questions—particularly around installation, control systems, and code compliance.
As a North American leader in heated towel racks, Amba Products works with industry professionals every day to simplify the selection process. Whether you're building a custom home, renovating a master bath, or fitting out boutique hospitality spaces, here’s what you should know.
🔌 Plug-In vs. ⚡ Hardwired: Choosing the Right Install Type
At the core of every towel warmer spec is a simple question: plug-in or hardwired? Many of our products are available as combo kits, giving you flexibility to choose on site—especially useful when construction timelines or wiring plans shift.
Plug-In Heated Towel Racks
- Simple to install — just plug into a standard 120V outlet
- Great for remodels, retrofits, or rental properties
- Integrated on/off switch on most models
- No need to open walls or coordinate electrical wiring
Hardwired Heated Towel Racks
- Clean, seamless look with no visible cords
- Requires installation by a licensed electrician
- Ideal for new construction, custom homes, and commercial projects
- Compatible with wall timers or external control panels
📌 Pro Tip:
Models in the Cape Collection offer both plug-in and hardwired functionality in a single unit. This makes them one of our most adaptable lines for specifiers working across different types of projects. And unlike most collections, Cape models are also compatible with their own UL-certified Wet Rated Kit, allowing them to be installed safely in steam rooms, walk-in showers, or other fully wet environments—more on that below.
💧 Wet Location? Know Your Options
While many towel racks are rated for dry or damp spaces, only two Amba collections—Jeeves and Cape—offer models that can be upgraded for full wet-room use.
For installations inside walk-in showers, steam rooms, or areas with direct water exposure, we offer UL-certified Wet Rated Kits:
These add-on kits are sold separately and must be specified alongside the appropriate model to meet NEC requirements for wet location installations. If you're working with a bathroom design that includes a heated rack within a shower zone, these are your go-to collections.
⚠️ As always, we recommend that installers and specifiers verify local and national electrical code requirements before finalizing installation locations—especially in wet-rated zones.
Jeeves Wet-Rated Kit
Cape Wet-Rated Kit
🎛️ Control Systems: What Sets Each Collection Apart
Amba racks are designed with user experience in mind—and that includes how they're controlled. Some collections come with built-in switches or combo kits. Others rely on external control systems for a more elevated aesthetic.
For our Sirio, Vega, Antus, Quadro, and Modello i collections, all models are powered exclusively by our Touch Digital Heat Controller (TDHC) or Remotely-Wired Touch Digital Heat Controller (TDHCR):
- 5 heat levels
- Sleek single-gang box fit
- Digital interface with built-in count down timer
- Optional remote wiring to conceal the controller away from the rack
This modular control setup allows these collections to offer minimalist, wall-mounted designs without built-in switches—perfect for high-end residential and hospitality applications where style and discretion are paramount.
Touch Digital Heat Controller (TDHC)
Remotely Wired Touch Digital Heat Controller (TDHCR)
You can learn more about these controllers and what you need to install them in a dedicated blog post below:
📐 Placement Guidelines: Flexible by Design
Unlike many other bathroom fixtures, there is no fixed “ideal height” for towel rack installation. The racks can be mounted wherever is most comfortable for the user—above a toilet, beside a shower, or across from a vanity.
The only absolute? Follow all applicable electrical codes.
- Maintain proper clearance from water sources using a wet-rated model where needed
- Ensure access to a power source (outlet or junction box, depending on install type)
- Coordinate with other fixture placements (e.g. avoid blocking mirrors or cabinetry)
Whether you're mounting vertically, horizontally, or in a series, our technical drawings provide all necessary measurements to assist in layout planning.
🔧 Long-Term Durability: Replaceable Heating Elements
When investing in heated towel racks, longevity should be top of mind—especially in long-term builds like hotels, custom homes, or commercial spaces.
- The Jeeves and Traditional collections feature replaceable heating elements, meaning if the element fails after years of use, you don’t need to replace the entire unit—just install a new element for a fraction of the cost.
- Replacement heating elements are available for the Jeeves Collection as well as Traditional models .
- This upgrade-friendly approach not only improves sustainability but also maximizes return on investment—and gives peace of mind in installations expected to last decades.
🎨 Finishes: Standard & Custom Options
When selecting a heated towel rack, the finish plays a crucial role in harmonizing with the overall bathroom design. From sleek stainless and matte black to rich metals and custom colors, Amba’s collections offer options that elevate both form and function:
- Sirio, Quadro, Antus, Vega, and Modello i collections are available through special order in custom finishes, including matching PVD (physical vapor deposition) coatings or RAL color-matching, catering to boutique or high-end specifications.
- These bespoke finishes offer bold design integration, ensuring the towel rack complements the room’s hardware and décor palette.
- Cape, Solo, and Swivel, and collections are stocked in polished stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, and matte black across all models.
- The Radiant collection has a variety of finishes available, including polished gold, satin brass, and brushed bronze, but only for specific models! Check the our product catalog or individual model pages for availability.
- The Jeeves collection currently has 5 finishes available for each model: polished stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, oil rubbed bronze, matte black, and white.
- The Traditional collection is a unique line that is exclusively offered in polished nickel, brushed nickel, and the most recent addition of brushed bronze.
🧰 Matching Models to Project Needs
Here’s a quick breakdown of ideas for different projects:
Project Type |
Recommended Collections |
Why They Work |
|---|---|---|
| Remodels & Retrofits | Cape, Radiant, Swivel (combo kits) Solo (freestanding) |
Quick DIY install, compact sizes, fast heat-up (10–15 min). |
| Custom Homes / Boutique Hotels | Sirio, Quadro, Antus, Vega, Modello i | Luxury Italian designs with Touch Digital Heat Controller, available in custom sizes & finishes (RAL/PVD), and minimalist integration. Modello i ideal for compact spaces. |
| Hospitality / Bulk Projects | Radiant, Cape, Jeeves (combo kits) Solo (freestanding) |
Cost-effective, easy to install in large quantities, and available in versatile finishes. |
| Spa, Steam Room & Wet Zones | Cape, Jeeves | The only collections compatible with UL-listed Wet Rated Kits (AC‑WRK / AJ‑WRK) for safe installation in wet environments. |
| Small / Powder Rooms | Modello i, Swivel, Solo | Compact or portable designs ideal for tight spaces—swivel arms or freestanding options available. |
| Energy‑Efficient & Fast Heat | All collections | All Amba towel racks heat in under 15 minutes using low-wattage elements (60–150 W), and support timers or switches. |
🏁 Final Thoughts: Simple to Specify, Designed to Impress
Heated towel racks may seem like a minor fixture, but in practice, they’re a defining feature in any luxury bathroom space. As specifiers, you have more options than ever—whether you need flexible installation, discreet controls, or spa-grade moisture protection.
By choosing the right collection and installation type, you’re not just warming a towel—you’re creating a better daily experience for your clients.
Need technical specs, availability, or one-on-one support? Visit our Resources Page or get in touch with our team—we’re always happy to help.