A towel warmer is a heated cabinet that keeps rolled towels hot for manicures, pedicures, facials and massage: a steam model heats them with steam, a dry model with dry heat. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks steam towel warmers and dry towel cabinets from Fiori, a stainless steel hot towel cabinet from Champion and a compact towel steamer from MNBS.
Types of towel warmers
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Steam towel warmer | Hot, moist towels for pedicures, facials and spa services, from a small unit to a two-door cabinet. | Fiori S-03, Fiori S-06, Fiori S120, Fiori S15, Fiori S30-2 Door, Fiori 480S |
| More steam models | Larger steam cabinets for busy spas, or a compact steamer for one station. | Fiori 240S, Fiori 360S, Fiori S-10, Towel Steamer 207SW (Small) |
| Dry and hot towel cabinet | Keeping towels you dampen and roll yourself warm at the manicure table or in a facial room. | Fiori TW220, Fiori TW320, Champion RTD-23A |
How to choose a towel warmer
- Steam or dry. A steam warmer makes towels hot and moist from a water reservoir; a dry cabinet warms towels that you dampen and roll first. The guide below compares both.
- Size it by your busiest hour. Count the hot towels all your stations use in an hour and pick a cabinet that holds more than that, so fresh towels have time to heat.
- Look at the everyday features. The Fiori steam line has a low-water indicator and auto shut-off; the Champion RTD-23A has a stainless steel body, removable wire baskets and a drip tray.
Related: Towels, Facial steamers, Paraffin wax, All salon equipment
Guides
Towel warmer FAQ
Can I put dry towels in a towel warmer?
In a steam warmer, yes: the steam heats and moistens them as long as the water reservoir is filled. A dry cabinet only warms what goes in, so dampen and roll the towels first, or they come out warm but dry. Check your manual.
How do I keep a steam towel warmer from building up scale and odour?
Fill it with the type of water the manual names, empty the reservoir and leave the door open to dry at the end of the day, and descale on the schedule the manufacturer gives. Wash every towel after one use and never put a used towel back in the cabinet.
How do I check a hot towel before it touches the client?
Shake the towel open so the first burst of heat escapes, then test it on the inside of your own wrist. Ask the client how it feels once it is on, and keep the cabinet door closed between services so the other towels stay hot.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.