The main difference between the two is that electric towel warmers use—you guessed it—electricity, while hydronic towel warmers use hot water from your plumbing system to heat its exterior bars.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews. While you may only think ...

Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The toilet is the ultimate venue of control. It’s where you start to ...