Eric, I just leave the bath towels on the warmer all the time. It would be a bit of a hassle remembering to move them back and forth. Smaller hand towels and the bath mat hang on other towel bars or rings. I have the Runtal automatic controller. It allows you to program different on and off cycles for each day of the week, multiple on and off cycles per day, and to control the temperature setting. Since I'm a creature of habit, the week days are all programmed the same, but at the weekend, the warmer comes on later and goes off later, as I tend to get moving later on those days. If my schedule deviates from normal, I can easily override the programming. The warmers in my guest rooms are programmed to be on in the mornings and again in the evenings, but off during the middle of the day. When I don't have guests, I simply set the temperature to "0", and they don't come on at all. The controllers are hidden away in cupboards or closets, where they're out of sight, but easily accessible, so their appearance wasn't a consideration. If you choose to go with a Lutron timer, be sure it's one rated for a heating appliance, and be aware that it probably won't provide as much flexibility or allow you to control the temperature level. I usually don't operate my warmers at their highest setting, and I appreciate being able to lower the settings on them during the warmer seasons. I've been totally happy with Runtal and recommend them.

If its permitted work, get the clearance from your building official ahead of time. They might not allow a "towel warmer" to serve as the sole heat source for a room. After you educate them, they night. Regardless, the Runtal units are great warmers. It's already been brought up that a hydronic model will only work when the zone that it's plumbed in to is calling for heat, so that might only occur in the winter. For year-round warming, consider electric. Caveat, electric warmers may only output about 2/3rds the BTUs of a similar physically-sized hydronic unit when the hydronic is circulating 180-degree water. 180-degree is fairly standard for water coming right off a boiler, or being circulated through hydronic baseboards. But if it's pulling off a hydronic radiant floor heat loop, they often circulate 110-120 degree water. For an 8' by 14' room, a best guess for sole heat source would be a warmer capable of pumping out around 3200-3400BTUh. My observations. Off to watch the Red Sox.

Yes, put one in, haven't gone through winter yet with it, but am very excited about it!! It works well with our baseboard (as we tested it on one of the hottest days this year). You can see most of it above the tub. We needed it for heat purposes in that room, although I think that room will end up being the warmest in the house. It is at the vary end of our loop, so hopefully it won't be too hot! Mongo pointed me in this direction with the suggestion and it saved the whole heating plan for us.

The link to the Costco warmer seems to be broken (at least it didn't work for me). I have included a link to the Ancona Comfort 8. Price $229.99 Features (cut and pasted): Freestanding or wall hung towel warmer and drying rack that can be located in your bathroom, laundry room or other convenient areas Carbon steel construction with Chrome finish Sleek Mediterranean styling All parts and instructions included Reaches its preset ideal temperature in 15 minutes Engineered with dry-lined electric power to be safe and energy efficient, so it can remain on for convenient daily use 110 volts, 150 Watts, with on/off switch; cUL certified Dimensions: 37" (93 cm) height; 24" (60 cm) width; depth 12" (30 cm) Weight: 11 Lbs (5.0 KG) 1 year limited warranty Costco also has the Comfort 9S, currently priced $199.99 (after instant rebate). Features (cut and pasted): Features: 304 Grade Stainless Steel Towel warmer and drying rack that is wall mounted Sleek Mediterranean styling All parts and instructions included 6 feet (1,8m) power chord to plug into a standard grounded 3-pin electrical outlet Reaches its preset ideal temperature in 15 minutes Engineered with dry-lined electric power to be safe and energy efficient, so it can remain on for convenient daily use 110 volts, 150 Watts, with on/off switch, UL certified Dimensions: 30" (76 cm) height; 24" (60 cm) width Weight: 11 Lbs (5.0 KG) 1 year limited warranty Here is a link that might be useful: Ancona Comfort 8