OK, I'll admit I'm still a little skeptical, but am now more intrigued by the idea. I've done a little googling, and it appears there are two basic technologies used for towel heaters: electric, and hot water. As luck would have it, we have a hot water line that's currently coming into a radiator in our little bathroom. The radiator has to go in our upcoming remodel (a tub is going up against that wall and there isn't anyplace else to move it), and our contractor was planning to just cap off the how water lines feeding it. This will result in a net loss of heat on that floor. Now I'm wondering if the existing hot water could feed a towel warmer. I suspect they could make the plumbing work, and I would love to be able to retain (or perhaps even increase) the room's heat output. This would only be effective during the winter months, when the heat is on. Of course, in the summer months, we won't care about heated towels. There's only one wall in the room where this might work. But aren't these heated towel racks hot to the touch? We don't have kids, but it seems like these would be a safety hazard - bump into the towel rack in a small bathroom, and you might be burned. No?

We ordered the units without the timer (it's an option with Runtal) but our electrician has convinced us we will want one so he's adding a programmable one -- sorry I don't know the brand or type or whether it will be a 24-hour timer or a 7-day one or what. He also noted that the units will use less electricity than a light bulb so he actually suggested just leaving them on in the colder months (we're in New England) if we wanted to, but we decided the timers made more sense. We got the 24" wide x 34.8" tall hard-wired Omnipanels. I will say that they are HEAVY. The quality is superb, but you pay for it. I think these were about $800 each. I am not planning to EVER remove them once they go up -- the next homeowner can worry about that! :)

The thermasol has a quick start and split tank technology generator which has a lifetime warranty. I recommend you log onto their web site. Mr. Steam is good too, because the company that manufactures their generators has been in the steam generator industry for years! I personally feel the Thermasol unit will be better though down the road. As for towel warmers, Mr. Steam has some that are really inexpensive, but my preference is Myson. I like companies that are willing to do custom work if you need it, and they have come through for me and my clients several times.

I had Myson warmers in my previous home. I have Runtal in my current home. Both were on programmed timers and both deliver excellent performance, although I think the Runtal warmers are somewhat faster to heat up. The Runtals are also less expensive. If I were to choose warmers for another house, I'd wouldn't hesitate to select Runtal again. I've been very pleased with them. Mine are the large Neptune models.