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There’s nothing better than soaking in a hot bath or standing under the spray of a steaming shower now that the air has turned chillier. But oftentimes that relaxing, pampered feeling vanishes as soon as one steps out of the warm cocoon of water and is affronted by a blast of cold air and a room-temperature towel.
For those who wish to extend or create their warm spa-like experiences in the bath, Long Island-based Mr. Steam has created a product that fits the bill. The company’s newest product, a technologically-advanced towel warmer, mimics the European shower experience by heating up a towel while you shower or enjoy a steam session. Not only that, the company’s newest warmer incorporates aromatherapy to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Not only is the Mr. Steam towel warmer a unique product, the new aromatherapy feature is one-of-a-kind, according to company spokesperson Martha Orellana.
“As far as I know, we are the only ones who are offering built-in aroma therapy,” she said. “The 200 Series has the oil well in there that you can put the essential oils in.”
There are 12 different essential oil options, Ms. Orellana said. Choices include plant-based scents varying from eucalyptus to lavender, as well as chakra oils.
Ms. Orellana reported that Mr. Steam, which bills itself as the maker of the world’s most luxurious steam showers and steam baths, decided to target a new demographic with its 200 Series towel warmer. The steel towel warmer attracts customers looking for a unique gift idea or a less expensive way to enjoy luxury.
“We tried to make the 200 Series, number one, very affordable,” she said, noting that high-end towel warmers typically cost around $1,000 and can range up to $4,000. “Mr. Steam has created accessibility for the average person. A towel warmer is not just for the very few who can afford a $2,000 towel warmer. Why not spend $400 or $499 for a nice towel warmer?”
So far, the company has been successful with positioning the less expensive version of towel warmer as a gift purchase. Ms. Orellana reported that there has been a noticeable pickup in sales around Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
And at least one local merchant agrees with Ms. Orellana.
“It’s a great gift for the guy or gal who has everything,” said Alan Court of East Hampton-based Alan Court and Associates. “It is a great gift with some forethought.”
Mr. Court explained that the forethought part comes into play because the recipient needs to have the space in his or her bathroom for the towel warmer. He added that the luxe gift is unique. “It is definitely not a Home Depot-type product,” he said.
Ms. Orellana said that there is a reason for the price difference between Mr. Steam’s 200 Series and its all-brass constructed towel warmers in the 500, 600 and 800 Series.
“The Series 200 is all steel,” she said. “Steel is limiting in the finishes we can provide you with.”
According to the Mr. Steam website, the designer finishes for the 200 Series include polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel and white. The all brass, more expensive series offers those finishes, as well as polished brass, polished nickel, brushed nickel, satin gold and antique brass.
Ms. Orellana reported that East Enders have a distinct desire for the less brassy finishes. “People are using materials that are more transitional, such as satin nickel or copper ... Chrome finishes rather than brass finishes,” she said.
Mark Schmittzeh of Blackman plumbing products business in Southampton said that his customers look for lighter, more modern looks in lieu of the heavy brassy finishes.
“People either go with a chrome or brushed nickel in Southampton,” he said.
In addition to offering a five-year service warranty on its towel warmers, thus reducing the need for short-term replacement, Mr. Steam has also issued a promise to contribute to reducing its carbon footprint by creating products that use less energy.
“The wattage needed to run it is low,” Ms. Orellana reported. “And we also use recyclable stainless steel.”
In addition to feeling good about using Mr. Steam’s more energy-efficient product to warm their towels, there is of course, another big plus for East Enders who opt for it—less mildew.
“It is not only a warm towel but it also dries towels,” Mr. Court said. “People are also concerned with mildew, you do not have to be near the beach to have that issue.”
There is one drawback to owning a towel warmer, though it’s not really a problem for most. Mr. Schmittzeh cautioned would-be buyers that once they experience the benefits of the product, they’re hooked for life.
“Once you use it you will never want to do without it,” he said.
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