Keenray CL1 vs CL1 Plus Towel Warmer: Which Is Better? (November 2026)
Choose the CL1 for one-button warming, or the CL1 Plus for temperature choices and a delay timer. Both fit up to two oversized towels, so the main difference is how much control you want.
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Choose the CL1 for one-button warming, or the CL1 Plus for temperature choices and a delay timer. In this Keenray CL1 vs CL1 Plus comparison, both fit up to two oversized towels.
The CL1 keeps the controls simple, with heating for up to 60 minutes. The CL1 Plus adds a digital screen, three temperature levels, four heating durations and a delay timer that can be set up to 24 hours.
If your household needs room for three oversized towels, the Keenray CL45 is another option. Its stated towel capacity is higher, though its timer choices differ from the CL1 Plus.
Which is better, the Keenray CL1 or CL1 Plus?
The CL1 Plus gives you more control; the CL1 asks less of you. Pick between them based on whether you want to choose temperature and schedule warming or simply start a heating cycle.
The CL1 is a bucket warmer with one-button operation. Its heating time can run up to 60 minutes; no digital screen, selectable temperature levels or delay timer are described for it.
The CL1 Plus uses a digital touch screen. It offers low, medium and high temperature settings, plus 30-, 45-, 60- and 90-minute heating durations.
It also has a delay timer that can be set up to 24 hours. That gives you more ways to plan a heating cycle, while the CL1 has fewer controls to manage.
How do their capacity and size compare?
The CL1 and CL1 Plus are both sized for up to two 40 x 70 in oversized towels. The CL1 has a stated capacity of 20 L; no capacity figure is given for the CL1 Plus.
Both have dimensions of 13 in long by 13 in wide by 19 in high.
Those measurements describe the bucket, not the space you need to use it. Leave room to lift the lid and load towels, and check the cord's route to an outlet.
The CL1 Plus has a stainless steel liner. The CL1's bucket and lid separate for cleaning.
Both models are described as suitable for robes or blankets as well as towels. Consider whether your usual load fits within the stated two-towel capacity.
For a broader look at bucket warmers and other formats, see our guide to towel warmers for the bathroom. If you're planning around a specific towel load, our guide to choosing a towel warmer size can help you think through capacity.
What controls do you get on each model?
The CL1 Plus gives you more ways to set a cycle, while the CL1 uses one-button control. A longer menu helps only if you expect to use the extra settings.
With the CL1, the stated heating time goes up to 60 minutes. Its single-button design may suit you if you prefer a simple routine without choosing between temperature or duration settings.
With the CL1 Plus, you can choose a 30-, 45-, 60- or 90-minute heating duration. The selectable low, medium and high settings give you another choice before the cycle starts.
The CL1 Plus's digital screen shows its controls. If you value a basic interface, though, the extra choices may not improve your routine.
The CL45 takes another approach: its LCD shows the temperature and remaining heating time. Its heating durations are 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, and its stated towel capacity is up to three oversized towels.
Does the CL1 Plus delay timer make it a better fit?
Choose the CL1 Plus if scheduling a cycle matters to your routine. Its delay timer can be set up to 24 hours, while no delay timer is described for the CL1.
Think about when you want to start warming, not only how long you want a cycle to run. A delay setting can help if you plan ahead; it won't add value if you prefer to start the warmer when you're ready to use it.
Keenray says both CL1 models start heating in one minute and reach a high temperature in six minutes. These are the brand's stated timing claims.
For more context about warm-up expectations, read how long a towel warmer takes to heat up. You can also compare the settings with our guide to towel warmer auto shut-off features.
The CL1 heats for up to 60 minutes with auto shut off. The CL1 Plus offers durations up to 90 minutes; a delay timer is described, but no auto shut-off feature is specified.
What does the CL1 Plus add beyond a timer?
The CL1 Plus adds temperature selection, a built-in fragrance disc and a stainless steel liner. These features may matter if you want more control or a different interior material.
Its fragrance disc diffuses aroma while the warmer heats. The CL1 description mentions using essential oils with warm towels, but does not describe a built-in fragrance disc.
The CL1 Plus has a stainless steel liner, and Keenray says the design avoids corrosion during long-term use.
Keenray describes the CL1 Plus as using a 360-degree heating system from the bottom and walls, intended to help avoid cold spots. This describes the design, not a guarantee that every towel will heat evenly.
When is the CL45 a better alternative?
Consider the CL45 if you need room for three oversized towels or want to see temperature and remaining time. Its stated capacity is up to three 40 x 70 in towels, compared with up to two for either CL1 model.
The CL45 has four heating durations: 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Its delay timer can be set up to 24 hours, and its LCD displays temperature and remaining heating time.
Its capacity advantage matters most when you regularly warm more than two large towels. If your normal load is one or two, the CL1 or CL1 Plus may be a better match.
The CL45 also has cord storage built into the base and a handle on the back. Its fragrance disc holder lets you add a fragrance disc.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the CL1 for straightforward controls, the CL1 Plus for scheduled and adjustable heating, or the CL45 for a stated capacity of up to three oversized towels. The CL1 and CL1 Plus are both sized for up to two towels.
Choose the Keenray CL1 Bucket Towel Warmer if you want one-button operation and don't need a delay timer or temperature selection.
Choose the Keenray CL1 Plus Towel Warmer if its delay timer, digital screen, three temperature levels and 90-minute setting fit your routine. The score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Consider the Keenray CL45 LCD Towel Warmer if your household needs room for a third oversized towel or you want to see temperature and remaining time on an LCD. For other model matchups, compare the Keenray CL1 and CL2 or explore our towel warmer model comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Keenray CL1 and CL1 Plus?
The CL1 uses single-button control for heating up to 60 minutes, while the CL1 Plus adds a digital screen, three temperature levels, four heating durations and a delay timer up to 24 hours. Both fit up to two 40 x 70 in towels.
Does the CL1 Plus hold more towels than the CL1?
No. Both are sized for up to two 40 x 70 in oversized towels.
The CL1 Plus changes the controls and timing options, not the stated towel capacity.
If you need room for three oversized towels, consider the Keenray CL45.
Can you schedule the CL1 to warm towels later?
The CL1 has one-button heating for up to 60 minutes, with no delay timer described. The CL1 Plus has a delay timer that can be set up to 24 hours, which may suit a routine where you want to schedule warming ahead.
Which Keenray warmer has a temperature display?
The CL1 Plus has a digital screen and selectable low, medium and high temperature levels. The CL45 has an LCD that displays temperature and remaining heating time.
Choose by the controls and capacity you need.
Which Keenray towel warmer should you choose?
Choose the CL1 for simple one-button operation, the CL1 Plus for a delay timer and temperature choices, or the CL45 if its stated capacity of up to three oversized towels suits your household. Compare your towel load and preferred controls before deciding.
