The 8 Finest Hand Heaters of 2024, Examined

The 8 Finest Hand Heaters of 2024, Examined

For individuals who love exercising outside year-round, hand heaters can assist preserve you centered and cozy on walks or runs when your fingers really feel like icicles. Your fingers and fingers are extra vulnerable to the chilly since they’ve little fats and plenty of blood vessels on the pores and skin’s floor, so investing in a single the perfect hand heaters is important, says Kevin Huffman, DO, a physician of osteopathic drugs and licensed health and wellness specialist.

Hand heaters are available in many kinds, from disposable to battery-powered handheld models and heated gloves and mittens. When procuring, warmth time, battery life, most temperature, and measurement and weight are key standards to search for. To seek out the perfect hand heaters on your winter adventures, we first spoke with three consultants—an osteopathic physician, a wilderness first responder, and a paramedic—to study extra about cold-weather security and what options to search for when procuring. Then, we examined ten expert-approved hand heaters whereas operating, mountain climbing, and snowboarding exterior in chilly situations. Another excuse to belief our picks? We had an authorized private coach from our Overview Board assessment this story for accuracy and security.

How Do Hand Heaters Work?  

There are two essential forms of hand heaters—air-activated and battery-powered (or electrical). Air-activated hand heaters are produced from iron powder, water, salt, and activated charcoal, amongst different elements, that when combined and uncovered to air, oxidize to supply warmth. Electrical hand heaters—whether or not handheld or pre-installed in gloves and mittens—depend on a chargeable, battery-powered heater.


PHOTO: Amazon

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Electrical | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Warmth Length: 6-14 hours | Temperature Vary: As much as 130 levels Fahrenheit | Our Total Ranking: 5/5 

Who It is For

Finest for strolling, commuting, snowboarding, and extra in very chilly climate situations. 

Why We Love It

Survival Frog’s Rechargeable Hand Heaters are fast to warmth and preserve their temperature for a full day of out of doors adventures. When testing this hand hotter, we have been shocked by how shortly they reached their most temperature of 130 levels (in simply 10 seconds!). The battery life was spectacular, too—lasting us for 5 full makes use of on a single cost. 

Together with the ergonomic design, which we discovered snug and simple to carry, we love that the heaters warmth on either side, holding your fingers further toasty. And with three easy-to-adjust warmth settings, these heaters are helpful in numerous climates. Plus, the heaters additionally double as a transportable charger on your units by a USB port—a useful security function for those who’re on the go. 

Potential Flaws 

  • The heaters have an extended cost time: We began charging them within the afternoon, and it wasn’t till the subsequent morning that they reached a full cost.

Most Helpful Perception

“The heating capability and consistency of this hand hotter is absolutely nice and helpful indoors (chilly workplaces), strolling round exterior, and when attending out of doors occasions throughout chilly winter nights.” —Elise Wojczyk Wang, Verywell Match product tester

OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer

PHOTO: Ocoopa
Cons

  • Lengthy cost time

  • Quick battery life

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Electrical | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Warmth Length: 8-15 hours | Temperature Vary: As much as 131 levels Fahrenheit | Our Total Ranking: 4.9/5  

Who It is For 

Finest for shorter out of doors actions in chilly climate, like commuting, shoveling snow, ice skating, and extra. 

Why We Love It

Compact and simple to make use of, Ocoopa’s Electrical Hand Hotter is a good choice to preserve your fingers heat on the go. We recognize the double-sided heating, which we discovered helpful for warming each fingers without delay with only one hotter. The low-profile design additionally makes it straightforward and cozy to carry one hotter in every hand—even inside gloves and mittens. 

Throughout testing, we have been impressed by the heaters’ fast, even, and intense heating. At one level, we even needed to shut them off as a result of our fingers received too heat. With three easy-to-adjust warmth settings, you may customise to your wants relying on the local weather. Plus, three charging ports can help you cost your units on the go if wanted. 

Potential Flaws 

  • Whereas the producer claims an eight- to 15-hour battery life, we discovered that it solely lasts as much as 4 hours on medium warmth. 
  • It took about 5 hours for these heaters to achieve a full cost, so that you’ll have to plan accordingly earlier than every use.

Most Helpful Perception

“I am actually impressed by how shortly this hand hotter heats up. Turning it on and altering warmth ranges, both up or down, may be felt immediately.’ —Anna Knief, Verywell Match product tester

Ororo Bay City Heated Hand Warmer

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Heats shortly

  • Handy belt design

  • Has a pocket for storage

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Electrical | Weight: 17.9 ounces | Warmth Length: 5-14 hours | Temperature Vary: As much as 130 levels Fahrenheit | Our Total Ranking: 4.6/5 

Who It is For

Finest for lounging, walks, hikes, and backpacking—particularly for those who favor a heated pouch design. 

Why We Love It

In contrast to different hand heaters that you need to maintain or match into your pocket or glove, Ororo’s Heated Hand Muff is a cozy heated pouch you can slip your fingers proper into. It comes with a detachable belt (with pockets), permitting you to retailer your telephone, exercise headphones, or a satisfying snack on the go. 

Throughout testing, we discovered that this heated muff warms shortly and holds a cost for a number of hours. We love that it’s straightforward to regulate between the three warmth settings. Plus, it’s machine-washable (with out the battery), and we didn’t discover any change in high quality after a number of wears and washes.

Potential Flaws 

  • All collectively, the muff, belt, and battery really feel heavier than different heaters on our record. Nevertheless it’s a good sacrifice for this hotter’s cozy consolation and useful storage.

Most Helpful Perception

“It is fuzzy and furry inside, which is absolutely cozy, and the ribbed cuffs the place your arms go in are cosy. Along with a battery pocket, there are two extra pockets, which have been in a position to match my telephone and AirPods.” —Phoebe Sklansky, Verywell Match product tester

Weston Heated Gloves

PHOTO: Weston
Execs

  • Warmth shortly

  • Sturdy

  • Comfy

Cons

  • Lengthy cost time

  • Quick battery life

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Electrical | Weight: Not specified | Warmth Length: As much as 8 hours | Temperature Vary: As much as 130 levels Fahrenheit | Our Total Ranking: 4.3/5

Who They’re For

Finest for shoveling snow, sledding, snowboarding, ice skating, and extra. 

Why We Love Them

Heated gloves are a stable selection if you wish to keep heat whereas taking part in actions that require your fingers, like shoveling snow, sledding, snowboarding, and different snow sports activities. We love Weston’s Heated Gloves as a result of they warmth as much as 130 levels in a matter of minutes and keep constant for a number of hours. We additionally recognize that the three warmth settings are straightforward to regulate

The sturdy, waterproof outer layer retains our fingers dry and guarded within the snow. The adjustable wrist straps are notably useful for blocking out the chilly wind in excessive situations. Plus, the gloves are snug and machine-washable

Potential Flaws 

  • These gloves take as much as six hours to completely cost, so that you’ll have to plan forward.
  • We discovered that the battery solely lasts as much as 4 hours on the very best warmth setting.

Most Helpful Perception

“The place these gloves excel is in effectiveness! They heated fairly shortly and stored my chronically chilly fingers heat on the very best setting. I like that the wrist has an adjustable strap, which you need to use to customise the match.” —Michelle Parente, CYT, licensed yoga trainer, commerce editor, and Verywell Match product tester

Bonus Favorites

Whereas we didn’t take a look at the remainder of the hand heaters on our record, we expect they’re price contemplating after thorough analysis. They’ve options and costs similar to the hand heaters we examined. 

Hotsnapz Reusable Hand and Pocket Warmers

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Heats shortly 

  • No cost required 

  • Reusable

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Chemical response (water, sodium acetate, and metallic) | Weight: 4 ounces | Warmth Length: 30-40 minutes | Temperature Vary: As much as 130 levels Fahrenheit 

Who They’re For

Finest for fast actions exterior in chilly climate, like strolling your canine or working towards sprints

Why We Love Them

Hotsnapz’s reusable Hand Heaters use a chemical response to warmth immediately as an alternative of a chargeable battery. However not like HotHands’ Hand Heaters, which have an analogous heating supply, these are reusable, making them an excellent cost-effective decide. 

With a fast snap of the gel pad, these heaters warmth in seconds and supply 30 to 40 minutes of heat. To reuse, merely boil them in water for 10 to fifteen minutes and allow them to dry. We love that they’re light-weight and might simply match inside a glove or small pocket. Plus, they meet TSA tips, so you may take them with you whenever you journey. 

Potential Flaws 

  • Whereas they aren’t ultimate for spending lengthy intervals within the chilly, you may deliver all eight with you for greater than 5 hours of warmth.

Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Light-weight

  • Heats shortly

  • Lengthy warmth time

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Chemical response (iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal, wooden fiber) | Weight: Lower than 1 ounce | Warmth Length: As much as 10 hours | Temperature Vary: As much as 135 levels Fahrenheit

Who They’re For

Finest for skiers, snowboarders, or anybody who spends many hours exterior within the chilly climate. 

Why We Love Them

HotHands’ Hand Heaters provide an extended warmth time, a handy small measurement, and a low worth level. Should you’re heading out for an extended day on the ski slopes, we like you can simply stash a pair or two in your gloves, mittens, or pockets. They common round 135 levels F for as much as 10 hours, so that you may be assured they’ll final all day.

They’re additionally the most suitable choice when you may’t recharge a battery, like throughout a tenting journey. Plus, we love that they’re air-activated and TSA-approved, making them an straightforward, no-fuss possibility for journey.

Potential Flaws 

  • You possibly can’t management the temperature on these hand heaters, so they may warmth up an excessive amount of for some.

Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer

PHOTO: Amazon
Execs

  • Heats shortly 

  • No cost required 

  • Small and light-weight

Key Specs

Warmth Supply: Lighter fluid | Weight: 2.6 ounces | Warmth Length: As much as 12 hours | Temperature Vary: Not listed

Who It is For

Finest for a brief canine stroll, a fast run, or to heat up your fingers after you’ve been exterior.

Why We Love It

For a reusable possibility that doesn’t require electrical energy, we suggest Zippo’s Refillable Hand Hotter. As a result of it runs on lighter fluid, when you fill it up and lightweight it, it stays heat till the fluid runs out, about 12 hours later. This hotter is a good possibility for cold-weather strolling or tenting whenever you won’t have entry to electrical energy because it’s straightforward to refill on the go.

It does require a flame to activate, however as soon as it’s activated, this hotter presents flameless warmth. The outer case is metallic, and we like that it comes with a pouch, so it’s straightforward to regulate the temperature and retailer the hotter for later. Plus, the slim, light-weight design suits effectively in small fingers, gloves, and pockets. 

Potential Flaws 

  • You possibly can’t flip this hotter on and off, and the warmth lasts for hours, so you could find yourself with a scorching hotter whenever you don’t want it.

Hand Heaters We Additionally Examined

In complete, we examined ten hand heaters, however not all of them scored effectively sufficient to earn a spot on our record of high picks. Whereas these three hand heaters had note-worthy options, they finally scored decrease in key classes than our high picks.

  • Snow Deer’s Electrical Heated Gloves are very heat and stored us cozy whereas shoveling snow, sledding, and commuting. Nonetheless, we discovered that they solely maintain a cost for 2 hours on the very best setting, which isn’t lengthy sufficient for a full day of out of doors actions within the chilly. 
  • Sturdy and fast to warmth, Celestron Parts’ FireCel+ Hand Hotter might need been a stable selection, however we discovered it to be a bit cumbersome and too scorching to carry with naked fingers. 
  • Karecel’s Rechargeable Hand Heaters warmth shortly and maintain a cost for as much as eight hours, however the temperature is inconsistent, generally getting too scorching or too chilly with out us altering any settings. 

What to Search for When Purchasing for Hand Heaters

  • Warmth Supply: There are two essential forms of hand heaters: disposable and reusable. Disposable choices sometimes warmth up when uncovered to air. These are nice for whenever you gained’t have entry to a charger, or as a backup in a pinch. Reusable hand heaters come within the type of dealt with units or gloves and mittens and normally require a chargeable battery. 
  • Warmth Length: Hand heaters can maintain warmth for anyplace from half-hour to fifteen hours. For shorter actions like strolling, a hotter with a shorter battery life could also be sufficient. Nonetheless, for those who’re headed out for a full day of downhill or cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing, or mountain climbing, it would be best to select a hand hotter that stays heat for a number of hours.
  • Dimension and Weight: The scale and weight of hand heaters can fluctuate, and selecting the best one for you depends upon your most well-liked actions. Bigger, heavier heaters could present extra insulation, warmth, and period—making them a sensible choice for sports activities like snowboarding. Smaller, lighter-weight choices, together with disposable heaters, could also be extra sensible for actions like operating. 
  • Most Temperature: Hand heaters can develop as scorching as 95 to 150 levels Fahrenheit, relying on the model and kind. Some even have settings that can help you regulate the extent of warmth, so you’ll find one which feels snug and never too scorching. Most electrical hand heaters and gloves have three ranges of warmth, however some have as much as six. Be conscious of how scorching your hand hotter is getting over time to keep away from burns.
  • Further Options: Many handheld electrical hand heaters may also act as a tool charger in a pinch. Some additionally include a flashlight, which can be useful in sure low-light conditions. Select a hotter that meets your wants, relying on the out of doors winter actions you get pleasure from doing essentially the most.
  • Cost Time:  Most battery-operated hand heaters take a number of hours to cost. The heaters that we examined took anyplace from 4 to 6 hours in complete.
When to make use of hand heaters.

Michelle Parente


How We Examined the Hand Heaters 

To seek out the perfect hand heaters, we researched and examined dozens of choices from high, trusted manufacturers. For the pairs we choose by analysis, we start by talking with consultants on what options to search for and any explicit merchandise they suggest. Then, we evaluate dozens of best-selling, highly-rated merchandise to search out the perfect choices in the marketplace. Once we take a look at hand heaters, we use them indoors and outside in chilly temperatures and winter situations to see how they carry out in the true world. As we proceed to check and assessment extra hand heaters, we preserve these 5 key standards in thoughts: 

  • Ease of Use: Upon unboxing, we pay attention to how straightforward it’s to know the producer’s directions and arrange the hand heaters for the preliminary use. We additionally take note of how intuitive it’s to show the heaters on, regulate any warmth settings, and use any extra options. Hand heaters obtain excessive scores if there’s no confusion upon every use.    
  • Effectiveness: Effectiveness is important in relation to hand heaters, so that is crucial class we take a look at for. We consider a number of parts of every hotter: How shortly does it warmth up? Does the temperature vary appear correct? How lengthy does the warmth final? We prioritize heaters that replicate producer claims and preserve us heat in a wide range of settings, each indoors and outside. 
  • Battery Life: To check for battery life, we use every hotter for a minimum of three hours at a time, evaluating if it lasted and the way a lot battery was left. Hand heaters earn excessive scores if the battery life is correct and constant all through the testing interval. 
  • Design: Every hand hotter has a singular design, so we assess every one independently. We have a look at the hotter’s capabilities associated to design, together with the variety of warmth settings, how the unit felt and slot in our fingers, and any extra options like show screens, flashlights, carrying circumstances, and extra. 
  • Sturdiness: Sturdiness is important when investing in any cold-weather accent. To evaluate every hotter, we notice whether or not or not it labored and maintained effectiveness by the testing interval. In circumstances the place the hotter is machine cleanable, we additionally consider how the unit labored after being washed. We prioritize heaters that we expect will maintain up effectively for a lot of makes use of (except they’re disposable). 

Our Consultants

We consulted consultants at every stage of our analysis, testing, and reporting for this story. They helped us determine the various kinds of hand heaters and what key options to contemplate when procuring. Additionally they helped inform our testing course of. Whereas we select merchandise independently, professional steerage helps us make the perfect suggestions.

  • Kevin Huffman, DO, physician of osteopathic drugs and licensed health and wellness specialist
  • Alexandra Roberts, wilderness first responder and member of Androscoggin Valley Search & Rescue
  • Sarah Jeffries, paramedic and emergency care specialist and managing director of First Support Course Leicester 

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Are hand heaters secure to make use of?

Hand heaters will not be solely secure to make use of, however they will even aid you keep away from dangers in emergency situations. However it’s best to all the time observe the producer’s directions, Jeffries says. She additionally recommends placing a material or glove in between your pores and skin and the hotter to keep away from getting burned.

How lengthy does a hand hotter final?

It depends upon the hand hotter. Disposable hand heaters could keep heat for as much as 10 hours, whereas battery-powered choices can last as long as 18 hours on a full cost and low warmth.

What hand heaters final the longest?

How lengthy a hand hotter lasts depends upon the warmth setting you utilize (if it’s a battery-powered possibility). Disposable choices sometimes final fairly lengthy, says Roberts. 

Do hand heaters work in excessive chilly?

Hand heaters are designed to work in very low temperatures, however their effectiveness could lower in excessive chilly, says Jeffries. Different components reminiscent of wind and moisture can have an effect on their efficiency. Jeffries recommends utilizing hand heaters together with acceptable layers and insulated clothes to make sure you retain heat all through your entire physique.  

Why Belief Verywell Match

An avid downhill skier residing simply exterior of Boston, Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN typically makes use of hand heaters within the colder months. When she’s on the slopes, she prefers HotHands’ Hand Heaters for his or her comfort, measurement, and warmth period.