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Best Hand Warmers – 2024
Some only last for one use, whereas others are reusable. They also vary quite a bit in price and style. So, to help you through the buying process, we have put together this article to help you choose the best hand warmers for you. Having selected 11 of the best hand warmers available, we hope you find one you like!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
How easily a hand warmer can be activated is important if you will be using it far from civilization.
For example, although rechargeable warmers may be the most convenient in the city, if it runs out of juice in the backcountry it suddenly becomes dead weight. Air activated warmers are the simplest to get started, and although they become trash after one use, their light weight means that they are easy to pack out of any wildness adventure.
Within the reusable hand warmer market, fuel powered warmers are the easiest and most lightweight option for activation in the backcountry. Ones that utilize liquid fuel do require you to bring more lighter fluid if you want to be able to continue using it once it has run dry.
In this section, we also noted if the hand warmer is re-usable or not. Usually, you can tell by looking at them, but with some of the more innovative products on our list, such as the charcoal sticks, it's not always clear. The primary reason to use a single-use hand warmer is that these products tend to be lighter, malleable, and very small. This makes them easy to fit into small areas in your clothing such as the inside of gloves and boots. This is ideal for aerobic activities like skiing or running. There are downsides to this style of hand warmer though. They are very wasteful, and although the individual warmers often only cost a dollar or two, they become expensive when used in bulk.
While buying a reusable hand warmer will be more expensive up front, if you purchase a quality product it will last you for years to come. This means saving money over the long haul. Reusable warmers do tend to be larger and bulkier than the single-use variety, but this can be nice if you are using it for a more sedentary activity. Whichever type of hand warmer you choose is more a matter of preference than superiority.
Effectiveness
Possibly the most important factor to consider when buying a hand warmer is how long the heat will last.
How Long the Heat Lasts
On average, most warmers will stay warm for 5-7 hours. Some last much longer than that, while others may only last for an hour or two. Hand warmers that use fuel tend to stay warm for the longest periods of time. For the rest of the styles, how long you can expect a hand warmer to stay warm varies from product to product. Think about how many hours you will need to be using your hand warmer for and do your research carefully before purchasing a product.
How Hot It Gets
Hand warmers heat up to varying degrees. The lowest temperature that a hand warmer should be able to maintain to produce the desired warming effects is 100°F; however, many get much hotter than this, reaching temperatures of 115°F to 120°F.
Fuel powered warmers tend to be the hottest, while rechargeable warmers often come with multiple settings so you can be specific about how much heat is released. The heat output of other types of warmers depends on the specific product that you purchase.
Size
Another thing to consider before purchasing a hand warmer is where you will keep it.
If you plan to keep it in a bag or large coat pocket, the size and weight of the hand warmer are not very important. However, if you would like to put it in small areas such as the inside of your gloves, boots, or a tight pocket, then you want to make sure you buy one that will be compact and barely noticeable.
Top 11 Picks
1. Hothands
HotHands Hand Warmers are unquestionably the highest quality choice for single use hand warmers. Offering long lasting heat, these will easily fit in your gloves, boots, or hat, and are a great choice for anyone who recreates or works outside during the winter.
Read moreEase of Use
These hand warmers are air activated. Simply tear the outer packaging and they will begin to heat up. They do take some time to get warm though, so opening them a half hour before you actually want to use them is recommended. Once hot though, they maintain a temperature of above 100°F for many hours.
Each of these hand warmers can only be used once; however, each should last for many hours meaning you will not have to replace them throughout the day. The airtight packaging that these come in also ensures that you don’t have to worry about them going bad, although there is an expiration date.
Effectiveness
This option reaches an external temperature of about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Users recommend kneading the packets to speed up the heating process. Hothands is a trusted brand name and produces very effective products.
Size
These are small and flexible, so they are perfect for putting inside your gloves. They also come in a style specifically designed to go inside your boot.
2. Heat Factory PREMIUM
Heat Factory Premium Hand Warmers are a small, pliable option that works best for use on the go. Able to fit in your gloves, hat, or other small compartments, this hand warmer is well suited for activities like skiing, hiking, and biking.
Read moreEase of Use
This hand warmer is air activated and begins to heat when its packaging is torn. The material inside is made of iron powder, charcoal, salt, and vermiculite, and is completely non-toxic and biodegradable.
These hand warmers can only be used once. For this reason, they are typically sold in large quantities. Despite being single-use, only expect to need one per day, as these hand warmers last for many hours. However, they do not seem to actually last for the 10 hours advertised.
Effectiveness
These have been referred to as a "must have" by reviewers. The temperature is not listed but it is said they these hand warmers become very hot.
Size
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, these hand warmers are compact and easy to store.
3. SkyGenius
This fabulous pocket-size SkyGenius Rechargeable Hand Warmer will keep your hands lovely and warm over the winter months.
Read moreEase of Use
Easy to use, the device has 3 temperature settings that heat up rapidly. All you need to do is simply turn on the power button, select the temperature and the device starts working instantly.
Effectiveness
This option is extremely effective. It provides double-sided heating, keeping your hands toasty and warm. Featuring a 5200mA battery, the device provides power for between 4-8 hours depending on the temperature that you set the device to. The hand warmer is UL certified with high safety, no risk of explosion or risk of burning.
Size
This is a pocket-size that can easily fit into your pocket, bag, or hand. It comes in 4 stylish colors including silver, black, blue, and rose.
4. Tundras
Whether you are hiking, skiing, or simply camping, these Tundras warmers are designed to keep your hands cozy and warm when it is cold outside. Providing you with instant warmth, they are also extremely easy to use.
Read moreEase of Use
Extremely easy to use, these hand warmers are air-activated and can heat up in just 15-30 minutes. They can also be reheated by simply exposing them to the air and shaking them. These hot hand warmers from Tundras are very quick to work, giving you warmth at your fingertips.
Effectiveness
These are designed so they keep you warm when adventuring outdoors in the cold weather. The hand warmers can stay warm for up to 8 hours and are highly effective when placed in your gloves and pockets.
Size
These hand warmers are small and ultra-thin so can easily be placed in your gloves or pockets. Dy, odorless, and clean, you will hardly feel them. Best disposed of after a single-use, these TSA hand warmers come in a pack of 40.
5. Hotsnapz
The HotSnapZ are the only option on this list that is both malleable and reusable. However, they are too large to fit in your gloves, boots, or hat, and are therefore best suited for activities such as light hiking or watching outdoor events in the cold. How quickly they warm up also makes these hand warmers an excellent choice for staying warm on the morning commute.
Read moreEase of Use
These hand warmers are activated by clicking the internal button that can be found in each. Gently massaging the hand warmer also helps to stimulate the chemical reaction that produces the heat. Once activated, these hand warmers will last for about a half hour to an hour.
Once they have been used, the non-toxic filling transforms from a liquid form to a solid one. To reuse a hand warmer, place it in boiling water until the filling becomes liquid again. Make sure that the hand warmer does not touch the side of the pot, as this can burn it and cause it to break.
Effectiveness
The external temperature of these is about 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit when activated. Reviewers claim that they heat up in about 1-2 minutes and recommend kneading the packet to speed up the process.
Size
This option fits well inside a pocket. Due to this and the short amount of time that they stay hot, they are best suited for activities that don’t require all-day warmth.
6. Under Armour Undeniable Handwarmer
The Under Armour Undeniable Hand Warmer provides extreme warmth instantly.
Read moreEase of Use
Simple to use, all you need to do is heat the hot packs and place them securely in the zipped pockets within the hand warmer. Then place the neoprene belt around your waist and put your hands in the cuff openings.
Effectiveness
Constructed with a ColdGear Infrared liner, this hand warmer will provide extreme warmth. The temperature of the hand warmer does not seem to be listed but the reviewers seem happy with the product.
Size
This option's design fits nicely around your waist. Bigger than a lot of the other hand warmers in our collection, this hand warmer from Under Armour is more of a statement piece. Unfortunately, these hand warmers can only be used to warm your hands and not your feet.
7. Outdoors Way Electric
The Outdoors Way Electric is a multipurpose tool that includes a flashlight and a charger as well as providing heat at two different temperatures. The low heat setting gets up to 105°F while putting this charger on high heat will bring the temperature up to 115°F.
Read moreEase of Use
This hand warmer is button activated. Once it is producing heat, both sides become warm and it can stay warm for 5 to 7 hours depending on if you have it on the high or low heat.
This hand warmer comes with a USB cable that allows it to be recharged after every use. It does take some time to charge fully, so plan accordingly.
Effectiveness
This hand warmer has two different heat settings, 105 or 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Users are impressed by its functionality and only wish it were a different shape. This is a great device to keep your hands warm, your phone charged, and can even be used as a flashlight.
Size
Able to fit in the palm of your hand or your pocket, this hand warmer I a great choice for staying warm during outdoor events and while boating or going on mellow hikes. It will not fit in a glove, and can even be a bit bulky in a pocket though.
8. Saferell Rechargeable
This stylish Saferell Rechargeable Hand Warmer not only looks great but it will keep your hands extremely warm wherever you go. This rechargeable hand warmer is particularly suitable for women on the go as it comes in a variety of colors and looks more like a fashionable accessory than a hand warmer.
Read moreEase of Use
This option from Saferell is extremely easy to use. Ensuring it is charged, all you need to do is simply choose from the 3 heating levels available including low, medium, and high. The hand warmer has a Silicone Oil Finish on the surface, giving it a warm and silky surface to touch.
Effectiveness
The benefit of this hand warmer is that it heats your palm fully and evenly, so if you suffer from cold hands, particularly over the winter months, it is extremely effective. As well as warming up your hands, it can also work as a backup battery for your phone. Charging in just 2-3 hours, the battery will provide heat for up to 8 hours.
Size
This hand warmer is compact and lightweight, having been made from an advanced aircraft-grade aluminum and premium silicone. It has a 5200Mah lithium battery and comes in 3 different colors including pink, white and blue.
9. OCOOPA
If you spend a lot of your time outside in the cold, then the OCOOPA Hand Warmer will certainly keep your hands nice and warm.
Read moreEase of Use
Simple to use, all you need to do is press the switch and it instantly releases warmth from both sides of the hand warmer. The device has 3 temperature settings that you can choose from including low, medium, and high.
Effectiveness
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or suffer from arthritis, this hand warmer from OCOOPA is a great solution for your hands, as it will quickly warm them up in no time at all. Featuring a 5200 mAh lithium rechargeable battery is can run for between 4-8 hours. The device can also be used as a power bank to charge your electronic devices.
Size
This option is lightweight, only weighing 130g, and is a compact size, fitting perfectly into the palm of your hand. The hand warmer comes in 6 different colors including Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Ocean Wave, and Retro Paisley. The battery is Android and iPhone compatible.
10. ZIPPO
The Zippo Hand Warmer runs off Zippo lighter fluid and provides all-day warmth. It works best for activities that last all day, such as working in cold weather, hunting, fishing, or hiking.
Read moreEase of Use
This hand warmer requires a lighter to be activated. Take off the top compartment to easily light it. It will continue burning until it runs out of fuel. If lit when full, it should run for about 12 hours. It can also be turned off by cutting off the oxygen it receives, which can be done by wrapping it in a cloth or placing it in a plastic bag.
This reusable hand warmer gets its energy from the Zippo lighter fluid. To refill, simply remove the top of the hand warmer and pour lighter fluid down the hole.
Effectiveness
While the exact temperature isn't listed, reviewers are pleased with the heat output of this hand warmer and guess that the temperature is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This option works well and should be used with caution. A few users have reported that the device can be hot to touch.
Size
This small hand warmer can easily fit in your pocket. It also comes with a small pouch that can be tied on a string and worn around your neck without being noticeable. It is too large and bulky to be worn inside other types of clothing.
11. BigBlue
As well as a hand warmer, it has a built-in LED light so you will never be left in the dark and it provides enough power to charge your phone if needed.
Read moreEase of Use
This option is extremely easy to use. The device has two heat settings that release heat very quickly.
Effectiveness
The effective portable hand warmer provides heat for up to 4.5 hours and has a battery of 10000mAh. The double-sided hand warmer not only warms up cold hands but also soothes arthritis pain.
Size
Small and compact, it has smooth edges, making it comfortable to hold. The design shape also makes the transmission of heat much easier. The size of the device makes it easy to hold in your hand, pocket, or bag. It comes in 3 different colors including black, red, and rose gold.
Sources
- , How Do Hand Warmers Work, Anyway?, Blog
- , How do hand warmers work?, Website