Buying guide for best rechargeable hand warmers
When the winter cold rolls in, the right coat, hat, scarf, and gloves can help keep you warm when you venture outdoors. But sometimes even when you’re bundled up your hands may still be cold. Instead of looking for thicker mittens, invest in a rechargeable hand warmer.
In winter weather, it’s normal for your hands to get a little colder than the rest of your body because the body pulls heat from your extremities to help keep your core warm. A rechargeable hand warmer helps restore the warmth to your fingers and palms. About the size of a smartphone, a hand warmer can easily fit in most pockets, and one works well for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping.
But if your hands are going to stay toasty, it all comes down to choosing the right rechargeable hand warmer. Our shopping guide has all the tips you need to choose the best one for all of your outdoor activities. If you’re ready to buy, check out our top picks, too.
Key considerations
Battery capacity
Rechargeable hand warmers are powered by batteries. You want to choose a model that offers the longest battery life possible so you don’t have to worry about it running out midway through an activity. A battery’s capacity indicates how long it will last in cold weather. Rechargeable hand warmers have batteries with capacities that range from 3000 to 8000 milliampere hours (mAh). For the best performance, opt for one with at least a 5200 mAh.
Heat distribution
When you’re choosing a rechargeable hand warmer, it’s important to consider how the device distributes the heat. Some models only heat up on one side, which means you can only warm one hand at a time. On other hand warmers, both sides of the device heat up, allowing you to warm both hands at the same time. It’s usually more comfortable to hold a double-sided model, too.
"A USB cable, included with most models, is required to recharge the battery in a rechargeable hand warmer."
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Rechargeable hand warmer features
Shape: Most rechargeable hand warmers are about the size of a smartphone, but they’re available in different shapes. Some are rectangular, while others have a rounded, pill-like shape. Choosing between the two shapes comes down to which option feels more comfortable in your hands. Some users find that the pill-shaped warmers are easier to wrap their hands around. Whichever shape you choose, make sure that the edges are rounded, so the warmer isn’t uncomfortable to hold.
Heat settings: Some rechargeable hand warmers have a single heat setting. As soon as you turn on the device, it heats up to one temperature. Some models have two settings: low and high. Others have three: low, medium, and high. The more settings, the more control you have over the amount of heat you get.
Auto shutoff: You don’t want your rechargeable hand warmer to run out of power in the middle of an outdoor activity, so auto shutoff can come in handy. With this function, the device automatically turns off after a certain amount of time to conserve power. In some models, it’s in as little as 20 minutes, while others provide heat for an hour before shutting off.
Battery indicator lights: These lights help you determine whether or not you need to charge your hand warmer. They flash or gradually turn off in succession so you can keep track of how much power is left in the battery before heading out.
Charging capabilities: One of the handiest features a rechargeable hand warmer offers is a USB port for charging other devices. That means you don’t have to worry about your phone, tablet, or camera running out of power when you’re out and about. Some hand warmers can’t heat and charge other devices at the same time, so if you want to be able to do both, make sure to choose an appropriate model.
Flashlight: If you’re outdoors at night, having an LED flashlight on your rechargeable hand warmer can be an extremely convenient feature. If you plan to use your hand warmer while camping or for other nighttime activities, look for one with a flashlight.
Carrying case: Look for a rechargeable hand warmer that comes with a case or fabric pouch to protect the device’s surface.
Expert Tip
A rechargeable hand warmer can serve as a heat pack to treat a headache. Gently hold it against your forehead or temple to help ease the pain.
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Rechargeable hand warmer prices
Rechargeable hand warmers vary in price based on battery capacity. Most models cost between $10 and $50.
Inexpensive
The most affordable rechargeable hand warmers typically have a 5000 mAh capacity or lower. They range from $10 to $18 and work best for brief outdoor activities like walking or hiking.
Mid-range
These rechargeable hand warmers have a capacity of 5000 mAh to 7200 mAh. They cost between $18 and $35 and work well for longer outdoor activities like sports or skiing.
Expensive
The most expensive units have a 7200 mAh capacity or greater. They range from $35 to $50 and are ideal for activities like hunting and fishing in which you’ll be outside for most of the day.
Did you know?
Most rechargeable hand warmers take about three to four hours to fully charge.
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Tips
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Keep your rechargeable hand warmer away from water. Water can damage the battery and heating elements.
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Keep the hand warmer in its carrying pouch or wrapped in fabric. Placing your hand warmer in its carrying pouch or wrapping it in a piece of fabric can help keep it from irritating your skin if the device becomes too hot. That’s especially important if you’re using it on more delicate areas of the body, such as your wrists.
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Use hand warmers to keep you comfortable when camping. Place a couple of rechargeable hand warmers in your sleeping bag to help keep you warm when the temperature drops at night.
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Save the battery by not using the charging and warming features at the same time. Charging a phone or other device with your rechargeable hand warmer while the heating element is on drains the battery more quickly. Only use the two features at the same time when absolutely necessary.
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Store the hand warmer in a cool, dry location when it’s not in use.
Other products we considered
With so many rechargeable hand warmers to choose from, you can easily find an option that suits your warming needs perfectly. The Keiyaloe Electric Hand Warmer is an ideal choice for winter sports like skiing and skating because it can last for up to eight hours on the low setting. It has three adjustable heat settings and allows you to charge your cell phone, too. We also love the OCCOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer if you’re looking for an extremely rugged model. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, offers double-sided heating, and can heat up in as little as three seconds.
FAQ
Q. How hot can rechargeable hand warmers get?
A. It depends on the hand warmer you choose. Some models heat up to 110°F, while others can go all the way up to 140°F. When you’re using a rechargeable hand warmer for the first time, start with the lowest setting to see if it’s comfortable and only increase the heat setting if you need extra warmth.
Q. Can I bring a rechargeable hand warmer on a plane?
A. Rechargeable hand warmers are allowed in both carry ons and checked baggage. If you’re traveling with a non-U.S. airline, consult with the carrier before packing.
Q. Does a rechargeable hand warmer include a warranty?
A. Many rechargeable hand warmers do offer warranty protection, but the coverage varies from model to model. Some offer a six-month warranty, while others provide up to two years of protection. Carefully read the description of any product you’re considering to determine what type of warranty coverage you can expect.
