Picking out the perfect hand warmer can be tricky. With all the different brands, materials, and sizes in the market, it can be challenging even knowing where to start. This buyer’s guide will help you sort through all the available options to find one that is right for you.
The purpose of hand warmers is providing heat, however, where does that heat come from? There are two types of hand warmers — disposable and reusable. Disposable versions usually have a small iron disc inside them that, when exposed to oxygen, generates heat. On the other hand, reusable warmers have a chemical mixture that produces heat when you shake them.
Both versions will eventually lose their heat, but the reusable ones can be used repeatedly — as long as you have a way of reactivating them.
Another thing to consider is how long a hand warmer stays hot. Some options only provide heat for a short period, while others can last for hours. If you’re going to be outside in the cold for an extended time, you’ll want a product that lasts. To find out how long a warmer will stay warm, check the product packaging or do a quick search online.
Some hand warmers are small and compact, while others are bulkier and heavier. If you want to carry your hand warmer around, you may want to buy something that isn’t too bulky or heavy. On the other hand, if you’re staying in one spot, like at a football game, size and weight may not be as big of a concern.
Although you want to heat up your hands, burning them is out of the question. This is why finding a hand warmer with adjustable temperature settings is crucial. This lets you be able to control how hot your hand warmer gets, ensuring your safety and comfort. This is especially important for people with more sensitive skin.
When choosing a hand warmer, you should also consider the material it’s made from. The most common materials used are cloth, metal, and ceramic. Cloth hand warmers are usually inexpensive and easy to find, while metal warmers are more durable and have a longer lifespan — ceramic warmers provide even heat distribution and are also less likely to get hot spots.
There are three main types of hand warmers: chemical, electric, and microwavable.
Chemical hand warmers use a chemical reaction to create heat. These warmers are usually small packets that you activate by clicking a button or snapping them. They provide steady, long-lasting heat and are great for outdoor activities like hiking or camping.
Electric hand warmers use batteries to generate heat. These are flat and can be slipped into your pocket. They provide quick, intense heat and are great for using indoors or whenever you need a burst of warmth.
Microwavable hand warmers are filled with grains, beads, or gel that holds in heat. These hand warmers need to be heated in the microwave before using them. They provide deep, penetrating heat and are great for muscle aches and pains.
Hand warmers are safe, but you should remember a few things:
No more putting off travel due to cold weather, thanks to this option from Ocoopa. This premium warmer helps keep your hands toasty and warm all day long, whether you’re schlepping through the snow or hiking out in the cold.
Equipped with three heat settings, this product gives you just the right amount of heat to keep your hands comfortable. This warmer also comes with a USB charging cable, so you can quickly recharge it when needed. This option is also TSA-compliant, so that you can take it with you on airplanes. The option also includes a high-quality, 5200mAh lithium-ion battery that can hold a charge for up to six hours.
If you suffer from chronic pain or hand stiffness, this heater can also help with relieving discomfort, making this the best overall hand warmer on this list.
A camping trip must be properly planned and prepared before the actual event begins. And while packing the necessities, smart campers always include one or two hand warmers. But the smartest campers include the Beyyon Hand Warmer.
The reason is that this specific hand warmer is an absolute freak of nature and brilliant innovation that lasts up to 17 hours when fully charged and produces more than adequate heat that warms you up even in the dead of winter. Fully certificated by the UL, FCC, and CE, this increasingly portable and lightweight hand warmer can be the perfect addition to your camping kit. It will definitely come in handy during those cold nights.
The best hand warmers are always the ones that are portable and can be carried out anywhere. The Boiros Hand Warmer fits right into that description perfectly as its incredibly lightweight and petite design ensures that it can fit into the smallest spaces without being too much of a pain to carry.
Its convertibility into a USB-C type power bank adds another dimension to the product. That extra functionality can come in handy when you’re on a particularly long trip. Extra sensors that detect overheating and overcharging also add that extra layer of security that you sorely need.
Suffering from cold hands? Hothands Hand Warmers are a great way to keep your hands toasty without bulky gloves. These single-use products provide up to 10 hours of heat, so you can enjoy the outdoors without chilly fingers.
Whether you’re enjoying the winter wonderland or just dealing with cold weather, this option is a must-have accessory, and it’s easy to use. Just open the package and place one in your pocket, glove, or mitten for some instant heat. It takes less than 15 minutes to heat up, and in case of heat loss, you can just put the warmer out in some fresh air and shake it.
When you’re ready to dispose of them, simply throw them away. There’s no need to recharge this product, so you can keep them ready whenever you need a little extra warmth.
Zippo has made a name for itself by providing high-quality heating products that last, and the Refillable Hand Warmer is no exception. This option utilizes a catalytic converter and a burner to heat up quickly, providing warmth for up to 12 hours. Simply refill it with lighter fuel when needed, and you’re good to go.
This warmer’s size is also perfect for slipping into a pocket or even strapping on your hand during extra cold days. The sleek design and metal construction give it a quality feel too, which is backed up by the brand. If you’re looking for an option that will last while providing quality warmth, this one has little to no competition.
Stop wasting time with bulky gloves and get yourself some disposable Lentra Hand Warmers. This option is activated by simply opening the package, and it provides up to 11 hours of warmth. These warmers are perfect for hiking, skiing, fishing, or any other outdoor activity where you need some extra warmth. And when you’re done, you can simply throw them away.
These hand heaters are made from biodegradable materials too, letting you dispose of them without worrying about harming the environment. This product also uses non-toxic materials and heat sourced from nature, so they’re very safe to use, extremely efficient, and child-friendly.
People rarely have time to buy a pack of disposable warmers right before a trip, even if they do, then they worry about running out and having to buy more. This option from Karecel can recharge via USB, so you’ll never have to go through that again. They also heat up quickly and last up to six hours, so your hands will always be toasty.
Additionally, these products also double as a power bank, letting you charge your phone on the go. Made from high-quality aluminum, these warmers are a must-have for anyone who loves the outdoors. They also come with three different heat settings, so that you can adjust them according to your needs. These portable warmers make life easier and can definitely be a game-changer.
A: You can reuse them by placing your warmers in a sealed container or bag. Doing this will help prevent them from drying out.
A: If you're frequently cold or have poor circulation, these products can be a great way of keeping your hands warm and toasty. Hand warmers are small, portable, and easy to use, so they're ideal for people on the go.
A: Hand warmers typically use a chemical reaction to generate heat — the most common types use iron powder, water, and vermiculite. When you activate a warmer, the iron powder oxidizes and reacts with the water, creating heat.