The 6 best hand warmers for avoiding frostbitten fingers, according to experts
Whether you’re out on the slopes or a winter homebody, these options can provide long-lasting heat.
Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer
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$19.99
Following expert advice, I kept the following in mind while rounding up the best hand warmers:
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Below, you'll find a roundup of expert picks, along with personal recommendations from NBC Select staff.
Bernard says these hand warmers from Hot Hands are ideal for single-use. To use them, you open the package to expose the warmers to the air, and from there they take 15-30 minutes to heat up fully, although you’ll feel the warming effects much sooner. They’re small enough to fit into pockets or bags, making them portable, and McCClary adds that since they’re widely available, they can be found “almost anywhere.” NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin and NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, who are both avid runners, use these on their cold weather runs — Malin “buys them by the thousand” at Costco. She likes to hold them in her hands while running, or keeps them in her pockets during her warm up and cool down walks. She also says that the warmers are long-lasting and can warm her hands for at least ten hours.
This is both Bernard and Malin’s favorite rechargeable hand warmer — it has three heating temperature levels (low, medium, and high) and is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, according to the brand. Malin says that even on the lowest setting, this hand warmer gets hot enough to keep her hands toasty while she’s walking around the city. “They also warm up super fast, which I appreciate,” she says. It has a lithium rechargeable battery and a USB-C charging port that not only allows the warmer to charge, but can charge your devices on the go as well. This warmer is lightweight with a compact, palm-sized design, and has a red light indicator to show the level of heat being used. They also come in a range of color options.
This refillable hand warmer has a sleek, compact design and gives you flameless warmth for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. Bernard says they’re perfect for serious outdoor adventurers. The hand warmer uses lighter fluid, which is kept inside of an interior fill cup to help reduce spills, according to the brand. However, lighter fluid isn’t included and must be purchased separately.
NBC Select page Ella Morrissey is an avid skier, and says she likes to stick these hand warmers into her gloves when she’s looking for extra warmth on the slopes. These hand warmers are disposable, odorless and begin working as soon as they’re exposed to air, according to the brand. “While they can take a little while to heat up, they last me all day long when I’m on the mountain or doing anything else outside,” she says.
McClary also likes these Ignik Hand Warmers, which are biodegradable and can be composted after using, according to the brand. They’re easily activated via exposure to air, making them great for everyday outdoors activities like running, walking, dog walking and more.These hand warmers are also reusable for multiple days — by resealing the warmers in their pouch, you can use the 10 hours of heat over the course of up to three days, says Ignik.
These are McClary’s favorite electric hand warmers, which she says produces the most heat and lasts the longest of any heated glove or mitten that she’s tried. The gloves have three heat settings, along with a waterproof zipper pocket and a rechargeable battery, according to the brand. She also likes that they have finger slots inside that give you a true glove, rather than fingerless mitten, feel.
When shopping for hand warmers, experts recommend keeping a few things in mind, including the duration of use and the type of hand warmer, and the warmers’ safety considerations.
According to the experts, USB hand warmers are generally safe when used properly. However, you should be monitoring the heat of the hand warmers as you use them, says McClary. “Look for ones with overheat protection and quality battery cells,” says Bernard. McClary also advises starting your hand warmers on a low setting, and increasing the heat gradually as needed.
McClary says the biggest danger of using hand warmers is potential skin burn from higher temperatures. She adds that disposable hand warmers are also flammable, which is why she recommends disposing of them when they’ve cooled, and avoiding open flames while using them. Bernard also says that because catalytic warmers involve a flammable fluid, they should be stored properly.
For best use practices, both McClary and Bernard recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bernard says that disposable, air-activated hand warmers usually have a shelf life of two to three years. Expiration dates are also usually printed on the box and should always be checked, since expired hand warmers may not heat as well, he says.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who regularly consults experts about how to prepare for cold weather. In addition to this story, for example, I've also written about thermal underwear and wool socks. To compile a list of the best hand warmers, I talked to outdoor experts and researched products with their guidance in mind. I also included personal favorites of NBC Select staff.
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