Our top overall pick, the Ignik Handwarmers, is simple yet effective; (photo/Matt Bento)
If you plan to spend time outdoors this winter, only the best hand warmers should make your gear list. With better run time, heat retention, settings, and reusability, hand warmers have evolved from simple single-use pocket warmers to rechargeable electric warmth machines.
We’ve ordered up the top-selling and most promising hand warmers and compared them with some good old-fashioned hands-on testing. We’ve unpackaged these devices and assessed their efficacy with a stopwatch and a thermometer so we can confidently say which ones will do the trick, where each falls short, and what to recommend for tailgating, sitting in a hunting blind, or just staying toasty while you’re out and about this winter.
Whether you need 12 hours of reliable heat from a rechargeable warmer like the OCOOPA UT3 PRO or the classic ease of our top pick, the disposable Ignik Hand Warmer, our list of the best hand warmers has you covered. For more information on different kinds of hand warmers and how to choose between them, check out our buyer’s guide, our comparison chart, and our price and value section.
Editor’s Note: We updated this buyer’s guide on October 8, 2024, by retesting and rewriting our Zippo 12-Hour blurb and adding a price and value section.
The Best Handwarmers of 2024
- Best Overall Hand Warmers: Ignik Hand Warmers
- Best Budget Hand Warmers: Hot Hands Hand Warmers
- Best Rechargeable Hand Warmers: OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable
- Best Catalytic Hand Warmer: Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer
- Best Low-Tech Reusable Hand Warmers: HotsnapZ Hand Warmers
- Max temperature: 140 degrees F
- Warming time: 10+ hours
- Weight: 4.5 oz. per pair
Pros
- Comes in resealable packaging
- Can extend 10-hour life span by cutting off O2 supply
- Inner material is compostable
Cons
- Expensive if you don’t take advantage of the resealable packaging
Matt Bento
Ignik Hand Warmers ($10 per 10-pack) take the convenience of traditional disposable hand warmers and put an eco-friendly spin on the whole package. The result is a product that creates less waste, is more useful, and arguably better priced.
The brand asserts that the warmers can effectively be “turned off” by removing them from oxygen, thus halting the oxidation process to be used again later, for a maximum of 10 hours. We put these claims to the test and are pretty stoked to find that they perform as advertised, maybe even a little better.
Each pair of warmers is packaged in a tiny ziplock bag. Don’t rip it open and throw the packaging away, as this little bag is your ticket to days — not hours — of intermittent use. To stop the oxidation process and return the warmers to room temperature, simply place them back in their package, squeeze out as much air as you can, and reseal the ziplock. Ignik says the warmers can be re-exposed to air for reuse up to 72 hours after opening, but in reality, we were still able to get some warmth out of them six days after first opening the package.
Our “in the pocket” temperature tests put this warmer at 127 degrees, with a surface temperature of 140 on the warmer itself. This is hotter than any of the other disposable hand warmers we tested.
With 10 hours of continuous warming time, the Ignik Hand Warmers can compete with any of the other disposable hand warmers on our list, but the resealable packaging significantly ups their value. While they aren’t reusable to the extent of a rechargeable battery-powered warmer, they are light, soft, and effective and can easily do their job stuffed into pockets, a roomy pair of muck boots, or a muff. If disposable warmers are what you need, we don’t see any reason to purchase any disposable hand warmers other than Ignik.
- Max Temperature: 112 degrees F average; 118 degrees F maximum
- Heat/Run Time: Up to 10 hrs.
- Weight: 1.6 oz. per pair
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Single-use
- Short lifespan
Matt Bento
Hot Hands ($10 per 10-pack) are what most folks envision with they think of a disposable handwarmer — cheap, miraculously warm, and destined for a garbage can 5-10 hours after you open the package. In our experience, this all still rings true in 2024. However, rechargeable models can compete with or surpass Hot Hands in their heating ability, and the Ignik hand warmers are superior in their runtime thanks to their storage baggie.
If you do want to save some money and order a big package of these warmers, we recommend purchasing the hand or toe warmers only. We went with a variety pack that included hand and toe warmers, along with an additional warmer that has an adhesive backing. While the package includes a warning advising against applying the adhesives directly to your body, we failed to see the danger, as the adhesive-backed warmers failed to get hotter than 90 degrees F.
The hand and toe warmers in the package did the trick nicely, performing identically to the Grabber Hand Warmers, but at a lower price. The specs listed above apply only to the hand warmer version of Hot Hands.
Long story short, there’s nothing special to see here, but there are deals to be had with the Hot Hands Hand Warmers. Avoid the adhesive-backed warmers, and you’ll get what you’re looking for, along with a lot of packaging.
- Max temperature: 136 deg. F
- Heat/Run time: up to 15 hrs. total
- Charge time: 3.5 hrs.
- Weight: 8.3 oz. per pair
Pros
- Rechargeable
- Includes two units
- Heats up quickly
- Gets very hot
Cons
- Won't fit in gloves or boots like disposable warmers
- Somewhat pricey
Matt Bento
Unlike most rechargeable electric hand warmers, the OCOOPA UT3 PRO Rechargeable ($43) includes two units that both heat up and recharge independently yet can be magnetically attached when needed. These units have four different heating levels, heat up very quickly, and can reach an impressive 136 degrees F. The UT3 PRO also includes thoughtful extras like dual USB-C charging cords, dual wrist straps, and a soft carrying case.
Like all rechargeable electric hand warmers, the UT3 PRO’s battery life can be impacted by severely cold or damp conditions. Like any electronic device, extra care must be taken to prevent drops or damage. But these two units are the perfect size and shape to keep stashed in your jacket pockets, where they will be protected and most effective.
When compared to other rechargeable electric hand warmers, the OCCOPA UT3 PRO is notably missing an output port to charge other electronic devices like your phone. This limits its utility a bit, but we still prefer its price, performance, and simple effectiveness compared to other rechargeable models. Each unit includes a single operation button, a heat-level indicator light, and a charging port with a protective rubber cover.
When used independently, each unit heats up on all sides, but when magnetically attached to each other, only the outside panels heat up, a unique energy-saving feature. While this magnetic attachment is a nice bonus feature, we found it primarily useful for storage, as we preferred to use each unit independently in our hands or in separate jacket pockets.
- Max temperature: 105 deg. F average; 110 deg. F maximum
- Heat/Run time: 11-21 hrs.
- Weight: 2.6 oz. empty; 3.5 oz. full
Pros
- Reusable
- Long-lasting heat
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Messy to fill
- Takes extra work to maintain
- Can’t turn off
Matt Bento
While it may seem a bit strange to keep a lit canister of lighter fluid in your pocket, in this case, you won’t regret it. The Zippo 12-Hour ($22) lives up to its name. And in some cases, it will even run beyond 12 hours.
To start the catalytic heating process, fill the fuel funnel, remove the catalytic burner, fill the tank, replace the burner, and ignite it with a lighter. Yes, it takes a little extra time to set up, but we found the effort worthwhile. Once lit, the warmth radiates consistently, making it a reliable companion during long days outdoors.
Tuck the Zippo hand warmer into your jacket pocket on a winter hike or a frigid evening at camp. One thing to remember is that once you light the Zippo, the flameless combustion cannot be stopped or turned off. We learned to gauge the amount of fluid we poured in according to how long we’d be out, careful not to run short.
Unlike electric, battery-powered, or disposable hand warmers, the Zippo 12-Hour works continuously, even in the coldest conditions where a battery can drain quickly. We find it to be one of the longest-lasting designs on the market. Whether on a winter camping trip or just trying to stay warm during a late-season football game, the Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer delivers dependable heat when you need it most.
- Max Temperature: 130 degrees F maximum
- Warming Time: 0.5-2 hrs.
- Weight: 4.0-7.0 oz.
Pros
- Reusable
- Rapid heating
- Watching the chemical reaction is admittedly fun
Cons
- Short heating time
- Plastic casing could be punctured and make a mess in your bag
Matt Bento
HotSnapZ Hand Warmers ($20 per eight-pack) use a chemical reaction to create rapid heating up to 130 degrees F. Using your thumbs, you bend an activation device until it clicks within the warmer pouch to start the reaction. Our testers (and their kids) really enjoyed watching this process. The goo inside the clear plastic pouch quickly becomes cloudy after clicking the activator, followed by sweet, relieving heat. Fun!
In the practical sense, HotSnapZ are not our favorite hand warmers because the largest size only provides heat for 2 hours, with the smaller pocket-sized warmers giving off heat for only 30 minutes. Not a strong showing, considering that most of the hand warmers we tested last at least 8 hours.
We’re also concerned about the durability of the plastic casing, as a car key easily punctured it. If one of these warmers rips open inside your backpack, it creates quite a mess.
We do appreciate that the HotSnapZ are reusable. Boiling them for 10 minutes reverses the reaction and after they’ve cooled off they are ready to be clicked on again, though the “recharged” warmer diminishes in efficacy with each boil. We noticed that the chemical reaction was slower and less complete than the first go-round. Our HotSnapZ arrived in a pack of eight with two different sizes, with the larger size still easily fitting in a big jacket pocket.
- Max temperature: 110 deg. F average; 131 deg. F maximum
- Heat/Run time: 4-8 hrs.
- Charge time: 2-3 hrs.
- Weight: 4.6 oz.
Pros
- Rechargeable
- Can charge other devices
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t hold a charge as long in extremely cold temperatures
Matt Bento
This multifunctional hand warmer ($27) has a surprising amount of heat in a small package. Not only does it help keep your hands warm for up to 8 hours, but it can also charge small devices like a cellphone. It offers up three levels of heating, ranging from 95 to 131 degrees. The light indicator makes it easy to tell which level you are on.
The only downside to any battery-powered hand warmer is that heat consistency varies as temperatures drop. As with any lithium-ion battery, the cold tends to shorten its lifespan. So, even if you’ve left the house with a full charge, you may not get the full 8 hours of warmth if it’s too cold outside. If you want a more reliable product no matter the temp, try the Ignik Hand Warmers.
The curvy design is comfortable in the hand and easily fits in a pocket. Whether you’re battling Raynaud’s disease or trying to stay warm in the hunting blind, the OCOOPA Hand Warmer is a solid option.
- Max temperature: 120 degrees F
- Warming time: 9 hrs.
- Weight: 5.5 oz.
Pros
- Rechargeable
- No plastic packaging waste
- Doubles as small device charger
- Rapid heat delivery
Cons
- One heating unit; you’ll need to get two if you want heat in two pockets
- Bulky
- Rigid
- Expensive
Matt Bento
If you’re on the lookout for a hand-warming strategy that doesn’t involve a lot of plastic packaging, warms up fast, and delivers a little more heat than the average disposable warmer, then the Zippo Heat Bank 9 ($40) is a great alternative.
We found that the Heat Bank achieved its max temperature of 120 degrees in about a minute, quite a bit faster than the average disposable warmer since it doesn’t require waiting for oxidation to start. It feels hotter than any disposable hand warmer we tested, thanks to the direct conduction from the aluminum housing straight to your hands.
This warmer also doubles as a small device charger, with a 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery bank and about enough juice to charge your phone one and a half times. Just know that the charging capabilities will decrease if you’re also using it as a warmer.
This adds some “off-season” value to the Heat Bank since you could keep it in your pack, purse, or glove box year-round in case you need to charge your phone without a power source. However, the Zippo didn’t make our award list because it’s bulky to carry, pricey (especially since you need to buy two!), and it doesn’t contour to your hands due to its rigidity.
- Max temperature: 120 degrees F
- Heat/Run time: 7 hrs.
- Weight: 2.0 oz. per pair
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Heat intensity doesn’t last the entire time
Matt Bento
TheGrabber Hand Warmers($37 for 40 pairs) employ a similar color scheme toHot Hands,and at the checkout counter or in your online shopping cart, they may seem like exactly the same product. While it’s true that they are very similar, our hands-on experience highlights some nuances.
These warmers maxed out in our pocket testing at 120 degrees F after 30 minutes of air exposure. How? We’d guess it has something to do with their particular chemical ratio, which causes a faster oxidation rate than the Hot Hands, but we’re speculating here.So, if you’re looking for a quick source of heat that lasts, the Hot Hands beat out the Grabbers by the amount of heat and how long they lasted.
Like the HotHands, the Grabber Warmers create a fair amount of trash, with each warmer wrapped individually. Meanwhile, Ignik doubles up, with two warmers per baggie. Also, like Hot Hands, you can often find them on sale in bulk, so if you burn through a lot of warmers during the winter season, let the price help you make your decision between the two.
Hand Warmers Comparison Chart
| Handwarmers | Price | Max Temperature | Runtime | Charge time | weight |
| Ignik Hand Warmers | $10 | 140 degrees F | 10+ hrs. | N/A | 4.5 oz. per pair |
| HotHands Hand Warmers | $10 | 118 degrees F | 10 hrs. | N/A | 1.6 oz. per pair |
| OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable | $43 | 136 degrees F | 15 hrs. | 3.5 hrs. | 8.3 oz. per pair |
| Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer | $22 | 110 degrees F | 11-21 hrs. | N/A | 2.6 oz. empty, 3.5 oz. full |
| HotSnapZ Hand Warmers | $20 | 130 degrees F | 0.5-2 hrs. | 10 minutes* | 4.0-7.0 oz. each |
| OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer | $27 | 131 degrees F | 4-8 hrs. | 2-3 hrs. | 4.6 oz. |
| Zippo Heat Bank 9 | $40 | 120 degrees F | 9 hrs. | 1 hr. | 5.0 oz. |
| Grabber Hand Warmers | $37 | 120 degrees F | 7 hrs. | N/A | 2.0 oz. per pair |
How We Tested Hand Warmers
Our editors and gear testers are no strangers to long winters, and we eagerly anticipate ski season every fall. However, we’re about as adverse to numbed-out, cold fingers as anybody out there, so we’ve spent considerable time finding and testing out the best winter gloves and the best winter mittens in addition to the best hand warmers.
Hand warmers have a simple job to do, and while they can’t replace your own body (Eat! Hydrate!) as a heat source, they can provide a little relief when you need to be out in the cold and stationary.
To find the best hand warmers, we ordered a variety of disposable and electronic warmers, along with one catalytic model, and tested them with a stopwatch and a thermometer. We placed each warmer in the pocket of a highly insulated down jacket and measured the ambient temperature in the pocket after half an hour.
While this gave us a little numerical data, we also considered the overall user experience. The HotSnapZ Hand Warmers, for example, delivered heat on command but didn’t last for more than 2 hours. The electronic heaters don’t perform as well in super cold environments, so we can’t recommend them for long days in the backcountry.
Editor Matt Bento is the lead hand warmer tester for this Buyer’s Guide. He brought each model hiking and climbing in the High Sierra, even leaving an Ignik Warmer in his chalk bag for some on-demand heat while sport climbing. He also enlisted friends to use them while watching the local football games and working on their vehicles in the cold.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hand Warmers
Types of Hand Warmers
We’re no longer limited to just disposable warmers, as there are now several alternatives to the old standbys, including the very effective rechargeable electric hand warmers. It is never a bad idea to have a few disposable hand warmers in your glove box for emergencies. But, if you’re someone who uses them on a regular basis during the winter, a rechargeable electric model like the Zippo Heat Bank 9 or the OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable is a worthwhile investment, as they both provide more heat for longer durations than the disposable types, and you’ll create less waste.
Some folks are just looking for added comfort, but for people dealing with Raynaud’s syndrome or poor circulation, keeping your hands warm is critical in daily life during colder months. Maintaining dexterity is key for many outdoor activities, from tying on a fishing lure to general vehicle maintenance. So consider this when you’re looking at what you need and how much you’re looking to spend.
Rechargeable Electric
Rechargeable electric hand warmers are usually powered by a lithium-ion battery. These models heat up quickly, typically have multiple heating levels, can get very hot, and can last a long time in the right conditions. Some electric warmers also double as a handy battery pack you can use to charge your phone on the go.
Downsides include susceptibility to moisture or impact damage, potential reduced battery life in the cold, and longer recharging periods. Rechargeable electric hand warmers are also usually a bit more expensive than traditional disposable models.
The OCOOPA UT3 PRO Magnetic Rechargeable is our favorite rechargeable electric hand warmer. It includes a set of two units, so you can keep one in each pocket or hold one in each hand. The units heat up very quickly and have four different heating levels, with the top level reaching up to 136 degrees F.
The two units also magnetically stick together to create one larger unit, which can come in handy in certain situations. This model has an input port to recharge but does not include an output port to charge other devices like your phone.
Other rechargeble electric models like the Zippo Heat Bank 9 and the OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer both include output ports, allowing these devices to double as a battery pack for your phone or other small electronic devices, ensuring they will be able to be used year-round.
We love utilitarian, multi-use devices like electric hand warmers since they are effective and let us cut down on our waste stream. However, there are a few advantages to disposable, chemical-powered hand warmers. They are generally smaller and softer, allowing them to be shoved into a glove or a sock.
They come in pairs, so you can have one for each pocket, and depending on how many hand warmers you go through in a year, they can be a much less expensive option.
Catalytic
Catalytic hand warmers run on liquid fuel and require a flame to start flameless combustion. Because these warmers generate heat via combustion, they never need to be charged and work well even in very cold temps. Though catalytic warmers provide a consistent heat source for longer periods of time, they can be messy and somewhat complicated to fill.This really only applies to the Zippo 12-hour Hand Warmer.
We think the majority of folks won’t want the hassle of needing to keep lighter fluid on hand and the potential mess of refilling the unit, so they should go with the rechargeable electric model. But the Zippo could be useful for folks at hunting camps or in other scenarios without access to electricity, where the reliability of using lighter fluid outweighs the potential downsides.
Disposable
Disposable hand warmers are the cheapest, easiest to use, and usually the most reliable. They take a while to heat up but have a pretty consistent temperature for their run time. They can only be used once, so if you need hand warmers often, either purchase them by the pack or consider another type of warmer.
Our favorite disposable hand warmers by far are the Ignik Hand Warmers. Not only did they get hotter than the other disposable warmers we tested, they also come in a resealable baggie, so If you use them for 5 hours of their 10-hour runtime, you can put them back in their package.
This cuts off the oxygen, stopping the oxidation process and effectively “turning them off” until you need to use them again. The insides are compostable, and we’re generally psyched about the brand’s commitment to making a disposable product as environmentally friendly as they can.
Heat Output
When shopping for effective hand warmers, heat output is most people’s top priority. If a hand warmer isn’t warm enough, it’s rendered useless. However, it’s important to understand the relationship between heat output and other factors, including run time, reliability, and price.
As a general rule, lithium-ion-powered warmers tend to offer the highest maximum temperatures.
While battery-powered warmers are great, they tend to be less effective in cold conditions. It’s important to note maximum temperatures are generally only achievable for most hand warmers in relatively moderate conditions.
Other types of hand warmers, including catalytic and most disposable warmers, are usually able to perform at their maximum temperature, no matter the surrounding air temperature. While these types of warmers may not boast the same maximum temperatures as battery-powered warmers, they’re less condition-dependent and perhaps more reliable.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hand Warmers
While all the hand warmers on our list are pretty easy to operate, we’ve found a few tricks that will make them go farther.
Disposable warmers take a few minutes to heat up as they rely on oxidation to catalyze the chemical reaction that generates heat. So, if you’re looking to get them cooking more quickly, keep them outside of your pockets initially, and give them a good shake to get the process going.
Electronic devices like cellphones and cameras can suffer from extreme cold, as their batteries can struggle to hold a charge. You can take a disposable hand warmer like the Ignick Hand Warmer and tape it to the back of your device or chuck a few in an insulated pouch with your camera batteries to get better performance in the wintertime.
Price & Value
Hand warmers typically cost between $10 and $60. Cheaper options are most often disposable and come in a pack. The larger the pack, the more expensive it will be. Features like heating time and whether they are reusable increase the price.
Budget
Most budget hand warmers are single-use but still deliver reliable and adequate warmth. You may not get as much longevity, and you’ll sacrifice eco-friendliness, but budget hand warmers are highly convenient and practical.
Our budget pick for this guide are the HotHands Hand Warmers, ranging in price from $10 to $15 — $10 for a pack of 10. We find these an excellent option for short trips in late fall and early spring, but in the dead of winter, we gravitate to something with a longer heat duration.
For the same price, our overall pick, the Ignik Hand Warmers are $10 for a 10-pack. While both options have a 10-hour warm time, the Ignik can be “turned off” by removing them from oxygen, extending their lifespan to be used again later. Both are disposable, budget hand-warming options if convenience is your top priority.
Mid-Tier
Spending just a little bit more money is likely to get you a product with better heat retention and more features. Mid-tier hand warmers cost anywhere from $20 to $40, and warm times are 15 or more hours.
The Zippo 12-Hour hand warmer is a reusable option that runs on lighter fluid and is only $25. In some cases, it can run more than 12 hours, and the reusability is more reliable than an electronic battery out in the cold. It is slightly less convenient than a disposable, and refilling it can be a pain, but if you want something that packs heat all day and can be used again and again, it’s worth the investment.
Premium
The best hand warmers cost around $40-60. It may seem difficult to justify paying upward of $50 for hand warmers, but premium options provide better technology and extended heating times. They’re an excellent investment for serious cold-weather outdoor enthusiasts or those who need a boost of heat on a blustery job site.
The OCOOPA UT3 PRO is a rechargeable hand warmer priced at around $40. Compared to our other picks, this runs hotter and longer, plus you can use quick recharge capabilities. While we feel the added features outweigh the cons, rechargeable hand warmers tend to be less convenient than single-use alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hand warmers safe to use?
Most hand warmers are safe if used properly. Some people, usually children, have very sensitive skin and should not let hand warmers come into direct contact with their skin.
Some hand warmer varieties, like catalytic burner warmers, prove to be more dangerous than others. To safely use these, you must ensure the correct fuel is used and there’s no excess fluid on the outside before you light it.
If not sealed properly, there is also a risk of carbon monoxide leaking, which poses a danger if used in a confined space. An insulated sleeve can also be a useful safety measure when using catalytic warmers.
Which hand warmer is best for me?
To decide which hand warmer is best for you, ask yourself one question: What is my intended use?
If you are a climber, maybe Grabber Hand Warmers will be the best choice. These warmers are quick to warm and very compact. Also, they can fit easily into a chalk bag and allow you to warm up your fingers mid-route.
If you’re a hunter with cold hands, a longer-lasting reusable hand warmer is likely to be the best choice. Or if you want to keep your hands warm as you watch your kids play outside, opt for the HotSnapZ.
All types of warmers have their pros and cons. It just depends on the application.
Which hand warmer lasts the longest?
On this list, the Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer earns the top prize for total runtime. Because this warmer runs on lighter fluid, its runtime is determined by how much fluid is used. In some tests, a unit filled with maximum fluid stayed warmed for upward of 20 hours.
In the disposable category, HotHands Hand Warmers are known to stay warm for up to 10 hours — an impressive stat for such a small and affordable warmer.
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