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The best hand warmers for toasty mitts, tried and tested
Heat the person rather than the room, and stay warm when the temperature drops with our pick of the best hand warmers - starting from as little as £5.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Feb 16, 2024
While insulating your home with the best draught excluder is an excellent way to conserve heat, sometimes you need a quicker fix that focuses on warming your body rather than the room.
Let us introduce you to the best hand warmers. These small, pocket-sized gadgets heat up to keep your fingers and hands toasty for anything from half an hour to a whole day. You can buy disposable as well as reusable versions, and while some have to be dropped in boiling water to reset them, other more modern types simply need to be plugged in via USB to recharge.
They’re great for tucking into the pockets of one the best winter coats for women when you're out and about, or they can be used at home if your budget doesn't quite stretch to a heated throw. They're also great if you suffer from arthritis or circulation conditions such as Raynaud’s Syndrome.
How we tested
To bring you our definitive list of the best hand warmers to buy this winter, we first tapped into the tried-and-tested experiences of Mumsnet users, investigating their feedback on the types and brands of hand warmers they’ve used and would recommend to others. We then extensively researched authentic reviews and trusted publications to ensure our Mumsnetters’ views were consistent with wider customer experiences and expert opinions.
When we had carefully whittled down our shortlist to the five most outstanding options, we then put each hand warmer through extensive testing during winter, evaluating their warmth, how long the heat lasted, their ease of use and overall value for money.
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Rechargeable design offers good value for money
Doubles as a power bank
Provides up to 15 hours of heat
Super easy to use
Three heat levels
Pricier than other hand warmers (but cheaper than heated gloves)
Takes four hours to charge
Temperature can fluctuate slightly
RRP: £33 | Type: Rechargeable battery | Heat source: Lithium-ion batteries | Stays hot for: Up to 15 hours | Size: 15.09 x 8.89 x 4.7cm | Weight: 272g | Reusable: Yes
If you’re outside all day, you’ll need a hand warmer that’ll last the distance. A clear choice for our top spot, the Ocoopa wowed us during testing with its fast heat up time of five seconds and battery life of up to 15 hours. Its one-button controls were simple to use, and thanks to the variable heat settings, we could easily find the perfect temperature for our needs (our favourite was the medium setting). From time to time, the heat did fluctuate a little, but it didn't bother us too much.
It was a little bulky for popping into gloves, but we liked the soft-to-touch silicone outer layer, and its ergonomic pebble shape made it easy to hold. The included wrist lanyard and velvet carry pouch were a nice touch too and added to this fantastic hand warmer's portability.
It's hard to find many faults with the Ocoopa Hand Warmer, but the main downside is the cost - at £33, it's the most expensive pick on our list. However, the longevity of the heat, ease of use and the fact it can be used time and time again make this our best rechargeable hand warmer, hands down <see what we did there?> What's more, we love that the Ocoopa doubles up as a phone charger too, adding to its excellent value overall.
Read our full Ocoopa Hand Warmer review
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Lightweight and thin - ideal for popping into gloves
Long-lasting heat
Very easy to use
Cheap to buy - £1 per use
Not environmentally friendly
Can work out pricey for regular use
RRP: £5 (for six pairs) | Type: Air-activated, single use | Heat source: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Stays hot for: Up to ten hours | Size: 16 x 13.6 x 4.3cm | Weight: 50g | Reusable: No
They may not be the most environmentally-friendly choice, but if you need something that will work instantly and stay hot for ages, these Hot Hands Instant Hand Warmers are an excellent choice.
We found them super easy to use - as they're air activated, they started to heat up as soon as we removed them from the packet. And, while the ten hours stated on the packaging might a slight stretch, they stayed at a comfortable and consistent level of heat for around nine hours, which is pretty impressive.
Thanks to the ultra-thin, lightweight design, they were ideal for slipping easily and discreetly into our gloves, unlike some of the bulkier rechargeable versions. However, the drawback with Hot Hands is their single-use nature so, while they come very cheap initially, using them on a day-to-day basis may add up over time. With that in mind, we think they're a great buy for occasional use when a chilly day takes you by surprise.
Read our full Hot Hands Instant Hand Warmers review
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Can also be used as a power bank
Stays warm for up to six hours
Easy-to-hold pebble shape
Quick heat up time
Rechargeable
Takes four hours to charge
Heat doesn't last as long as the Ocoopa
RRP: £27 | Type: Rechargeable battery | Heat source: Lithium battery | Stays hot for: 3 to 6 hours | Size: 17.1 x 8.4 x 3.4cm | Weight: 170g | Reusable: Yes
Ergonomically designed and originally made for people who suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome, the HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer is another great rechargeable option. And like the Ocoopa, it also does double duty, allowing you to charge your mobile if your battery runs low when out and about.
We loved the two heat settings (45 and 50 degrees) and the double-sided warmth, which kept us comfortable and cosy for up to five-and-a-half hours per charge. This is less than the Ocoopa's battery life, but it is worth noting that the HotRox does retail at a slightly cheaper price (£27).
It was also really useful to be able to turn the device off once our hands were warm, preserving the battery life for when we next needed it. It did take around four hours to recharge, however, but small lights on the device let us know when it was time to plug it back in.
Read our full HotRox Electronic Hand Warmer review
Related: Best electric blankets for keeping warm and toasty
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Easy to activate heat
Reusable
Ideal for a short-term heat boost
Cheap
Lightweight
Doesn't last as long as other hand warmers
Requires boiling to 'recharge' between each use
RRP: £6 | Type: Click and boil | Heat source: Non- toxic sodium acetate | Stays hot for: 45 minutes | Size: 9 x 9 x 1.5cm | Weight: 198g | Reusable: Yes
For little more than a fiver, you can heat your hands again and again on frosty days with these Lifesystems pouches. When we tried them out, we loved how easy it was to activate the heat by simply clicking the metal disc in the gel packs. The effect was almost instantaneous - they quickly crystallised and the warmth kicked in straight away.
They stayed warm for 45 minutes - enough to get you through the second chilly half when spectating your child’s football club match before you get home and replace them with a hot water bottle and blanket hoodie! However, of all the hand warmers we tried out, they generated heat for the least time, so they're definitely better suited to when you need a quick boost of warmth, rather than for all-day use.
We were impressed that they could be reused, especially at this price point, although the 'recharging' process was a bit of a faff. To reset them, we had to simmer them in boiling water until the crystals dissolved again. It only took around 10 minutes, but seemed much more onerous than plugging them in like other rechargeable hand warmers.
Read our full Lifesystems Reusable Hand Warmers review
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Robust design
Provides over 12 hours of heat
Doesn't need electricity to be refuelled
Holding pouch included
Need to purchase lighter fuel separately
Refuelling process, while easy, can be daunting at first
No off switch
RRP: £26 | Type: Lighter fluid refillable | Heat source: Zippo lighter fuel (not included) | Stay hot for: Up to 12 hours | Size: 9.91 x 1.27 x 6.6cm | Weight: 45.4g | Reusable: Yes
Made by lighter brand Zippo in the same iconic shape as their lighters, this hand warmer is not only small and lightweight, but it looks pretty cool too.
Admittedly, we were a little daunted at first as it's not the easiest of hand warmers to use. Fuelled by lighter fluid (sold separately), while it's fairly straightforward to refill, it did feel like a burden for everyday use. Luckily, the included cup and its easy-pour spout helped the process, but it was still a faff, especially when compared to the Ocoopa and HotRox warmers. That said, the beauty of the Zippo is that it can be refuelled without the need for electricity, so it's ideal if you love 'off-grid' camping and long hikes.
The heat generated was impressive, and it stayed warm for a whopping 12 hours. In fact, it felt too hot to hold in our bare hands, but the protective pouch helped it feel much more comfortable. It's worth noting that there's no off button, however, so the duration of heat lasts as long as it takes for the fuel to naturally expel.
Read our full Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer review
Are hand warmers worth it?
In general, if you’re cold, you’re better off warming the core of your body with the best heated gilet and stopping heat from escaping from you by wearing a hat. If you’re trying to save on heating this winter, you’ll have heard about heating the person, rather than the room, so anything like electric blankets and extra clothing will help.
Hand warmers give pretty instant heat to your extremities, however, which can really help you feel instantly less chilly, especially when teamed with a pair of the best women's slippers or heated socks so your feet are warm too. Hand warmers are also particularly good for those with poor circulation or conditions such as Raynaud's syndrome.
What are the different types of hand warmer?
There are four main types of hand warmers:
Air-activated hand warmers - These tend to be disposable in nature and begin heating up when exposed to air (or removed from the packet). They tend to have a relatively short period of heat retention.
Boil and click hand warmers - Working through crystallisation, these hand warmers are clicked to activate - converting the liquid to a solid state and releasing heat as they do so. They can be reused, but require boiling to return them to their liquid form.
Catalytic hand warmers - Catalytic hand warmers require either charcoal or lighter fluid to generate heat. While they can offer significant heat retention, they can be a faff to activate and as such, many are being phased out and replaced with rechargeable battery-powered options.
Rechargeable hand warmers - The most eco-friendly and sustainable choice, these battery-powered hand warmers require some initial charging, but tend to offer the most flexibility - with variable heat settings and the ability to turn on and off as required.
How we tested the best hand warmers
First, we consulted the Mumsnet Talk forums, where we found lots of Mumsnetters looking for ways to keep warm this winter. We made a note of any types and brands of hand warmers that had good recommendations as well as those that had not impressed our users. We value an honest review and we know we will always get those from the real parents on the boards.
Next, we looked at industry awards and reviews to see which brands consumer experts felt were worth purchasing and we cross-referenced this with the reviews from real parents.
We also looked into the safety aspects of hand warmers to find out what to look for in a good model and anything to be aware of and made sure any hand warmers on our long list made the grade.
Finally, we collated all that information to come up with a list of the five best hand warmers that we think offered something for everyone. We then commissioned our writer Lucy to thoroughly test out each hand warmer and carefully analyse the performance of each.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in parenting and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Lucy has spent significant time researching tried-and-tested ways to stay warm during winter. As well as writing guides on the best foot warmers and most effective thermals for women to help ‘heat the person rather than the home’, Lucy has put a selection of hand warmers through their paces during situational testing, comparing product features and benefits to bring you our pick of the best.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
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We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
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