During the coldest months, it can be a challenge to stay comfortably warm. Between the wind nipping at your nose and melting snow creeping into your shoes, there are multiple ways for cold to invade your body. 

One crucial place cold invades is the hands, particularly because there are few gloves you can wear that let you use your phone. One method to introduce some heat to your icicle-like fingers is to use hand warmers. Instead of using disposable ones, consider rechargeable or refillable instead.

In this article: Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer, Zippo Heatbank 9S Plus Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer

Rechargeable vs. refillable

The main difference between rechargeable and refillable hand warmers is their fuel source.

• Rechargeable hand warmers, as the name implies, run on rechargeable batteries. This means you need to carefully check the battery when shopping for them if you want one with long operating hours and high temperatures.
• Refillable hand warmers use either lighter fluid alone or lighter fluid and disposable batteries. This means you usually need to keep a lighter on hand to trigger the burning of your hand warmer’s fuel. Otherwise, one with disposable batteries can use electricity to spark the fuel.

Battery capacity

For rechargeable hand warmers only, check the battery’s capacity before you buy one. This capacity is measured in milliampere hours, or mAh for short. The higher the number, the more life it has, but also the longer it will take to charge.

Usage length

Rechargeable and refillable hand warmers can operate for a wide range of times.

• Rechargeable hand warmer tend to have shorter operating times, usually two to eight hours. The best might be able to squeak in 12 hours of heat.
• Refillable hand warmers tend to have longer running times, since the lighter fluid inside can be burned slower than a battery’s energy gets used. Expect six hours at minimum and 12 hours on average, though the best can be used for a full 24 hours.

Shape

Hand warmers of both types typically come in one of two shapes. The most common is a round or oval shape, and these can be either flat or pill-like. The other shape is square or rectangular.

The shape doesn’t affect the hand warmer's function, only how comfortable you find it. Experiment until you find the shape that feels best.

Heating surface

Rechargeable and refillable hand warmers heat different parts of their surfaces.

• Rechargeable hand warmers have the most varied range of heated surfaces. Some heat only one side, either in part or in full, with some heating both, again in part or in full. In both cases, the edges are usually not heated, though a few do heat all parts of the surface.
• Refillable hand warmers typically heat all parts of the surface, though some only heat the top half where the “wick” area is.

Quantity included

Sometimes, hand warmers of either type are sold in multi-packs. These packs usually include just two, though you can find packs of three, four or more. These multi-packs are excellent for those who need heat for extended periods and won’t be able to recharge or refill their warmers. They’re also perfect for keeping warmers on hand in each of your cars, for example, or as gifts.

Cost

Rechargeable and refillable hand warmers have different price ranges.

• Rechargeable hand warmers typically cost $15-$50, though multi-packs or the strongest and longest-lasting can cost up to $100.
• Refillable hand warmers typically cost $10-$30, though multi-packs and the odd individual warmer can cost up to $50.

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Best rechargeable hand warmers

Comfytemp Rechargeable Hand Warmer

This hand warmer heats every inch of its surface so you can wrap around it for total warmth. It comes in pink or black, with the black color also having a two-pack option.

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Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer

This warmer has an 8- to-15-hour use time and can recharge to full from a dead battery in just 3.5 hours. It also doubles as a power bank. It comes in five colors.

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Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmer

This one has a wrist strap so there’s no risk of losing it. You can also use it as a rearview mirror charm. It comes in three designs.

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Tomus-Uni Rechargeable Hand Warmers

This two-pack of hand warmers has three heat settings: 95 to 104, 105 to 117 and 118 to 131 degrees. Each lasts for up to four hours and can also be used as a power bank.

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Zippo Heatbank 9S Plus Rechargeable Hand Warmer

This all-in-one device can operate as a hand warmer and a power bank, plus as a flashlight. The heat can last for up to nine hours. It comes in black, gold and silver.

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Best refillable hand warmers

S-Boston Refillable Hand Warmer

This hand warmer uses a combination of two AAA batteries and lighter fluid to keep you warm for up to 20 hours. It doesn’t need a flame to start, thanks to the batteries.

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Yosoo Refillable Hand Warmer

This cute hand warmer has a punch-out pattern in the shape of a butterfly on the top and comes with a heat bag so you don't have to worry about getting burned when it’s at its hottest.

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Zippo Six-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer

This hand warmer is perfectly paired with a Zippo lighter as it requires a flame to start its heat generation. It comes in chrome, pearl and pink, with a black heat bag.

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Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer

This warmer holds more fuel so it can keep you toasty for longer. It comes in chrome, orange, and black with either the Zippo or the Harley-Davidson Motorcycles logo.

Sold by Amazon

Zippo 12-Hour Refillable Hand Warmer, Four-Pack

This four-pack of Zippo’s best refillable hand warmer makes the perfect stocking stuffer for outdoorsy types or if you just want to keep all four on standby in different locations.

Sold by Amazon

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Jordan C. Woika writes for Vanke. Vanke has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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