Electric Hand Warmers

An electric hand warmer is one way to warm up cold hands on the sideline, the dog walk or the way to work. This page compares rechargeable, reusable gel and disposable hand warmers. Gløde does not sell hand warmers (yet); for warm hands we make the Øven heated gloves.

Which hand warmer suits you?

Type	Good for	Keep in mind
Rechargeable electric hand warmer	Regular use: the daily dog walk, the weekly match; charged by USB	Runtime differs per model and heat level, and batteries deliver less in the cold
Reusable gel hand warmer	Short moments: click the metal disc and the gel warms up	Stays warm for a short time; you reset it in boiling water
Disposable air-activated warmer	A one-off long day outside, in a pocket or glove	Single use, so you need a new one each time

What to look for

• Heat levels: an adjustable warmer lets you start warm and turn it down once your hands have warmed up.
• Charging: USB-C is handy if your phone uses the same cable.
• Size and shape: a flat, rounded warmer fits a coat pocket and sits comfortably in your hand.
• Phone charging: some rechargeable hand warmers can also charge a phone; check the description.
• Instructions: follow the manufacturer's advice on charging and use, and keep the warmer in an inner pocket when it is very cold.

Warm hands without holding anything

A hand warmer only warms the hand that holds it. If you need your hands for a lead, the handlebars or your phone, heated gloves keep warming while you use them.

• Øven heated gloves: 3 heat levels from 35 to 50 °C and warm fingertips, for about 2 to 5 hours per charge depending on the level.
• Heated gloves: everything about Øven, in sizes S to XL.
• Power banks: 10,000 or 20,000 mAh for Gløde clothing; both can also charge your phone.
• Electric hand warmer or heated gloves? Our full comparison of the two.

Frequently asked questions

Rechargeable or disposable hand warmer?

A rechargeable hand warmer suits regular use: charge it and use it again. Disposable warmers need no charging and are handy for a one-off day, but you need a new one each time. Some people keep a few disposables as a backup.

How does a reusable gel hand warmer work?

It holds a liquid that turns solid and gives off warmth when you click the small metal disc inside. To use it again, you heat it in boiling water until the liquid is clear, then let it cool down.

Hand warmer or heated gloves?

A hand warmer warms your hands while you hold it or keep it in a pocket. Heated gloves keep your fingers warm while you use your hands. For cycling, dog walking or holding a phone, gloves are usually more practical.

Does a rechargeable hand warmer work in the cold?

Yes, but batteries deliver less in the cold, so it usually runs for a shorter time on a freezing day. Keep it in an inner pocket when you are not holding it, and charge it fully before you go out.

Can I put a hand warmer in my gloves?

Disposable warmers are often made to slip into a glove or mitten. Many rechargeable warmers are too big for that. If you want warmth inside the glove, heated gloves such as Øven do it without a separate warmer.