Rechargeable Hand Warmers: What They Do and How to Use Them

Cold hands on a bike, a platform or the school run are a small misery. A disposable heat pack is rubbish after one walk. A rechargeable hand warmer uses a built-in battery instead, so you charge it and use it again.

What ours is

• A pocket-size warmer with a built-in lithium battery
• A digital display (the rounded N25 has a double display)
• It heats through an aluminium plate
• Rated at 5 V / 5 W
• Two styles, curved N20 or rounded N25, in black, green, pink or white. The curved style also comes as a 2-pack.

The supplier does not state the battery capacity, how long it stays warm or how hot it gets, so we don't promise those numbers.

How to get the most from it

• Charge it the night before. A flat warmer is just a pebble.
• Pocket, not glove. Hold it in a coat pocket and wrap your hand around it. Don't squeeze it inside a tight glove against bare skin for a long time.
• One per hand? If you are outside for a long time, the 2-pack means each pocket gets one.

Use it sensibly

• It is a hand warmer, not a heater. It won't warm a room or replace proper gloves.
• Do not use it in bed or while sleeping, and don't charge it under a pillow or blanket.
• Keep it dry, and supervise children.

See the styles and colours on the rechargeable hand warmer page. For cold hands indoors, read how to keep your hands warm at your desk. For cold feet, there is the USB plush foot warmer.