When you work or play in rugged, wintry conditions, you know what it’s like to be seriously cold and unable to move your fingers. Some people may think you are taking the easy way out by using a hand warmer, and this couldn’t be farther from the truth. When you use a hand warmer, you don’t have to head inside when the temperature drops or as that storm approaches.
Making sure you have the right hand warmer for your planned activity can help you stay outside having fun longer instead of watching all the fun from inside. Here are a few tips on what to look for in the best hand warmer and a few Zippo Hand Warmer reviews 2019 to help you start shopping.
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How to Choose the Best Hand Warmer
Zippo offers a variety of hand warmers, including some that are basic and disposable and others versions that can even charge your phone! Here is a rundown of all of the types of hand warmers that are available on the market today.
Types of Hand Warmers
Over the last few decades, hand warmers have gone through few design changes. A hand warmer is really a simple concept that uses a fuel source along with a safe type of energy release that will create heat that can be carried with you. Initially, you could only buy catalytic hand warmers, but there are a few other options you can choose from today.
With the development of nanotechnology and the improvement of the electric battery, we now have a few more options for people that weren’t comfortable carrying a hand warmer that used lighter fluid to fuel it. You will also find effective but disposable hand warmers that are an inexpensive, one-time use solution that will heat up when exposed to the air, lasting up to the eight hours.
These are pretty popular options that give you the warmth you need in freezing conditions.
Electric Hand Warmers
With the advent of new technology, you get a lot of features and advantages with an electric hand warmer, so much so that many people do not even consider the conventional hand warmers anymore. You can easily charge your hand warmer overnight by leaving it plugged in, providing you with a reliable heat source that can last you all day.
Plus, with an electric hand warmer, you can decide when to turn it on to save energy, and you can even plug your phone into it for a quick battery recharge!
Other benefits of an electric hand warmer are that you will have no need to purchase lighter fluid. The downside to an electric hand warmer is the need to charge it, as it obviously isn’t going to work if you forget to plug it in; they also don’t last as long as a catalytic hand warmer.
Catalytic Hand Warmers
The catalytic hand warmer is the only type of hand warmer that burns fuel. This type of hand warmer has been around for years and is still a reliable and durable choice for a hand warmer. Using lighter fluid as a fuel source, a catalytic hand warmer has a controlled and very slow reaction to release heat.
Some people aren’t comfortable with having something burning in their pocket, and they do have a distinct smell, too. However, they have the advantage of having a long lifespan of over fifteen hours at a time! Plus, they are easy to refill and have a classic and elegant look.
If you are interested in learning more, here is a quick tutorial on how a catalytic hand warmer works:
Chemical Hand Warmers
Using the exothermic reaction of rusting iron, a chemical hand warmer mixes water, carbon, and iron powder inside its fiber pouch to create the necessary chemical reaction to light up once it is exposed to the air (oxygen). This is basically a very fast version of the same process that happens under the hood of your car. It’s a very popular hand warmer version that’s seen at a lot of ski resorts.
Chemical hand warmers are an inexpensive one-time solution that is easy to use and widely available. They do have a few drawbacks in that they do become expensive if you have to buy them frequently, in comparison to purchasing a refillable hand warm. Plus, it’s possible for packets to rip open and ruin your gloves by leaving black residue in them.
When to Use a Hand Warmer
Source: Zippo
Your lifestyle will ultimately determine what type of hand warmer suits you best. For instance, a rechargeable hand warmer may be necessary if you are out in the cold each day for long periods of time. But, if you are just going on a ski trip for a few days, you may want to take a few basic disposable hand warmers for that one time trip.
Commuting to Work
If you walk to work or take the bus, it is always nice to have a way to warm up your hands while you’re outside. Or if your car takes a while to warm up, it’s a nice accessory to have on you until your heater starts to work. In these cases, having a rechargeable hand warmer is a good solution, as the cost will quickly add up if you decide to buy disposable hand warmers.
Skiing or Hunting
If you participate in outdoor sports you may want to consider a disposable hand warmer that you can easily fit in your gloves, as they are flexible, small, and easy to use. Since disposable hand warmers can get expensive in the long run, rechargeable hand warmers might be a better option if you practice these sports regularly.
Working Outside
If you work outside in cold weather conditions, a rechargeable hand warmer is definitely the way to go. The cost of buying a disposable hand warmer will quickly exceed the cost of the rechargeable version in the long run. And, since you know that this is a long-term situation, you will want a hand warmer that gives you consistent heat and is reliable, so you’ll be able to keep up with your workload and not let the cold cause you to fall behind.
Zippo Hand Warmer Reviews 2019
If you want to stay warm and comfortable this winter, the Zippo 12-hour Hand Warmer uses premium lighter fluid to create over ten times the heat that is produced by a traditional model. It lasts up to twelve hours and comes with a 1-year guarantee. Featuring a compact and sleek design, the Zippo 12-Hour Hand Warmer easily fits into your pocket or gloves without seeing the bulk that other warmers have.
Equipped with a fiber burner that is made of platinum-catalyzed glass, the Zippo gives you fast and sure lighting with a durable and rugged metal construction. Giving you radiant heat without using a flame, the Zippo gives you constant, economical warmth with just 0.4 ounces of fuel.
This is a reusable hand warmer with low odor that uses Easy Fill Technology with an improved fill cup that helps to lessen spills, making it great for outdoor sports.
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With the Zippo Hand Warmer, you can say goodbye to cold, freezing fingers. The handy Zippo Hand Warmer gives you a radiant and gentle heat that keeps your hands toasty for all your favorite outdoor sports. With its compact and sleek design, it is easy to fit it into your purse or pocket for easy access.
With Zippo’s classic workmanship, you are ensured of a high-quality and reliable product. Featuring a high-polished finish, this hand warmer is pretty much odor free and can stay warm for up to twelve hours.
You can easily refill this hand warmer with Zippo lighter fluid and it is perfect for camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Featuring easy fill technology, this hand warmer includes a convenient filler cup and warming bag.
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You can keep your hands warm and stay connected with the Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer. It features a USB charging port to plug in your mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and cameras. Created with dual sided heat to give you constant warmth, the Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer is available in either two- or six-hour run times.
Easily fitting in your pocket or gloves, the Zippo Rechargeable Hand Warmer has a sleek and thin design that includes a power level check feature and temperature mode. Featuring a 5200 mah lithium-ion battery, you get reliable and lasting warmth with dual sided heat and five heat settings for comfortable and adjustable warmth.
The power button features a safety mechanism that prevents the hand warmer from turning on accidentally in your pocket. This rechargeable hand warmer will keep your hands warm no matter what outdoor activity you are doing and includes a charging cord, as well as a one-year warranty.
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The Zippo Real Tree Hand Warmer comes in a blister pack along with a filling cup and pouch. This is a great gift idea for anyone that spends a lot of time outdoors or participates in winter activities. You can use this handy little device to warm your hands up while you’re hunting, hiking, fishing, or camping.
Also great for football games and tailgating, the Zippo Real Tree Hand Warmer also works well for snowmobiling and skiing or if you work outdoors in construction or for the forestry service. With a compact and sleek design, the Zippo Real Tree Hand Warmer will easily slip into your gloves or pocket to keep you warm.
Using Zippo premium lighter fluid, this convenient hand warmer creates ten times the amount of heat as its competitors, lasting up to 12 hours.
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With the Zippo Refillable Chrome Hand Warmer 2012, you can enjoy outdoor activities even when it is bitter cold. Features a high-polished metal finish that is rugged but sleek, the Zippo Hand Warmer 2012 will easily fit into your pocket. There is barely any odor when it’s working, making it a great choice for hunters. It’ll give you twelve hours of consistent and gentle heat.
This easy to refill Zippo Hand Warmer 2012 is also environmentally friendly. Just refill it with Zippo Premium Lighter Fluid and use it over and over again.
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Conclusion
With modern technology, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a simple and consistent solution for cold hands. Zippo hand warmers have actually been around for a couple of decades but not everyone has been comfortable enough with the use of lighter fluid or having a device with an internal flame inside their pocket.
To address this issue, Zippo has expanded its line of hand warmers to embrace new technology to provide additional options to more users.
Zippo now includes disposable hand warmers as well as rechargeable hand warmers that can also recharge your phone. Depending on the activities you have planned, Zippo now has a solution that will fit the cold weather situation you will be facing making hand warmers definitely worth the money.