Now that the weather is turning colder, many of us are giving more thought to how we stay comfortable during work and play. While some of you are undoubtedly breaking out your favorite heated jacket, the Thaw Rechargeable Hand Warmer recently caught my attention. I got my hands on a couple, and I’ll show you what they have to offer.
Thaw Rechargeable Hand Warmer Basics
First of all, there are two models to choose from, and it’s primarily about how much battery capacity you want. The smaller model has a 5100 mAh battery while the larger one roughly doubles that to 10000 mAh.
No matter which model you choose, it can reach temperatures up to 140° F. Both sides heat up, so you can heat one or both hands at the same time.
If you don’t need full heat, there are three modes to balance heat production and runtime. Simply press the power button to turn the heat on, and then press and hold it to cycle through the modes. Red LEDs will let you know what mode you’re in. There’s recall memory built in as well, so the warmer will return to the last setting you used the next time you turn it on.
Concerning runtime, that’s where the battery size makes so much of a difference. Here’s how much heat each mode produces and how long you can expect it to run:
| 5100 mAh | 10000 mAh | |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 113° F for 7 hours | 113° F for 14.5 hours |
| Medium | 122° F for 5 hours | 122° F for 11 hours |
| High | 140° F for 3.5 hours | 140° F for 8 hours |
Considering how much longer the larger pack runs and that it’s only $10 more, that’s the model I’d buy. Of course, if you’re trying to minimize the size or weight, that can certainly factor into your decision. Here’s how those characteristics compare:
| 5100 mAh | 10000 mAh | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches | 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.0 inches |
| Weight | 5.4 ounces | 7.6 ounces |
Additional Highlights
- IPX4 Rating: Can be used in light rain, sleet, or snow with the port cover in place
- USB-C Charging: Take advantage of faster charging times
- Charge Indicator: Blue LEDs let you know your charge status
- Lanyard: Secure your hand warmer to your wrist so your cold friends don’t steal it
That Rechargeable Hand Warmer Bonus Features
One of the great things about today’s technology is that if you have a battery to work with, you can add some extra features without ballooning the cost of the product.
The first bonus is that the charging port doubles as an output to turn the warmer into a power supply. You can repurpose your charging cable to cover USB-A and USB-C devices, or use another cord if you need something like a Lightning end.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t charge a device and use the warming function at the same time, though.
You also have an LED light built in. It sits at a 90° angle on the corner, and the diffuser casts a soft white light. It has a broad, short throw and is good for close tasks like lighting up the keyhole on your door lock or finding your way around the house during a power outage. If you have a flat surface, you can even stand the warmer on any of its sides to direct the light when you need both hands free.
You can use the light and heat at the same time, so your hands don’t have to freeze while you’re fishing through your tool bag for your wire cutters.
Should You Buy One?
Almost anyone can use a Thaw Rechargeable Hand Warmer, and considering they’re not very expensive, they make an excellent gift as well. It’s great to have one on hand during the cooler months for fishing, hunting, camping, football games, or other outdoor activities.
They’re not limited to just recreation, though. With the long runtime of the larger model, it’s a big win for long shifts on the jobsite during cooler months. Thinking outside the box a bit, dropping one of these in a small cooler on low with your power tool batteries can make sure they’re ready to use when temperatures plummet.
Ready to pull the trigger on more comfort this winter? You can get the 5100 mAh hand warmer for $34.99 or the 10000 mAh model for $44.99. They’re backed by a 1-year warranty.
