The Best Hand Warmer

Why you should trust us

I’ve been reviewing and writing about consumer gadgets since 2007 and freelance for a number of tech publications. I previously worked as reviews editor at Mac|Life, where I’ve benchmarked and reviewed more gadgets and gizmos than I can possibly count. Over the last year, I’ve spent more than 65 hours researching and testing dozens of hand warmers and solar panels over the course of two updates to this guide.

I also interviewed Dr. David Bozentka, chief of orthopaedic surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, to get his perspective on the causes of cold hands and some tips for using hand warmers and solar panels safely.


Who this is for

Unless you’re an outdoorsy type or you live someplace where winter means snowstorms, you might not know hand warmers even exist. In relatively mild San Francisco, the people I encountered appreciated the value of a hand warmer—once I explained what one is.

Essentially, there are two kinds of potential users, and each has different needs. A rechargeable hand warmer makes the most sense for people running errands, going to work or school, or otherwise going about a normal urban or suburban day in colder weather. Such devices run on lithium-ion batteries, and you can turn them on and off as needed. To recharge HEATBANK – USB HAND WARMER + POWERBANK  find the nearest wall outlet or USB port.

For more extreme conditions, a traditional catalytic hand warmer offers unbeatable run times. This kind could be more appealing if you work, camp, or play sports outdoors in cold weather, away from a power outlet for several hours at a time. Heavier users will appreciate that a catalytic hand warmer can last roughly three times longer than a rechargeable. But it’s slightly less convenient to operate—you can’t usually turn it off, and you have to fill it with lighter fluid before use. Our tests showed the heat output is roughly equivalent.


Our pick

Our pick: the best for most peopleHuman Creations EnergyFlux Ellipse 5200mAh
It’s affordable, easy to use, and lasts long enough for most day-to-day purposes.
$36* from Amazon


*At the time of publishing, the price was $31.

After reviewing all of the hand warmers currently available, we’ve decided that the EnergyFlux hand warmer from Human Creations should remain our top pick—it offers comfortably warm temperatures, the ease of a rechargeable battery, and the flexibility to also power a smartphone. We tested the now-discontinued 4,400 mAh model over the course of a few weeks, running about a dozen charge cycles, testing run times and temperatures, and gathering subjective impressions of how it functioned in normal, day-to-day use. The EnergyFlux offers ample run times (it regularly lasted more than six hours), a reasonable price, and the ability to reach temperatures on a par with those of catalytic hand warmers.


Excellent run times and simple operation make the EnergyFlux our top pick for the second year running.

It’s a great choice for anyone who regularly needs a hand warmer over shorter periods of time. For a city dweller commuting in cold weather, a homeowner briefly working outdoors in winter, or anyone walking a dog through the snow, this is perfect.

Charging the EnergyFlux is simple enough. With the included AC adapter and cable, the hand warmer can recharge from a powered USB port or a wall outlet. It takes about 4 hours, 30 minutes to charge from empty. There’s also an on/off switch, which makes it much more convenient for shorter usage times than traditional catalytic hand warmers (like our other pick), which run until the fuel is depleted.

A three-position switch controls the EnergyFlux. Sliding the switch to the “1” mark puts it into low heat mode, and an LED glows green. Moving the switch to the third position turns the heat up to high, and the LED correspondingly changes to red. It takes about seven minutes for the EnergyFlux to fully heat up, but you can feel the heat increasing in a minute or so.

The metal surface gets too hot to touch directly, reaching temps of up to 124 degrees Fahrenheit when running on the high setting. Placing the warmer inside the included sleeve brought that down to a toasty, comfortable 111 degrees—on a par with the top performers in our test. The EnergyFlux ran at full tilt for 6 hours, 20 minutes. The manufacturer suggests that it’s likely to run on the high setting for three and a half hours, but additional tests netted similar 6-hour-plus results.

Using the included USB adapter, you can charge your phone or other small device. During testing, it filled up my iPhone 6 battery—which had dipped into single digits of remaining battery life—in about 2 hours, 15 minutes. By comparison, a standard iPhone charger plugged into an AC outlet takes 1 hour, 40 minutes to recharge from the same state. To charge a USB device, simply plug in your phone and it starts drawing a charge from the battery, without heating things up.

Human Creations has since discontinued the model I tested and replaced it with the EnergyFlux Ellipse, a version with a larger, 5,200 mAh battery. This bigger battery should only increase its life, so we still feel confident recommending the newer hand warmer.


Flaws but not dealbreakers

All battery-powered warmers have drawbacks. Price is one. While the Zippo and other catalytic hand warmers are in the $14 to $18 range, you’ll probably pay around $30 for the EnergyFlux. Since it’s basically a large battery, the EnergyFlux (and others like it) will eventually lose ability to hold a useful charge, but the manufacturer rates the lithium-ion battery inside for up to 500 charges. The EnergyFlux lacks a battery gauge beyond a low-battery warning, so frequent users will have to keep track of the unit’s remaining charge on their own.

Since it does require electricity to charge, the EnergyFlux (and its brethren) would make a poor choice for anyone who is away from an outlet for more than a few hours at a time. It’s also heavier: The EnergyFlux weighs 4.8 ounces, while our favorite catalytic model weighs only 2.5 ounces. That weight difference might not matter to anyone but backpackers, who would probably rule out a rechargeable hand warmer anyway in favor of a catalytic model.


Runner-up
Also Great

$47* from Amazon
$70 from Sears


*At the time of publishing, the price was $46.
Runner-up: USB Convenience with longer run timesKomfort Solutions Kozy Xcel Hand Warmer
It will run for longer than eight hours and has a shape that might work better for people with smaller hands.

If you need the convenience of a rechargeable hand warmer and longer run times, the Kozy Xcel from Komfort Solutions is our runner-up pick. The 9-ounce, 8,800 mAh battery I tested lasts longer than our pick but costs around $40 at the time of writing. That extra money gets you an average of 8 hours, 17 minutes on the high setting. We also like the rounded square shape (which is easier to grip for people with smaller hands) and the array of four LEDs that act as a fuel gauge. The 8,800 mAh battery was the largest in our test group so far—useful for smartphones or other devices that can charge via USB. It recharges an iPhone at the same rate as the EnergyFlux. The eight-hour run time hits a sweet spot between our more affordable, shorter-running pick and a catalytic hand warmer. Kozy has since increased the capacity of the Xcel Hand Warmer’s battery to 10,400 mAh, but the device remains otherwise unchanged, so we feel confident recommending the new version, with what should be a longer life.


The Kozy Xcel lasts all day and doubles the battery capacity of our main pick.


Flaws but not dealbreakers

The most obvious downside is the price, and during our time testing these products, the Xcel routinely cost more than our pick. It also gets pretty hot when used outside the pouch. It tops out at 121 degrees Fahrenheit—a few degrees cooler than the EnergyFlux but still plenty warm to keep your hands comfortable. Using it in the included pouch (which is recommended) brought the temperature down to a toasty-but-comfortable 112 degrees.

While run times were among the highest of rechargeable hand warmers we’ve tested so far, they were nowhere near the “10-12 hour” claim on the Xcel’s Amazon listing. Also, for whatever reason, blue LEDs seem to be many hand warmer manufacturers’ favorite color, and blue LEDs have a reputation for being painfully bright. The LEDs on the Xcel are no exception. It’s an admittedly small complaint, but you’ll find yourself staring at them often while checking to see how much charge is left, and the lights “fill” while the hand warmer is charging (which takes about 7½ hours).

5 Ways The UPS Store Helps Solopreneurs Do Business

Launching a company on your own may be a daunting challenge, but most solopreneurs would not have it any other way. The independence—both financial and personal—waiting on the other side of success is simply too attractive to ignore. However, getting there is rarely a quick and bump-free ride, and common mistakes are well documented.

Fortunately, you do not have to embark on this new adventure alone, even if you are the sole proprietor. Here are five ways The UPS Store can help you succeed:

1. Print services

Whoever said "print is dead" did not foresee the current slate of printing options available. While Internet clutter multiplies exponentially by the day, small business owners who use the printed word effectively are finding an opportunity with new and past clients. Well-designed catalogs, fliers, business cards and brochures stand out in a world of websites and advertising on social media feeds. Of course, it takes more than a slick piece of paper to land a customer or make a repeat sale, but the idea behind print is that it is still a very effective business tool.

In terms of 3D printing, The UPS Store has the technology of the future available to small business owners at 62 locations nationwide. Companies who need to produce a prototype can bring a CAD file to a 3D print location and have a print expert guide you through the process. Before you buy a 3D printer, test out the process and determine whether it is worth the investment and the maintenance required. And if you just need to use a 3D printer periodically, you now have a convenient way to access this cutting-edge technology at your local UPS Store.

2. Marketing

If the Internet is your primary place of business, then online marketing efforts are the key to separating your company from the pack. A strong website, great ads on social media, and engaging e-mail campaigns are crucial to finding your audience. Whether you need to make your site mobile friendly or need a total redesign, you can find graphic design and tech help through small business solutions from The UPS Store. Solopreneurs can take advantage of these marketing resources and get a discount on email marketing, social media campaigns and web design by visiting The UPS Store marketing solutions.

3. Packing and shipping

Your local The UPS Store is an incredibly useful hub for packing and shipping goods domestically and overseas. Whether you deal with fine art, sports equipment, delicate antiques, or electronics, there are shipping and fulfillment solutions available. Small business owners have to decide at some point whether they want to handle this busy work or outsource it to the experts. If you would rather leave the scaling headache to a company that is equipped to handle the job, head to your local The UPS Store.

4. Business mailboxes

Office space is often limited—if not nonexistent—for entrepreneurs. This makes it difficult to store packages as they come and go. Likewise, business owners who are constantly on the go may have trouble receiving shipments. Having business mail sent to your home address or leaving packages unattended on your doorstep is not ideal. Luckily, business mailboxes eliminate these issues along with giving your business a real street address. Similar to a concierge service, when you are unavailable to take a package, the store takes it and notifies you electronically. This solution also gives you 24/7 access to your mail.

5. Accounting and financing

Solopreneurs often have a single focus on the idea behind a company, and that is how businesses are founded. However, there are serious consequences to neglecting bookkeeping in the early stages of a company's life. Tax issues, payroll problems, and returned checks become expensive mistakes. While you are getting off the ground and cannot afford a full-time accountant, The UPS Store small business resources can provide these services on a freelance basis. Alternative financing is also available when your growing business needs it.

The UPS Store can serve as a one-stop shop for small business owners. Start by checking out these options, and then explore the other valuable services available to you.

Is the Next Wave of Social Media Apps Right for Your Small Business?

Launching a successful small business requires a lot of planning on your end. After all, you need to establish capital and develop the right product for the right market. A solid business plan should lay out each piece of the puzzle. On the marketing end, you need to establish ways to connect with your audience and determine whether or not your current business strategy is working. In order to accomplish this task, you must explore the various different social media networks that are currently available. By learning more about the latest social media apps, you can decide which tools and platforms will work best for your business.

Why are you using social media?

Too many small business owners create accounts on various different social media sites without establishing a specific purpose. While it is crucial for all companies to explore new ways to connect with their customers, you need to make sure your investment—in time and money—bears fruit. In order to make your effort count, you should only create a new social media account if you are sure that it will be valuable to your desired audience. You should learn how each platform works (and how your company can profit from it) before you work to grow your social media presence. Once you have that information, you can look into different networks and tools to determine which options would work best for your business.

Social media apps to explore

Here are some new social apps that you may want to consider investing in:

Buffer

If you are handling social media management with a small team, Buffer should be on your radar. This app allows you to schedule posts on Facebook, Twitter, and other networks so that you can optimize your publishing cadence for your audience. Once you determine the time of day when your customers are most active on social media, you can use Buffer to set up your publishing schedule accordingly.

ManageFlitter

ManageFlitter provides you with a variety of different tools to help you optimize your Twitter account usage. This app allows you to sort your followers by a range of criteria, track who unfollowed you, and find new relevant accounts that you should be following in order to stay engaged in your community.

Commun.it

While ManageFlitter is the key to follower management, Commun.it is an essential app for Twitter interaction. When you are trying to grow your social media presence, it is important to remember that followers or readers who are retweeting, liking, and commenting on your posts deserve your attention. Commun.it provides you with Twitter analytics that allow you to identify the most valuable members of your community. You can then use these insights to show your appreciation and interact with your most engaged followers. These insights also allow you to quickly and easily measure your social media efforts.

Agorapulse

Once you build up a roster of social apps, you need to establish a way to manage them on a daily basis. Agorapulse does the heavy lifting on that front. This app provides you with the tools you need to create campaigns, grow your lead database, and get to know your followers. You can even use this platform to run promotions, quizzes, and contests. Meanwhile, Agorapulse provides you with insights that allow you to determine how you stack up against your competitors.

When analyzing the latest wave of social media apps, it is important to remember that these platforms may not necessarily be useful for every business. Once you develop a thorough understanding of your social media mission and audience, you can invest in the apps and tools that will make it easier for you and your team members to reach your goals.

Regular Roof Cleaning - Why Is It Necessary? Tips by NYC Roofing Contractors

When talking about regular roof cleaning this does not mean that it should be done every month but should be done at least once a year. Most homeowners do not feel comfortable do this so they hire a professional roof cleaner. Your roof naturally collects grime, debris, algae, moss, and dirt that needs cleaned off. By doing so it will increase the value of your home should you decide to do it. It will also extend the lifespan of your roof. By choosing right roofing contractor you avoid all the problems that are given below if are located in NYC.

Removing debris
Debris can include small tree branches, leaves, etc and is one of the easiest parts of roof cleaning. If the homeowner decides that they want to pull some of the smaller branches off the roof they need to make sure that they have a sturdy ladder to use. If you are going onto the roof as advised by NYC roofing contractors to get any larger pieces or to sweep off the leaves, make sure that you are wearing slip proof shoes. You should also have someone on the ground to watch and make sure that you do not fall and to help hold the ladder steady. Be careful when tossing off the branches that you do not lose your balance and fall. If you have a long extension cord, you could use a leaf blower to blow the leaves off the roof and then use a broom to sweep the rest off. After your roof cleaning, you will need to take the time to clean the gutters of the leaves that have blown into them.

Removing algae and moss
This is something that a homeowner could do but most leave this job to a professional roof cleaning service because they have the knowledge and cleaning supplies and tools to do the job correctly. Both of these are natural enemies of your roof and are capable of causing leaks in the roof. They should be removed promptly, which may mean every few months instead of once or twice a year. It depends on how bad it is. The professional NYC roofing contractor will provide you with service that generally uses an acidic solution with a pH level that is below four. The solution is a 50/50 ratio of hot water and vinegar. You can also add some citrus juice to the mix. If your roof is plagued more by moss, they will apply it to your roof and not rinse it off so it will have time to kill the moss. If it is algae growth, they will use the same acidic solution but will clean off the algae using a soft brush to scrub the area until it is removed. Make sure that the professional roof cleaning services do not use a pressure washer because it can damage your roof.

National Small Business Week Celebrates The American Entrepreneurial Spirit

What creates two out of three net new American jobs; produces close to half of our nation’s goods and services (nonfarm private GDP); and can be found, coast to coast, in every small town, big city and rural enclave?

The 28 million small businesses that propel our economy forward and define our national entrepreneurial spirit.

To be American is to have the freedom to innovate, take risks, create, transform and put in the hard work that has led to the successes – and failures – that define human progress. From May 1-6, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize and honor the critical and life altering contributions of America’s moms and pops, manufacturing enterprises, Main Street retailers and entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week.

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation setting aside one week to “recommit to advancing these vital enterprises, and celebrate their contributions to our collective American story.” As Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said, it was small businesses that powered our recovery after the Great Recession.

This year’s National Small Business Week, themed “SBA: Dream Big, Start Small,” will include special events in Atlanta, New York, Denver, Phoenix, San Jose, Oakland and Washington, D.C.

America is one of the few countries that gives entrepreneurs a seat at the President’s cabinet table. This allows the SBA to provide an amplified voice for small businesses and represent their divergent interests.

The SBA also offers an extensive national network of small business lenders and counselors that is unmatched anywhere in the world. Many innovators with great ideas and great potential do not begin with great wealth, so they need a great government partner to support their success.

The SBA offers the “three Cs” to help aspiring entrepreneurs start up and scale up by making counseling available, providing more choices and chances to secure capital, and by helping them seize market opportunities to commercialize their ideas. These risk takers will help make our lives more productive, safer, healthier and benefit society overall.

Capital: SBA fills gaps in the commercial lending marketplace so success in the small business sector is based on merit, not family wealth.

Counseling: SBA provides free consultation and advice to help Main Street succee.

Contracts: SBA levels the playing field with big business by helping small businesses capture new revenue and new customers by winning government contracts, joining corporate supply chains, and exporting beyond our borders.

This year, during National Small Business Week, we recommit ourselves to those fearless entrepreneurs who plan well, work hard, and dream big. Every business starts small. Many of today’s most recognized brands were once small businesses until they found an SBA counselor, lender or investor.

I came to this country as a 5-year old immigrant who didn’t speak a word of English. Today, I serve in the cabinet of the President of the United States. My story is possible only because of America's promise and its entrepreneurial spirit. I'm proud to lead an incredibly talented team assembled from across the country ready to serve you.

Success in business comes one small step at a time. So dream big, take that next small step today, because the next great American success story could be staring back at you in the mirror.