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Best Portable Car Heater
Each of this product included in the product review section comes with pros and cons and features to help you find the best portable car heater that matched your needs.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
Size Of The Vehicle
Another important criterion that you should consider before choosing the best portable car heater is the size of your car.
Another important criterion that you should consider before choosing the best portable car heater is the size of your car.
Small cars
If you have a small vehicle, some brands or models could actually work. However, do not choose the models that have ceramic heaters and has several fans. Also, ensure that the heater is at least 150 –watts with one fan. This means that it is capable of producing more energy. Choose the one with tungsten or other elements.
Larger vehicles
If you own a larger vehicle or you are located in an area where there is a remarkably cold climate, you may want to consider the diesel type of air heater. However, if you want this type, do not choose the one that entails being placed exposed in your vehicle. It just involves too many risks and it will cause you more time cleaning up the exhaust mess. Choose the inline model if you have enough space and you do not mind an ample set of fittings.
Power Source
Voltage and Power Rating
In addition to the size of the vehicle and the type of heater, other essential factors that you should consider in choosing the best portable car heater are the Power rating and the voltage rating.
It is very important that you know what these two vital terms mean.
Power rating
The power rating of heater refers to the amount in Watts of the produced power the heater can release. In terms of power rating, the majority of the models today clock in between 150 and 180 –watts. Car heaters give off energy in terms of heat, which means that their power rating represents the level of heat that they release.
Voltage rating
On the other hand, the voltage rating is the level of voltage which the unit has been made to function. All of the portable heaters operate at 12 –volts and can be connected in the lighter’s port of the vehicle.
Color
Build and Design
The build, as well as the design of the unit, are other important factors that should be given consideration when choosing the best portable car heater.
The build could include the material components and the level of craftsmanship of the manufacturer. It should be well constructed and could easily fit in your vehicle. There are several models that can be easily affixed to the car’ dashboard.
Safety Hazards
Types
There are two types of portable car heater that you can find in the market today. These are the 12 –volts and the diesel type.
12V Portable Car Heaters
There are cars that have electric heaters that are more economical and much safer on paper. However, when it comes to application, the port where you plug this heater only has a 12 –volts capacity. This rating is not powerful enough to deliver an electric shock to human skin.
This amount of voltage is usually utilized by PC motherboards that range between 5 and 12 volts. If you notice, the central processing unit often exerts a high level of heat if you use the PC or laptop for a long time. This only means that with the right design, it is feasible to warm a small space despite its low yield of power.
This is the problem of most of the units today. A substantial number of this type of car heaters are not really very powerful and are sometimes considered useless especially when used in a much colder environment. Although you can release a decent level of heat if most of the voltage is not properly utilized, it becomes thermally wasted.
When this happens, the power is spread between the heating coils and the fan. While this is inevitable because the heated air moves, poor fan design that consumes a lot of power only means that the heat produced will not have a staying power compared to the cold environment where it is released.
When the heated air is released inside the chamber and wafted out of the fans, it has remarkably lost a hefty amount of energy that it had. In other words, these models usually take longer to release heat, produce a very weak level of heat, and will never heat your vehicle if the air is frigid.
Diesel Air Heaters
Compared to the 12 –volts portable heater, the diesel air heater offers more heat in a fast way. The drawback is that this type releases exhaust and the disposal of which is always a problem. There are several models that provide an exhaust line that can be linked to the ventilation system of your vehicle. Some are even vented out of the window using a flushing to seal it.
Another drawback of the diesel air heater is that it could pose several risks. This is a big device with a detached combustion motor. In other words, there is a real fire inside your car. This could be a potential risk for fume leaks, fire hazards, and other problems. The diesel air heater is not the best option if you are after the safety or if you are using it in a family vehicle.
This type of heater is also a bit expensive and the cost of fuel varies every now and then. While it can really warm your car, it offers more setting up hassles and dangers for you, your vehicle, and your loved ones.
Features
Other Features
Additional features are not really required or necessary.
However, in most cases, these extra features make the unit more expensive or make it more functional. Some of the extra features include the availability of warm and cool switch. This enables you to switch the heater to cool so that it produces cold air. Other features could also include the safety or security features.
Before making that decision to buy the model that you think is best for you, do some research first. It is always helpful to read reviews and blogs to learn more about the product. Remember, users will not sugar-coat their words when the product has a very poor performance or a waste of money.
Best Portable Car Heater
1. Caframo Limited True North
This could be the ideal choice if you are looking for a durable product that has a low profile construction and comes with an anti-freeze setting.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 9.2 -inches x 4.4 -inches x 4.4 –inches.
Power Source
You can easily install or mount this unit inside your car and plug it on the 12 –volts cigarette lighter port.
Color
This model is available in black color.
Safety Hazards
It is equipped with an over-temperature button. When this is turned on, the bearings of the motor stiffed and the fan does not move to release enough air.
Weight
This model has an overall item weight of 5.25 –pounds and a shipping weight of 5.5 –pounds.
Insulation
It offers the much-needed heat that your car requires.
Features
It features three heat levels namely 500 –watts, 900 –watts, and 1,200 –watts. This enables you to set your desired level of heat. It also comes with two speeds for the fan. This way you can set the fan speed for maximum heating. This model is equipped with an anti-freeze setting that allows you to remove the ice from your vehicle’s windows and windshield. It also has a built-in thermostat. In addition, this product is tested and approved by the CSA.
Style
This is a 12 -volts portable heater that utilizes electricity to function.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of the portable space heater and an instruction manual.
2. Camco Olympian Wave
This could be the perfect choice if you are looking for a model or brand that you can use as a secondary source of heat for your car or for your home.
Read moreSize
This model has an overall product dimension of 5 -inches x 12 -inches x 15 –inches.
Power Source
It is powered by butane gas, and does not require any electrical connection.
Color
This model is available in black and white color combination.
Safety Hazards
It comes with a safety shut off valve that secures the unit to prevent it from accidentally ignited.
Weight
This model has an overall shipping weight of 9 –pounds and an item weight of 1 –pound.
Insulation
It can provide heat to an area with up to 1,000 square feet.
Features
It features a wave technology that releases heat. It can produce heat that ranges within 1600 to 3000 BTU per hour. This model can be used as a portable unit or can also be mounted on the wall of your home. It does not require a battery connection and does not drain its electricity. This means that you can bring it with you during camping and other outdoor activities. It is also very silent that you will hardly notice that the motor is running.
Style
This model can be mounted on the wall and can also function as a portable or standalone space heater.
Accessories
The entire pack contains one unit of space heater and one user manual.
3. STYLOOC 2-in-1
This could be the best choice if you are looking for a durable unit that you can use wherever you go.
Read moreSize
This model has an overall product dimension of 17.9 -centimeters x 13.9 -centimeters x 7.7 –centimeters.
Power Source
It has a power rating of 150 –watts and utilizes a 12 –volts power source.
Color
This model is available in red and black color combination.
Safety Hazards
This unit has a thick frame that acts as its protection to prevent you from accidentally touching the hot surface.
Weight
It has an overall item weight of 386 –grams.
Insulation
You can use this model to warm up any kind of spaces.
Features
It features an ergonomic design that allows you to use it with ease. It can be used to clear your windshield or windows of thin ice. This model can also be used during summer as a ventilator. It can also serve as a demister that easily removes the cloud of fog in the glass of your vehicle. In addition, it comes with a heat outlet that has a very high temperature that heats fast and offers convenient heat.
Style
This is a portable unit that can stand on its own. You can also mount it to ensure that it will not fall off or knocked over especially when your vehicle is on the road.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of portable space heater. It also comes with a user manual that you can use to effectively use the unit.
4. Zerostart 2600900
This could be the supreme choice if you are looking for a unit that is not only easy to install but also offers you a frost free vehicle window.
Read moreSize
This model has an overall product dimension of 21.8 -centimeters x 16.3 -centimeters x 11.2 –centimeters.
Power Source
It has a powerful 900 –watts motor that utilizes 120 –volts of electric power source.
Color
It is available in black color.
Safety Hazards
The motor of this unit is enclosed in a hardened and well constructed material to prevent you from accidentally burning your fingers or skin.
Weight
It has an item weight of 1.38 –kilograms and a shipping weight of 1.4 –kilograms.
Insulation
This model has a powerful motor that can produce up to 3,000 BTU and can warm any space fast.
Features
It features a solid construction that secures the contents. It has a powerful motor that has a power rating of 900 –watts. This model can produce 3,000 BTU, which is ideal if you want to heat any space fast. This model can also remove frost from your car’s window so you can drive with ease and free from destruction.
Style
It is a portable unit that you can also mount in your vehicle.
Accessories
The entire pack is consists of one unit of portable space heater and a user manual. It also comes with screws and a mounting bracket.
5. STYLOOC 3-Outlet
It could be a great choice if you are looking for a high-quality model or brand that is very functional.
Read moreSize
It has a product dimension of 16 –centimeters x 11.5 –centimeters x 9.5 –centimeters or 6.3 –inches x 4.53 –inches x 3.74 –inches.
Power Source
This unit has a powerful 150 –watts motor that utilizes 12 –volts power source.
Color
It is available in black and silver color combination.
Safety Hazards
This model has an auto power failure protection that protects the unit from being damaged.
Weight
It has an overall item weight of 386 –grams.
Insulation
This unit has a power rating of 150 –watts that can easily heat up the space where you place it.
Features
It features a durable construction and high-quality wirings that don't easily wear out or damages. It functions as a fast way to clean the fog, mist, and frost from your vehicle. This model has three outlets to make sure that it heats or cools the space fast. It can also serve as a ventilator.
Style
It is a portable standalone model that you can also mount on your vehicle.
Accessories
The entire pack is consists of one unit portable space heater, one adhesive pad, one fuse, and two nails.
6. Power Tiger
This could be the ideal choice if you are looking for a high-quality unit that does not only heats up your space but can also be used to cool it.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 16.4 -centimeters x 12 -centimeters x 8.2 –centimeters.
Power Source
This unit utilizes a 12 –volts or 13 –amperes of electricity.
Color
It is available in black and grey color combination.
Safety Hazards
This unit has a premium construction and high quality wirings that protect the motor and the user from accidentally burning fingers.
Weight
This model has an overall item weight of 399 –grams and a total shipping weight of 458 –grams.
Insulation
With its three outlets, you can be sure that this product will heat your vehicle quickly.
Features
It features premium material components that ensure that the unit is durable and can be of service to you for a long time. It comes with a long cable that allows you to easily position it wherever you want. This model can be used to clean the mist, frost, or frog from the window and windshield of your vehicle. It can function as a heater and as a fan.
Style
It is a portable unit that can standalone. You can also mount it in your car to ensure that it is installed and is stable.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of portable space heater, an instruction manual, and necessary wirings.
7. Gorgebuy
This could be the perfect choice if you are looking for a multi-purpose unit that utilizes ceramic heating.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 7.6 -inches x 5.1 -inches x 3.8 –inches.
Power Source
This unit has a powerful 150 –watts motor that utilizes 12 –volts of electricity.
Color
It is available in black color.
Safety Hazards
This model is enclosed in a sturdy frame with a grill design that ensures that you get the right amount of heat that you need without exposing your fingers or skin from too much heat.
Weight
It has an item weight of 15.2 –ounces.
Insulation
This model can easily heat a small space and can provide you with the warmth that you need fast.
Features
It features a more efficient heating through the use of ceramic elements. It is a multipurpose space heater that you can use as a demisted to remove mist, frost, and fog from your vehicle’s windshield and windows. This unit can also be used as a fan to cool your car during hot days. It has an ergonomic design and is very easy to use.
Style
This model is a portable unit that you can mount or just let it stand in your car.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of a portable space heater, a user manual, and wiring.
8. Imoocare Fast Heating
It could be the best choice if you are looking for a multi-functional model or brand that offers fast heating.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 7.3 -inches x 5.1 -inches x 3.8 –inches.
Power Source
This model has a powerful 150 –watts motor that can be plugged to a 12 –volts outlet.
Color
It is available in black color.
Safety Hazards
It is made of high-quality premium material components and durable wiring to ensure that the product is sturdy and can be used for a long period of time.
Weight
This model is lightweight and only weighs a pound.
Insulation
It has a powerful motor that has a three-outlet design to ensure that your car is heated fast.
Features
It features three outlets design that ensures fast heating. In fact, this model can heat your vehicle in as fast as 60 seconds. This is very helpful and can prevent your engine from hypothermia start. This model is made of high quality material components to ensure longer usage. It also offers multiple functions such as a defogger, demister, fan, and heater. It is compact and very easy to install.
Style
This is a portable model that you can mount on your car or just let it stand to heat your vehicle.
Accessories
The pack contains one unit of space heater, adhesive, two nails, and a user manual.
9. NINGCO Heater
This could be the supreme choice if you are looking for a unit that can serve both as a heater and a cooler.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 7 –inches x 5.5 -inches x 2.9 –inches.
Power Source
This model has a powerful 150 –watts motor. You can easily plug it to a 12 –volts outlet.
Color
It is available in gray and black color combination.
Safety Hazards
To ensure that the unit does not overheat, it has perforations on the top part as part of its design.
Weight
It has an overall item weight of 13.9 –ounces.
Insulation
This unit can easily warm your car in seconds so you do not have to wait for a long time for your vehicle to be warm.
Features
It features dual functioning unit that acts either as a heater during cold months or a cooler during hot days. It is made of durable and high quality materials to ensure that you can enjoy it for a long period of time. This model is very easy to install and does not require anything but to simply plugging it on the outlet. It also comes with a universal adjustment to make sure that it does not blow on dead angles.
Style
It is a portable unit that can also be mounted to ensure the unit’s stability.
Accessories
The entire pack comes with one unit of ceramic space heater, one double sided adhesive tape, and a user manual.
10. Womdee
This could be a great choice if you are looking for a product that offers powerful heating and is multi-functional.
Read moreSize
It has an overall product dimension of 5.9 –inches x 4.48 –inches.
Power Source
It has a voltage rating of 150 –watts and a power rating of 12 –volts. You can plug this device to any outlet with 12 –volts of electricity.
Color
It is available in black color.
Safety Hazards
Makes use of thick copper cables that are thicker compared to other brands. This ensures safety usage.
Weight
It has an overall item weight of 14 –ounces.
Insulation
You can use this unit if you want to quickly heat or cool your car.
Features
It features a built-in powerful three-outlet design to make sure that the heat is dispersed in a fast way. This enables you to save oil and also time. It can also serve as a fan or as a heater. This model can also clear your windshield and windows of frost, mist, or fog. It has a 360-degrees rotating base that allows you to easily position it to the place where you want to warm or cool. It comes with air purification to ensure that you get the best air quality inside your car.
Style
This model is a portable type but you can also mount it.
Accessories
The entire pack is composed of one unit of a portable space heater and one 3M adhesive tape.
