During winters, it becomes very difficult to travel in a car because you feel cold and need some warmth. In order to make your travelling experience warm and enjoyable, manufacturers have made an accessory which is known as a portable car heater. These best portable car heaters can be a lifesaver for you in cold weather. No matter how cold your car is, a portable heater immediately provides warmth and comfort to you. There are many electric heating options available for cars and for larger vehicles. Compact heaters are designed to defrost your windshield and heated massager cushions warm you up within no time.
There are different types of portable heaters such as powerful propane units, ceramic truck heaters, inline diesel heaters and defrosters. They can easily operate from a 12V cigarette lighter outlet. As there are numerous different forms of portable heaters that come with different features, it might be a difficult task for you to choose the best product for you. In order to help you, we are providing you with a buying guide that will explain all the key features that you should look for while buying a portable car heater for you. Read our buying guide and find the best portable heater for you.
Best Portable Heaters For Cars In 2023
1: Caframo Limited True North Space Heater
This top portable electric car heaters comes with a built-in adjustable thermostat that keeps the room warm on the chilliest of nights. There are five heating settings and you can adjust according to your desire.
It features dual overheat protection that makes it very safe to use. It is perfect to use at home, the cottage or in the RV.
Pros
- It comes with an adjustable thermostat
- It features five heating settings
- It comes with a dual overheat protection for safety
- Its noise level is less
Cons
- Not suitable for camping
- Cheaply made
2: Comfier Massage Seat Cushion With Heat
This back massager comes with 10 vibrating motors and its heat function provides soothing gentle massage for the back in order to relieve stress and muscle tension. Its customized setting helps you to choose the massaging area and there are all-inclusive 5 programmed modes and 3 variable massage intensities to give you the best massage you can customize.
Its massage cushion comes with heat functions on the full back and seat area that provides heat therapeutics for back, hip and thighs. There are two heat levels available and the back heater and seat heater can work separately. Its auto shut-off system ensures safety and it automatically shuts off after 30 min. These best portable car seat heater is very safe and reliable to use.
Pros
- There are 10 vibrating modes
- Customized setting helps to choose the desired massaging area
- Massage cushion provides heat for back, hip and thighs
- Two heat levels are available
- It features an auto shut-off system
- It is highly safe and reliable
Cons
- Vibrations are loud
3: Zerostart Interior Car Warmer Electric Portable Heater
It is an ideal car warmer to use in passenger, light-duty, and recreational vehicles. It will make your car windows frost free even before your engine starts and it provides warmth within seconds.
Due to the automatic high temperature safety sensor, it automatically shuts off when temperature reaches 158° F (70° C). It automatically resets and resumes heating after a 15 -30 minute cool-down. It is a perfect choice for you to use in winter and in order to stay warm while travelling.
Pros
- It provides you frost-free windows
- It automatically shuts off and ensures safety
- It automatically resumes heating after 20 minutes of cool down
- It comes with a universal fit
Cons
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- It is not durable
- It requires professional installation
4: Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater
This mini heater is very compact and it is specifically designed for tables or desktops. It features efficient ceramic rolls that will heat up the space within seconds.
It is available in four different colors so that you can choose according to your decor. To ensure extra safety, it comes with tip-over protection. It is an ideal heater to use for small spaces such as home or office.
Pros
- It is specifically designed for table and desktops
- Due to ceramic rolls, it heats up the space within seconds
- It is available in four different colors
- It comes with tip-over protection to ensure extra safety
- It is ideal to use for small spaces
Cons
- It smells bad due to chemicals
- There is no auto shut-off
5: Portable Car Heater,Auto Heater Fan,Car Defogger
This high powered heater helps you to make your windows frost free within seconds. Two strategically placed vents of high powered fans provide heat to both the windshield and the inside of the car.
This heater uses energy from the alternator making it the most efficient way to stay warm and heats up the car within 60 seconds. This multi-purpose heater can also be used to defrost windows. It is made up of ABS material and is durable to use.
Pros
- This heater helps to defrost the windows of your car
- Strategically placed vents provide heat to windshield and inside the car
- It uses the most efficient way to heat up your car
- It is durable because it is made up of ABS material
Cons
- It takes some time to warm up the place
- Weak output of heat
6:Mr. Heater Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater
This imported heater is made up of plastic, steel and nickel. It covers up the space up to 225 square feet and can be used for both indoor and outdoor. It works very efficiently. It features a fold-down handle that makes it easy to carry and move.
It is the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces like large tents up to 200 sq. ft. Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over ensures safety while using this heater in an enclosed space.
Pros
- Manufacturing material is high quality plastic and steel
- It can be used for both indoor and outdoor
- A fold-down handle makes it easy to move
- It is perfectly designed to heat enclosed spaces
- Oxygen depletion sensor ensures safety
Cons
- It might cause serious injuries
7: RoadPro RPSL-681 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater/Fan
This ceramic heater can directly hook up to your vehicle battery and provides warmth to you. You can easily switch it from heat to cool settings any time. It is perfect to heat up enclosed spaces.
If you are looking for a car heater, then this heater is highly recommended to you. It comes with all the tools that are required for installation.
Pros
- It can directly hook up to your vehicle battery
- It can be switched from heat to cool settings
- Specifically designed to heat up enclosed spaces
Cons
- It requires professional installation
8: Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater 12V Diesel Parking Heater
This aluminum constructed heater is integrally formed and provides fast heating. The optimized frequency conversion ECU accurately controls the injection frequency of the oil pump, and controls the intake air amount with the precise speed to extend the service life of the heater.
Due to blower speed control, silent fan, silent oil pump, it effectively reduces noise. It includes all mounting screws, installation kit with installing instructions. This diesel heater is perfect for various diesel mechanical vehicles such as cars, buses, RVs, trucks, engineering vehicles, etc.
Pros
- It is made up of durable aluminum body
- It produces low noise due to silent fan and silent oil pump
- It comes with a complete accessory kit
- It can be used for various diesel vehicles
Cons
- No assembly instructions
- Not long lasting
9: Koonie 10000mAh Rechargeable Portable
The Koonie 10000mAh Rechargeable Portable Fan, an 8-Inch Battery Operated Clip-on Fan in sleek black. Designed for versatility, it features a sturdy clamp, making it perfect for office desks, golf carts, outdoor travels, camping tents, gym sessions, and even treadmill workouts.
With USB compatibility, it offers four adjustable speeds, ensuring a powerful airflow to keep you cool and refreshed wherever you are. Stay comfortable on the go with the Koonie Clip-on Fan.
Pros
- The Koonie fan’s compact size and rechargeable battery make it highly portable.
- With four adjustable speed settings, you can tailor the airflow to your preference.
- The fan’s design ensures a robust airflow, effectively cooling you down even in hot conditions.
Cons
- Size Limitation
- Noise Level
- Battery Dependency
10: Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
The Vornado MVH Vortex Heater in sleek black, offering exceptional heating performance and safety features. With three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, it ensures customized warmth for any room.
The integrated Tip-Over Protection and Auto Safety Shut-Off System provide peace of mind, instantly turning off the heater if accidentally knocked over or if safety is compromised. Designed to heat an entire room efficiently, the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater combines comfort with advanced safety technology.
Pros
- Effective Heating
- Customizable Settings
- Safety Features
- Whole Room Heating
- Sleek Design
- Quiet Operation
Cons
- Limited Color Options
- Energy Consumption
The Best Portable Car Heaters Guide:
Benefits of using portable car heaters
- Comfort
If you live in an area where it is too cold and you start to shiver whenever you take a ride in your car, a portable heater is best for you as it provides maximum warmth and comfort to you. By having a heater in your car, you can go anywhere even during harsh winters or snow fall.
- Feasibility
During harsh winters, when your windows are completely frozen and you can hardly feel your fingers, a portable heater is such a practical thing to have in your car. It makes your windshield clear and makes the inside of your car warm in no time.
Key Features To Look For In A Portable Car Heaters
- Power
Before buying a car heater, make sure that the heater’s voltage matches with the voltage from your car. Identify how heaters are powered in your car because it is very necessary to buy a heater that is compatible with your car. Most of the heaters use 12V cigarette lighter port.
- Efficiency
Due to efficiency percentage, you will have a good idea about utilization of heat from a portable car heater. Most of the heaters are efficient but have a look to make sure that percentage is 95% or above.
- Safety
In order to add safety while using a portable heater, you should look for Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS) or an accidently trip-off feature that shuts off the heater on its own without causing any damage.
- Suitability
Before buying a heater, make sure that it is suitable for your car because some larger and powerful heaters do not suit cars and you can get into trouble. If your vehicle is large, you can jot down the size of the area that you would like to heat.
- Budget
It is one of the most important features while buying any product. If you have a low budget, then simply go for a portable car heater but if you have a high budget, you can go for other options such as heated car seats or heated blankets that provide you a great deal of comfort.
Tips For Using A Portable Car Heater
There are some safety precautions that you need to take while using a portable car heater in your car.
- Keep water away from the heater
- Choose a heater that comes with a trip-over feature
- Make sure that your heater has a thermostat
- Plug you heater into correct power outlet
- Shut off the heater when it is not is use
Conclusion:
Best car heater cigarette lighter play a very significant role in travelling during harsh winter weather. It helps you to stay warm and comfortable while travelling.
There are numerous features that need to be addressed such as safety, efficiency, suitability and compatibility with your vehicle. If you want to buy the best portable heater for you, read our buying guide as it will prove very helpful to you.
Portable Car Heaters FAQs
Q: Is it safe to use a portable car heater?
A: Before buying a heater for your car, make sure that it has a safety certificate and is designed to use in a vehicle. Make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle. Do not risk your life by choosing a cheapest heater for your car and look for reputable brands.
Q: Does a portable car heater come with a remote?
A: Some of the portable heaters come with a remote you that you can operate them easily while being seated. But for some of the heaters, you have to operate them directly.
Q: How much time a heater is required to warm up the whole car?
A: There is no specific time and it varies. Some larger powerful heaters require less time whereas, if your vehicle is large, it will take some time to warm up the whole vehicle.