Most car heater cores are very hard to replace as they require high labour charges and are very expensive. Some technicians also offer to bypass the heater core but that is not the ideal solution. So, the best alternative is the portable car heater. It helps you to survive the winter months easily without burning a hole in your pocket.
There are some basic things that you need to consider when buying a portable car heater.
It is important to know the size and weight of the portable car heater. It needs to be lightweight and the size should be such that it fits easily inside the car.
You need to consider the power required for the portable heater. The portable heater should be able to draw the required power from the car itself.
There are three options when it comes to the types of portable car heater. However, the safest and best option is the 12V portable car heater as it can easily draw power from the car and is least likely to start a fire.
In this guide, we have listed the best portable car heaters with their best features, advantages, and disadvantages.
Below, you will also find a detailed “Buyer’s Guide” on how to select the best car heater inclusive of all the factors and considerations that one must keep in mind while shopping for a car heater.
NameMaterialWeight & DimensionsPower SourceBuy Now LARDERGO Portable Car HeaterABS & Polymer Heat-resistant Hard Plastic6.37 X 4.4 X 3.42 inches & 16 Oz12V / 150WCheck On Amazon KINOWJI Portable Car HeaterPlastic2.76X3.94X1.97 inches & 15.84 Ounces12V / 150WCheck On Amazon BTFDREEM Portable Car HeaterPlastic2.8 X 4 X 5.6 inches & 13.1 oz12V / 150WCheck On Amazon FAFAAWFF Portable Car HeaterABS Plastic6.5″L x 5.63″W x 3.43″H &11.3 Ounces12V / 150WCheck On Amazon Milukon Portable Car HeaterPlastic5.98″L x 5.04″W x 3.31″H & 12.9 Ounces12V / 150WCheck On Amazon
LARDERGO, a brand synonymous with innovation and quality, presents its Portable Car Heater, a versatile device designed to enhance your driving experience. This compact yet powerful heater boasts a 360-degree rotating base for precise airflow adjustment, ensuring optimal comfort in any weather.
With its 2-in-1 heating and cooling functions, the LARDERGO Portable Car Heater effectively defrosts windshields and mist, keeping your vision clear and your drive safe. Its efficient three-outlet design ensures rapid heating and cooling, while its durable ABS and polymer construction guarantees long-lasting performance. Installation is easy and the self-adhesive pad provided ensures a secure grip, whether mounted on the dashboard or pedestal.
Experience the LARDERGO difference – enhanced comfort, safety, and convenience, all packed into our Portable Car Heater.
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The cigarette lighter plug can get hot.
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KINOWJI Car Windshield Defogger, a compact and versatile solution for year-round comfort in your vehicle. With dimensions of 2.76″L x 3.94″W x 1.97″H, this defogger is a powerful 2-in-1 device compatible with all 12V vehicles. Its radiator smart design, complete with a convenient handle, allows for easy adjustment of the wind direction and angle, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
The 360-degree rotation of the base and adjustable air outlet provide comprehensive warmth, making it effective for defrosting or defogging windows. Operating at 12 volts with a 12 KW wattage, this car heater boasts high power and fast heating, reaching optimal warmth in just 10 seconds. Its 2-in-1 mode enables both heating and cooling, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Ideal for cars, SUVs, trucks, and more, it’s a travel essential for combating cold winters and keeping cool in the summer.
However, users should be cautious about prolonged use, as the high-power device is recommended to be turned off after 40-60 minutes of operation. Additionally, careful handling is advised to prevent burns when unplugging the heater.
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BTFDREEM Car Heater is a versatile 2-in-1 device that functions as both a heater and cooler. Its advanced aluminum alloy heating design ensures rapid heating or cooling, while its low power consumption ensures energy efficiency. Simply plug the heater into your car’s cigarette lighter socket and switch to heat or fan mode to enjoy instant warmth or refreshing coolness.
The heater’s 360-degree rotating base and suction cup bracket allow for flexible placement and adjustment, enabling you to direct the airflow precisely where needed. Its low noise operation ensures a peaceful driving experience, while its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport.
Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or simply seeking comfort during chilly mornings, the BTFDREEM Car Heater is your reliable companion for all your winter driving needs.
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FAFAAWFF Car Heater is a 2-in-1 multi-functional portable car heater that provides quick heating, defrosting, and defogging to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience throughout the year.Powered by a 150W 12V cigarette lighter plug, this compact yet powerful heater swiftly eliminates windshield fog and frost, enhancing visibility and safety. Its dual-speed option offers both warm and cool air, making it an ideal companion for all seasons.
Equipped with an antioxidant alloy heating wire, the FAFAAWFF Car Heater boasts rapid heating, slow aging, and extended service life. Its dual-axis structure allows for 360° rotation and 60° wide-angle heating, directing warm air to your desired spot.
The built-in air purifier ensures fresh and inviting car air, while the 1.5-meter-long wire provides ample reach for fog removal throughout your vehicle. Easy installation and a safe ignition port plug make it a convenient choice for any car owner.
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Milukon presents its 3-in-1 car heater, cooler and defogger, designed to provide comfort and safety for your driving experience. With its compact size, portable design, and easy installation, this versatile device is perfect for cars, jeeps, mini cars, light buses, light trucks, and small special vehicles.
Equipped with a quick cooling design, the car heater can rapidly generate a large area of stable wind to effectively heat up your vehicle, ensuring a clear view and a warm, comfortable drive. Its 3-in-1 functionality allows you to switch between natural fan or heat fan modes, catering to your needs in both hot and cold weather conditions.
The intelligent design features a rotary holder for versatile adjustment, enabling you to direct the airflow to your preferred angle. Additionally, the automatic heating and overheating protection features ensure safe and energy-efficient operation. Simply plug the car heater into your 12V lighter socket and enjoy a comfortable driving experience.
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When selecting a portable car heater, there are several things that you need to consider. From the voltage required to the weight and the size, we have listed some of the basic factors that you need to consider when buying a portable car heater.
Power is a crucial feature when you are considering any portable car heater. This also depends largely on the size of the car you are using. For instance, a 12V portable car heater is sufficient for small cars but does not work well for larger cars or motorhomes.
As you need to carry the portable heater around, the heater must be lightweight. The lightweight structure of the portable car heater will allow you to carry it easily from the car to your house and back without any fatigue. The lightweight design will also make it easy for you to store when not in use.
Before investing in any portable car heater, you need to check its dimensions. This is a very crucial step as you need to see if the portable car heater fits easily inside the car. It will become a useless investment if the heater is not suitable to use in the car.
You need to decide why you need a portable car heater. Whether you need to keep the whole car or RV warm or for the windscreen to melt the frost or a heated cushion that is capable of warming your whole body. Different portable car heaters are suited for each function, so you can choose the one you need accordingly.
You need to make sure that the 12V lighter port in your can handle the portable car heaters. These heaters mostly use the lighter port to draw the power from your car. If the lighter port is not sufficient then you will need an inverter to draw power.
Ans: If the portable car heaters are used properly, they are extremely safe. For example, many 12V car heaters have an inline fuse for safety. However, residential heaters, even portable ones, are not safe for the car.
2. Do portable car heaters work well?Ans: The portable car heaters that are charged by the cigarette lighter outlet cannot suffice for the full heating system of the vehicle while a 12V charger by a battery is more able to provide warmth with an inline fuse. A universal heater that relies on coolant is the best attendance, but they are expensive and very difficult to install.
3. Are propane heaters suitable for cars?Ans: No, using propane heaters in the car is a very bad idea, especially with the windows closed. Along with the harmful propane exhaust, they also emit water vapour and moisture. Therefore, without proper ventilation, the oxygen levels might be reduced and pose a fire risk.
4. How to heat the car without a car heater?Ans: You can heat the car without a car heater by carrying a blanket or keeping a hot water bottle. If you want to keep the whole car and not just yourself, you can use portable car heaters, but they are not as powerful as the air conditioning system. Further, the car can get heated up quickly if you park under the sun for long hours.
5. What kind of portable car heater is the best for your car?Ans: This answer depends on various factors. Your car size generally decides the power that you need for the car heater.
6. Can portable car heaters be used in any vehicle, whether parked or stationary?Ans: Certainly, portable car heaters are compatible with most vehicles equipped with a cigarette lighter socket or a suitable power source. However, it’s crucial to verify the heater’s specifications and compatibility with the specific vehicle before usage. While these heaters can be used in parked or stationary vehicles, precautions such as ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding leaving the heater unattended for an extended period should be observed. Generally, these heaters are most effective to use while driving.
7. Can a portable car heater be used when the engine is off?Ans: Yes, you can use the heater with the engine off, particularly if it’s powered by a separate power source like a power outlet or a battery pack. Suppose the heater relies on the car’s electrical system without the engine running. In that case, it’s important to note that it may draw power from the car’s battery, potentially leading to battery drain. Therefore, it’s advisable to be mindful of the power source and the capacity of the car’s battery to ensure optimal performance and prevent any issues.
The bottom line is that portable car heaters can be used in case the factory heating system has failed, but they are not as strong. Replacing the real car heater system is expensive and requires a lot of installation work. Thus, this 12V 150W portable car heater is sufficient for the whole winter season.
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