Our best overall pick is the Here Due 12V plug-in heater, which also cools in summer and rotates to aim at the windshield. For RVs, choose the Zerostart 3,000 BTU unit. A heated seat cushion warms you instead of the car.
Do you think your car heating system is just not enough and you’re looking for the most affordable alternative?
Your car might have a poor heating system and it wouldn’t be cheap if you were looking to fix it or improve it – no worries, that’s where portable car heaters come in help.
A plug-in 12-volt car heater runs from the car’s accessory socket, which is built for small devices, so expect gentle heat that helps with a cold cabin or a misted windshield, not what your car’s own heater gives.
Before revealing the best 6 portable car heaters on the market, let’s talk about some things that will help you make a smart purchase.
Things To Consider Before Buying Portable Car Heater
- Power: Although portable car heaters use the energy from your car, you should still consider the power you think you need. The best example is that RVs and sports cars shouldn’t be using the same portable heater.
- Type: There are different types of these heaters, but 12V car heaters are the simplest to use because they run from the accessory socket, but any heater can cause a fire if it is damaged, covered or left running unattended.
- Positioning: Some heaters require different positioning, so always check which one fits your vehicle the most.
- Easy installation: The last thing you’d want is a heater that requires constant installation and care, you should go with something that just needs to be plugged in to start working.
5 Best Portable Car Heaters That Won’t Disappoint You
1. Best overall: Here Due 12V Portable Car Heater
This is our pick for best overall.
The best thing about it is that it can heat in the winter and cool in the summer – so you’re not just buying a heater, you’re buying a helpful device that you can use all year round.
All you have to do is plug it into a 12V cigarette outlet, turn your car heating on, and it will start doing its job.
Another thing worth mentioning is a 360° rotating base which allows you to easily turn it on to defrost the windshield. I believe this keeps you safer on the road.
No matter the size of your car – you’ll find this heater helpful.
It’s very quiet, so you can still listen to your favorite radio while this heater is on.
2. Best for RVs: Zerostart 2600900
Interior Car Warmer Compact Plug-in Electric Portable Heater
We earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.This heater is listed at 900 watts and 3,000 BTU, much more than a 12-volt plug-in heater, because it runs on 120-volt power, not the car’s 12-volt socket.
Because it needs a 120-volt outlet, it suits an RV on shore power, or a car parked near an outlet to warm the cabin before you start the engine.
What makes this heater also unique is the overheating protection meaning that the device will automatically turn off if the temperature reaches 158° F (70° C). This lowers the risk of overheating, but it does not make a fire impossible, so keep it clear of seats, bags and blankets.
The sensor resets and the heater starts heating again after a 15 to 30 minute cool-down, so do not leave it running unattended.
The installation is the same as with other car heaters, just make sure to position it properly so it doesn’t move around.
3. Best Defrosting: Hxeredue Defroster Demister
Another quality heater coming from the same brand, it’s very similar to our top choice, but it has some drawbacks compared to it.
It’s made from ABS material and polymer heat-resistant plastic, so durability isn’t questionable. Run it with the engine on, because any plug-in heater can drain the battery if the engine is off.
The installation is easy, simply plug it in the cigarette outlet and you’re perfectly fine.
A thing worth mentioning is the 360° rotating holder that makes everything a lot easier and more convenient.
You just have to check that your car’s 12-volt socket fits the plug.
4. Best Seat Cushion Heater: Comfier Massage Seat Cushion
This is a completely different type of heater that will heat you instead of the windshield.
Besides fast heating options, it has vibration massage to make your driving experience even better.
You can adjust massaging to the neck, upper and lower back which really relaxes all of your muscles that get stressed while driving.
You can switch between 2 heat levels.
The lower heat level will usually heat faster, so I recommend using it in the beginning and then changing it to a higher heat level if needed.
Check the seller’s return policy before you buy.
What to Look For In A Portable Car Heater?
Functionality
Depending on your needs, you should buy different types of heaters.
If you’re looking for a windshield heater, look for something with fast heating and a 360° stand.
On the other side, if you’re looking to heat the whole car, look for something more powerful.
Compatibility
Portable car heaters usually use a 12V power outlet and they can be plugged into the cigarette outlet – but what if your car doesn’t have a cigarette outlet?
It’s similar to USB heaters that require a USB port to be functional.
Always look for a portable car heater that’s actually compatible with your own car.
Heating & Cooling
Some heaters also have cooling functions that allow you to use them both during the summer and winter.
I bought a portable car heater because I needed fast windshield heating, but I’m now using it more on warm summer days.
Try to always choose a heater with both options.
Weight
A heavy heater is usually more powerful, but if you’re not seeking power, always go with lightweight models.
Even lightweight models can stand still inside your car and they’re much more practical when they’re not heavy.
Is It Safe To Place Portable Heater In The Car
12-volt portable car heaters draw little power, so they carry less risk than a heater on mains power, but no heater is risk free.
A lot of 12V car heaters have overheating protection or an inline fuse that lowers the risk of fire or damage.
Same as battery-operated heaters, they draw little power, but no heater is risk free, so do not leave one running in an unattended car.
However, heaters meant for home use run on 120-volt power and are not meant to be powered from a car socket. Two picks above, the Zerostart and the Amazon Basics 500-watt, are in that group, so check how you will power them before you buy.
Content writer from Croatia. Dominic studies Information Science at the University of Sarajevo, which helps him research and organize his work.
