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.
- Type: There are three options when it comes to the types of portable car heaters. 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.
- Power: 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.
- Size and Weight: 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.
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.
Best Portable Car Heater: Table
Name Power Source Buy Now
Fiberfly Portable Car Heater 12V / 5KW Check On Amazon
SILVEL Portable Car Heater 12V / 8KW Check On Amazon
WAYSKA Portable Car Heater 12V / 2KW Check On Amazon
HCALORY Portable Car Heater 12V / 8KW Check On Amazon
VEVOR Car Heater 12V / 5KW Check On Amazon
VOYOCHT Portable Car Heater 12V / 8KW Check On Amazon
KYBOLT Portable Car Heater 12V / 8KW Check On Amazon
This heater is environmentally friendly, with low emissions and minimal fuel consumption. It features a ceramic ignition plug that heats fuel efficiently for effective burning. Plus, it comes with smart controls that let you adjust fuel, power, and temperature easily. The Fiberfly Car Heater is also very useful. It can defrost windows and warm engine coolant, helping to prevent damage from the cold. You can adjust the angle and temperature, giving you added flexibility in how you use it. Specifications Pros Cons It runs quietly with a silent fan and reduced vibrations, creating a peaceful environment. Its portable design suits cars, trucks, caravans, boats, and cabins. Installation is easy. You can pick between LCD or remote control, allowing preheating before use. With low fuel consumption, it’s cost-effective and can run up to 24 hours on one fuel. Specifications Pros Cons This heater uses volatile technology with a ceramic ignition plug for fast fuel conversion and ignition. It operates quietly with a silent fan and an improved low-frequency pulse oil pump. The thermostat has a plateau version for use at altitudes above 5500 feet. This heater can be used in many places, such as cars, trailers, boats, and caravans. Its small size, lightweight, and efficient heating make it easy to install and use. Specifications Pros Cons The 10-liter tank can heat continuously for almost 10 hours. It includes a remote, a digital display to set temperatures from 64°F to 104°F, a timer, thermostat control, and voice command capability. It also has protection against overheating. This heater works well for various vehicles like trucks and vans, working in temperatures from -40 to +40 degrees. Its durable design and user-friendly features make it great for different settings. Specifications Pros Cons It warms indoor areas quickly in 10 minutes, pre-heats engines, and defrosts windows. Despite its strong heating, it uses only 0.18-0.48 liters of fuel per hour, saving costs and needing fewer refills. The heater has an easy-to-read LCD and a remote for temperature adjustments, and fuel monitoring. Its small, portable design suits vehicles, RVs, boats, and more. Specifications Pros Cons The heaters have a fuel pump control that burns fuel efficiently. This helps use less fuel and reduces waste. Plus, their fuel pumps are quiet, so they won’t disturb your peace. These heaters can operate in extreme temperatures, from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius. They are great for various environments because they perform well, are efficient, and easy to use. Specifications Pros Cons These heaters have features like temperature control, preheating, and protection from overheating. This keeps you safe and comfy even during long periods of use. In short, KYBOLT Car Heaters are efficient, quick to warm up, safe, and simple to install. Specifications Pros Cons 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. 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. 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. 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. Ans: This answer depends on various factors. Your car size generally decides the power that you need for the car heater. 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. 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. Portable car heaters are a good backup if your car’s main heater breaks down. They aren’t as powerful but can be helpful. Replacing a car’s heating system is costly and takes a lot of work. So, a 12V 150W portable car heater should be enough for the winter. If you’re still wondering as to what’s the best portable car heater out there, then the below final top picks are what we would recommend. Best Portable Car Heaters Reviews
1. Fiberfly Portable Car Heater
The Fiberfly Car Heater is a top choice among portable car heaters. It fits well in different types of vehicles. This heater uses diesel and offers a 5KW output. It works well for both commercial and personal use in cars, trucks, and buses. It is small and easy to install, making it great for cold weather.
2. SILVEL Portable Car Heater
The SILVEL Car Heater is built for fast and effective heating. Its durable aluminum parts ensure long-lasting performance and even heat distribution. The heater features an intelligent sensor for steady temperatures and automatic control.
3. WAYSKA Portable Car Heater
The WAYSKA Car Heater is a reliable and efficient heating option. It has a power of 2KW and runs on diesel, heating up quickly while emitting low emissions. Its temperature range is -40℃ to +50℃, making it effective in extreme weather.
4. HCALORY Portable Car Heater
If you’re searching for a car heater that works well both indoors and outdoors, consider this model from HCALORY. It heats up quickly, reaching warmth in just 10 minutes, and allows you to adjust the heat from 5-8KW. This heater is fuel-efficient, using only 0.1 to 0.64 liters of diesel per hour.
5. VEVOR Car Heater
The VEVOR Car Heater is designed for fast heating, saving energy, and use indoors or outdoors. It has a 5KW power output and works with diesel fuel, heating spaces well. Its temperature range of -104℉ to +122℉ is great for travel, camping, or different places.
6. VOYOCHT Portable Car Heater
VOYOCHT is another trustworthy brand, just like VEVOR. They make some excellent car heaters that heat up quickly. You can use them in vehicles, campers, RVs, boats, and more. Each heater has a powerful 8KW output but uses only 0.2 to 0.5 liters of fuel per hour, which saves energy.
7. KYBOLT Portable Car Heater
KYBOLT Car Heaters are made to save energy and work well in many vehicles, like trucks, boats, and RVs. These heaters don’t use much energy; they use less than a gallon of fuel each night. This saves money and helps the environment. They also warm up fast, reaching a cozy temperature in 10-15 minutes.
Things to Consider When Buying a Best Portable Car Heater
1. Type
2. Power
3.Weight
4. Size
5. Functionality
6. Compatibility
Best Portable Car Heaters: FAQs
Conclusion
