What are the different types of heated gloves?
Chemically heated gloves cut out the middleman of holding those convenient hand warmers by coming with unique pockets designed to hold and remove them as needed. This is a great middle-of-the-road option if you want a pair of heated gloves that requires minimal up-front cost and overall upkeep. However, you will have to stock up on chemical hand warmers, which means you’ll be spending more money over time, as most packets last for about 8 hours and do have an expiration date. As the name suggests, battery-operated and electric gloves come with a rechargeable energy source, either removable or built into the gloves, to heat up wires that are sewn into the lining. Because of this unique technology, these gloves will of course require both more upkeep and a higher up-front cost, but you will end up saving more money in the long run, as they don’t typically need to be replaced for Plus, unlike chemically heated gloves, most electric gloves allow you to regulate their temperature and have safety mechanisms built in to prevent your hands from getting too toasty. However, there is of course a downside: The energy sources of these gloves, such as a lithium battery, can be slow to charge, with some taking as long as 12 hours. Microwaveable gloves are another less expensive option that can be both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Because they contain small pockets of heat-conducting materials—like clay and flaxseed—you can warm them up by just throwing them in the microwave, so you don’t have to worry about heating packets, batteries, or wires. That being said, this option doesn’t retain heat as long, and, like chemically heated gloves, you can’t get as much temperature regulation as you would with some electric gloves.
How should you maintain heated gloves?
Most heated gloves are washable, but you’ll be better off washing them by hand or, if they’re machine washable, on the gentle cycle. (And though this probably goes without saying, make sure you’ve removed the batteries or chemical hand-warming packets if you got ’em!) After washing, you don’t want to wring them out, because that type of rough handling can damage the internal construction of the gloves. Ways you can maintain, if not extend, the life of your heated gloves include following their washing instructions and properly maintaining their batteries, if applicable. Since your gloves won’t be fully charged when you first buy them, you want to charge them before you begin using them and continue to fully charge them every three months or so—yes, even in the warmer months. If you let your heated gloves just sit unattended for several months, they may deteriorate more quickly over time than if they’re properly maintained.
What should you look for in heated gloves?
Your needs may differ compared to others’, but some general factors to look for in a pair of heated gloves are their battery life, if applicable, style, and material. It’s good to narrow down what features you’re looking for, such as reflective properties if you’re using them while out at night, or a waterproof coating if they’re going to be around a lot of snow, not to mention choosing sides in the ever-evolving mitten versus glove debate. Many heated gloves also come with smartphone-friendly add-ons, like touchscreen compatibility and silicone palm grips, which can come in handy (literally) if you don’t want to keep taking off your gloves to send a text or answer a phone call. The most important detail, however, is the fit—you want to be able to wear these babies comfortably all winter long, not throw them in the back of your closet because the fingers are too long or the wrists are too tight! Whether you decide to pore over customer reviews, analyze sizing charts, or contact a retailer’s customer support for expert information, make sure you research the sizing options once you’ve narrowed down your ideal pair. Still not quite sure what you’re looking for? We’ve got you covered! Read on for our top heated glove picks. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
15 Best Heated Gloves
HotHands Heated Glo-Mittens, $20, Bass Pro Shops
With great power comes great responsibility—namely, the responsibility to keep your hands toasty. Or, dare we say, hot? With the insulation of a mitten and the dexterity of gloves, the HotHands Heated Glo-Mittens boast thoughtful details like TruGrip leather palms and integrated pockets to securely hold your chemical hand warmers in place (including the freebies that come with your purchase). You can pick up a pair of these fleece puppies in two colors for $20 and sizes M/L and XL, as well as in the Mossy Oak pattern for an extra $5. (Just be aware that you will have to pay $5 for shipping if you can’t pick them up in-store.) HotHands Heated Glo-Mittens, $20, Bass Pro Shops If you work in a chilly office or have issues like arthritis or Raynaud’s syndrome, don’t let your frigid digits stop you from typing away at your computer. Though they need to be plugged in to be fully operational, these USB Heated Fingerless Glovescan be charged while you’re at your computer, so you can keep working or studying without missing a beat—or running out of juice! USB Heated Fingerless Gloves, $14, Walmart
Black Diamond Solano Heated Glove, $400, Backcountry
Keep your hands cozy while you clear off your car after the first blizzard of the season with the Black Diamond Solano Heated Gloves, which are available in sizes S-XL. Boasting 3-5 hours of heat depending on which setting you choose, these goat leather, battery-operated gloves are designed with waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex inserts, fleece lining and PrimaLoft insulation to trap heat, and LED button controls to thaw your digits with ease. Plus, they come with a carrying case and charger with adapters for UK, UL, and EU outlets, so you can charge them anywhere and everywhere. Black Diamond Solano Heated Gloves, $400, Backcountry
Outdoor Research Gripper Heated Sensor Gloves, $200, Backcountry
Sure, cold temperatures aren’t so bad for a day or two after a fresh snowfall, but what happens when that glittering powder turns to gray slush and your digits have yet to defrost? Enter the brr-alliant Outdoor Research Gripper Heated Sensor Gloves. These WindStopper micro-fleece gloves boast touchscreen functionality, durable and grippy synthetic palms, and AltiHeat battery-powered heating elements that will keep your hands feeling nice and snug on and off the slopes. Outdoor Research Gripper Heated Sensor Gloves, $200, Backcountry
ActionHeat Women’s Battery Heated Gloves, $50, Bed Bath & Beyond
This winter, all you need is gloves, and you can get by with a little help from the ActionHeat Women’s Battery Heated Gloves, which are available in men’s and women’s sizes. Convenient details like their versatile and lightweight Action-Flex material, built-in heating panels, and water-proof and fleece-lined structure make braving the elements a breeze—just be aware that the rechargeable AA batteries they need are not included.ActionHeat Women’s Battery Heated Gloves, $50, Bed Bath & Beyond Next up, the coziest, best-looking sweatpants for winter.
