The 4 Best Portable Electric Car Heaters of 2019

Unfortunately, in the category of 12-volt car heaters that plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter, almost all of the units available don’t get warm enough for us to recommend them, especially for use as a primary car heater. Even this unit works best for defogging or defrosting your windshield, or as a way to warm up your car a bit before the actual heater kicks in. We wouldn't recommend using it as a substitute or replacement for a broken car heater — it simply isn't powerful enough.

With all that said, the Ferryone Portable Car Heater is the best unit we’ve found for defrosting and temporary heating. The Ferryone is easy to set up — just plug it into your cigarette lighter socket, then flip the switch on the side to either "fan" or "heat." On the "heat" setting, it takes about a minute to start blowing warm air. The Ferryone also includes a 180-degree rotary holder that allows you to direct the heat up or down.

When it comes to prepping your car for a drive in the cold, you may want to consider a compact space heater that can quickly heat up your vehicle's interior before you leave. But there are a few important notes: First, most space heaters (including this one) draw power from a regular prong plug, so you will either need to plug it in in your garage, or use a car power inverter that will allow you to use the power from the cigarette lighter. Second, it's important to always exercise caution and use common sense when heating up your car with a space heater — they are not designed for vehicles and can become a fire hazard if used incorrectly or left unsupervised.

If you're still considering a space heater for your car, this AmazonBasics 1500 Watt Ceramic Space Heater is a relatively inexpensive and versatile unit. And it has an important safety feature, too — the heater will automatically turn off if it tips over or overheats, which is especially crucial when using it around vehicles. It also has a carrying handle so you easily transport it between your car and home, and has three output options (low, high, or fan only) plus a power indicator light that lets you know when it's plugged in.

Heated seats can help keep you warm and cozy in your car during the colder months. Unfortunately, not all vehicles have them built in. For those who still want that heated seat comfort, the Big Ant Heated Seat Cushion is a great option. Just plug the unit into a 12-volt cigarette lighter socket and then turn on the heat via the high or low switch. After that, it takes about three minutes to heat up, with a maintained temperature between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This unit only comes in black, but it looks very neutral in your car and the non-slip rubber-soled backing prevents it from slipping around on your car's upholstery.