By Marc Rapport
When temperatures start dipping and nipping at fingers and toes — indoors or out — these gadgets can bring the heat when and where you need it.
PERSONAL SPACE
OUTDOOR BUDDY
Take it fishing, take it camping, take it out to the workshop. Wherever you go, the portable and powerful Mr. Heater Little Buddy Heater, powered by propane cylinders, puts out enough heat to nicely dent up to 100 square feet of cold garage, enclosed porches, hunting blinds or any well-ventilated space. Safety features include an oxygen-depletion sensor and automatic shutoff. $70.
800-227-7776; basspro.com
PLUG AND PLAY
No extra cables or floor space needed—simply move your heat source to the nearest available electrical outlet. Hammacher Schlemmer’s Wall Outlet Personal Space Heater is small but mighty functional, with a thermostat that goes up to 90 degrees, a two-speed fan and automatic shutoff. $60.
800-321-1484; hammacher.com
HOT SPOT
It’s just you and all the dry heat you want when you sit inside the Compact Personal Infrared Sauna from Hammacher Schlemmer. The one-person dry sauna warms the body in a 43-inch-by-30-inch space, relieving sore muscles and relaxing the lower back, legs and feet. There’s even room for a laptop on its surface, so you can work in cozy comfort. $2,000.
800-321-1484; hammacher.com
BODY HEAT
ADD TO YOUR WARM-ROBE
Why step out of a hot shower into a cold bathrobe? Brookstone’s Towel Warmer prepares some toasty terrycloth for you to towel dry with, but this handy device is also great for warming robes and blankets. It plugs into a standard outlet and warms to 120 degrees in 10 minutes. $100.
866-576-7337; brookstone.com
GOT YOUR BACK
The Wellrest Neck & Back Warmer helps achy backs, necks and shoulders after a long, cold day. Plush to the touch, it features a neck snap to help it stay in place. The generous cord length and multiple heat settings let you position yourself for maximum comfort. $41.
866-576-7337; brookstone.com
CLOSE TO THE VEST
The Volt Resistance COHO 7v Fleece Heated Vest provides up to two hours of warmth—up to 170 degrees—before plugging in for a recharge. The heat is directed to three key body zones in a lightweight garment that beats the need for layers. $170.
800-227-7776; basspro.com
WARMS YOUR SOLES
Slip these ThermaCELL Heated Insoles inside any pair of boots or shoes to warm your feet instantly, to the exact temperature you choose. Three thermostat-controlled settings go up to 110 degrees, run on batteries and—get this—are controlled by a wireless remote with a range of up to seven feet. $130.
800-237-4444; cabelas.com
Marc Rapport is a freelance writer from Columbia, South Carolina. His monthly column also appears in South Carolina Living, the statewide electric co-op magazine of the Palmetto State. Product inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement; product availability and prices are subject to change.
