The funniest story ive heard about heating a car was from my old next door neighbor who used to live in Pennsylvania when he was first married with small children he was driving a old Postal Jeep and on his way to work needed to take his wife and kids to his inlaws for the day and the old Jeep had a crappy defroster and it took a while for the Engine to heat up So he hung a BlowDryer from the rear view mirror and ran a extension cord into his house so when he woke up he would plug the cord into a outlet and warm air would blow. On the windshield and warm up the inside passenger compartment just. A enough that his wife and kids weren’t freezing In the car untill the heater began warming the car up of course this was years before the remote starters were invented Yet when he told me the story i thought that hey that was pretty smart for the time and at the very least it kept his wife happy for a while
I had one of the early solid black ones from Wal-mart. There isn't much heat you can get from 12v, unless you want a fire. In about a half hour (roughly, I never actually timed it) I could get a clear spot about the size of a quarter. But by then, the truck I used to have was usually at temperature. I have not tried the HF version yet, but for $10 on sale like someone replied, it might make a good seat warmer and another flashlight of anykind is always welcome!
Great review, and I have also noticed a lot of reviews that are low in which the people clearly didn’t know what to expect of such a device and were disappointed. I am a heavy equipment operator at a lumber mill and my machines heater hasn’t been working. The 12v heater I have keeps my window clear of frost and fog but definitely does not get it warm and toasty even though it’s a much smaller space than a car or truck. It’s important to have expectations founded well within reality.
I've been using nine as an ancillary heater. I use while the car/Engine is warming up. Then I drop it down on the floorboard to warm my legs. Kuna Idaho here.
I am building a cab for my garden tractor for snow blowing. Biggest problem is windows fogging up. This looks like could be the ticket. For the price I'll have to give it a try. Thanks for the review!
Me too! I just got the snow cab for my Husqvarna garden tractor and I've been researching and watching reviews for all kinds of these little 12V heaters in hopes that I can find a decent one to plug into my power port and heat the inside of the cab. So far what I have found out is that these 12V heaters probably aren't going to get it done and are supposedly very unreliable. However what I did come across in my interweb searching is the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater. It runs off of the small 1lb propane tanks and is designed to go into the cup holder in golf carts, but of course can be mounted pretty much anywhere with some creativity. It has really good reviews and some nice safety features like a tilt shutoff. I've seen several reviews of people using them for the exact same situation as ours and they say it works great and will heat the cab up in literally like 2 mins. It does cost around $70ish, so it's definitely more than the 12V options, but the reliability and fact that it actually works will make it worth it. I would have ordered one for myself already, but I'm going to hold out a few more weeks until Christmas to see if Santa brings me one! Lol!!
A good idea PROVIDED the heater can automatically switch on to defrost windscreen when ambient temperature is freezing. This allows you to not have to defrost window before to start your journey.
Yeah, problem with that is unless your car is running the 12V battery in it will be dead in not too long if you have a portable heater that turns on automatically. I guess if you have remote start it could definitely work though.
I totally get that these have their use if you just need a little heat or if the temperatures don't go that low where you live. Where I live in northern Sweden however where it frequently gets to below -20 degrees I've opted for the installation of a 230V socket in my car that runs off external electricity. Those types of cabin heaters typically get up to at least 1500/2000 watts and will definitely heat up your entire car. They are really common up here but do unfortunately require you to get the socket installation done at a workshop or if you're pretty knowledgeable with the right tools do it yourself. They also do require an external source of electricity, but here in northern Sweden there are 230V electricity poles almost everywhere for you to plug in so that your car can heat up before you leave. Bottom line is: If you want something heavy duty that will actually defrost your entire car in really cold winter weather, you need to go heavier, and the 12V socket wont do, but this will definitely get the job done when there's "only" some fog on your windshield. Also, remember these 12V portable heaters run off the cars 12V battery and WILL drain your battery if left on for too long when the car is not on.
Yup, that is what I like to stress to people, they will keep your window from fogging up under the right conditions. It worked out pretty well for this car, as I only needed it until the part to fix the heater came in. But to get enough heat out of it to warm the car up, it's just not going to happen. I do like to preheat the car in the winter time, if it's still plugged into the charger, it will heat the car using the house electric and that is a nice feature.
@@momo_bryant yes it actually works great. Especially if you let it warm up for just a few before you go. I have had mine for around 3 years now. I have went through about 3 different types before I got this one. I definitely recommend it. 👍🏻👍🏻
Harbor freight was out, so went to AutoZone there Sub-Zero brand. Nice long cord for my Chevy Volt. I have it adhesived to the top center dashboard cubby door seems to be doing a perfect job. Perfect power draw for rear receptacle not getting too hot.
Ha, I have a 1st gen Volt as well.. what a coincidence. My AC works great but no cabin heat, engine or electric. and no center screen. hvac touch controls work but no heat. So bottom center on up and out it gets foggy due to the cold nonheated air against cold windshield. This may be the cheap ticket. Cord length.. don't want to stress the top dash power outlet or right armrest 1 so will probably need extension to mount close to front-center of windshield and plug into sacrificial rear power outlet i have already replaced once. curious how well this works multi-hours doordashing or if it has a sensitive overheat sensor time will tell
I've got an old Honda Accord Hybrid that has only one etch left working on the rear window, so a pair of these will be perfect back there. I'll just wire them into the the defroster timer and they'll probably be just what it takes to see out on a cold day. I know they make etch repair kits, but with the space available under that glass, only a masochist would attempt such a thing on a 15 year-old car. There is a little heat from the battery pack behind the rear seat and the rest of the car warms up fast, so these devices will have plenty of help.
Think i can coast through a winter with one of these? My heater core blew up back in the spring. Getting a motorcycle in the upcoming spring, so i'll have a spare vehicle to ride while i completely disassemble the entire freaking dashboard on my jeep. I have a 10 minute commute. Honestly, if it can just keep the windshield clear, i'll be good
@@wildestcowboy2668 Maybe. I used it for about 3 weeks until the electric circulation pump came in for my heater. It got the job done and kept my side of the windshield clear. Some days were better than others, depending on how cold it was outside. The issue is they are designed to work with the power constraints of a standard accessory outlet.
@@1D10CRACY I think they may work better if you replace the feed wire with thicker wire and wire direct to 12v and skip the cig lighter. I intend to try with a similar device.
Too bad they don't sell these anymore. I have a 2013 volt that the heater core has split, so I'm trying to find a way to keep the windows clear until I can get it replaced
They are still made at least, just bought an identical heater here in Finland from Biltema. You might be able to find it at some other under a different name
@@1D10CRACY As you know, clean looking pan head screws or pan head allen screws look real clean and professional. On another note, I just bought one and am bringing it to Brazil with me. I have AC in my Defender 110, but its aftermarket and doesn’t go through the defrost vents...of which I don’t have heat either. We’ll see if it keeps my side of the windshield clear in the humid areas. UA-cam BR319 and that’s where I’ll be this week!
*Install was easy **fireplace.homes** good although I personally had some difficulty with the thermostat I had. Issue was mine though, not realizing that electric heaters couldn't use oil thermostats. Tip: If you are using an external thermostat, run the power to the thermostat, not the unit. Once that was squared away it worked great.*
Probably too much current for the civic. Sadly there is no industry standard for amp ratings on accessory outlets, it is whatever the manufacture decides.
You’ll melt the ice off of your windshield in less than 5 minutes where it normally takes your car at least 5-10 minutes to even start blowing lukewarm air in bitter conditions
Almost everything fails for the kind of people who try to use cheap screwdrivers as hammers, chisels and crowbars 😂 Better to pay attention to the guy who actually tries a product, rather than _bets_ it won't work.
Yup, people expect too much out of it for sure! Kind of silly knowing the limitations of most accessory outlets. It worked well keeping my windshield clear for a few weeks while waiting on parts. It was money well spent for that. But I do wonder how many silly people think they are going to heat their car with it. ;)
The funniest story ive heard about heating a car was from my old next door neighbor who used to live in Pennsylvania when he was first married with small children he was driving a old Postal Jeep and on his way to work needed to take his wife and kids to his inlaws for the day and the old Jeep had a crappy defroster and it took a while for the Engine to heat up So he hung a BlowDryer from the rear view mirror and ran a extension cord into his house so when he woke up he would plug the cord into a outlet and warm air would blow. On the windshield and warm up the inside passenger compartment just. A enough that his wife and kids weren’t freezing In the car untill the heater began warming the car up of course this was years before the remote starters were invented Yet when he told me the story i thought that hey that was pretty smart for the time and at the very least it kept his wife happy for a while
Thats a good idea
That's actually friggin genius. And would totally work now for older cars.
Very smart and good thinking. Funny at the same time lol
I had one of the early solid black ones from Wal-mart. There isn't much heat you can get from 12v, unless you want a fire. In about a half hour (roughly, I never actually timed it) I could get a clear spot about the size of a quarter. But by then, the truck I used to have was usually at temperature.
I have not tried the HF version yet, but for $10 on sale like someone replied, it might make a good seat warmer and another flashlight of anykind is always welcome!
Great review, and I have also noticed a lot of reviews that are low in which the people clearly didn’t know what to expect of such a device and were disappointed. I am a heavy equipment operator at a lumber mill and my machines heater hasn’t been working. The 12v heater I have keeps my window clear of frost and fog but definitely does not get it warm and toasty even though it’s a much smaller space than a car or truck. It’s important to have expectations founded well within reality.
I bought this exact heater. It hardly blows any heat, and the second time I used it, it blew my 20 amp fuse in the car.
I have been using mine a few times each winter for over 10 years. When on sale for $10, its a bargain. Good Luck, Rick
I've been using nine as an ancillary heater.
I use while the car/Engine is warming up.
Then I drop it down on the floorboard to warm my legs.
Kuna Idaho here.
You know that is such a well designed and thought out unit! Perfect for what it was designed for! Love it! Great review! Thanks!!
I am building a cab for my garden tractor for snow blowing. Biggest problem is windows fogging up. This looks like could be the ticket. For the price I'll have to give it a try. Thanks for the review!
Me too! I just got the snow cab for my Husqvarna garden tractor and I've been researching and watching reviews for all kinds of these little 12V heaters in hopes that I can find a decent one to plug into my power port and heat the inside of the cab. So far what I have found out is that these 12V heaters probably aren't going to get it done and are supposedly very unreliable. However what I did come across in my interweb searching is the Mr. Heater Golf Cart Heater. It runs off of the small 1lb propane tanks and is designed to go into the cup holder in golf carts, but of course can be mounted pretty much anywhere with some creativity. It has really good reviews and some nice safety features like a tilt shutoff. I've seen several reviews of people using them for the exact same situation as ours and they say it works great and will heat the cab up in literally like 2 mins. It does cost around $70ish, so it's definitely more than the 12V options, but the reliability and fact that it actually works will make it worth it. I would have ordered one for myself already, but I'm going to hold out a few more weeks until Christmas to see if Santa brings me one! Lol!!
A good idea PROVIDED the heater can automatically switch on to defrost windscreen when ambient temperature is freezing. This allows you to not have to defrost window before to start your journey.
Yeah, problem with that is unless your car is running the 12V battery in it will be dead in not too long if you have a portable heater that turns on automatically. I guess if you have remote start it could definitely work though.
I totally get that these have their use if you just need a little heat or if the temperatures don't go that low where you live. Where I live in northern Sweden however where it frequently gets to below -20 degrees I've opted for the installation of a 230V socket in my car that runs off external electricity. Those types of cabin heaters typically get up to at least 1500/2000 watts and will definitely heat up your entire car. They are really common up here but do unfortunately require you to get the socket installation done at a workshop or if you're pretty knowledgeable with the right tools do it yourself. They also do require an external source of electricity, but here in northern Sweden there are 230V electricity poles almost everywhere for you to plug in so that your car can heat up before you leave.
Bottom line is: If you want something heavy duty that will actually defrost your entire car in really cold winter weather, you need to go heavier, and the 12V socket wont do, but this will definitely get the job done when there's "only" some fog on your windshield. Also, remember these 12V portable heaters run off the cars 12V battery and WILL drain your battery if left on for too long when the car is not on.
Yup, that is what I like to stress to people, they will keep your window from fogging up under the right conditions. It worked out pretty well for this car, as I only needed it until the part to fix the heater came in. But to get enough heat out of it to warm the car up, it's just not going to happen. I do like to preheat the car in the winter time, if it's still plugged into the charger, it will heat the car using the house electric and that is a nice feature.
I'm going to wire two in my boat lockers to keep the dry with a 12v switch. Thanks for the review.
I got the exact same one from HF in my ranger. Had it for 3 years so fan no problems yet. Hopefully it continues to hold up👍🏻
Does it put off some heat? I have NO HEAT right now. I don't usually have passengers, I just need something to keep ME warm!!
@@momo_bryant yes it actually works great. Especially if you let it warm up for just a few before you go. I have had mine for around 3 years now. I have went through about 3 different types before I got this one. I definitely recommend it. 👍🏻👍🏻
@@Atheist81does it defrost the windows?
@@Metalman2351 yes, it does great!
It would have been nice to have seen it clear the winshild
exactly. With that part left out I can only assume it would have been a half hour video :)
Harbor freight was out, so went to AutoZone there Sub-Zero brand. Nice long cord for my Chevy Volt. I have it adhesived to the top center dashboard cubby door seems to be doing a perfect job. Perfect power draw for rear receptacle not getting too hot.
Worked well in my 84 chevy blazer, defrosting my front windshield. But then started to spark in the cigerate lighter. So I had to get rid of it.
You have to put an inverted in your cigarette lighter b4 you use it
Just a heads up the handle is actually for the flash light.
Ha, I have a 1st gen Volt as well.. what a coincidence. My AC works great but no cabin heat, engine or electric. and no center screen. hvac touch controls work but no heat. So bottom center on up and out it gets foggy due to the cold nonheated air against cold windshield. This may be the cheap ticket. Cord length.. don't want to stress the top dash power outlet or right armrest 1 so will probably need extension to mount close to front-center of windshield and plug into sacrificial rear power outlet i have already replaced once.
curious how well this works multi-hours doordashing or if it has a sensitive overheat sensor time will tell
Great and well articulated review
I've got an old Honda Accord Hybrid that has only one etch left working on the rear window, so a pair of these will be perfect back there. I'll just wire them into the the defroster timer and they'll probably be just what it takes to see out on a cold day. I know they make etch repair kits, but with the space available under that glass, only a masochist would attempt such a thing on a 15 year-old car. There is a little heat from the battery pack behind the rear seat and the rest of the car warms up fast, so these devices will have plenty of help.
I need some of your knowledge. Lol
I can wire anything in a house but it's been awhile since I've worked on car wiring. And never defrosters.
Think i can coast through a winter with one of these? My heater core blew up back in the spring. Getting a motorcycle in the upcoming spring, so i'll have a spare vehicle to ride while i completely disassemble the entire freaking dashboard on my jeep. I have a 10 minute commute. Honestly, if it can just keep the windshield clear, i'll be good
I would say it is barely good enough to defrost one side of the windshield, it bought myself time until I could fix my heater.
@@1D10CRACY what if you just move it closer to the windows?
@@wildestcowboy2668 Maybe. I used it for about 3 weeks until the electric circulation pump came in for my heater. It got the job done and kept my side of the windshield clear. Some days were better than others, depending on how cold it was outside. The issue is they are designed to work with the power constraints of a standard accessory outlet.
@@1D10CRACY I think they may work better if you replace the feed wire with thicker wire and wire direct to 12v and skip the cig lighter. I intend to try with a similar device.
Did you do it? Does it work? 99 TJ here in a similar situation
I have one of these but it does not have the lights. It does the trick but I would not drive at night if both sides of the front window is clear.
I always laugh at negative reviews because of someone improperly using a product.... you know like most wranglestar reviews... ooooooooh 🔥lol 😆
EGGzactly!
Same...do your research people. That IS why I'm here. Haha
So would you recommend it if I were to only use it to defrost my windshields?
Too bad they don't sell these anymore. I have a 2013 volt that the heater core has split, so I'm trying to find a way to keep the windows clear until I can get it replaced
They are still made at least, just bought an identical heater here in Finland from Biltema. You might be able to find it at some other under a different name
I probably could heat the cab of my tiny pickup with it.
No not enough watts
I'm hoping the same. Or looking for something. I at least need something in driver's floorboard
These barely have enough heat to do the windshield. They won't heat the interior of the car
So... if you buy one if these and do screw it on to the dash, you must only use drywall screws....
Duh, drywall screws are the universal screw!
@@1D10CRACY As you know, clean looking pan head screws or pan head allen screws look real clean and professional.
On another note, I just bought one and am bringing it to Brazil with me. I have AC in my Defender 110, but its aftermarket and doesn’t go through the defrost vents...of which I don’t have heat either. We’ll see if it keeps my side of the windshield clear in the humid areas. UA-cam BR319 and that’s where I’ll be this week!
one word... VELCRO
@@joedeboard381 Velcro is temporary...drywall screws are forever.
Thanks.
*Install was easy **fireplace.homes** good although I personally had some difficulty with the thermostat I had. Issue was mine though, not realizing that electric heaters couldn't use oil thermostats. Tip: If you are using an external thermostat, run the power to the thermostat, not the unit. Once that was squared away it worked great.*
I don't think you are on the same page with the video
Always pops my accessories fuse in my 93 civic
Probably too much current for the civic. Sadly there is no industry standard for amp ratings on accessory outlets, it is whatever the manufacture decides.
You’ll melt the ice off of your windshield in less than 5 minutes where it normally takes your car at least 5-10 minutes to even start blowing lukewarm air in bitter conditions
Does the wire get hot?
Some teardrop camper owners use these in the cabin for warming. Would this one work this way?
Yes, if you're camping in July.
I wonder if it's got enough oomph to heat and defrost a Skid Steer cab??
I have one of those and it hold all tractor windows clean on the winter
All Harbour Freight items work...at least once.
Bet it melts down from the inside after about 20 minutes.
Hope not! My daily commute requires 2 hours of driving and I'm on day 5. ;)
@@1D10CRACY did it last a season
Almost everything fails for the kind of people who try to use cheap screwdrivers as hammers, chisels and crowbars 😂 Better to pay attention to the guy who actually tries a product, rather than _bets_ it won't work.
Hi dude. Does the 12v plug have a fuse inside it?
?
Yes it does
Plugged it in, and it killed my 12v cigarette lighter outlet within' 5 minutes
How many amps does your vehicles manual say your accessory outlet can handle?
I got one different one and it sucks so little heat
The review would have had been more intuitive if you had actually defrosted the windscreen like it says in the bumph.
Guess I "defogged" it instead. LOL
I'm glad you told that Joe Biden loving gun banning clown off
@@1D10CRACY You didn't even show us defogging the windshield. You showed us a clear windshield.
They blow fuse after fuse...
This really depends on your cars accessory port amp rating. I haven't blown a fuse using this yet.
Will it run youre battery down if cars not on
Do cars pull over and get out of your way with the red light showing out the windshield?
Not that I noticed... Maybe I should have modified it to blink! :)
@@1D10CRACYplan 2 electrical tape it
I bought one to help defrost dakota windshield --- the heat & fan does not work together. >>>>> IT SUCKS !@!!!!
Take it back and get one that does!
I kinda wonder if a hair dryer would do a better job lol
No need to wonder, a hair dryer would! Hair dryers are 800+ watts, depending on the model.
Xtension chord, n2 ur home, time.
Allot of dummies expect this to keep them at 75 in 10 weather. With no other heat source.
How many Watts?
The manual claims it needs 13 amps and operates on 12 volts. 12 volts x 13 amps = 156 watts. My guess is it has a 150 watt element.
👍
It blows my fuse.
Best thing you can do with this is put it in the dustbin,its not going to defrost shit 😢
Yup, people expect too much out of it for sure! Kind of silly knowing the limitations of most accessory outlets. It worked well keeping my windshield clear for a few weeks while waiting on parts. It was money well spent for that. But I do wonder how many silly people think they are going to heat their car with it. ;)
This is the worst heated defrost ever I just dropped my to the garbage
Thanks for sharing! Mine worked good enough to keep the window defogged until I repaired the cars heater. I kept mine in case I needed it again.
Garbage
Explain
How much cost dollars