The convenience of having a microwave with you on the go is undeniable. They offer a quick and efficient means to heat food or drinks and are ideal for those long road trips when you want a nice hot dinner. And while there are plenty of great portable microwaves on the market, not all of them are well-suited for use in a car.
In this article, I will explain which microwave or food warmer is the best overall option for your car, as well as discuss the alternatives that are better for certain situations.
Contents
Best Overall Pick: HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer
An excellent device at a reasonable price, the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is the best option for most people.
The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is a great all-around microwave made with durable, high-quality materials. The interior contains a heat-reflective material that amplifies and maintains heat, meaning your food will stay hot for hours. Additionally, the double zipper is a nice touch that adds to the overall quality of construction.
This portable microwave uses less energy, making it more efficient and gentle on your car battery. It is 6.75 “D x 8.75 “W x 2.5 “H and weighs 1 pound, making it small enough to fit easily into the center console.
It can accommodate most flat-bottom, sealable containers up to 8.75″ wide x 6.75″ long x 2.5″ tall or 1.5 quarts (1.4L) of food.
Its Smart Shelf technology sets the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer apart from the competition. This technology allows the microwave to cook food without buttons, bells, or programs.
You only need to place your food on the shelf and close the lid — and the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer will slowly and evenly cook or reheat your fresh or frozen meals in about an hour without burning or drying them out.
The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is suitable for plastic, metal, glass, aluminum foil, and cardboard containers. It is available in standard 120v and 12v options for use in a car; it is UL & CSA certified and comes with a one-year warranty.
Bottom Line: I highly recommend the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer if you are looking for an easy-to-use microwave that is well-made, efficient, and reasonably priced. Its Smart Shelf technology is a game-changer that allows you to cook or reheat food without fear of burning or drying it out, and its energy efficiency ensures that it won’t drain your car battery.
Pros:
- Durable and high-quality construction. The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer offers durable, high-quality materials. The double zipper is also a nice touch that adds to the overall quality of construction.
- Energy-efficient. This portable microwave’s energy consumption is significantly less than other similar microwaves, making it more efficient and gentle on your car battery. It is a great feature for long road trips and extended use.
- Smart Shelf technology. The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer offers Smart Shelf technology that allows the microwave to cook food without buttons, bells, or programs. With it, you can quickly and easily reheat or cook fresh or frozen meals without the hassle.
- Triple guarantee. The manufacturers back the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer with a make-it-right guarantee, a one-year warranty, and a customer service team available to help with any issues you may have.
- Small and lightweight. At 6.75 “D x 8.75 “W x 2.5 “H and 1 pound, the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is small enough to fit easily into your car’s glove box or center console, making it the perfect size for on-the-go use.
- Leak proof. The HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is equipped with a leak-proof seal to prevent messy spills or accidents. You can rest assured knowing your food will stay securely in place while you’re on the go.
Cons:
- It occupies the higher end of the price spectrum. While the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer is excellent overall — it is a bit expensive compared to similar options. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are other microwaves on the list that may better suit you.
HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer: See on Amazon
Best for Both Home and Car Use: Baeelyy Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home
Although it doesn’t have the same bells and whistles as the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer, the Baeelyy Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home is an excellent option for those looking for a compact and portable microwave that you can use both at home and in the car.
At 8″ D x 5 “W x 1.5 “H and 2lbs, the Electric Lunch Box for Car offer a similar compact design you can take with you on the go. It is heavier than the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer, but it is still small enough to fit your center console easily.
This dual-function heated microwave is made with food-grade PP material and has a bottom aluminum plate that helps to distribute heat evenly and quickly. It also has a 304 stainless steel inner tank for uniform heat conduction.
A PTC temperature heating element keeps food at 80℃ (175℉) degrees Celsius. The food is automatically heated to the set temperature and kept warm without drying out or burning.
The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home has a convenient carrying handle and has two power options, a 110V household power adapter and a 12V/24V car/truck power adapter. It has a capacity of 1.58 quarts (1.5L) and a heating time of 25-40 minutes.
Bottom Line: The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home is an excellent option if you’re looking for a dual-function, slightly cheaper portable microwave that is still high quality and easy to use. Its PTC constant temperature heating element will keep your food at a consistent temperature without any burnt edges or dry spots.
Pros
- Dual power adapter cables. The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home comes with a 110V household power adapter and a 12V/24V car/truck power adapter — so you can use it at home or on the go.
- Durable. The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home boasts food-grade 304 stainless steel +PP material designed for long-term use. You can rest assured that your lunch box will last for years.
- Leak proof. The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home uses a silicone sealing ring to prevent leaks or spills. The buckle fits snugly and will keep everything in place, even if you turn it upside down.
- Convenient and quick to heat up. The Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home has a PTC constant temperature heating element that will heat your food evenly. It does not require water injection heating, so all you need to do is plug it in and let it do its job.
- Easy to clean. The stainless steel lunch box can be removed from the heating base and is dishwasher safe. You can easily clean it by hand or in the dishwasher, whichever is more convenient for you.
Cons
- It may take longer to heat up. Some customers have reported that it takes longer to heat up than the advertised 25-40 minutes. However, this will vary depending on the food you are trying to heat up.
Baeelyy Electric Lunch Box for Car and Home: See on Amazon
Best Bang for the Buck: FVW Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1
The FVW Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a portable microwave that won’t break the bank. It is one of the most affordable options on my list.
Despite its low price tag, the Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 is still a high-quality microwave built to last. The food grade +PP material and a 304 stainless steel inner tank make it durable and long-lasting. It has a plastic compartment, stainless steel spoon, and fork so you can eat your food directly from the lunch box.
The Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 has a capacity of 1.58 quarts (1.5L) and uses the original PTC constant temperature heating element. It comes with two power options, a 110V household power adapter and a 12V/24V car/truck power adapter — so you can use it at home or on the go.
Bottom Line: The Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 is a practical and durable portable microwave that is very affordable. Its PTC constant temperature heating element and dual power options make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, portable microwave.
Pros
- Affordable. The Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 is one of my list’s most affordable portable microwaves. Despite its low price tag, it is still a high-quality lunch box with great value.
- Dual power adapter cables. The Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 comes with a 110V household power adapter and a 12V/24V car/truck power adapter—so you can use it at home or on the go.
- Durable. This portable microwave is made with food grade +PP material and a 304 stainless steel inner tank. Its construction is designed for long-term use, making it a great option if you’re looking for a durable portable microwave.
- Leak proof. The Food Warmer 2 in 1 has a white rubber ring around the lid to prevent leaks and spills. No matter how you transport it, you can rest assured knowing that your food will stay in the lunch box.
Cons
- It may take longer to heat up. Some customers have reported that the Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2 in 1 is too slow to heat their food. Be sure to factor in additional heating time if you’re looking for a quick lunchtime solution.
FVW Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer 2-in-1: See on Amazon
Best Large Capacity: Alfredx Portable 12V Car Food Warmer
The Alfredx Portable 12V Car Food Warmer is an excellent option for anyone needing a large lunch box. It is also one of my list’s most sizeable portable microwaves at 11.5 “L x 9.1 “W x 5.5 “H — and has a capacity of 9.5 quarts (9L) — enough to fit a whole meal.
The Alfredx car food warmer can cook raw food and heat leftovers, and its slow cooking function ensures that your food will be evenly cooked or reheated. It has no turntable or timer, but it can heat most foods in about 1-2 hours (freezer meals will take longer).
With the Portable 12V Car Food Warmer, you don’t have to worry about your food burning or drying out. Alfredx recommends keeping the temperature between 140°F and 230°F (60℃-110℃), and its self-stirring function will cycle your food periodically to prevent burning and drying.
This portable food warmer has a short warming time of 1.5-2 hours, making it an excellent option for those who don’t have much time. Despite its large capacity, the Portable 12V Car Food Warmer is one of my list’s most affordable portable microwaves.
Bottom Line: For a large-capacity portable microwave that won’t break the bank, the Portable 12V Car Food Warmer is a great option. Its self-stirring function and slow cooking ability make it an excellent choice for those who want to reheat or cook large meals. Moreover, the short heating time ensures you won’t have to wait long for your food to be ready.
Pros
- Large capacity. The Portable 12V Car Food Warmer has a 9.5 quart (9L) capacity, making it one of the largest portable microwaves on my list. The microwave provides enough space to heat a whole meal or cook raw food for a large group of people.
- Affordable. The Portable 12V Car Food Warmer is one of the most inexpensive portable microwaves. Its large capacity and versatile features make it an excellent value for the price.
- A self-stirring function. The manufacturers added a handy self-stirring feature to the Portable 12V Car Food Warmer, preventing your food from burning or drying out. You can set it and forget it, knowing it will cook your food evenly.
- Short heating time. Considering its large capacity, the Portable 12V Car Food Warmer has a relatively short heating time of 1.5-2 hours. This fast heating feature is perfect for those who are short on time but still want a hot meal.
- Lightweight & portable. The Portable 12V Car Food Warmer is 1.2 pounds, and its compact size of 11.5 “L x 9.1 “W x 5.5 “H makes it easy to transport. You can easily take it with you on the go, and it doesn’t take up much space in your car.
Cons
- The capacity may be too large for some. The Portable 12V Car Food Warmer has a capacity of 9.5 quarts (9L), which may be too large for some customers. If you’re looking for a smaller portable microwave, consider one of the other options on my list.
Alfredx Portable 12V Car Food Warmer: See on Amazon
Highly Efficient: XINZOKYC Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 [Upgraded]
Having a lunch box that is both powerful and highly efficient is essential for many people. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 is an excellent option for those looking to upgrade from the old version. The new and improved microwave is 1/3 faster in heating speed, meaning that the device will heat your food more efficiently.
The 60W high-power lunch box is compatible with 110V home/office outlets and 12V car/24V car/truck adapters. It comes with a stainless steel spoon, fork, and an additional plastic compartment.
The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 has a capacity of 1.58 quarts (1.5L), and manufacturers back the product with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Bottom Line: The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 is an excellent option for those who are looking for an upgrade from the old version of the Electric Lunch Box. The new and improved model is 1/3 faster in heating speed, more efficient, and has even better features than those that made the original so famous.
Pros
- Faster heating speed. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 is more powerful and 1/3 faster in heating speed than the old version. It will heat your food quickly and more efficiently without additional energy.
- Dual voltage. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 is compatible with 110V home/office outlets and 12V car/24V car/truck adapters. This feature makes it a versatile option for those who want to use it at home or on the go.
- It comes with accessories. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 comes with a stainless steel spoon, fork, and an additional plastic compartment. These handy additions make it a complete lunch box solution and save you from buying other accessories.
- Satisfaction guarantee. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 is backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, giving you peace of mind when purchasing this product. If you’re unhappy, you can return it for a full refund.
Cons
- It may be too small for some. The Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1 has a capacity of 1.5L, which may be too small for some customers. If you’re looking for a portable microwave with extra space — consider one of the other options on my list.
Electric Lunch Box 3 in 1: See on Amazon
Key Takeaways
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best portable car microwave or food warmer for your needs. Portability, capacity, heating speed, and price are all crucial factors to keep in mind.
Considering these and many other factors, I’ve found that the best overall option is the HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer. Check it out on Amazon now!