Best Freeze Plug Type Engine Heaters of 2025

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Freeze Plug Type Engine Heaters are an innovative solution for those who live in colder climates and want to ensure their vehicle starts up smoothly in the winter. These engine heaters are installed directly into the engine block's freeze plugs, providing a reliable and efficient way to warm up the engine before starting it. They come in a variety of sizes and are compatible with most vehicles, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to improve their car's performance during the winter months. Additionally, these heaters are easy to install and require minimal maintenance, making them a convenient option for busy car owners.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Freeze Plug Type Engine Heaters
Kat's - 1155X 1155 200W Magnetic Heater
The Kat's 1155X 1155 200 Watt Magnetic Heater is a versatile engine heater that can be used for snow blowers, chainsaws, snowmobiles, and other small engines. It can be applied to various parts like oil pan, engine block, battery holder, or intake manifold. The heater is also suitable for warming hydraulic systems, thawing frozen gutters, livestock feeders, locks, and pipes. It is a convenient and reliable device that requires no mechanical installation and is thermostatically controlled.
KAT'S 11409X Frost Plug Heater
KAT'S Frost Plug Heater is a reliable engine block pre-heater that operates by heating the block through coolant submersion. This heater, also known as a freeze plug heater, is specific to part numbers and requires mechanical installation. The efficiency of this heater ensures a warm engine start, preventing freezing in cold weather. By directly heating the block, it ensures optimal engine performance. Its application versatility caters to various engine types, making it a convenient addition for those seeking efficient pre-heating solutions.
KAT'S 11607 Frost Plug Heater
The KAT'S Engine Block Heater is an excellent solution for pre-heating your engine block. It works by being submerged directly into the coolant, effectively warming the block for easier starts in cold conditions. This heater is known for its efficiency and reliability, ensuring your engine is ready when you are. Designed for specific applications, it’s important to check compatibility with your part numbers. Keep in mind that installation does require some mechanical skills, so be prepared to get your hands a bit dirty.
Zerostart 3100013 Engine Block Heater
Zerostart Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear. It is compatible with various brands like Allis Chalmers, International/Navistar, Perkins, and Massey Ferguson. The 1-1/4-Inch Diameter makes it versatile for different applications. With a 13" cord included, you can easily connect it for efficient heating. Operating at 120 Volts and 600 Watts, this CSA Approved heater plugs in effortlessly to provide the necessary warmth for your engine, ensuring a smooth start even in cold weather.
KAT'S 11407 Engine Heater
The KAT'S Engine Heater offers an efficient way to warm up your engine block before starting your vehicle. By being directly submerged in the coolant, it effectively heats the engine block, ensuring smoother starts in cold weather. This type of heater, also known as a freeze plug or block heater, is specifically designed for various applications. However, it's important to note that installing this heater requires some mechanical skills, making it ideal for those comfortable with DIY projects. With this heater, you can prevent engine damage caused by freezing temperatures.
Zerostart 3100016 Freeze Plug Engine Block Heater
Zerostart Engine Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear. It is compatible with various vehicle brands such as Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and more. With a 35mm diameter and a 5.8' cord included, this heater operates at 120 volts with 400 watts. The plug type is 120 volts, 15 amps (Type A), and it is CSA approved. Installing this heater can help you start your engine faster during winter, protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan.
VANORM 3600008 Replacement Cordset for Immersion/Engine Block Heaters
The VANORM 3600008 Replacement Cordset is designed to handle extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibration, making it ideal for use with heavy duty immersion and engine block heaters. The cord features a heavy-duty single cord with a male plug and silicone female connector. It is 6 feet long with a 16 gauge wire and a 120-volt, 15-amp plug type, making it compatible with Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel and Ford F250 350. The silicone connector is right-angled with a pin distance of 0.360 inches and a pin diameter of 0.138 inches.
Zerostart 3100043 Freeze Plug Engine Block Heater
The Zerostart 3100043 Freeze Plug Engine Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear. This vehicle-specific heater has a 1-1/2-inch diameter and comes with a 7.5-foot cord. It operates on 120 volts with a power rating of 1000 watts and is CSA approved. It is a great addition to your vehicle if you live in an area with harsh winter weather.
Zerostart Freeze Plug Engine Block Heater for Isuzu 45mm
Zerostart Isuzu Heater ensures quick winter starts and reduces engine wear. With a 45mm diameter, it is compatible with Isuzu vehicles. The 5.8' cord included provides flexibility for installation. Operating at 120 volts and 400 watts, this CSA approved heater is designed for specific vehicle applications, making it a convenient choice for cold weather conditions.
Enhon 1155X 200W Magnetic Engine Block Heater
The Enhon 200W Block Heater is designed to ensure your engine starts smoothly in cold weather. It quickly warms engine oil to 135°F, which is especially beneficial for smaller engines like snow blowers and chainsaws, reducing wear during cold starts. The magnetic base allows for easy attachment to oil pans or engine blocks, making installation hassle-free. With a built-in thermostat, it maintains safe operating temperatures while conserving energy. This versatile heater can also thaw frozen pipes or warm battery trays, making it a must-have for winter maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What plug keeps engine warm in winter?
Using a block heater is a common way to keep the engine warm in winter. It works by circulating warm liquid inside the engine, preventing it from freezing overnight. However, there are other methods available to help keep the engine warm and ready to start in cold temperatures.
2. Will a block heater keep engine from freezing?
Yes, a block heater is designed to keep the engine warm and prevent the fluids from thickening in freezing temperatures. By maintaining the consistency of the fluids, the block heater ensures that the engine can start easily even in extremely cold weather.
3. Do engine block heaters work?
Yes, engine block heaters are effective in warming the engine and fluids before starting the vehicle. They are especially useful in very cold temperatures as they reduce the risk of damage from cold starts and idling. By using a block heater, the fluids in the engine quickly reach the ideal operating temperature.
4. How long can you leave a block heater plugged in?
The recommended maximum time to leave a block heater plugged in is four hours. Leaving it plugged in for longer can result in unnecessary electricity usage. However, it is advisable to plug in the block heater for at least two hours to ensure the engine starts smoothly.
5. Can you start a car with block heater plugged in?
No, it is important to unplug the block heater before starting the car. Driving with the block heater still plugged in can be dangerous and may damage both the block heater and the vehicle.
6. What is the alternative to block heaters?
One alternative to block heaters is pan heaters. These attach to the engine's oil pan using magnets or metal strapping. Pan heaters heat the engine oil directly, rather than the coolant like a block heater. When used correctly, they can be a viable substitute for block heaters.
7. Is it bad to plug in block heater all night?
Leaving the block heater plugged in all night is generally not recommended. The maximum recommended time for leaving the block heater plugged in is four hours. Leaving it plugged in for longer than necessary will waste electricity. It is advisable to plug in the block heater for at least two hours to ensure the engine starts smoothly.
8. At what temperature do you need an engine block heater?
An engine block heater is typically needed when the temperature drops to around five degrees Fahrenheit or lower. It is not necessary to use a block heater all the time, but rather when the cold weather is at its worst.
9. How can I keep my engine warm without a block heater?
If you don't have a block heater, one alternative is to use a glue-on oil-pan heater. This type of heater consists of a thin heating pad that is attached to the vehicle's oil pan using a heavy-duty adhesive. It directly heats the engine oil, providing warmth without the need for a block heater.
10. Do engine block heaters use a lot of electricity?
Yes, engine block heaters can use a significant amount of electricity. They typically range from 750 to 1500 Watts, which is equivalent to having multiple light bulbs turned on continuously. It is important to consider the electricity consumption when using a block heater.
During our freeze plug type engine heater research, we found 24 freeze plug type engine heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,027 customer reviews through our big data system to write the freeze plug type engine heaters list. We found that most customers choose freeze plug type engine heaters with an average price of $65.22.
The freeze plug type engine heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of freeze plug type engine heaters, including KAT'S, Zerostart, VANORM, Enhon. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.