Best Tank Type Engine Heaters of 2026
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Tank type engine heaters are a popular solution for those who live in cold climates and need to keep their car's engine warm during the winter months. These heaters are designed to be installed directly into the engine's coolant system and use electricity to keep the engine at a consistent temperature. They are easy to use and can be controlled with a simple switch, allowing you to turn the heater on and off as needed. Additionally, tank type engine heaters are energy-efficient and can help reduce fuel consumption, making them a cost-effective solution for those looking to save money on gas during the colder months.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 10 Tank Type Engine Heaters
KAT'S 13150 Circulating Tank Heater
KAT'S Tank Heater is a 1500 Watt aluminum heater with versatile strap mounting. It is thermostatically controlled from 135 to 175 degrees, offering you precise temperature regulation. The die-cast aluminum design ensures corrosion and impact resistance, providing durability. Installation requires moderate mechanical ability. This heater is designed to fit specific vehicles, making it a convenient choice for keeping your engine warm and ready to start in cold weather conditions.
Kat's 13100 1000W Aluminum Tank Heater
The Kat's Aluminum Tank Heater is designed with a flexible strap mounting system, making it easier for you to install it securely in various positions. It offers a built-in thermostat that lets you set the temperature between 135 and 175 degrees, helping you maintain the right warmth for your engine. Keep in mind that installing this heater requires some mechanical skills, so having a bit of experience will make the process smoother. Its die-cast aluminum construction ensures the heater resists rust and physical damage, so you can rely on it to last through tough conditions. Overall, the Kat's Aluminum Tank Heater combines convenience and durability to keep your vehicle running efficiently.
Zerostart Engine Block Immersion Heater
Zerostart Engine Block Immersion Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear. It features a 27mm thread and is suitable for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, International/Navistar, John Deere. A 6' (1.8m) cord is included, and it is CSA approved with 120 volts and 1000 watts. This tank type engine heater is an excellent choice to keep your engine running smoothly in cold weather.
Zerostart 3500022 Engine Block Immersion Heater
The Zerostart 3500022 Engine Block Immersion Heater is a tank type engine heater that ensures quick winter starts and reduces engine wear. It is designed for Cummins, Paccar engines with a 3/4" NPT thread. The heater includes a 6' (1.8m) cord and is CSA approved. With 120 volts and 750 watts, this engine heater is useful for those who live in cold weather and want to keep their engines warm and well-maintained for optimal performance.
Zerostart 3600023 13-inch Replacement Cordset
The Zerostart Cordset 13-inch is designed with a single cord featuring a male plug and a female silicone connector, making it easy for you to connect and use without hassle. Its 13-inch length offers a compact and manageable size, perfect for fitting in tight spaces around your vehicle. Built with 18/3 HPN wire, this cordset provides reliable and durable wiring suited for automotive and light truck use. It's ideal for powering various heaters like freeze plug, engine block, oil pan, and transmission heaters, helping keep your engine components warm and functioning efficiently in cold weather.
Zerostart 3100057 Engine Block Heater
Zerostart 3100057 Engine Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jeep, Pontiac, Continental, Oldsmobile. It has a 1-5/8-inch diameter and comes with a 5.8-foot cord. CSA approved and vehicle-specific fit type.
Zerostart 3100130 Engine Block Heater
The Zerostart 3100130 Engine Block Heater is designed for Chevrolet and GMC 2001-2008 V8 -6.6L, Diesel (Duramax), 2007-2015 V8-6.6L Diesel (Duramax) engines. It helps you to have quick winter starts and reduce engine wear. Its CSA approval ensures safe and reliable use.
Zerostart 3100039 Engine Block Heater
Zerostart 3100039 Engine Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear for various car brands. It has a 1-1/2-inch diameter, a 5.8-foot cord, and uses 120 volts and 600 watts. The plug type is 120 volt, 15 Amp (Type A), and it has a vehicle-specific fit.
Xghdalk 5003619AB Engine Block Immersion Heater
The Xghdalk Block Heater is designed to keep your engine warm and ready in cold weather. It operates on standard 120 volts and uses 750 watts of power, providing efficient heating to ensure easier engine starts. This heater fits specific Ram 2500 and 3500 models from 2011-2018 with 6.7L diesel engines, as well as Dodge trucks from 2001-2010 with 5.9L and 6.7L diesel engines. The package includes a replacement cordset, making it easy to install and maintain. With this block heater, you can enjoy quicker warm-ups and reduce engine wear during cold starts.
Zerostart 3500030 Engine Block Heater
Zerostart 3500030 Engine Block Heater is designed to ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear for Chrysler, Dodge, Keep, Kia, Mitsubishi, Hyundai models. It has a 58mm diameter and a 6' (1.8m) cord included, and is CSA approved. With 120 volts and 750 watts, it's a reliable and efficient heater to keep your engine warm in cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does a engine tank heater work?
Tank-type engine heaters can either have a built-in water pump or not. If they have a water pump, it activates as the engine heats up and delivers heated coolant to the engine. This helps warm up the engine and facilitate efficient operation.
2. Are engine block heaters worth it?
Yes, engine block heaters offer several benefits. They help save on gas, prolong the lifespan of engine parts, and are environmentally friendly. However, if you keep your car in a heated garage, a block heater may not be necessary.
3. How does a hotstart engine heater work?
Hotstart's externally mounted engine heaters use convection heating to circulate heated coolant throughout the engine block. This allows the coolant to naturally rise from the heater and flow through the engine's water jacket without the need for a pump.
4. Do engine block heaters use a lot of electricity?
Engine block heaters can consume anywhere from 750 to 1500 Watts of electricity. To put it into perspective, it's like having 15 to 30 100-watt light bulbs turned on and left on for 20 hours a day in your home.
5. Can you plug in a block heater overnight?
It is generally recommended to plug in an engine block heater for a maximum of four hours. Leaving it plugged in for longer periods would be wasteful in terms of electricity consumption. However, it is advisable to plug in the block heater for at least two hours to ensure a successful start.
6. How long can you run an engine block heater?
The maximum recommended time to keep an engine block heater plugged in is four hours. Running it for longer durations would not provide any additional benefits and would only increase your electricity bill unnecessarily.
7. How long should I leave my engine block heater plugged in?
The duration for which you should leave your engine block heater plugged in can vary depending on various factors. As a general guideline, it is advisable to plug it in for at least 2-3 hours. In colder temperatures, it may be necessary to keep it plugged in for a longer period.
8. Does a circulating block heater have a pump?
Yes, a circulating block heater is equipped with a built-in water pump. The pump helps circulate heated coolant continuously throughout the engine, maintaining a consistent temperature. This design reduces the need for frequent maintenance and extends the lifespan of the heating element.
9. How can I warm my engine without a block heater?
If you don't have a block heater, you can use alternative methods to warm your engine. One option is to place a drop light with a 100-150 watt incandescent bulb under the engine overnight. Another option is to use a dipstick engine heater, which replaces the regular dipstick and warms the oil.
During our tank type engine heater research, we found 24 tank type engine heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,544 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tank type engine heaters list. We found that most customers choose tank type engine heaters with an average price of $76.61.
The tank type engine heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tank type engine heaters, including KAT'S, Zerostart, Xghdalk. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.