Best Tank Type Engine Heaters of 2025
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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
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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 Tank Heater
KAT'S Tank Heater is a reliable circulating tank heater designed for vehicles. With versatile strap mounting, it's easy to install with moderate mechanical skills. The thermostat control allows you to set temperatures between 135 to 175 degrees, ensuring your engine stays warm in cold weather. The die-cast aluminum design provides corrosion and impact resistance, making it durable for long-term use.
KAT'S 13150 1500 Watt Heater
The KAT'S 1500 Watt Heater is designed to provide efficient heating for your tank. With its adaptable strap-type mounting, you can easily install it in various setups, ensuring a snug fit. The heater offers a temperature range from 135 to 175 degrees, allowing you to customize the heat according to your needs. Its durable die-cast aluminum construction not only resists corrosion but also withstands impacts, ensuring longevity. Keep in mind that a moderate level of mechanical skill is necessary for installation, making it a great option for those who enjoy DIY projects.
Zerostart 3308003 Circulation Heater
The Zerostart Circulation Heater is designed with user convenience in mind. Its universal mounting strap allows for easy installation in various plumbing setups. You will appreciate the integral check valve, which enhances versatility by accommodating a wide range of configurations. Moreover, the top-side power cord connection protects against damage from road debris and chemicals, ensuring longer-lasting performance. Additionally, the built-in temperature sensing safety thermostat helps prevent overheating, activating at 147°F and turning off at 185°F, providing peace of mind during use.
KAT'S #13080 Aluminum Heater
The KAT'S Aluminum Tank Heater is designed for versatile installation with its strap-type mounting system, making it easy for you to set up. You can adjust the temperature between 135 to 175 degrees, ensuring that your tank maintains the ideal warmth. Its die-cast aluminum construction offers excellent resistance to both corrosion and impact, providing durability in various conditions. While it requires some mechanical skills to install, the benefits of having a reliable heating solution for your tank make it worth the effort.
All States Kat's 850 Watt Heater
The All States Engine Heater is designed to keep your engine warm with its thermostatic control, maintaining temperatures between 135 and 175 degrees. This feature ensures your engine starts smoothly in cold weather, eliminating the hassle of a sluggish start. Made from corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum, it offers durability and longevity. Operating at 120 volts and 850 watts, this heater is efficient, drawing only 7 amps of power. With a capacity to accommodate up to 18 quarts, it is perfect for various engine sizes, making it a versatile choice for your heating needs.
Zerostart 2204037 Circulation Heater
The Zerostart 2204037 Circulation Heater is a CSA approved tank type engine heater that is designed for industrial, agriculture, or off-road use. This heater has a thermostatically controlled system that opens at 190°F and closes at 151°F. Its rugged cast aluminum construction is corrosion and impact-resistant, while its copper heating element provides excellent heat transfer. This heater can be installed vertically, and it has serviceable parts for replacement of the thermostat, cord, or heating element.
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 3309040 Circulation Heater
The Zerostart Circulation Heater is designed to provide efficient engine warming for power generators, compressors, and agricultural equipment. This heater ensures quick and clean starts, making it easier for you to get your machinery running smoothly. With dual thermostats, it maintains a safe temperature range, preventing overheating while automatically resetting when necessary. Its universal fit and 120-volt, 1000-watt design make it versatile for various applications, giving you peace of mind during colder conditions.
Zerostart 310-0005 Engine Block Heater
Zerostart Block Heater helps reduce emissions by warming engines efficiently. It also speeds up cabin heater output, prolongs engine and starter life, and is custom-designed for various applications by collaborating with OEM manufacturers. By warming engines effectively, you can decrease harmful emissions, enjoy quicker cabin heating, extend the lifespan of engine components, and benefit from a heater tailored to your specific vehicle.
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 6,323 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 $68.18.
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, All States. 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.