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People living in harsh weather conditions like North America and Europe face difficulties every winter with their vehicles. Besides the hassle of driving in the snow, they face a more primal condition – getting the vehicle to start.

Thanks to modern technology, we can now warm-up our vehicle engines. This prevents them from getting damaged due to cold starts. Such starts are detrimental as the parts inside the engine start to move before reaching their operating temperature.

You could select a universal block heater to warm the engine or you could pick one that’s the most suitable. There are various types of these heaters but it takes some research to pick the best engine block heater.

To make a guided choice, read through this article that covers the finest brands of engine block heaters.

In case you don’t want to read through the reviews, here’s our top 3 choices for the best engine block heater:

What is an Engine Block Heater And Benefits Of Using It?

The engine is the most important part of any automobile. It is through the engine that oil is transmitted. Oil makes the other parts of the vehicle move, and thus we are able to drive.

In very cold climates, the engine hits a low temperature. The oil that flows through it is naturally viscous and cannot flow smoothly if not warm enough. Colder climates don’t make it easy for the oil to flow through if the engine is cold.

This is where we need an engine block heater. It’s embedded within the engine of your car and heats it up.

Basically a small heater, it preps your engine before you turn on the ignition. The freeze plug in the heater warms up the coolant so that the flow through the engine is smooth.

There are several benefits to using this product. Read on to know more.

Prevents Engine Wear-Out

Since the car block heater warms up the engine, the latter is in the right state before starting to work. Thus, there won’t be any premature wear and tear. It doesn’t have to work extra hard as it’s already warmed up.

Prevents Spills

An engine block heater like the freeze plug prevents the engine from getting cold. It surrounds the cooling system and the engine in warmth. Thus, you won’t get any mess from sticky and thick engine oil.

Smooth Operation

If you have a block heater for car, you’ll get mental peace. That’s because your car will operate without any hitch. This is especially a much-needed feature for vehicles operating in extreme cold conditions.

Easier Ignition

With an engine block heater, it’s easier to start your car after a very cold night. Without it, you’ll not only find it hard to start your car, but you will also cause damage to the engine.

Saves Fuel

An engine block heater will save fuel for you. For the first 20 kilometers, your vehicle will save at least 15% gas. These savings are even higher if you own a bigger vehicle like a Jeep, that houses a bigger engine.

Environment-Conscious

Since an engine block heater prevents the engine of your vehicle to start before it reaches the optimum temperature, there is less emission of gases that are harmful to the environment.

Top 10 Best Engine Block Heater Reviews

Kat’s 1160 Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater For Car, Trucks, SUVs

Are you looking for a heater that will warm up your tractors and other farm equipment?

If you are, then look no further. We have you covered with this magnetic engine block heater. Besides warming up engines of heavy-duty vehicles, they are great for regular sedans and SUVs.

With two powerful magnets, the Kat’s 1160 Handi-Heat Magnetic Heater does a wonderful job of warming the engine and the transmission of your vehicle. This device provides continuous warmth to your vehicle, thereby ensuring better lubrication and long life of your engine.

Its expanding heating surface makes it an ideal heating solution for trucks and larger vehicles. It warms up to 20 square inches of the area easily.

To get the most effective outcome, place the heater on the flattest and lowest side of the oil pan. You can choose the bottom of the pan as well.

This is a multi-functional heating device that you may also use on chainsaws, snowmobiles, and snow blowers.

If your vehicle has an aluminum alloy oil pan, the magnets will not work on them. Although with some improvisation, you can make it work. On the other hand, the magnets work perfectly on all other types of oil pans, without falling off.

The solid construction of this magnetic heater makes it sturdy and durable. You won’t need to replace it anytime soon.

Highlighted Features

Magnetic truck block heater for heavy-duty and regular vehicles.
Two powerful magnets to provide warmth continuously.
Expanding heating surface covers up to 20 square inches of area.
Attachable to oil pan of vehicles.
Solid construction for durability.

Kat’s 13150 Aluminum Circulating Tank Heater

“It’s better out than in” – as Shrek says. And sometimes it’s applicable for engine block heaters too!

Kat’s 13150 Aluminum Circulating Tank Heater is a good quality of engine block heater for external use with which you can warm up your engine or the car transmission. Either way, it helps tons to get your car started in the coldest of mornings. Plus, it protects your engine from the damage that cold starts can incur.

With this engine warmer, you can save fuel. As it produces better lubrication, your engine won’t need to do extra work by guzzling extra fuel. This also results in your engine life getting extended.

In a circular shape, this heater has straps for mounting on the engine, making it flexible and versatile. The outlet design is tapered so that it can facilitate the flow of the coolant more efficiently. The installation needs some mechanical experience and it is better left to professionals if you’re uneasy.

The molding is in a one-piece form, making it resistant to leaks if any. Keeping in mind the health of the environment, the product has used die-cast aluminum that’s easily recyclable. It also protects the device from any strong impact as well as from corrosion.

With a thermostat fitted, you can control the temperature between a range of 135 and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a small but powerful engine heater with the ability to transmit 1500 Watt.

Highlighted Features

A small but powerful external heater of 1500 Watt.
Control temperatures between 135 – 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aluminum body to resist corrosion and impact.
Tapered design to facilitate the flow of coolant.
It comes with straps for mounting.

Zerostart 3500043 Engine Block Heater

If there’s one engine block heater out there that have been specially made for the major auto manufacturers, then this is it.

For owners who have one or more of Nissan, Ford, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Mack, Mercury, International, Hino or Lincoln, the Zerostart 3500043 Engine Block Heater will serve the purpose of engine warming for all.

Approved by experts, this product will keep your engine from the damage caused by an ignition without warming it up first. This device will ensure all the fluids and oil are at the right temperature for the engine to function. Thus, it helps to keep your engine free from wear and tear.

It can transmit power of 1000 Watts or 120 Volts. It helps to ready your vehicle engine so that you can start it at one go. Even after your car has been left out in freezing temperatures, you won’t fail to start the engine.

The efficiency of the product is palpable as it directly heats up the engine block and coolant. This saves your time as other types of heaters may indirectly heat the engine through an oil pan. It takes between 3 to 4 hours to get warm for it to transmit the heat to the engine.

If you use only the heater element without replacing the stock cord, it also gives you great heating results.

Highlighted Features

Especially suitable for Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, and other major auto brands.
Powerful at 1000 Watts or 120 Volts.
It heats up the engine and coolant directly, saving time.
Takes between 3 and 4 hours to warm up.
Only the heating part can be used with the stock cord.

Zerostart 3400017 Portable Electric Heat Magnet Heater

Touch the heat without getting burned – that’s what this multi-use engine block heater is all about.

Zerostart 3400017 is suitable for only non-aluminum engine blocks of both large and small sizes. You can use this product on a range of vehicles like farm equipment, snowmobiles, motorbikes, tractors, snowblowers, and generators.

Connect it to 120 Volts or 200 Watts AC outlets and the built-in thermostat will do the rest. It will ensure that the temperature doesn’t exceed 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 121 degrees Celsius. Attach this heater to any metallic surface and you can be certain that the optimum temperature will be kept.

You can apply this heater on steel gutters, oil pans and transmissions of vehicles, hydraulic equipment, and stock tank to get rid of the cold and resultant ice or snow.

The greatest part is the quick grip handle with which you can remove the heater from the oil pan or engine block without getting your hands singed. It’s the most efficient way of warming up your engine, coolant, and oil in the harsh winters.

The powerful magnet is strong and sticks to the metal surface without sliding off. It even sticks well to the bottom of an oil pan.

It can turn off after reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then remain constant at 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Highlighted Features

Multi-use heater for non-aluminum engine blocks.
Built-in thermostat controls and maintains optimum heat.
A quick grip handle to protect the hands from burning.
Powerful magnets to help stick firmly on a metal surface.
It connects to 120 Volts or 200 Watts outlets.

Zerostart 2600900 Interior Car Warmer

Afraid of being greeted by frosty windows first thing when you get out of the house? No need to fear as Zerostart 2600900 Interior Car Warmer.

This is the real deal when it comes to toasting the inside of any recreational, light-duty or passenger transport. It’s easy to install with the enclosed brackets. You can place it either under the dashboard or mount it on the floor.

With frost-free windows, the propensity of having road accidents is reduced.

The compact heater is powerful, transmitting 900 Watts or 120 Volts power through the blower fans. These ensure the entire interior is uniformly warmed.

Measuring only 2.75 feet in height, 4.5 feet in width, and 7 inches in length, the device offers space-saving dimensions. With a 7.5 feet cord, it gives you much flexibility and convenience.

It takes a few hours to warm up your car interior. It’s a good idea to set it to a timer so that you don’t waste energy unnecessarily. Besides doing a great job on heating up the inside, it melts away inches of snow from your windshield.

However, to avoid overheating, it’s advised to keep it at a distance of 3 feet in the front. Also, this lacks a thermostat and you have to unplug and re-plug it to adjust the temperature.

Highlighted Features

Car interior heater with fan blowers.
Compact and powerful to clean up frosted windows.
It helps to melt away inches of snow on the windshield.
Might overheat so mounting at a 3 feet distance is advised.
A timer can be set to save energy.

Kat’s 1155 200 Watt Magnetic Heater

Extreme cold weather conditions call for extreme countermeasures.

When the temperature drops to minus 40 degrees Celsius or even lower, you can rely on Kat’s 1155 200 Watt Magnetic Heater to warm up your truck or car. Besides the engines on your automobiles, it works equally well in snow mobiles, snowblowers, chainsaws, and any other engine of small stature.

This heater can also be used in the oil pan of your vehicle to warm up the fuel. If you find your gutter is all frozen, use this heater to thaw the ice and get the drains functioning again.

Many pipes, locks, and animal feeders freeze in very cold regions. This machine can help you to thaw them so that life can go on normally despite the sub-zero temperatures.

As the heater needs no mechanical installation, it is easy to use. Its convenience and reliability features make it a necessary tool to warm up equipment and vehicles in the coldest months of the year. You can use this to warm up your vehicle transmission.

Cold starts can irreparably damage your engine. To avoid this, use the heater to warm up your engine for twenty minutes or so. This will keep all the fluid in your engine and the engine itself warm and ready for running.

It has a thermostat so that you can control the temperature. This will prevent electricity wastage due to overheating.

Highlighted Features

Multipurpose use on engine vehicles, transmission, snowblowers, etc.
Thermostat for controlling the temperature.
Prevents engine damage from cold starts.
Reliable, convenient to use in sub-zero temperatures.
Zero mechanical installation for easy operation.

HOTSTART ENGINE HEATER

Start me up! That’s what your car engine screams when the harshest winters hit your part of the country.

Hotstart Engine Heater can be used on cars as well as on most generators, buses, boats, trucks, and tractors. Its design is such that you can replace the main parts without throwing it away. Thus, it gives you an opportunity to be kind to the environment and your wallet by helping you reuse it.

The device has been made from materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion. Therefore, it’s a durable block heater for your vehicle engine. Another point that prolongs its service life is that it’s tested for shock and vibration before it hits the market.

Be sure that the coolant of your engine will have a temperature between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to the thermostat, you can regulate the temperature easily. Through convection heating, this device warms up the coolant in your engine.

This heater has been designed to minimize any heat loss. Hence, it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.

This can last for years and attests for the durability of this product. It comes with a power cord of 4 feet in length. With 120 Volts, this heater packs in a punch.

For easy installation, the package includes universal mounting brackets and other accessories.

Highlighted Features

Powerful heater at 120 Volts.
Designed for reusability.
Prevents heat loss and saves energy.
Adjustable temperature with a thermostat.
Easy installation with provided bolts and universal brackets.

Ford F7TZ-6A051-AA – HEATER ASY

For your Fords only! A bespoke engine block heater for the car manufacturing giant.

Small but smart, Ford F7TZ-6A051-AA has been specifically for Ford owners. It fits all 1999 to 2003 Ford Super Duty models with 7.3 Diesel. It is a genuine Ford part and comes without a cord.

Although the installation is easy, you need to drain out the radiator first. Otherwise, you may lose some of the coolants. The draining bit of the process may create some mess.

When the motor is hot, it’s easier to loosen the nut. Plus, be quick with the replacement to minimize coolant loss.

Even when temperatures hit to -2 degrees Celsius, this heater will keep your engine and all the fluids warm. There’s no chance of any damage caused to the engine with a cold start. It takes about an hour to fire up a truck’s engine in negative temperatures.

It’s the best engine block heater as you won’t face any difficulty in fitting it. As it has been manufactured for specific Ford models only, it fits like a glove. In addition, it has proven to be reliable and made to last for several long winters.

This heater speaks volumes about the quality standard and functionality of Ford and all its OEM parts.

Highlighted Features

Bespoke heater for Ford 1999 – 2003 Super Duty 7.3 Diesel models.
High quality, functionality, reliable, and durable.
Easy to install but a messy process.
Fits said Ford model engines perfectly.
It works great in minus temperatures.

Ford 2011-2016 Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Engine Block Heater

Any owner of a Ford would want to have this heater for their engine handy.

Ford 2011-2016 Super Duty 6.7L Diesel Engine Block Heater is applicable for all Ford models between 2011 and 2016 with a 6.7-liter engine. The heating core comes with a cable cord wire harness for easy installation. If you have a swivel socket to remove the existing plug and a power cord extension, then installation will be easier.

Make sure that your truck or car is cool before you install this heater. After installation, you will notice how quickly your engine and all the system fluids warm up. Even in the worst of winters, this heater won’t let your Ford down.

Since this product has been made especially for Ford models, it will fit it in without any hassle. During installation, you will lose some of the coolants. But if you are careful, the maximum coolant you can lose is about 6 ounces.

The maximum temperature provided by this heater is 50 degrees Celsius. With an easy installation process, you can easily do it yourself instead of getting professional help.

Cold starts can ruin the engine of your car on cold mornings. Install this heater to have greater fuel efficiency along with the prevention of any engine damage. Before you turn on the ignition, allow the heater to warm the innards of your Ford.

Highlighted Features

Made for 6.7-liter Ford 2011 – 2016 models.
A cable cord wire harness is enclosed for easy installation.
Maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius.
Some coolants will be lost during installation.
Prevents engine damage.

Zerostart 350-0015 Engine Block Heater

The challenging weather will not be able to damage your vehicle engine if you have Zerostart 350-0015 Engine Block Heater to warm the main system.

With quality heating solutions from this product, you can use it to thaw the coldest engines of your car, trucks, off-road vehicles, and even generators.

If you warm your engine sufficiently during the cold months, you will do a favor to both your car and the environment. That’s because a warmed-up engine will release fewer emissions that are detrimental to the environment. Plus, the coolant and other liquids in the system will prevent engine damage.

You will see that the heater will warm up the engine and the vehicle cabin within minutes. While you get ready in the morning, this heater will work to make the car ready for you and will also prolong the engine life in the process.

It has been designed to fit perfectly with factory settings of the engine. Therefore, it saves you from any installation time wastage and hassle. It will take a maximum of 20 minutes for the installation.

Use the AC power in your home to turn on the heater. This will warm up the coolant and heat the engine through convection.

This product will work for both gas and diesel vehicles. Thus, it gives you the versatility of an engine block heater that many others don’t.

Highlighted Features

Suitable for both gas and diesel vehicles including trucks and off-roads.
Instant warming of the coolant and engine.
Factory setting compatible for easy installation.
Installation time approximately 20 minutes.
Runs on the standard home AC power outlet.

How To Choose The Best Engine Block Heater

With a host of engine block heaters available, making a buying decision is a tough choice. However, you need to consider several factors before making the final purchasYyo e of an engine block heater. Read on to know more.

Temporary Or Permanent

Engine block heaters can be either temporary or permanent. Depending on whether you need one for a short vacation up north or you live permanently there, it will be a deciding factor for your purchase decision.

If you’re in the market for temporary heating solutions for your car engine, pick a dipstick heater or an engine-warming blanket, or an oil pan heater.

However, other engine heaters should give you more long-term solutions if you live in extremely cold regions. You could go for the most efficient type of heater for your car – an in-line coolant heater or freeze plug heater.

Climate

Not all weather conditions demand the use of a car block heater. It’s only the extreme cold to very cold climates where you need a heater for your vehicle. Due to this type of climate, the coolant and oil in your car freeze, causing damage to the engine.

It’s only when the temperature goes down to 5 degrees Celsius then you ought to run the engine warmer.

Engine Size

The bigger the engine of your vehicle, the bigger the power or Wattage of your engine block heater is needed. For example, the tractors and trucks used on a farm have a big engine. For these types, you need a truck block heater with at least 300 wattage power.

Ease Of Installation

Some engine block heaters are easier to install, while others need professional help. Before you choose one, first decide if you want to install it or get the pros to do it. Depending on your decision, select the right engine block heater for you.

The stick-on types of heaters like the dipstick heater, oil pan heater or the engine-warming blankets are the easiest to install. Others require more expertise as these need to be in electrical harmony with the engine system.

Multi-Vehicle Usage

If you own more than one vehicle that runs regularly, then you need to choose a heater for your engine that can be used on multiple cars. You can opt for an engine-warming blanket.

This type of engine warmer installation is temporary. Therefore, you can move this from one to another vehicle easily.

You can also get an oil pan heater to warm up your fleet of cars. Although they are not the most efficient, they still provide the warmth that your vehicle engines need in cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why Do I Need an Engine Block Heater?

Answer: If you live in extremely cold climates, especially in areas like North and South Dakota, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, your car probably needs an engine block heater.

That’s because the freezing temperatures bring down the temperature of the engine. With an engine block heater, you protect your engine as it stays warm even when your truck is not running. If the oil is cold, it won’t flow through smoothly, harming your engine.

2. Which Type of a Block Heater Is Appropriate For My Vehicle?

Answer: You should choose the type of engine block heater that fits the engine size of your vehicle. Also, check how easy or hard the installation of the heater is before deciding to buy one. Another major important consideration is the weather.

3. Which Type of Engine Block Heater Is the Most Difficult to Install?

Answer: While most engine block heaters are fairly easy to install, the most difficult one is that which uses a pump to circulate warm coolant. The constant circulation prevents the coolant from getting frozen in winters. Both circulating and non-circulating forms of in-line heater should be installed professionally.

Final Word

To help you know more about why you need one and to enable you to select the best engine block heater, we have compiled a list. We hope this helps you in hunting for the right engine warmer before the next bout of winter hits you.