Table of Contents
- 1 1. Zerostart 3400017 – Detailed Review
- 2 Pros and Cons
- 3 2. Kat’s 24150 150 Watt 4″x 5″ – Detailed Review
- 4 Pros and Cons
- 5 3. Zerostart 3500043 – Detailed Review
- 6 Pros and Cons
- 7 4. Kat’s 11900 Magnetic Engine Heater – Detailed Review
- 8 Pros and Cons
- 9 5. Kat’s 1155 200 Watt Magnetic Heater – Detailed Review
- 10 Pros and Cons
- 11 6. Zerostart 3500022 – Detailed Review
- 12 Pros and Cons
- 13 Engine Block Heater Buying Guide
- 14 FAQ
- 15 Conclusion
- 16 Engine Block Heater: Bestsellers
1. Zerostart 3400017 – Detailed Review
- Multi-use utility heater with built-in thermostat that maintains optimum temperature on any metallic surface
- Provides heat where and when you need it
- 200 watts, 120 Volts AC; built-in thermostat maintains optimum temperature - will not exceed 250˚F (121˚c)
- Ideal heater for large or small (non-aluminum) engine blocks: tractors, snowmobiles, motorcycles, snow blowers, generators, farm equipment; Also oil pans, transmissions, hydraulic equipment, steel gutters and stock tanks
- Quick grip handle protects hands from heat
Zerostart 3400017 is a portable multi-utility heater. It is rated 120V AC and has 200W wattage. This can be used as an oil pan heater or as an electric car heater. It is ideal to be used for small or large non-aluminum engine blocks on motorcycles, farm equipment, snowmobiles, and other small engines. This is from the range of zerostart heaters that have a universal fit. It has a built-in thermostat which ensures that the temperature does not go beyond 250˚F or 121˚c.
The heater maintains a constant temperature of 180˚F after being auto-shutoff by the thermostat. You can fix this magnetic car heater on any non-aluminum metallic surface. The quick-grip handle protects your hands from any heat that you may encounter while removing it. All you have to do is connect it to a compatible power source and fix it on the required part- no other assembly or complex installation required.
Pros and Cons
- Built in thermostat ensures temperature does not go above 250˚F
- Quick grip handle for heat protection
- Strong magnet to keep it in place
- Multipurpose- can be used with transmission, engine or diesel oil
- Magnets rest slightly below the heating plate, wasting heat energy when attached to a flat surface
- Not ideal for larger vehicles
2. Kat’s 24150 150 Watt 4″x 5″ – Detailed Review
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
The 24150 oil pan heater from Kat is a thermostatically controlled heater. You can use this heater as a transmission pan or oil heater. This oilpan heater is covered using silicone to add to its acid and oil resistance properties. The major benefit of using these types of oil pan heaters is that they are easy to install and use. This is a plug-in car heater with no other steps required.
The wattage of this specific model is 150 watts, making it sufficient for most small to medium cars and vehicles. The thermostat ensures that it does not get too hot. It is a semi-permanent fixture, which means you can remove it when not required. This oil pan heater is only designed for tanks and reservoirs that are made of metal, and are not suitable for other materials. This heater takes around 4 hours to reach the peak temperature which is not all that high for areas that witness drastic winters.
Pros and Cons
- Easy to install, peel and stick
- Works with all metal tanks and surfaces
- Acid and oil resistant surface
- Affordable
- Slow to heat up, takes 4 hours
- Keeps engine around 85’F which may not be sufficient for some places
3. Zerostart 3500043 – Detailed Review
- Multi-use utility heater with built-in thermostat that maintains optimum temperature on any metallic surface
- Provides heat where and when you need it
- 200 watts, 120 Volts AC; built-in thermostat maintains optimum temperature - will not exceed 250˚F (121˚c)
- Ideal heater for large or small (non-aluminum) engine blocks: tractors, snowmobiles, motorcycles, snow blowers, generators, farm equipment; Also oil pans, transmissions, hydraulic equipment, steel gutters and stock tanks
- Quick grip handle protects hands from heat
The 3500043 is from Zerostart’s range of engine block heaters which has been specifically designed for major auto brands like Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Hino, and Nissan among others. This heater keeps all the oils and fluids at the right temperature to ensure a quick and safe start. It has 1000W wattage and a 120V rating. It directly heats the coolant and engine block, which makes it more efficient as compared to models that provide heat indirectly.
This block heater needs around 3-4 hours to transmit heat to all the right areas. You also have the flexibility to use just the heating element and not replace the stock cord. Since this is specifically designed for certain vehicle brands, you can rest assured about its performance. It has a 0.75in NPT thread size. This block heater is also CSA approved. Other than the brands specifically listed with the product, it will not fit any other manufacturers.
Pros and Cons
- Works great for vehicles of listed manufacturers
- Heats directly, no energy wastage
- Minimal loss of coolant
- Flexibility to use without replacing the cord
- No universal design and works with specific manufacturers
- Installation is not simple, may require professional help
4. Kat’s 11900 Magnetic Engine Heater – Detailed Review
- 300W Magnetic Heater CSA
- The package length is 5.207 centimeters
- The package height is 20.193 centimeters
- The package width is 16.891 centimeters
Kat’s is known for quality auto parts, and the 1190 magnetic block heater does not disappoint. This heater has a thermostat to prevent overheating and to ensure that it heats the engine and flids to an optimum temperature. The heat output from this varies between 300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a 120V-300W heater and is ideal for most major vehicles. This heater is ideal for those who live in areas where temperatures go to several degrees under zero.
Since this is a magnetic heater, it can only be used on surfaces that are metallic and non-aluminum. It has to be attached firmly on a large flat area that is bigger than the heater’s base. You can easily attach it to the engine block or oil pan with little effort. The heater is made using fire retardant materials for greater safety. You can also use it for large farm equipment and vehicles.
Pros and Cons
- Easy to install
- Ideal for extremely cold temperatures
- Works well with major vehicles and farm equipment
- Cost-effective
- Does not work on aluminum surfaces
- Gap between the magnetic surface and the engine/pan decreases heat transfer
5. Kat’s 1155 200 Watt Magnetic Heater – Detailed Review
- Uses include snow blowers, chainsaws, snowmobiles, or other small engines
- Applications can include oil pan, engine block, battery holder or intake manifold
- May also be used for warming hydraulic systems or thawing frozen gutters, livestock feeders, locks, and pipes
- Convenient, reliable with no mechanical installation
- Order New Number 1155X
Engine block heaters are not just required for large engines, but for smaller engines powering different equipment and to heat other equipment as well. 1155 from Kat is a 200-W magnetic heater designed for smaller engines like those in snowblowers, chainsaws, and snowmobiles. You can use this on the engine block oil pan, intake manifold, or even on the battery holder. Since this is magnetic, it must be stuck to a non-aluminum metal surface. No mechanical installation is required so setting this up is easy and hassle-free.
As mentioned earlier, cold starts can damage not only vehicular engines but other engines too. You can also use it to warm hydraulic systems or for thawing locks, pipes, livestock feeders, etc. It has been used with great results at temperatures under -40 degrees celsius, so you can be sure of it meeting your requirements. It weighs just 2.25 lbs making it a portable unit and is backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros and Cons
- Convinient nad simple installation
- Ideal for all small engines
- Thermostatically controlled prevents wastage
- Works great in sub-zero temperatures
- Not suitable for larger engines
- Wiill not work with aluminum surfaces
6. Zerostart 3500022 – Detailed Review
- Ensure quick winter starts and reduce engine wear
- For Cummins, Paccar. See Zerostart catalog for specific applications.
- 3/4" NPT thread
- 6' (1.8m) cord included
- Volts: 120 | Watts: 750 | Plug Type: 120 Volt, 15 Amp (Type A)
If you are looking for a value for money heater for car from Zerostart, then the 3500022 may just be the right choice. For this specific model, the block heater installation is simple and does not require any complex manual work. It is an immersion heater designed specifically for Paccar and Cumins. A 6 inch or 1.8-meter cord is also included along with the heater. It has a ¾” NPT thread.
This immersion heater is CSA approved, which means it follows all necessary quality and safety standards. It is a 750W-120V heater. You can use it on any engine where this can be threaded into the cooling. Installation is not hard and anyone who has some knowledge about engines can easily put this in the right place. This heater is one of the most durable and affordable options out there, so you can be sure about getting value for your money.
Pros and Cons
- Simple setup
- CSA approval sign of quality
- 120V-750W rating ideal for extreme temperatures
- Durable and long-lasting
- Works only with specific vehicle models
- Only 1-year warranty
Engine Block Heater Buying Guide
Now that you know what is an engine block heater and what the best ones in the market are, the next thing is knowing what to consider while buying one. To help you with just that, we will talk about some of the most important things to consider while you go shopping for engine block heaters.
Type of heater
Not everyone needs an engine block heater- there are different types of engine heaters depending on the engine, material, and installation type. The first thing you need to figure out is if you need a block heater, an engine warming blanket, a frost plug heater or an oil pan heater. For instance, for metallic surfaces, a magnetic block heater is the simplest and most effective choice. An oil pan heater can be used in engines with aluminum casings where magnetic heaters cannot be used.
Engine size and heater wattage
For smaller engines like snowmobiles, chainsaws, and certain bikes and small cars, you can do with a lower-wattage heater. However, for larger vehicles, farm equipment, and other large engines, you would need a higher wattage heater of at least 750W or more.
Installation type
For most DIYers, magnetic block heaters and engine-warming blankets are the ideal choices since they are easy to install. However, if you are a professional or will be taking the help of one, you can go for bolt-on external heaters or oil pan heaters too. Both these require professional expertise before installation.
Thermostatic control
Any engine block heater must have a thermostat. This ensures that it does not heat up beyond a certain safe temperature. Overheating can not only short-circuit the heater itself but can be a hazard as well.
Safety features
Since the heater will be close to the engine and other parts that have flammable fluids, you must ensure that it is designed for providing maximum safety. Apart from thermostatic control, the block heater must be made using fire-retardant materials. Check if it is CSA approved- this would mean it passes the necessary quality and safety standards.
FAQ
Conclusion
Cold temperatures can take a toll on any engine. Protecting them from sub-zero temperatures is important, and that is exactly what an engine block heater can help you do. Our review of the best Zerostart and Kat’s heaters should help you to learn what the most efficient engine heater variants in the market have to offer. These engine heaters will help you prolong the life of the engine and ensure great performance even in the harshest of conditions.
As you go shopping for engine heaters, these tips should also help you in finding the best one for your money. Along with the budget, do ensure that you check all important features like compatibility with the engine, power requirement, heating efficiency, and safety features like a thermostat, and fire retardant materials. All these things will ensure that you get an efficient engine block heater that keeps the engine ready to go even in the coldest of winters and helps you get maximum value for your money in the form of an efficient heater and a long-lasting engine.
Engine Block Heater: Bestsellers
- Programmable in 15 minute intervals with 48 setting options in a 24 hours period. Total 48 ON/OFF setting per day. Repeats schedule daily with personal setting.
- Waterproof for outdoor use: Cover provides protecting timer from weather conditions. Heavy duty material and two grounded outlet makes it safe and durable.
- Two 3-prong grounded outlets for use with devices like Christmas lights, fountain timers, pool pumps, patio and yard lights, as well as holiday decorations.
- Easy mechanical timer setting: Always turn the timer dial to the current timer first, push those pins down to set the time to turn on, and pull other pins up to turn off. Switch to TIMER position to enjoy the convenience.
- Our outdoor dual 3-prong, grounded timer outlet is ETL listed, and conforms to UL Std. 917. Rate Voltage: 125V, 60Hz, 15A Max, 1875W Resistive or General Purpose, 8A Tungsten Lamp, 1/2HP, TV-5.
- Model: HC45 Widely Compatibility: USB plug adapter Replacement for iPhone Xs Max XR X/8/7/6/6S Plus SE 5S/5/5C 4S, Pad, Pod, Samsung Galaxy, Note, HTC, LG, Motorola, Google Pixel and more cell phones.
- Specifically Designed: Heat resistant and Anti-throw design, Compact and Easy to carry, Comfortable grip, Suitable use for home, travel, office, and business trip.
- Powerful Charging: USB Output: 2.1A 5V. which enables to charge your two smart phone or tablet devices simultaneously at maximum speed.
- Protection function: Fireproof material. USB Charger cube has the function of automatic protection circuit. Intelligent circuit design protects against short circuiting, over-heating, over-current, and over-charging.
- Package includes: 3-Pack dual USB wall charger block, friendly customer service.
- No pressure on eyes, eye space is wider and deeper than other flat eye mask (Silk eye mask will oppress eyes)
- Unique heat-bonded technology instead of glue, sturdy and durable, no easy to fall apart.
- Top quality fiber fabric never stain bed sheets or pillows. Memory foam makes you feel comfortable.
- Fit all size head circumference, fully adjustable buckle strap, easy to adjust and not catch hair.
- Effectively blocking lights and allows your eyes freely blinking. Ideal for meditation, Yoga, travel, napping, insomnia.