Circulating (Pump) Coolant Heater
Also called: circulating tank heater, coolant circulation heater, hydronic pre-heater
The heavy artillery: a tank heater with an electric pump that actively pushes hot coolant through the engine and heater core all night.
Price
$120–$400 CAD
Wattage
1,000–1,800 W
Install
Shop recommended
Best for
See verdict
How it works
A circulation heater is a small tank containing a high-wattage element and a pump. Coolant is drawn from the engine, heated in the tank, and pumped back through the block and heater core in a continuous loop. Unlike thermosiphon designs, circulation doesn't depend on gravity — the whole engine warms evenly.
This is the standard fitment on Prairie diesel pickups, semi tractors without APUs, and heavy equipment. At 1,500 W a big diesel can hold near-operating coolant temperature through a -40°C night — and the cab blows warm air almost immediately on start.
Pros
- Fastest, most even engine warming available
- Warm cab heat right at startup
- Sized for big diesels
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Draws the most electricity
- More plumbing = more service points
Installation
Mounts to frame or body with hose plumbing into the cooling system. Shops charge $200–$450.
Compare buying options
Amazon buying options
Kat's 13150 circulating tank heater, 1,500 W
Plumbs into a heater hose and thermosiphons hot coolant through the whole engine — the serious option for big diesels, tractors, and equipment with no frost-plug access.
Confirm the exact specification and application in the listing before ordering.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon buying options
Zerostart 3308002 circulation heater, 1,000 W
CSA-approved Series 8000 inline circulation heater with 5/8-inch hose fittings, from the factory block-heater people. The light-duty size for pickups and vans.
Confirm the exact specification and application in the listing before ordering.
Choose your Amazon store
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check the fitment for your own vehicle
Most passenger vehicles take a frost-plug element rather than this style. The fitment pages say which one your engine actually accepts.
Should you plug in tonight?
Enter your city — we check tonight's forecast and give you a straight answer based on the temperature thresholds that matter.
Compare with other types