Many liquids stored in IBC totes — including oils, resins, adhesives, honey, chocolate, soaps, and certain chemicals — become too viscous to dispense or process when ambient temperatures drop. IBC heaters solve this problem by delivering uniform, controlled heat directly to the container walls, keeping your product at the ideal viscosity for pumping, mixing, and dispensing. Our product line includes three configurations: base heaters that sit beneath the IBC and transfer heat upward through the pallet, ideal for mild temperature maintenance; full-wrap blankets that enclose the entire IBC in a heated jacket for maximum heat transfer and fastest warm-up times; and insulation-only covers that retain existing heat without adding energy, perfect for temperature-sensitive products that simply need protection from cold ambient conditions. All electric heaters feature adjustable thermostats with digital temperature readouts, allowing operators to set and maintain precise target temperatures from 40°F to 160°F. Built-in thermal overload protection and ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) compatibility ensure safe operation even in wet or hazardous environments. Our heaters are available in both 120V and 240V configurations, with wattage options ranging from 300W for gentle warming to 1,800W for rapid heat-up. Weather-resistant outer shells with reinforced stitching allow year-round outdoor use, and the quick-release buckle system makes installation and removal effortless — wrap, buckle, plug in, and set your temperature.
Specifications
Key Features
Common Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to heat a full IBC with a heating blanket?
Warm-up time depends on the starting temperature, target temperature, product volume, and heater wattage. As a general guideline, a 1,200W full-wrap blanket can raise the temperature of a full 275-gallon IBC by approximately 20°F in 8–12 hours. Higher wattage blankets (1,500W–1,800W) heat faster but draw more current. For applications requiring rapid heat-up, we recommend pairing a base heater with a full-wrap blanket for maximum thermal input.
Can I use an IBC heater outdoors in winter?
Yes. Our full-wrap heating blankets and insulation covers are constructed with weather-resistant vinyl outer shells and sealed wiring connections rated for outdoor use in rain, snow, and sub-freezing conditions. For extreme cold environments (below 0°F), we recommend using an insulation cover over the heating blanket to reduce heat loss and energy consumption.
Is it safe to use an IBC heater with flammable liquids?
Our standard IBC heaters are designed for general-purpose use and are UL Listed for non-hazardous locations. For flammable or combustible liquids, always ensure that your heater's maximum surface temperature does not exceed the flash point of your product. We also offer explosion-proof heater models certified for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations — contact us for details.
What is the difference between a base heater and a full-wrap blanket?
A base heater is a flat heating pad that sits beneath the IBC pallet and transfers heat upward through the container bottom. It is best suited for mild temperature maintenance and freeze protection. A full-wrap blanket encases the entire IBC in a heated jacket, providing 360-degree heat coverage for faster, more uniform warming. Full-wrap blankets are recommended when you need to raise product temperature significantly or when ambient temperatures are very low.
Do I need a special electrical circuit for an IBC heater?
Our 120V heaters (up to 1,500W) can operate on a standard 15-amp or 20-amp household/commercial circuit. Higher wattage 120V models (1,800W) require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. 240V heaters require a dedicated 240V circuit with the appropriate receptacle. We recommend using a GFCI-protected outlet for all IBC heater installations, especially in wet or outdoor environments.
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