Description
Gas cylinder heaters are one of the most popular lines of Powerblanket® products for a good reason!
Powerblanket has changed the conventional method of transferring heat to gas cylinders. This revolutionary design optimizes container pressure and increases cylinder efficiency. Powerblanket products provide a maintenance free heating solution, which eliminates the headache of maintaining critical temperatures. If heated properly, gas cylinders will last longer and be more effective. In turn, this saves time, hassle, and money.
• Quickly heats cylinder to a preset 90º F / 32º C (± 10º F/5º C)
• Provide an insulated full-wrap design
• Increase flow rate performance and efficiency of gas cylinders
• Saves money by optimizing gas and material usage<
• Eliminate unnecessary cylinder refills in cold weather
• Certified to by ETL to UL & CSA safety standards
DMC077 on Jan 02, 2014 (GCW20) –
Perfect solution for heating my portable propane cylinders. Reduces refills and increases BTU.
Titan4 on Feb 27, 2014 (GCW100) –
Great product. Fixed temperature setting control works nicely and never overheats. Easy to attach and operate.
Bones on Nov 27, 2014 (PBL100) –
Using this has already given me noticed improvements when I go to my property in the mountains of Georgia. It gets pretty cold up there at night throughout the year and we typically go more during the winter time as that’s when it’s easiest for me to take vacation. I have placed my propane tanks inside shed that I constructed just to keep them out of the elements so that the tanks last a lot longer and also to help with exposure to cold during certain times of the year. We typically need to fill the 100lb tank a couple times a year one of them being about mid winter. Having a very large family and friends staying with you means lot of hot water and lots of other uses of the gas for cooking and so on.
Normally it seems that we would have to get filled up again with a good 6-7 inches of gas in the bottom of the tank. So after placing this heater on the tank, that I was about to call the gas company to come fill, I noticed that the hot water heater was still going well and so was the stove where earlier in the day it was giving issues. So I waited a few more days and checked the level on the tank again. Everything seemed to be going fine, I put the heater on a timer so that it would only heat early morning and late evening when it’s needed most. By doing this I’ve been able to over the last couple weeks keep using this same tank that was at the point of needing to be filled.
This is certainly helping us out with prolonging the time between fill ups. which will end up saving me quite a bit in the long run. Sure it uses some electricity but with putting it on a timer it will keep that to a minimum and most importantly, this will prevent issues with the pilot light on the water heater going off and having to listen to an alarm at 5-6am that’s going off because of that. I’m thankful that it has that alarm but typically a couple times a year that thing goes off when it’s time to refill the tank but now I can get the tank down to where it should be before needing to refill. It should work out to be close to an extra month of gas or so for us before needing to be refilled.
GardnerBobW on Dec 22, 2014 (GCW40) –
Works as advertised. Keeps the tank warm during the coldest weather. Once you snug it up on a 40lb tank, all you need to do when the tank empties is uncouple the tank and pull up the Powerblanket to remove it. Change to a new tank and slide the Powerblanket over the tank and reattach to whatever you are using.
Too bad it’s a bit expensive, but it is worth it if you need to run propane during cold periods or if you are drawing propane so fast that it freezes at the outlet.
J Nielson on Dec 23, 2014 (PBL20) –
Excellent propane tank warmer for cold weather grilling! I purchased this item to use with my infrared gill I recently bought from Woot. As I’ve always grilled year-round I knew that the new gill would probably not work when it got below 40F. The LP would not vaporized fast enough to keep the grill going. My first usage of the blanket was at an air temp of 32F, with all three burners going at full blast I had plenty of fuel. With and IR temperature probe I measured a temp of around 65F on the top of the tank just above the blanket.
The real test came about a week ago when the outside air temp had been below zero for a day or so. When I went out to get the grill setup and to plug in the blanket the air temp was 3F. Fifteen to twenty minutes later I checked the tank temperature and was getting a reading of around 34F. Fired up the grill and let it heat up for 10-15 minutes before putting on the meat, at that point the tank was reading in the low to mid 40s F.
Needless to say I am very happy with my purchase and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to gill in the winter. One thing of note the product photos show and somewhere in one of the comments the power cord was stated as being only two foot long. The unit I received has a 15 foot power cord, which is a good length. Much better then what I was expecting.
Bogeykenobi on Feb 05, 2015 (GCW100) –
Very nice product, may buy another.
jpbmass on Feb 15, 2015 (PBL420) –
I bought this when my propane-fueled generator stopped running during a power outage while the propane tank was still 30% full; ice on the outside of the tank had reduced the available propane pressure so much that the generator became starved for fuel!. The blanket is well built, its Velcro strips make it easy to attach (and remove during the summer), and the blanket gets warm (but not hot) when plugged in — just like it is supposed to. I’ve only used it once since it arrived and found that ice still formed on the tank above the blanket, but there there was enough heat supplied by the blanket to keep the gas pressure in the tank high enough to run my fireplace and generator. I think this does what it is supposed to do!
James Woodard on Mar 17, 2015 (PBL20) –
This fixed my propane issue on my camper. Best investment ever!
AussieNY on Apr 19, 2015 (PBL20) –
Good product, as expected.
GurneeMan on Jul 02, 2015 (GCW100) –
Will recommend this 100 pound propane tank heater to others. Works fast and keeps tank warm all winter.
Sammy on Jul 02, 2015 (GCW420) –
Insulated heater design works good for our application. Much better results than a band heater or insulated jacked. The Powerblanket heats the entire surface evenly.
JT Green on Nov 16, 2015 (PBL20) –
My Powerblanket wrap works great to increase how much use I get out of a filled tank. Bought this so I can grill in the cold and heat my outdoor space heater. It makes a significant difference in how much use I get out of a single fill. Less trips to the store to exchange or refill tanks is well worth the $95. I almost bought the expensive one that is for industrial use, but glad I tried this instead, it does what it’s supposed to do.
Bones on Nov 26, 2015 (PBL20) –
The powerblanket pbl20 really delivers in cold environments. We often take the camper trailer to our property out of state and with it being up in the mountains it gets rather cold at night when we want to cook so having this tank heater helps to ensure that we actually get gas out of tanks for as long as we stay. This adds just enough heat to the tank so that we can use the gas stove and be sure that the refrigerator stays running while we are up there.
In the past it’s gotten so cold that the tanks were still nearly halfway full but they were frozen and wouldn’t let the gas come out. This makes the difference, we just got back from a week up their and it it’s been working out outstandingly. Even with it hitting well into the teens at night.
Richard C Drew on Nov 29, 2015 (PBL20) –
This was pretty much what I expected – a weatherproof electric warming blanket for a propane bottle. It warms the bottle slowly – the blanket is barely warm to the touch – around 90 degrees – basically skin temperature. It’s not going to heat up an ice cold bottle in an hour, but it will keep a bottle from getting too cold or warm up a bottle over several hours. If you need your tank to be constantly ready, use an inline thermostat – I use one I purchased for my kerosene heater that’s rated at 15 amps (the Powerblanket only draws 1 amp / 120 watts.) If you only need your cylinder for the occasional winter BBQ, plug the blanket in the day before – or just store the bottle in a heated garage.
The blanket always on, so I’d use a timer or thermostat unless you have to have the tank constantly ready. Just remember that the colder the tank is, the longer it will take to warm up.
Typically we’ll BBQ a couple of weekends each month over the winter. Sometimes we’ll have an IR heater on the deck. I’ll have the blanket plugged in 24/7 in those instances.
Don’t expect the tank or blanket to get hot – that’s not the idea. Just around skin temperature is all you can expect.
Attaching the blanket is simple – wrap it around the cylinder and snap a strap together, tighten. Plug it in. Done.
I really like it, but it is expensive. You’re paying for convenience.
Brian Zarecor on Jan 28, 2016 (PBL100) –
Works great!! Keeps my gas bottle nice and warm no more issues with heater shutting off, have to run generator all night.
John R Alderman on Feb 04, 2016 (PBL20) –
I was hesitant to purchase at first due to the mixed reviews. I went ahead and ordered it, when I received it I was surprised to see the longer power cord 8 feet long(guessing). Some how it escaped the production line with out any buckles on the securing straps. They are 1 inch nylon straps, so a quick trip to a sporting goods store fixed that.
It works great, the blanket is cool to the touch but the top of the tank is nice and warm.
I still gave it 5 stars even with the missing buckles due to the fact customer service was quick to respond and offer a replacement. I opted out because I knew it was an easy fix that only cost a buck.
JDog1306 on Feb 05, 2016 (PBL20) –
Works great! We live where the temp gets to 9 degrees in the winter which made grilling near impossible. However, with this blanket we now can grill just fine!
Rays on Feb 16, 2016 (PBL20) –
Works ok in real cold weather.
Otis Paul on Mar 11, 2016 (PBL100) –
We use propane cylinders for pest exterminating jobs and we learned the hard way, that when the temperature is low, the efficiency of the tanks decrease considerably. These keep the tanks warm maximizing propane output. Highly recommended.
Robert M on Mar 19, 2016 (PBL20) –
Price and delivery were great. This blanket does not heat the tank like I thought it would. I tried to go the cheap route $100. Next winter I might try the $350 model that covers the entire LP tank.
Scott Lloyd on Nov 25, 2016 (PBL20) –
Works well. I strapped this onto my propane tank and we were grilling in cold weather just like it was summer. I really like the option to use propane in winter.
Brett A on Jan 17, 2017 (PBL100) –
It did the job on my 49 lb. bottle.
Randy Laughlin on Jan 24, 2017 (PBL100) –
Great item!!! Keeps my propane fireplace burning well. SO far only tested to +9 F.
Loren on Feb 14, 2017 (PBL20) –
We live in Minnesota and could not get our Weber grill hot enough to make the steaks sizzle in the winter. We applied this blanket and our Weber grill sings again!
Amazon Customer on Mar 02, 2017 (PBL20) –
I was nervous about buying this but we use propane heat to heat our garage before purchasing this we went through a lot of propane this saves a lot of money the propane being heat regulated burns a lot more efficient.
Adam on Mar 10, 2017 (PBL420) –
They work great!! makes the most of your bottle in the cold
GardenerBobW on Apr 02, 2017 (PBL20) –
I bought 2 of these Powerblanket Lite gas propane tank heaters. One works as it should, the other seems to have been put together backward. That is the heat is emitted on the outside of the blanket rather than the inside. I am going to return it as soon as the weather warms.
tera3yte on Apr 07, 2017 (PBL100) –
This item is AWESOME! I’ve had 6 feet of snow drift around it and it keeps a nice hole melted at least two feet radius from the tank. Even in sub zero temps it still works like a champ. Plus I’m saving money by buying my propane in freezing temps and then heating it up because propane expands when it’s heated. Saved me lots of money this winter!
Dan Hurley on Oct 13, 2017 (PBL20) –
Great gas tank heater, great price. 4 stars!
Fosser X. on Nov 01, 2017 (PBL100) –
I really like these band-style warmers. I have one for a 55-gallon water barrel and it fits the bill/does the trick.
These “heating blankets” (well, the several I have seen) are really well-made (this one is no exception). So in terms of manufacture, 5 stars.
These blankets do a great job of evenly warming whatever it is you need warmed. So in terms of function, 5 stars.
But I’m a little put off by the price of this item. At $159 (price at time of review) it’s – to me – pretty pricey. Could be wrong, but I don’t remember the others I’ve played with striking me as this pricey (not as an item, but for how “much” of the item you get). Note the height of the blanket (goes about a third up the 100-lb tank); for a warmer this size I would have hoped for a cost at least $30 cheaper. Better yet, for this price ($159.00) I would have liked a blanket that covers at least two-thirds of the tank. So speaking of cost, take a look at the product page photos; you’ll see one photo where two blankets are used to cover a 100-lb tank. There’s no way I’m paying over $300 for two warmers! So – again, for me – price really kills the magic and as such rates only 3 stars. That means what started as a 5-star item only rates 4 stars.
Hasn’t got cold enough here to put this truly to the test. If I note anything out of the ordinary (good or bad) when I do use it I’ll update the review. But at this point I think 4 stars is a fair rating.
G. Hearn on Nov 19, 2017 (PBL20) –
This is like a heating pad for your propane gas cylinder. If you live in really cold weather. . . then this is a must. Use it for your outdoor grill. .. propane tanks on your camper. . . etc. This is a wrap-around pad, so it works on different size cylinders. . . 20#, 30# and 40#. Easy to attach. I think it’s a bit pricey for what it is, but it works and will save you money in the long run.
M. J. Mccaffrey on Nov 30, 2017 (PBL20) –
I live in a region of the country where it gets cold enough to affect the LP supply tank for my gas grill, but not so cold that I am prevented from cooking out year-round. A screen room that keeps the snow at bay (mostly) and provides plenty of ventilation helps.
The Powerblanket Lite Insulated Band Style Gas Cylinder Warmer can be a real help. You are getting what amounts to a large heating pad that wraps around your gas cylinder, with a long 3-wire power cord and an attached strap.
I used this Etekcity Digital Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun to measure what effect the cylnder warmer would have on my 20 lb grill cylinder. The ambient temperature was about 46°F with no wind, and the cylinder measured at that temperature.
Out of the box, you’ll get the warmer, folded in two, and a sheet of paper. Bizarrely, there are no real operating instructions, just plenty of words on how to uninstall it and fold it—in several languages. Of course, there are several warnings related to propane hazards also included.
Thankfully, you won’t need much guidance. I removed the cylinder from my old Weber Genesis Silver grill’s cylinder hanger (which also provides a weight scale to give you an idea of how much LP is left in the tank). I was concerned that the band would be pressed by the two nubby bumpers that stand off the cylinder near its base. The band wraps easily around the cylinder. The strap buckle has a thumb-press clamp to ensure that the band is held in place on the cylinder. I ran the power cord to a nearby outlet, plugged it in, and was in business.
The warmer band is thermostatically controlled to maintain a temperature of ±90°F. After three hours of band operation, which included an hour of operating the grill, I measured a temperature of 67°F at the top of the cylinder, and anywhere from 90° to 103°F inside the band near its center.
I think that’s more than acceptable for this accessory. I picture plugging in the band in the morning on a day I plan to cook on the grill, and unplugging it afterward. It does draw about 1 amp, about the equivalent of 120 watts at 110 volts (two old-fashioned 60 watt incandescent light bulbs).
This is a good, simple accessory that is suitable for use at home. I recommend it.
Jerry Helsing on Dec 04, 2017 (PBL20) –
We have a generator that is capable of using several different fuel options. Keeping large amounts of gasoline on hand is not an option but keeping propane tanks is fine. The problem is when running propane when its cold, uses more per hour than when it’s warm. Getting this blanket will allows me to get an extra hour or 2 out of the container before it runs dry giving me more fuel for my money. I would highly recommend this to anyone using a propane tank in the winter, especially if you use a lot of it.
Skyhawk on Dec 11, 2017 (PBL20) –
The Instructions are NOT included. Excellent product, well made in the USA.
If they included printed instructions, 5 stars.
Remember, this is the light version of their product. Best suited where temperatures are unlikely to go below about 10°F.
120 Watts apx. using 120VAC power.
Peter Renz on Dec 28, 2017 (GCW20) –
This is a well designed and constructed item. We bought it so we could barbecue outside in the winter. Even with good propane flow, the heat loss from the uninsulated grill cover is so great that searing temperatures can not be achieved. Will have to add high temperature insulation.
Gisguy on Dec 31, 2017 (PBL20) –
So far i have been able to use propane at 2 below zero using this blanket. So very happy. ordering another. Wish there was a way to keep the regulator warmer as it seems to hinder performance when it gets cold.
Sandi L Randa on Jan 09, 2018 (PBL20) –
I bought as propane 20lb was freezing & my rv furnace wouldn’t ignite. Didn’t like the first night after having it on for 2 hours so I called them the next day & complained that I was afraid to leave it on. The nice fellow advised me it was okay to leave it on & to give it 6-7 hours to thaw out the tank which I did. It worked from then on & I called him back & told him it was great.
John G on Jan 12, 2018 (PBL100) –
Works great down to 25 below. We’ll see in a few weeks how well it performs at 35 and 40 below here in Fairbanks, AK!
Robert C on Jan 16, 2018 (PBL100) –
Does not keep tank heated like i expected it would hardly feel any heat coming out of it.
Marilyn Peraza on Jan 17, 2018 (PBL100) –
I didn’t use these blankets until this winter 2017/2018 – I’m so glad I have them – they kept my tank from getting any frost on them – thereby keeping the tank warm enough to keep it steady without losing any pressure. I’ve used both of them, several times already – great investment for my food truck business.
D. W. Walker on Jan 24, 2018 (PBL100) –
Works as advertised,I was able to run my generator, in 20 degree weather!
Brad on Jan 31, 2018 (PBL20) –
My propane tank hear blanket is doing the job quite well, even is this record breaking sub zero temps we have had this 2017/2018 winter in Indiana.
Chuck on Feb 19, 2018 (PBL20) –
It Simply works! I frequently let my shop get cold. Keeping the tank warm helps the heater fire better immediately.
M Rogers on Mar 02, 2018 (PBL20) –
Grilling in winter is awesome, a must have item!
W. Lewis on Apr 08, 2018 (PBL20) –
Seemed to help some, but not quite the difference I was hoping for. Sometimes hard to tell if its working as the tank gets so cold.
Heater did seem to sputter less as tank got low.
DSW on Apr 17, 2018 (PBL20) –
This product is just ok. It helps keep a tank from freezing but doesn’t stop it altogether.
Amazon Customer on Apr 18, 2018 (PBL20) –
This works great to keep the tank from freezing over and loosing pressure! Highly recommend!
Kragoth on Jul 06, 2018 (PBL20) –
I bought this to grill in the dead of winter when its 10 degrees outside. The propane would be so cold there was very little pressure and the grill would get to about 200 degrees tops. This fixed the issue and is easy to leave on year round, even now that its 97 degrees in the summer, it doesn’t hurt anything.
Karen on July 30, 2018 (GCW100) –
Works as expected.