Drum Heating Blankets

a blue plastic drum using a drum heater

Drum Heating Blankets for 55 Gallon Steel & Poly Drums

Keep Oils, DEF & Chemicals Flowing in Cold Weather

Drum heating blankets give you reliable freeze protection and viscosity control for 55-gallon drums. These full-wrap barrel heater blankets deliver even heat across the entire drum surface, so oils, chemicals, DEF and other fluids stay pumpable when temperatures drop. ETL-certified and built for industrial use, they’re a plug-in solution your crew can install in minutes.

Looking for drum heating blanketes? We can help! Call us at 1-863-270-8118 or contact us to discuss your needs.


Industrial Drum Heating Blankets for 55 Gallon Drums

These industrial drum heating blankets are designed for 55 gallon (208 L) steel and poly drums. The insulated full-wrap jacket covers the entire surface of the drum and tightens with cinch straps, delivering even heat from top to bottom. That means no more frozen or thickened product at the bottom while the top is still cool.

Each barrel heater blanket uses a built-in thermostat to hold material within a safe temperature range. Models are available in 120V and 240V power with multiple thermal classes, from light-duty freeze protection to high-temperature process heat.

man inspecting installation of an electric blanked installed on a drum

Where Drum Heating Blankets Work Best

Processing & Manufacturing

  • Keep resins, coatings, inks, and adhesives at sprayable viscosity
  • Warm oils, waxes, greases, and fats for easier mixing and transfer
  • Hold batch temperatures between production runs

Fuel, DEF & Chemical Storage

  • Prevent Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) from freezing in yard storage
  • Maintain pour point on oils, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids
  • Protect temperature-sensitive chemicals from cold-weather damage

Food, Ag & Terminal Operations

  • Warm honey, syrups, molasses, and edible oils for pumping
  • Support small-batch and seasonal production in unheated spaces
  • Keep drums ready to pour at truck loading racks and rail sidings

Drum Heater Blanket Specifications

Model # BH55RR-80
Maximum Vinyl Exposure Temp 180 °F / 80 °C
Minimum Vinyl Exposure Temp -20 °F / -29 °C
Fits Container Size 55 Gal / 208 L
Container Dimensions 23.3" D x 34.9" H (59 cm D x 89 cm H)
Thermostat Type Internal Preset
Approx. Product Temperature 80 °F (± 10 °F) / 27 °C (± 5 °C)
Heated Dimensions 82" L x 36" H
Heated Area 20.50 sq ft
Finished Dimensions 82" L x 36" H
Voltage 120V
Wattage 800W
Amperage 6.67A
Plug Type 15 AMP Plug
Approximate Weight 11 lbs / 5 kg
Drum Coverage Full coverage wrap

Drum Heating Blanket Options & Thermal Classes

To match different climates and materials, our 55 gallon drum heaters are available in several thermal classes:

  • Lite series: lower power density blankets for light residential or indoor industrial use.
  • Standard series: rugged vinyl shell for everyday industrial heating, safe to use down to -20 °F.
  • Xtreme series: built for harsh climates, with components rated for ambient temperatures as low as -58 °F.
  • High-Temp Xtreme: our most rugged blanket construction with adjustable thermostat and higher internal temperature capability (120V or 240V).
  • Pro series: multi-zone blankets for materials that must be held at higher temperatures, up to approximately 185 °F.
  • WarmGuard series: designed to prevent freezing and maintain usable temperatures with a preset thermostat around 145 °F; available as band heaters or full-coverage blankets.
man installing a heating blanket on a blue plastic drum

All 55 gallon drum heating blankets share the same fundamentals: insulated full-wrap design, cinch straps for a tight fit, water-resistant outer shell, and certification to UL, CSA, and CE safety standards.

How to Choose the Right Drum Heating Blanket

  • Confirm drum size and material. Most customers use standard 55 gallon steel or poly drums. If you’re heating a different size, include that in your quote request.
  • Match your power supply. Select 120V for standard outlets or 240V for plant power and verify available amperage at the plug-in location.
  • Define your goal. Freeze protection, viscosity control, and high-temperature process heating all call for different blanket series.
  • Consider ambient conditions. For unheated yards and harsh winter climates, choose one of the Xtreme or High-Temp Xtreme models.

Drum Heating Blanket FAQs

Can I use these drum heating blankets on plastic drums?

Yes. The insulated full-wrap design is safe for both steel and poly 55 gallon drums when installed and used according to the instructions. The blanket spreads heat across the surface to avoid hot spots on the drum wall.

Do I need an external thermostat or controller?

Rapid-ramp models use an internal preset thermostat (around 80–100 °F, depending on the class), which is ideal for many freeze-protection and viscosity-control jobs. Pro and High-Temp Xtreme series are available with adjustable digital thermostats when you need tighter temperature control.

Can these drum heaters be used outdoors?

Yes. The water-resistant outer jacket and insulated design are built for outdoor and wash-down environments. Always plug into properly protected circuits and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.

What if I need to heat IBC totes or larger tanks?

In addition to 55 gallon drum heater blankets, we supply tote warmers and custom industrial heating blankets for IBC totes, small tanks, and water trailers. Visit our Industrial Heating Blankets page or mention these needs on your quote request.

Looking for heating blankets? We can help! Call us at 1-863-270-8118 or contact us to discuss your needs.