Quick Overview: This guide compares five common PVC pipe heating solutions used for bending, thawing, and conduit work. Each option targets different pipe diameters, heating methods, and jobsite needs so you can match tool type to application.
| Product | Brand | Typical Pipe Range / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender | Greenlee | 1/2″–4″ PVC Conduit — Bending Long Sections |
| Hoadhen PBH20-4 Electric PVC Conduit Heater | Hoadhen | 1/2″–4″ Conduit — Temp Monitoring & High Power |
| Greenlee 849 Electric PVC Heater | Greenlee | 1/2″–2″ PVC — Shorter 24″ Sections |
| TEMCo TH4001 Heat Blanket Bender | TEMCo Industrial | 1/2″–1½” Conduit — Blanket Flexibility |
| Rama Corporation PVC Heating Blanket | Rama Corporation | 3½”–4″ Conduit — Thermostatic Wrap |
Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender
Key Features: Designed for 1/2″ to 4″ PVC conduit, the Greenlee 851 uses an electric oven-style chamber to heat and soften pipe sections up to 52″ long. The unit requires a short 10-minute preheat, has a full-length door for loading and unloading, and double-wall construction with reflective interior for even heat distribution.
This style is a closed-chamber heater that heats from the outside inward and is intended for forming standard bends after removal. The insulated metal walls and reflective cover promote consistent heating and reduce heat loss. Typical workflow: preheat, insert pipe, rotate until pliable, remove and form the bend.
Hoadhen 1/2″ To 4″ PVC Conduit Heater
Key Features: The Hoadhen PBH20-4 is a 120V, 2300W heater with an integrated temperature detector and real-time monitoring. It preheats to 500°F and includes an automatic shutoff if the internal temperature exceeds safe thresholds for prolonged periods. A full-length door eases loading for 52″ pipe sections.
This model emphasizes temperature control and safety, offering indicator lights and monitoring to maintain a target heating profile. Higher wattage delivers faster heat-up times compared with lower-powered boxes, which is useful for contractors needing shorter cycle times. The unit is intended for bending conduit by softening it uniformly before forming.
Greenlee 849 Electric PVC Heater
Key Features: Built for 1/2″ to 2″ PVC sections up to 24″ long, the Greenlee 849 is a compact electric heater with fast heat distribution from a sturdy double-wall metal construction with fiberglass insulation and a reflective interior.
The workflow mirrors larger box units—preheat, insert, rotate until pliable, remove and bend. Because it handles shorter sections, this model suits shop work or smaller site tasks where portability and quicker heating for narrow diameters are priorities. The design focuses on even heat and repeatable bends for small-diameter conduit.
TEMCo TH4001 Conduit Heat Blanket Bender
Key Features: The TEMCo TH4001 is a flexible heat blanket sized for 1/2″–1½” conduit. Its patented longer blanket design accommodates wider bends and allows bending to any angle, not limited to preset formers. The thermostat is located externally to permit a tighter wrap and smoother bends.
Blanket-style heaters wrap directly around the conduit so heating is localized and conforming. This approach is useful when working in tight spaces or when you need to perform non-standard angles and smoother interior surfaces for pulling wire. The blanket method also simplifies handling of longer pieces without an oven chamber.
Rama PVC Heating Blanket With Thermostat
Key Features: Designed for 3½”–4″ PVC conduit, this heating blanket includes built-in stiffeners for a snug fit and an integrated thermostat adjustable up to 300°F (149°C). The wrap targets even heat distribution and durability with reinforced heating materials and an extra-long cord.
The thermostatic control enables set-and-hold heating useful for thawing frozen sections and controlled bending. Blanket wraps are often chosen for larger diameter conduit where box-style heaters may be bulky or impractical. The external temperature control helps reduce hot spots and permits repeatable results on wide-diameter pipe.
Buying Guide For PVC Pipe Heaters
This section outlines the main considerations when choosing a PVC pipe heater. Compare heating method, pipe size, temperature control, safety features, portability, and application to find the best match for your projects.
Heating Method: Box, Blanket, Or Internal?
Box/Chamber Heaters (Greenlee, Hoadhen): Enclosed chambers heat sections evenly from the outside and are suited for forming consistent bends in specified lengths. They work well for controlled, repeatable bends and mid-range diameters.
Heat Blankets (TEMCo, Rama): Wrap around the conduit and heat locally. Blankets are more flexible for irregular angles, on-site repairs, and larger diameters where a chamber would be impractical.
Internal Heaters / Fusion Machines: Designed for fusion welding or heating from the inside out. These specialize in joining or inside-out heating and are chosen for specific fusion tasks rather than standard bending operations.
Pipe Diameter And Length Compatibility
Match the heater to the pipe diameter and the length you will work with. Chamber heaters list a maximum length (for example, 24″ or 52″), while blankets specify the diameter range they can wrap. Oversized conduit may not heat evenly in a smaller chamber; conversely, using an over-large blanket on a small pipe can be inefficient.
Temperature Control And Monitoring
Look for models with thermostats or temperature detectors when precise heat is required. Real-time monitoring and automatic shutoff protect material integrity and improve repeatability. Higher-wattage units heat faster but need robust controls to avoid overheating.
Power, Wattage, And Circuit Requirements
Check voltage and amperage needs. Typical shop-style heaters run on 120V, but wattage varies—higher wattage shortens heat-up time. Ensure your circuit can handle the load and consider the availability of 120V vs 240V power on-site.
Safety Features And Insulation
Insulated walls, reflective interiors, full-length doors, and automatic shutoff mechanisms reduce burn risk and heat loss. For blankets, look for stiffeners and tight wrap design that minimize hot spots and permit safer handling. Always follow manufacturer safety guidelines for ventilation and handling heated conduit.
Portability And Workspace Fit
Chamber units can be heavy and better for shop or vehicle-based work. Blankets and smaller box units are more portable for fieldwork. Consider how often you’ll move the heater and whether it must fit in tight spaces or inside trenches.
Application Specifics: Bending, Thawing, Or Fusion
If you primarily bend conduit, choose a heater that offers even heat and the correct pipe length capacity. For thawing frozen pipes, blankets with thermostats and wide contact area are preferable. For fusion or welding tasks, a dedicated fusion machine with die heads and precise temperature control is required.
Durability And Build Quality
Look for double-wall construction, fiberglass insulation, and reinforced heating elements for long life in trade environments. Rugged housings withstand jobsite knocks better than lightweight plastic shells.
Ease Of Use And Loading
Full-length doors and straightforward preheat/insert workflows speed operations. For blanket systems, check how the thermostat is mounted and whether it allows a tight wrap without bulky protrusions that interfere with bending.
Multiple Comparison Perspectives
- Speed vs Control: Higher wattage units heat faster but require precise thermostats to avoid overheating. Lower wattage offers slower, gentler heating for delicate thermoplastics.
- Flexibility vs Repeatability: Blankets provide angle flexibility; chambers give repeatable, standardized bends.
- Shop vs Field Use: Chambers are ideal for workshop environments or vehicle setups; blankets are often more convenient for remote or confined-site tasks.
- Size Fit: Always match the tool to the largest diameter and length you intend to work with for consistent results.
Maintenance And Replacement Parts
Inspect electrical cords, heating elements, thermostats, and insulation regularly. For blankets, check for worn or frayed heating surfaces. Verify availability of replacement thermostats or element kits to extend service life.
Final Selection Checklist
- Confirm pipe diameter and length compatibility
- Prioritize temperature control and safety features
- Match heating method to application (bending vs thawing vs fusion)
- Verify power requirements and on-site circuit capacity
- Consider portability, durability, and maintenance needs