Drum Heaters or IBC Heater Jackets, which is better for your businesses needs? When it comes to heating and maintaining the temperature of stored liquids, choosing the right heating solution is crucial for efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.
Two of the most popular options are IBC Heater Jackets and Drum Heaters but how do you know which is right for your specific application? In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between IBC Heater Jackets and Drum Heaters and help you determine the best fit for your operation.
What Is an IBC Heater Jacket?
An IBC Heater Jacket is designed to wrap around an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) providing even, controlled heating for substances stored in 1000L containers. These jackets are ideal for reducing viscosity, preventing freezing or maintaining stable temperatures for products such as oils, chemicals, food ingredients and pharmaceuticals.
Benefits of IBC Heater Jackets:
- Uniform heating across a large surface area
- Easy installation and removal
- Energy-efficient compared to traditional heating methods
- Safe temperature control with integrated thermostats
- Ideal for bulk liquids stored in IBCs
Electrotherm’s IBC Heater Jackets are built to Australian safety standards and designed for reliable, long-term use across industrial and commercial applications.
What Is a Drum Heater?
Drum heaters are used to warm materials stored in standard-sized drums, typically 200L. They come in various forms including band heaters, base heaters and full drum jackets. Drum heaters are commonly used in industries dealing with greases, adhesives and waxes.
Benefits of Drum Heaters:
- Effective for smaller-volume containers
- Targeted heating for cylindrical shapes
- Suitable for materials that require low to medium heat levels
However, drum heaters may not provide the same coverage or heat retention as an IBC Heater Jacket, especially for bulk applications.
Key Differences: IBC Heater Jacket vs. Drum Heater
Feature | IBC Heater Jacket | Drum Heater |
Container Type | Intermediate Bulk Container (1000L) | Steel or plastic drums (200L) |
Heating Coverage | Full-surface heating jacket | Partial (band or base) heating |
Best For | High-volume, temperature-sensitive liquids | Smaller quantities or viscous materials |
Portability | Designed for easy on/off and relocation | Generally fixed to individual drums |
Energy Efficiency | More efficient for bulk heating | Less efficient per litre |
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between an IBC Heater Jacket and a Drum Heater depends on your storage volume and the sensitivity of your product to temperature changes.
- If you work with high volumes of liquid and require consistent, controlled heating, an IBC Heater Jacket is the best solution.
- If your application involves smaller containers or batch heating, a drum heater may be more appropriate.
Why Choose Electrotherm’s IBC Heater Jackets?
At Electrotherm, we specialise in Australian-made IBC Heater Jackets that combine durability, precision and ease of use. Our solutions are trusted across industries including agriculture, food processing, chemical storage and pharmaceuticals.
With features like:
- Custom-fit for standard 1000L IBCs
- Carbon-Graphite Heating Elements to provide consistent, wide area heat distribution on all four sides of the IBC (superior to spiral wound alternatives)
- Adjustable Capillary Thermostat for precision control
- Heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials
- Fast warm-up times and uniform heat distribution
Electrotherm’s IBC Heater Jackets ensure your product stays at optimal temperature whatever your operating environment.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need to prevent product freezing, reduce viscosity or maintain flow during production, choosing the right heating solution is critical. For bulk storage and industrial performance, an IBC Heater Jacket from Electrotherm offers unmatched reliability and thermal efficiency.
Looking for the right IBC Heater Jacket?
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a quote.
