Best PVC Pipe Heaters and Benders for Bending Conduit

Choosing the right PVC pipe heater depends on pipe size, heating method, portability and control. The table below summarizes five top options that cover in-chamber heaters, heat blankets and internal pipe heaters. Each product review includes key features and practical use notes to help narrow choices for electrical conduit, schedule 40/80 PVC, and fusion tasks.

Product	Type	Pipe Range	Notable Feature
Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender	Chamber Heater	1/2″ – 4″	Full-length door, insulated metal walls
Hoadhen PBH20-4 Electric PVC Conduit Heater	Chamber Heater	1/2″ – 4″	Built-in temperature detector, auto shutoff
Greenlee 849 Electric PVC Heater	Chamber Heater	1/2″ – 2″	Double-wall construction, fast heat distribution
TEMCo TH4001 Heat Blanket	Heat Blanket	1/2″ – 1 1/2″	Patented longer blanket, external thermostat
PVC Bendit Internal Pipe Heater	Internal Heater Insert	1/2″ ID and Larger	Heats from inside out for long bend lengths

Greenlee 851 Electric PVC Heater/Bender

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The Greenlee 851 is a purpose-built chamber-style PVC heater designed for 24–52 inch sections depending on model variant. It supports 1/2″ to 4″ conduit and uses insulated metal walls with a reflective interior for more even heating.

• Operation: Preheat for about 10 minutes, position the pipe, rotate until pliable, then remove and form bend.
• Construction: Heavy-duty metal with full-length door simplifies loading and unloading longer sections.
• Use Cases: Common in electrical work for bending conduit and in plumbing where controlled bends are needed for schedule 40 PVC.
• Practical Notes: Chamber heaters deliver consistent external heating and are useful when repeatable, uniform bends are required for multiple similar runs.

Hoadhen 1/2″ To 4″ Electric PVC Heater

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The Hoadhen PBH20-4 is a chamber-style heater rated at 120VAC with high wattage for faster heat-up times. It includes a built-in temperature monitoring system and an automatic shutoff safety feature.

• Temperature Control: Built-in real-time temperature monitoring helps maintain target heating conditions.
• Safety: Automatic shutoff triggers if internal temperature exceeds preset limits for a sustained period.
• Loading: Full-length door allows for easy insertion and removal of conduit up to the product’s length capacity.
• Practical Notes: The combination of high wattage and monitoring is beneficial for operations requiring rapid processing and consistent results across multiple pieces.

Greenlee 849 1/2″ To 2″ PVC Heater

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The Greenlee 849 is a compact chamber heater intended for 24″ sections of PVC ranging from 1/2″ to 2″. It emphasizes fast heat distribution via double-wall metal construction, fiberglass insulation and a reflective interior.

• Designed For: Shorter pipe sections and smaller diameters where portability and quick cycles matter.
• Ease Of Use: Simple preheat and rotate method reduces operator steps for routine bends.
• Durability: Sturdy metal body is built for jobsite conditions where equipment is moved frequently.
• Practical Notes: Best suited to tradespeople who bend many small runs or need a lighter unit than larger chamber heaters.

TEMCo TH4001 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket

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The TEMCo TH4001 is a heat blanket style heater intended for 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ conduit. Its longer blanket design and external thermostat placement are aimed at delivering tighter wraps and smoother bends.

• Blanket Design: Patented longer design allows for wider or less-restricted bends compared to shorter wraps.
• Thermostat Location: External thermostat promotes tighter blanket wrapping and predictable temperature control.
• Versatility: Blankets enable variable angle bends—no preset mandrels required—useful for custom or field adjustments.
• Practical Notes: Heat blankets are portable and work well where chamber access is impractical or for on-site adjustments to preinstalled conduit.

PVC Bendit Internal Pipe Heater Insert

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The PVC Bendit series is an internal heater insert that fits inside the pipe and heats from the inside out. It is available in multiple lengths and sizes for Schedule 40 and 80 PVC and is designed to enable long, controlled bends up to many feet in length.

• Internal Heating: Heats the pipe interior, which helps reduce surface blistering and provides more uniform wall softening for long-radius bends.
• Variety: Multiple sizes and lengths allow matching to pipe ID and desired bend radius or length.
• Use Case: Particularly useful for very long bends where external chamber or blanket methods struggle to maintain uniform heat along the entire heated section.
• Practical Notes: Internal inserts require access to the pipe interior and often use a stand or BendStation to retain heat during forming.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A PVC Pipe Heater

This guide covers key considerations to match heater type to application needs across five comparison perspectives: heater type &method, pipe size &material, temperature control &safety, portability &jobsite use, and durability &maintenance.

Heater Type & Heating Method

There are three common methods: chamber heaters (external enclosed heating), heat blankets (wrap-around heating), and internal inserts (heating from inside). Chamber heaters provide uniform external heat for repeatable bends. Blankets are portable and flexible for on-site jobs. Internal inserts offer the most uniform wall heating for long-radius bends and reduce outer-surface damage.

Pipe Size, Length, And Material Compatibility

Match the heater to the pipe diameter and the section length you plan to bend. Chamber units often specify a range (e.g., 1/2″–4″) and a maximum length. Blankets and inserts come in size-specific models. Check compatibility with Schedule 40 vs Schedule 80 and with different plastics (PVC, CPVC, PE, PP-R) when applicable.

Temperature Control And Safety Features

Precise temperature control matters to avoid overheating or underheating. Look for built-in thermostats, digital displays, and temperature monitoring. Safety features such as automatic shutoff if temperature thresholds are exceeded and indicator lights are valuable for jobsite safety and repeatability.

Portability, Setup Time, And Cycle Speed

Consider how often you move between sites. Chamber heaters and Bendit inserts may be heavier and more suited to shop use. Blankets and some compact chambers are more portable. Higher wattage units heat faster, reducing cycle time but requiring appropriate electrical supply and safe handling.

Durability, Construction, And Maintenance

Metal chamber units with insulation and reflective interiors tend to be durable on job sites. Blankets should have reinforced construction and external thermostats for longevity. Internal heaters should include a reliable BendStation or stand to retain heat and prevent localized damage. Regular inspection of heating elements and thermostats maintains consistent performance.

Comparison Perspectives For Decision Making

• Repeatable Shop Bends: Chamber heaters offer uniform results for many identical pieces.
• Field Flexibility: Heat blankets deliver on-site bend versatility for varied angles and locations.
• Long Radius Bends: Internal inserts (e.g., Bendit) heat along the pipe length and reduce surface distortion.
• Speed Vs Control: High-wattage units heat faster; units with digital control and monitoring prioritize precision.
• Safety Priority: Look for automatic shutoff, clear insulation, and robust housing to limit accidental burns or fire risk.

Electrical And Power Considerations

Check required voltage and amperage. Many powerful units run at standard 120VAC but can require high current. Ensure jobsite circuits, extension cables, and breakers are rated for the tool’s draw. Improper supply can reduce heating performance and increase safety risk.

Application-Specific Notes

• Electrical Conduit: Use products designed for conduit to avoid damaging insulation or creating weak spots.
• Plumbing & Fusion: For fusion welding of PP/PP-R/PE, select machines with appropriate die heads and temperature ranges.
• Thawing Or Controlled Heating: Blankets with thermostats can serve for thawing frozen lines or softening pipe for alignment tasks.

Maintenance And Lifespan

Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning, element replacement, and storage. Units with replaceable heating elements or serviceable thermostats can extend usable life. Inspect blankets for frays and inserts for element integrity before each use.

Final Selection Checklist

1. Confirm diameter and maximum heated length for your most common jobs.
2. Decide whether portability or repeatability is the priority.
3. Verify electrical supply and safety features.
4. Choose a method (chamber, blanket, internal) matching your bend radius and finish requirements.
5. Review maintenance needs and availability of replacement parts.