Keeping your dock free of ice is the best way to prevent recurring ice damage and ensure your personal dock will last for many years to come. Installing a dock deicer is an easy and cost effective way to combat this yearly problem. Whether you opt for a bubbler or circulator type unit, both are extremely effective at preventing ice formation.
We’ve found that the Kasco 3400D025 ¾ HP Marine De-Icer is the best dock de-icer around. It’s robust, built for season after season of use, well priced and easy to install. Not only that but the provided support and universal usage means you’ll never have a problem that hasn’t been solved before.
Best Dock Deicer – Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer
- Creates a large amount of water flow that prevents ice formation
- Allows oxygen to enter the water in the winter providing improved water quality and habitat
The Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer is a perfect dock-deicer for small and medium sized docks. This powerful circulating dock de-icer is able to keep a 75’ diameter area free and clear of dangerous ice. Not only that, but it’s ¾ HP motor is extremely reliable and the unit itself is built rock solid.
When you throw in the two 20’ mooring lines and the heavy duty 25’ cord you can see why this is the best dock de-icer around. It’s also equipped with a partial safety cage to prevent debris from getting lodged in the rotor. Overall, the Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer is an incredible value and won’t break, sputter, stall or die on you when needed most.
Don’t forget to grab a Kasco 110225 De-icer C-10 Control box to go along with it. This’ll ensure you save energy, and have the unit only running when it needs to. You’ll also need to grab a universal dock de-icer mounting kit to complete installation.
Dock De-Icer Buyers Guide
Choosing the best dock de-icer shouldn’t be a hard decision. After all, it only needs to push some water around right? While that is partially true, we’d like to give you a slightly better overview of how marine de-icers work and some of the important decision points when buying one.
Bubbler vs. Agitator Dock De-Icer
In the world of dock de-icing there are two main ways of keeping your water ice free. You can use a bubble system or an agitator (circulating fan) type unit. Both move water around to prevent ice from forming, but have a few slight differences.
Bubblers are typically more cost effective but usually cover a much smaller area than an agitator. This is because the bubbles only travel vertically and must be positioned at exactly the right spot to ensure zero ice formation. For most folks this means you’ll need to have multiple bubbler systems which in the end might be more expensive than an agitator unit.
Bubblers do have a lesser impact on the environment however. They don’t stir up any bottom silt and are a great way to oxygenate the water which helps marine wildlife and plants flourish. In the end though, most dock owners want to protect their dock and if that means a bit less algae, then so be it.
Agitators work but spinning a small fan at high speeds. This functions exactly like a boat propeller and churns up the water. Moving water carries more energy with it and in turn, won’t freeze in even cold temperatures. One of the reasons we think agitators are the best dock de-icer you can buy is due to their large coverage area. It’s easy to keep a 75’ or 100’ dock clear of ice with a single unit and there is a much lower chance of failure than 8-10 bubblers running simultaneously.
In the end, we suggest you opt for an agitator dock de-icer and save yourself the future headache of replacing bubbler units and wondering why your dock is still icing over no matter where you position them.
How long do I need to run a dock de-icer?
When winter finally sets in, lakes, ponds and more will slowly begin to freeze over. However that doesn’t mean you’ll need to run your dock deicer all winter long. Most units only need to run about 2-4 hours each day. This is enough to circulate the warmer bottom water up to the top and keep it from freezing.
We’d recommend purchasing a de-icer control box to make this an entirely automated process. Most control box units will be equipped with an internal temperature thermostat. This can be programmed or set to only turn your dock de-icer on when the temperature is between a certain range, say 20°F-32°F.
As your dock de-icer is not set to go off only when the ambient temperature drops below freezing you’ll save a ton of energy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about going to turn it on in the middle of the night because you forgot before going to bed.
What size dock de-icer do I need?
Unless you are working on a huge commercial dock you’ll typically be looking to purchase a unit that is 1 HP or under. We are mainly focusing on agitator type units and they (as explained above) are the best dock de-icers on the market.
If you’ve just got a small pond and a single boat dock a ½ HP unit will probably do the trick. However as you move up to larger or longer docks a ¾ HP unit is a better choice. It’s also the size we recommend most dock owners purchase if they are unsure of what size they really need. If instead you have extreme cold temperatures and a much larger space to keep ice free, go with the beastly 1 HP unit and you’ll never regret it. Although, it will be a bit more pricey up front.
Recommended dock de-icer addons
Grabbing the best dock de-icer by itself is only part of what you need. You’ll also want to purchase mounting hardware, protective covers, control boxes and more to ensure you’ve got everything for a successful, ice-free winter.
For the control box we’d recommend one of two options. The first is a more basic unit that is weatherproof and quite cost effective. It simply operates by turning on your dock de-icer between two temperature bands as described above. If you want to keep it simple go ahead and purchase the below marine de-icer control box
- Inexpensive way to control your de-icer
- Uses an air temperature thermostat to turn the de-icer on when the temperature drops
If instead, you want control over both time and temperature, grab the more robust and intelligent Kasco CR-20 control box. While it’s more expensive upfront, the timer function will save you significant amounts of money in the long run.
- Allows the user to determine the temperature and time of day for operation
- Contains both an air temperature controller and timer clock
Whether you’re on a dock, pier or anything in between, you’ll need to purchase a Marine De-Icer Universal Dock Mount. This will enable you to install a dock de-icer in any position and ensure it is stable and ready to go come winter.
- Includes Dock Mount Bracket and underwater hardware (deicer motor and 1 inch pipe not included)
- Kasco's Deicer Dock mounts allow de-icers and circulators to be mounted on docks, pilings, piers, marinas, bulkheads.and other waterfront property.
Best Dock De-Icer Detailed Reviews
Now that we’ve covered the different types of dock de-icers, recommended add on’s and a few other related topics is time to get into the meat of these reviews. We’ll cover 5 of the best dock de icers on the market so you can make an informed buying decision. Our reviews will focus on power, reliability, usability and cost. While we have taken a look at a significant number of dock de-icers over the years it has been proven time and time again that Kasco is the true industry leader and that is reflected in our ratings.
#1 Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer
- Creates a large amount of water flow that prevents ice formation
- Allows oxygen to enter the water in the winter providing improved water quality and habitat
With an incredibly robust exterior, extreme reliability and incredible versatility, the Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer is number one on our list of the best dock de-icers on the market. Kasco is an industry leader when it comes to dock de-icing equipment and they have certainly created a product that stands out.
Clocking in with an impressive ¾ HP motor this Kasco 3400D is powerful enough for all but the largest of residential docks. It can move significant amounts of water and is perfect for keep your dock ice-free during even the most brutal of winters. It’s able to keep a 75’ area of water free of ice and will keep your dock structure from taking any ice damage.
You’ll want to keep this unit pointed out toward the center of the body of water as the 25’ cord means it needs to be a bit closer to land. However the coverage area means this won’t be a concern in the slightest.
Our selected unit has a standard 120V power rating for typical power outlets and doesn’t require any special electrical work or setup. You will need to grab a universal dock/pier mount or a horizontal float to get it in position though.
We’ve found that the Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer uses only 7 amps of power so it won’t short out any circuits if that is a common concern in your area.
You’ll want to have at least 2’ of water to operate this unit in, but the more water, the more efficient it’ll be especially in de-icing situations. If you are using this with a float for vegetation control 8’ of water is a more reasonable depth. If instead you’re just looking to aerate and circulate water to prevent algae blooms, this will be an incredible choice as well.
Overall, the Kasco 3400D is the best dock de-icer out there. It’s powerful, extremely robust and built to last. There are thousands of testimonials to its success and while pricey, it is worth every penny.
#2 Kasco Lake & Pond De-icer – 4400D050 – 1HP
- 1HP Pond and Lake De-icer
- Creates a directional flow of water that prevents ice formation - Keeps up to a 95' diameter of open water
When it comes to the largest of docks and the strongest of winters, a beastly 1 HP dock de-icer is just what the doctor ordered. The Kasco Lake & Pond De-icer – 4400D050 is simply stunning. It’s constructed with a solid stainless steel exterior, has ultra smooth ball bearings and is totally sealed for an environmentally friendly approach to de-icing.
Not only that but the 1HP motor is capable of seriously moving some water. It can keep an area up to 95’ long clear of ice all winter long with ease. Not only that but the included 50’ power cord gives you some added flexibility in placement. This is especially useful if you’ve got an odd shaped dock or your power outlet is in a strange location.
The 115V brushless motors is damn near silent and due to the design is built to last for years with only minor preventative maintenance. As this is an oil filled pump (most of the best ones are) you’ll want to change the oil and oil seal each year if you can. This will help prevent leaks and keep your dock de-icer operating at maximum efficiency. As a note this unit will pull about 13 amps when operating so if you plan to use a generator, make sure you get one that is capable of that amount of power output.
One of the rather unique features of the Kasco lineup of dock de-icers is the engineered plastic propeller. This incredible design is not only lightweight, but also offers optimum performance and efficiency. Furthermore because it is engineering to be a break point, the easily replaced propeller will fail before the main shaft and motor. This limits repair costs and time while still ensuring great performance. If you have large debris floating around this could be a blessing in disguise.
If you’re concerned about installation, getting this up and running is a breeze. It only weighs about 35 pounds and can easily be lifted onto the dock and slipped into place. Plus, the standard power cord connection means no fuss at all.
Overall, if you’ve got a large area you need to keep free of ice, the Kasco Lake & Pond De-icer – 4400D050 is simply the best all around unit. Make sure you grab a dock mount and an oscillating machine if you really want to go the distance. With the incredible quality of this unit you are certainly getting what you pay for.
#3 Kasco De-icer – 2400D025 – 1/2HP
- Creates a large amount of water flow that prevents ice formation
- Allows oxygen to enter the water in the winter providing improved water quality and habitat
If you’ve got a small dock or a limited budget but still want one of the best dock de-icers on the market, the Kasco De-icer – 2400D025 – 1/2HP should definitely be your #1 choice. It’s powerful, reliable and built to last. Just like the larger Kasco models, it’s made with a stunningly resilient stainless steel exterior, oil filled casing and engineered ball bearings. All of these added up means a long life span and extremely low yearly maintenance.
Heck this little dock de-icer is built so well it can work in even highly corrosive salt water with zero issues. We also want to point out that it only draws 5 amps so it’s perfect for folks who only have generator power near their docks.
When it comes to dock de-icers most folks are only concerned about keeping dock ice damage to a minimum. However, this unit goes even further and enables you to have a massive zone of ice free water for all sorts of benefits. Not only that but it can typically keep a much larger area of water de-iced than shown on the spec sheet. That’ll depend though on running time, water depth and existing current.
Overall, this is an incredible dock de-icer and would make a great addition to any northern marine area. It’s cost effective, built to last and Kasco has amazing customer support for any potential problems you might face. If you need something that’ll just get the job done, look no farther.
#4 Power House 3/4 Ice Eater w/25′ Cord
- Cord Length (Feet) 25'
- Running Amps: 6.0 Amps (115V) / 3.0 Amps (230V)
While our top 3 choices are all Kasco models, we felt it would be best to include a few other brands as well. Mainly due to their power to price ratios. Kasco is expensive, no doubt about that, but the Power House Ice Eater is a nice compromise between price, reliability and performance.
Unlike the more expensive options it comes with a plastic PVC housing. While incredibly efficient and lightweight it is a bit more prone to cracking than a stainless steel model. However for most residential folks this won’t be an issue in the slightest. We also want to note that this dock de-icer is built entirely in the USA giving it a bit of an advantage in our book. You’ll also find that it’s equipped with a bronze end bell for superior performance and a long life with minimal cracking
Just like with the higher priced options, this unit includes dual mooring lines to keep it in place as well as a 25’ power cord to ensure easy placement. The 115 volt motor is perfect for any standard outlet and will even work with a larger generator. The extreme duty power cords are also definitely up to the task. They are very well made and won’t crack, freeze or break after ice and sun exposure.
The aluminum anode supplied will also help the unit resist corrosion. This will keep it running for season after season with minimal care. Heck, even the manufacturer notes it only needs servicing every 4-5 years for optimal performance. Not only does this dock de-icer prevent ice buildup, it can clear algae, floating debris, and helps to stop winter fish kills and aerates the water all in one.
Overall, the Power House Ice Eater is an energy saving, cost efficient marine de-icer that is built for even extreme conditions. It’s got great torque, and runs smoothly and quietly. If you don’t want to go for a name brand option, this makes for a great budget dock de-icer that just works.
#5 Taylor Made Dock & Marina De-Icer
- DESIGNED FOR HARSH SALTWATER ENVIRONMENT - with renewable zinc anode for corrosion protection, thrives in salt or mineral filled water, 2 year warranty
- MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN OIL-FILLED UNITS - costs less to operate, pays for itself
Last up on our list of the best dock de-icers is the Taylor made dock and marina de-icer. This unit is specially designed to operate in salt water and is truly a beast when it comes to longevity. With stainless steel components, renewable zinc anodes, superior shroud and dual internal seals it won’t leak, break or fail in even the worst conditions.
Many commercial dock even opt for this model due to its sheer robustness. However it won’t come cheap which is why it’s a bit farther down on our list. In this case though, you will be getting exactly what you pay for.
The Taylor Made Dock & Marina De-Icer is available in three different horsepower ratings. 1, 0.75 and 0.5 HP. This lets you pick the size that’ll work best for your area and help save on power. We are also pleased to note that it has an environmentally friendly oil-free design. That means no potential leaks and less maintenance since there is no oil to replace.
When you combine that with the easy one person installation, you can see why this is such a well regarded dock and marina de-icer. The double lip shaft seal is also perfect for protecting the unit from dirt and debris that might be floating around.
Overall, this is a stunning salt water dock de-icer and would make for a great choice. If you want something a big more durable than basic residential use, get this and don’t look back.
Summary
Overall, there are a ton of great dock de-icers on the market, but as our research and experience showed, the best dock de-icer is the Kasco 3400D025 3400D 3/4 HP Marine De-Icer. It’s powerful, built to last and can keep even the largest of docks free of ice all winter long. Plus, the manufacturer offers great support and there are a ton of addons for every situation and price range.
Since you’re already upgrading your dock to last the winter, you might also want to consider grabbing a Camp Chef Griddle to make frying up some fish or just any outdoor gathering that much easier.
Grabbing the best snow melting mat will also ensure you don’t slip and slide on your way down to the dock and save loads of time by eliminating the need to shovel. What’s not to like about that?
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