Customer Reviews

Nelson 6200 Gulf Stream Bird Bath Heater and De-Icer

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm on my second heater of this model and am searching for a different model. The prior one lasted about three years and now I find my bird water frozen solid with my latest acquisition from about three years ago. The fellow at the feed store tells me that is about its typical lifespan.

The main issue I have with this model is that it is not very stabile in the pan and the heating coil tends to tip up above the top of the water level. I've tried epoxying the unit to the bottom of the pan, but even using epoxy intended for underwater use looses its grip after a few weeks.

The first one, exactly like this one, that I bought is still working, but I've been using it for about 18 winters so I thought I'd get a new one for the birds, and maybe keep two baths thawed. Maybe I'm not the ideal tester because we live in the northwest and our freezing weather is barely freezing, but this heater has always kept the whole bath thawed. I like this one because it's low profile and stays in the bath. Only once did a bird manage to knock it out (it was still attached, just sticking up out of the water). I like knowing that it shuts off when this happens.

This is a high quality product. In this day and age of inferior "cheap" goods, this one is not part of that group. Rugged construction, well thought design, and using an economical 200-watts on a thermostat too, makes this a 5-star product.

Birds have a hard time finding a good water source during the coldest months, and providing an un-frozen bird bath is a sure way to earn points with your wild birds. Even though the water in your bird bath should be changed daily, keep an eye on your bath in the winter because this will cause the water to evaporate quickly (I would estimate 3/4-in in a day).

You will be pleased with this heater.

And, it is made right here in the USA!

This unit was purchased as a gift for a friend. I personally have had one in operation for three winters and a second one for one winter. They have performed very well, keeping my two bird baths ice free even in sub-zero weather. The only maintenance is a spring cleaning. I soak the coils in vinegar and brush them clean with a toothbrush. By bending the flexible cord strap you can make the unit the unit lay flat in the bottom of the bird bath.

This product only had a life span of two years for us. When it worked it kept the bath mostly clear of ice and snow even in our MN winters. Our prior heater, from Allied, at least made it five years. We used both of them in a stand built for a farm supply three gallon feeding tub (racoons broke all of our regular bird baths) and both of them worked about equally well, that is when they worked.

I bought three of these ( similar model) over the last several years. I paid $40 each time. I will not buy another from this company as the blue box lasts for maybe 2 seasons and then comes unglued. The heating element worked fine but as I read the other reviews- there is a stability issue as well. I placed the heater in the dish and then placed a weight over it to keep it down. A small plate that filled with a little water worked nicely. But as I said- this is the 2nd time the blue box has come apart. So I am looking for another model especially since this latest model looks the same and costs more.

Powerful enough to keep the entire bird bath from freezing, even in the coldest weather.

It works well but since my bird bath is only a few inches deep, it tends to get above the water, and then the water freezes. I will think of something to keep it in the water, maybe a rock on it.

So far I am very happy with this item. Just hooked it up two weeks ago. The water in my bird bath stays open even in freezing conditions here in indiana in December ...The birds are loving it.

The heater works very well, and it is easy to adjust the cord bracket to any type bath. The water doesn't freeze in the coldest weather, and it turns off over 40 degrees.