Dipstick vs block heater for cold starts

[regal.man]

I'm not looking to switch to synthetic oil, I just want to make cold starts a little easier on my snow blower during those brutal mornings. I've been thinking about adding a dipstick heater or maybe even a block heater, but I'm not sure which is more effective or if there are any downsides to using either.
If you're in colder climates, have you installed any kind of engine warmer on your blower? and do they actually make a difference when it's, say, 10°F or below?

 

[ceddd41]

Using a block heater usually warms the whole engine better and makes cold starts easier than a dipstick heater, which only warms the oil. Both help in really cold temps like 10 degrees F and below, but block heaters tend to be more effective. Downsides can be extra installation cost and needing an outlet nearby . Have you checked if your snow blower model supports easy block heater installation?

 

[Marcusan85]

A friend of mine was in the same predicament and he said that the block heater is the better option because is indirectly warms the oil a bit. He tried both and says the dipstick heater isn't as good.

 

[Wittick]

Engine warmers are mostly snake oil for small snow blowers, block heaters help, dipstick heaters barely move the needle. If it's below 10°F, the real fix is good cold-weather oil and patience.