I had the plastic Poultry waterer and was having lots of issues with frozen water. So I decided to buy a heater and wanted a waterer that wouldn't accidentally melt. I purchased this waterer and it is wonderful. It works beautifully with the Electric Heater Base for Poultry Fount. I like the metal better than the plastic, mostly because it will last forever and the plastic one doesn't screw on tightly and would often come apart when I went to change the water. This one is solidly made and easy to deal with. There is an internal handle, so when you take the top off, you can carry the base easily to clean or refill. I am super happy that it works so well with the heater, and so is my hubby, as frozen water is a chore neither of us enjoy first thing in the morning.