I just found out that I can get an OEM block heater for my car. It actually takes the place of the coolant drain plug in the block. It comes with a harness and I can pick one up for a shade under $50. I was considering getting an aftermarket one that would need to be spliced into the heater hose but this seems much easier. I just wish I had known about it a few weeks ago when I changed the coolant, I could have put it in then with no extra work.
Has anyone ever used this type of block heater that could speak to it's effectiveness or reliability?