3 / 5
Morgan Chaney for family handymanFrom trusted outdoor heated mat brand HeatTrak, the HeatTrak Snow-Melting Stair Mat is designed for residential use and specially sized for stairs. It’s made of heavy-duty slip-proof thermoplastic so you won’t stumble (even if you’re rocking the best snow boots). It also comes with grommets for the option to tie it down. The power unit, which is sold separately, powers up to five connected mats.
This mat feels very heavy-duty and is lighter than other stair options I tested. Unfortunately, the power unit is sold separately so I wasn’t able to test the heating component yet. The sizing fit my stairs perfectly, so I’m patiently waiting for Amazon to make another visit to my home.
Pros
- Specially sized for slim stairs
- Highly rated product from a company that specializes in heated snow-melting mats
- Users say it keeps the ice and snow off, even in heavy storms
- Has the capacity to connect to other mats
Cons
4 / 5
Morgan Chaney for family handymanIf you’ve been looking into homesteading, but only have a balcony porch to work with, look no further than the Dirt Genius Hydrofarm Heat Mat. This heavy-duty mat made of construction-grade materials is the perfect addition to your porch or greenhouse garden. It’s the perfect size to place two standard trays end to end, allowing you to increase the growth success of seedlings and cuttings to keep your plants warm in the chilly months.
As someone looking to start my “gardening era,” I am so excited to report back on this mat in a few months to see if I can (finally) successfully start growing herbs, tomatoes and other vegetables from seed. In the meantime, all my cuttings seem quite happy on their new mat.
Pros
- Mats can be daisy-chained (up to 10 mats) to reduce the number of power outlets needed
- Lightweight and easy to store
- 6-foot power cord
- Multiple sizes available to fit your gardening needs
Cons
5 / 5
Morgan Chaney for family handymanFew things are worse than having snow sliding off your roof and onto your head. Luckily, H&G Lifestyles Snow Melting Roof Mats are the perfect solution to ensure the snow melts before it has the chance to ruin your day. These mats are equipped with self-regulating heating elements, which means they automatically adjust their temperature based on the surrounding conditions, saving energy and minimizing the risk of damage to your roof and gutters.
Another bonus: You don’t have to break out the snowblower or ladder to clear your roof. Unfortunately, we’ve only seen a small snow flurry in my area, so I haven’t been able to see the true power of these mats. I might send these to my sister in Colorado and have her update how they worked after a true snowstorm.
Pros
- Can be self-installed, no need to hire a professional
- Self-regulating heating element
- Energy Efficient
- Multiple sizes available
Cons
What to Consider When Buying a Heated Outdoor Mat
When searching for the best-heated mat for your home, here are some things to consider:
- Size: How much coverage do you need for your space? Will you need multiple mats?
- Wattage/Power Requirements: How much electricity does it use? Does it use a standard plug? Will you need an extension cord?
- Heat Output: How hot does it get? Will it melt enough snow for your area?
- Tread/Material: Does it have a non-slip tread? Does your space need increased traction and ridges?
- Price: How much are you willing to spend?
As with many of the convenience and lifestyle products we recommend, we always urge consumers to ask themselves the question: How often will I use this? If snow and ice are infrequent occurrences where you live, then one of these simple human-powered snow removal tools might do.
On the other hand, if you hate shoveling snow (or physical limitations prevent you from doing so), or if you find yourself staying indoors because you’re afraid of slipping on snow or ice, a snow-melting mat might be worth every penny. These mats are not cheap, especially if you need to set up multiple mats on stairs or a long sidewalk, but accidents are painful and costly, too!
Why You Should Trust Us
As a long-time homeowner and designated clutz of the friend group, I’ve tried everything to avoid letting my Ring camera catch another embarrassing incident of me slipping down the stairs. While I live in North Carolina now, I was born and raised in Missouri where we get an average of 16 inches of snow, and I’ve lived through at least two “snowpocalypse” events and more deep freezes than I can count. I’m always looking for ways to keep my house safe in bad weather, and searching for the best product (and deals) is my favorite pastime. We also consulted Jonathan Ames, Lead Landscape Designer and snow-clearing expert at BACQYARD.
How We Found the Best Heated Outdoor Mats
We started our search for the best heated outdoor mats by researching 12 different top-selling models, and we tested half of those options. That’s right, I used every single one of the heated outdoor mats on this list to tell you how they perform in real-life inclement weather. We judged our picks based on size, how hot each mat gets, ease of use and overall value. This list is comprised of our absolute favorites. Our testing was conducted over two months and led us to the best heated outdoor mats.
FAQ
Do heat mats use a lot of electricity?
Many high-quality outdoor heating mats are energy efficient and use about the same energy as a lightbulb. That being said, it’s important to check the wattage and energy usage of any mat you will be using.
Can you leave a heat mat on all night?
Depending on how you are using your heat mat, you may be able to leave it on all night. If using a heat mat indoors, we do suggest turning it off for safety purposes and to protect your flooring. For mats used outdoors on concrete, you should be able to leave them on overnight without issues.
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