Looking outside, you peer at the 8” of fresh snow that fell overnight. Sighing with defeat, you slip on your boots, hat, mittens, jacket, scarf and earmuffs. You trudge over to the garage to grab the shovel and spend the next 30 minutes getting melted snow in your boots and losing feeling in your toes and fingers. When you finally finish shoveling you can only think there must be a better way, and you’d be right. The answer is a snow melting mat.
If you want an easy to use yet reliable snow melting mat for your driveway or walkway, the RHS Snow Melting Mat is just what the doctor ordered. It’s available in six different sizes to fit perfectly on your existing walkway and can melt up to 2” of snow per hour. Just turn it on before a storm so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a nice cup of cocoa instead of worrying about shoveling later. If you want a more expandable system consider grabbing the Summerstep Home Residential Snow Melting System instead.
Best Snow Melting Mat – RHS Snow Melting Mat
- RHS Heated Mats are good looking and eco-friendly, the 2-feet x 5-feet mats will only draw 500 watts at 120 volts about 4.2 amps to completely melt snow. RHS Snow Melting Heaters gives you peace of...
- RHS Snow Melting Non-slip Mats are good looking and cost effective. Mats are portable, and have special grommets to attach to the floor. They ensure that the house owner will not have the...
If you need some serious snow melting power the RHS Snow Melting Mat will get the job done right. With six sizes to fit any pathway and an impressive 4.2 amps of power, it is ultra-reliable. Not only that, but it comes standard with rugged outdoor electrical connections and a 5’ cord for added convenience. If you plan to use this over gravel or grass it is designed with grommet connections at each corner to hold it down in high winds. Once powered on, it can melt an impressive 2” of snow per hour. Simply turn it on before a storm and forget about shoveling in the morning. This is by far the best Snow Melting Mat on the market, bar none.
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Snow Melting Mat Buyers Guide
Buying a quality heated driveway mat is perfect for folks who are tired of shoveling snow year after year. However, not all heated walkway mats are made the same. Some are expandable, have different heat outputs or attach to the ground in various ways. This section will cover the basics of what to look for in a good snow melting mat and why certain features and designs are better than others. Our goal is to get you familiar with the different options so you can make an informed buying decision.
What size snow melting mat do I need?
To find out what size heated walkway mat you need, you’ll need to measure your existing walkway. Simply measure the total length and choose a size as close as you can that matches it. Width wise, most options are fairly similar about 20-24” for most models. Longer mats may be a bit thinner at around 13” to save on some costs. For a standard walkway with a couple of turns, three 2’x5’ mats should do the trick. If you’ve got a long driveway, consider grabbing a 20’ or a 30’ long mat to ensure a full path is cleared.
Do I need an expandable mat?
If you’ve got a long straight walkway or driveway with no twists and turns, you don’t need an expandable snow melting mat. If you’ve got stairs, 90 degree turns, short and long paths and such, you’ll definitely want an expandable mat.
Expandable mats allow you to connect mats together just like Christmas lights. You can use small mats for stairs, longer mats for driveways and medium sized ones for walkways up to your front door. Also, because they are all connected together, you’ll only need to plug them into a single outlet. If you want to plan for future houses as well as your current place, get an expandable mat from the beginning.
How fast does a snow melting mat work
Heated driveway mats typically reach snow melting temperature in a matter of minutes. Once the mat is warmed up, most models will melt right around 1”-2” of snow per hour. To ensure you don’t have to shovel, we’d recommend you put the mat out before a storm and turn it on. This will give the mat time to work overnight and make your driveways and walkway ready to go in the morning. If you really want to make the process easy, grab an outdoor remote power unit so you don’t even need to go outside to plug it in.
Are outdoor rated electrical connections necessary?
Strictly speaking no, outdoor rated electrical connection are not necessary. Prior to their widespread use, any old male and female outlet were very common. The issue is with water penetration and shorting out. Traditional plugs have no way of sealing themselves off and, if water gets inside, it can damage the system. This could be rust, degradation or simply a short that kills the electronics.
Modern day outdoor electronics such as Christmas lights use threaded socket plugs. These tightly thread together and are totally water and rain resistant. They will seriously help your outdoor electronics survive for year after year in even the harshest of blizzards. We’d 100% recommend you opt for this type of connect for safety and longevity. All of our recommendations however our fully UL rated for outdoor resistance, whether they have the new plugs or not.
Recommended add-ons
- Great for lighting: remotely turn your indoor and outdoor lighting ON/OFF
- Conveniently turn your outside lights on from indoors or turn hard to reach places on with a click of a remote
How hot do snow melting mats get?
A typical snow melting mat for your driveway, patio or walkway will get to around 55-75 degrees above ambient (outdoor) temperature. This makes it warm enough to melt snow and ice with ease. However, it won’t get so hot as to damage wood, concrete or carpet. This makes them very safe for both kids, pets and plants. Some commercial mats can get a bit hotter to melt snow faster. In general though, we recommend you stick with a residential mat as the lower temperature means they last longer and are less likely to burn out.
Best Snow Melting Mat Detailed Reviews
So, you’ve determined you never want to shovel a path to your car or patio again. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best snow melting mats on the market. We’ve selected various models that are specifically designed for different purposes. Whether that’s for driveways, entranceways or simply a concrete walkway, we’ve got you covered. Each of the mats is very well reviewed and will last for season after season with zero maintenance. No matter which you pick, you can buy with confidence.
#1 RHS Snow Melting Mat – Best Snow Melting Mat
- RHS Heated Mats are good looking and eco-friendly, the 2-feet x 5-feet mats will only draw 500 watts at 120 volts about 4.2 amps to completely melt snow. RHS Snow Melting Heaters gives you peace of...
- RHS Snow Melting Non-slip Mats are good looking and cost effective. Mats are portable, and have special grommets to attach to the floor. They ensure that the house owner will not have the...
The RHS Snow Melting Mat is a solid performer that’ll get the job done. It’s got no frills or fancy features but it has it where it counts. With 120 volt wall power it can put out 4.2 amps of power for stable, long lasting heat. This enables it to melt upwards of 2” of snow per hour. It’s available in six different sizes for added convenience. Not only that, but it is able to be staked to the ground and is made from ultra-rugged materials for year after year of use. If you want the best snow melting mat on the market, this is the one to get.
The RHS Snow Melting Mat is crafted from durable weather resistant rubber for extreme outdoor resistance. The mat is textured for extra traction and is perfect for preventing slips, trips and falls. You’ll also find that it is very portable and easily rolled up for storage. Weight wise, it can be a bit heavy depending on the size you get. If you opt for a longer heated driveway mat, you might want to get some help when moving it into position.
No matter which length you end up choosing, you can rest assured that this snow melting mat is very cost effective. You won’t find it equipped with fancy timers or colorful designs, but it certainly melts snow like a beast. When you get it into position, we’d recommend you stake or tie it down to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Each of the four corners is equipped with a durable grommet for exactly that purpose.
One of the main benefits of a heated walkway mat is that it’s safe and very environmentally friendly. Typically you’d have to resort to salt or other harsh chemicals to remove snow (assuming you don’t want to shovel). A heat mat only uses electricity and won’t harm plants or animals that come into contact with it.
Both my husband and I fell on the ice on the back step where there is no sun thru the winter months. But not again, we now have 3 mats plugged in when it is freezing or below. We can walk out to our grill safely now thanks to RHS snow melting mats. Thank you.
User Review
The RHS Snow Melting Mat is designed such that folks can use either side of the mat. So if you’re a bit late on putting the mat out, you can place it directly on top of snow. Once you start it up, it’ll melt both snow below and above for added speed. With standard wall power, this snow mat will get between 55 and 65 degrees above ambient temperature. During the depths of winter this typically allows the mat to melt 2” of snow per hour. If a storm dumps more than that, you’ll just need to wait a few extra hours after it ends. Either way, this mat will save you a ton of time and effort.
Even more, this snow melting mat can be used on virtually any material. From wood decks and dirt to concrete and gravel. It won’t get hot enough to cause a fire concern and can safely be used in pretty much any environment. The only caveat to that is you cannot drive over it. That has the potential to wreck the internal electronics. The RHS Snow Melting Mat should only be used for pathways and not where cars or trucks are passing by.
Related Link: Enjoy the holiday season (and snow) with some Acorn String Lights on your patio.
Another great use of this is as a roof snow heating mat. You can place this up on roofs with a lot of ice buildup to prevent any more from accumulating and to melt existing ice dams. This can save you a ton of money and keep your roof in tip top shape for years to come.
The only downside to this unit is that it does not have an on/off switch. It’s either plugged in and on or not. A quick remedy for this is to get a remote timer or control switch. That way, if you’re lazy like me, you can just push a button from your bed and wake up to zero snow. No longer will have to go out into the cold to plug it in.
Overall, the RHS Snow Melting Mat is a simple outdoor heated mat that just works. It is extremely reliable and will last for year after year with no fuss. From snow and slush to hardened ice, it’ll melt it all. If you want something that’s cost effective and gets the job done right, look no further.
#2 RHS Snow Melting System – Best Snow Melting Roof Mat
- RHS Valley Heater roof snow and ice elimination systems are good looking and cost effective. They ensure that the house owner will not have the frustration, property damage, and costs associated with...
- Melts 2 inches of snow per hour, UL listed components are made to sustain the most harsh environments. RHS Valley heaters have a complete waterproof system which serves for the most demanding...
If you’re constantly worried about snow and ice buildup on your roof, the RHS Snow Melting System will put those worries to rest. Specifically designed for roofs and elevated surfaces, this system is lightweight and powerful at the same time. With seven different sizes and ultra-rugged construction, it’s built to survive the worst Mother Nature can throw at it. If you live in a cold environment and want to keep snow from building up on your roof, this is the roof snow melting mat to get.
The RHS Snow Melting System is fully UL certified for outdoor use and won’t mind the snowy winter weather. It’s made from extremely weather resistant materials that won’t crack or degrade in low temperature or harsh sunlight. Because this specific snow melting mat is primarily used on roofs, it is designed to be more lightweight and does not have added anti-slip technology. If a roof already has snow and ice on it, the last thing you’ll want to do is added extra weight.
The heating mat provides 400 watts of snow clearing power. When up to temperature it can remove around 2” of snow per hour across its entire length. Users have tested the various lengths and found that no matter the size, all the mats melted snow at the same speed. The longer sizes are great for larger roofs. This lets you have a single plug in point for added convenience.
Once you get the RHS Snow Melting System rolled out on your roof, you’ll need to secure it with the included roofing grommet screws. The screws are 100% waterproof and are easily inserted into the mat. This will secure the mat down in high wind conditions and ensure it stays in place. However, keep in mind this system works just as well on the ground as it does on the roof. You can place it along a walkway before a storm to ensure no snow builds up.
I bought this for my parents to help with an area near a downspout at their front walk that always develops ice. I was able to order the exact length I needed and the mat worked perfectly to keep this area under the downspout free of ice. I haven’t asked my parents if they noticed a significant increase in their electric bill from leaving this on almost all winter, but they haven’t complained, so I do not expect that it sucks down too much energy.
User Review
The main purpose of this specific snow melting mat is to prevent or melt ice dams. These large build ups of ice can severely damage your roof if left unattended. If you’ve already got a large one that has built up, it’ll take 3-4 days before this melts to the roof level. But rest assured, it will do the job. Users have noted that it was fairly energy efficient as well and didn’t cost much to operate.
We do want to note that the RHS Snow Melting System does not use threaded socket type connections. Instead it relies on traditional grounded plugs. While not a huge disadvantage, over time this system is more likely to fail than some of our other options. Safety wise it’s not an issue at all, particularly because this is a fully UL rated system, but it would have been a nice addition none the less.
If you want to increase the life of your roof and reduce the work of keeping it snow and ice free, the RHS Snow Melting System is a perfect choice. It’s cost effective, easy to setup and works like a charm. While we wish it could have been expandable, if you’ve got a straight roofline, it won’t matter either way. Overall though, this is a robust system that will last for seasons and seasons to come.
#3 RHS Heated Walkway – Best Heated Walkway Mat
- RHS Heated Walkway mat are the most efficient system to help prevent shoveling your walkway. RHS Heated walkway mats are good looking and cost effective. They provide support that the house owner will...
- Heated Walk way mats comes with a diamond shape design, providing you and your family a safe non-slip heated mat. RHS Heated walkway mat also have a bright yellow strip along the edge, providing...
The RHS Heated Walkway is a high end snow removal mat that is packed full of features and well thought out design elements. With vivid yellow coloring for added visibility and a superior anti-slip surface, it is purpose built for making walkways safe during the winter months. Grommets line both sides of the mat for added convenience as well. No longer will you need to worry about black ice making your morning a gamble. Simply turn this unit on, wait a few hours and enjoy a safe, easy walk to your car.
As snow melting mats increase in length, they are much more likely to be blown away. Most inferior units may have a single grommet on each corner. You can use this to stake or tie down the unit. The RHS Heated Walkway however, has grommets every 2 feet along its entire length. This makes it extremely wind resistant and easily secured.
You’ll find it has a sturdy 5 foot long male power cord on one end. Unfortunately, it does not have a female plug on the other end. This make you unable to daisy chain mat after mat. However, because they are sold in a variety of sizes, just get the length you need and be done with it. We do want to note that this mat cannot operate folded or bent. This will damage the heating elements and can potentially cause the unit to malfunction. This walkway heating mat is specifically designed to be placed on a straight run.
It works right out of the box! No problems. I now have a clear path without shoveling from my house to the garage!
User Review
Unlike lower powered options, this snow removal mat is able to heat up to an impressive 65 to 70 degrees above ambient temperature. For reference, that means if it’s 15 outside it can reach around 80 degrees. This will make ultra-quick work of any snow and keep your walkway nice and safe. When fully up to temperature it can burn through 2” of snow per hour. If you’ve got hard packed snow or ice that’ll go down quite a bit. For dense ice, expect this to only remove.1” an hour.
One of the defining features of this outdoor snow melting mat is the great no slip surface. Raised non-slip elements are integrated into the design for added durability. Because they are so prominent, they give your boots great gripping power, even if wet or slick with slush. The bright yellow strip also helps you keep your bearings in the early morning darkness. It’ll also helps you to not run off the mat. This is not designed for being driven over. As such, keep it clear of any vehicles in your driveway.
Related Link: Stay warm during the winter with a concrete fire pit.
If you’re worried about its impact on the environment, it is super eco-friendly. When connected to a standard 110V outlet, it’ll use about 54 Watts per foot to keep the temperature up. This is an extremely low amount and you’ll not even notice the effect on your electricity bill. Using this mat to melt snow will also eliminate the need for harmful salts and chemicals. That sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Overall, the RHS Heated Walkway is a high end outdoor heating mat. With powerful heating elements, a durable non-slip surface and varying lengths for any walkway, this is truly and amazing pick. When you throw in the easy to see color and reliable electrical elements, you can easily see why we ranked this as one of the best snow melting mats on the market.
#4 Summerstep Home DM24x36C-RES Residential Snow Melting Heated Door Mat – Best Heated Door Mat
- Comes with a peace of mind 1-year warranty
- Will melt approximately 2 inches of snow per hour when operating
For a truly expandable snow melting mat system, nothing beats the Summerstep product line. This specific piece is specifically to remove snow and ice near the doorway. However, any of the other products in this line can be daisy chained together to make intricate turns for non-straight pathways. You’ll also find this system uses ultra-rugged snap socket connection for added outdoor resistance. If you want the most flexible snow melting mat on the market, this is the system you’ll want to look at.
The Summerstep Home Residential Snow Melting Heated Door Mat is just one part of a full system designed to eliminate snow and ice on your walkways. They are designed with a tacky, super anti-slip surface for added safety. No longer will you need to worry about slippery rubber mats and accidental falls.
This unit is ready to use straight out of the box. It weighs in at 11 pounds and is very easy to position. At 3’ x 2’ in size, it’s also a perfect fit for most entranceways. Not too big to be a hindrance, but not too small either. You’ll also have the added ability to daisy chain additional mats in series. The Summerstep mats come with both female and male plugs. However a small adapter is needed depending on your specific mat. Either way, this is a huge advantage and something no other system has.
You’ll also find that this heated walkway mat is one of the most energy efficient on the market. It uses a low heat system to slowly melt the snow over time. It draws about 180 watts per foot and can heat up to around 40 degrees above ambient temperature. That equates to melting about 1” to 2” of snow per hour. While it’s not as powerful as some of our other choices. It only costs about $2 per day to run which is extremely cost effective.
Very nice product. Love that it would connect directly to a stair mat if I chose to add one. Does what it says it does, melts snow.
User Review
You’ll want to lay all your snow melting heat mats out about two hours in advance of any snow storm. This will give them a chance to come to temperature and keep you out of the storm. You can then use the 6’ power cord to plug in the system. A red light will turn on to indicate that the system is active. There is no separate power switch, so no need to worry about that. Once the storm and winter has passed, store your mats inside and keep them as flat as possible. Putting them under a bed or in the basement are your best bets.
The Summerstep Home Residential Snow Melting Heated Door Mat is a wonderful addition to this list and one of the most advanced and feature packed heated mats out there. With full expansion capabilities and being made in the USA, they are built to rigorous standards. If you never want to worry about shoveling snow paths again, grab a set of these and relax while your neighbors are struggling outside.
#5 Cozy Products ICE-SNOW Ice-Away Heated Snow Melting Mat
- Prevents ice and snow from piling up outdoors all winter long
- Constructed of extremely durable reinforced rubber
Last up on our list is the very budget friendly Cozy Products ICE-SNOW Ice-Away Heated Snow Melting Mat. This ice melting mat won’t last quite as long as some more expensive competitors, but if you’re looking to save for a few Christmas gifts instead, it’ll make a great choice. You’ll also find that it is by far the most energy efficient snow heating mat around and, while not quick, it’ll get the job done. Overall, this is a great entry level product that is perfect for a season or two before you’ll need to replace it with a more robust model.
The Cozy Products ICE-SNOW Ice-Away Heated Snow Melting Mat is perfect for entrance ways, ramps and other small spaces that accumulate snow and ice. It measures in at 36” x 34” which is enough for your standard doorway.
We were pleased to note just how little power this uses. The manufacturer claims that it only take 40 watts per square foot. If that’s true it is nearly 90% more efficient than more powerful units. However, that means it does take a bit longer to melt snow and ice. If the snow is new, light and fluffy, you can expect it to melt about 2” per hour. If it’s coming down dense and hard, 1” and hour is much more likely.
Unfortunately, you cannot daisy chains these units to form a longer mat. They operate as standalone units. While not a big deal, it is something to be aware of. Check out our #4 choice if you need expansion capabilities. It plugs into a standard 110V outlet for added convenience.
I purchased the mat in February 2014. It is now February 2015, and it is still going strong! The best use of the mat is to turn it on in anticipation of a snow/ice storm.
User Review
Users have commented time and time again how much they like the 15’ long power cord. This eliminates the need for you to dig out an extension cord and makes the setup process much more streamlined. Not only that, but it prevent another point of failure. For systems such as this, that is a home run. Even with fewer points of failure, you should only expect 3-5 years of life out of this product. The cost cutting means that it doesn’t have top of the line components and it’ll need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
In terms of durability this walkway heating mat is quite well built. It’s fully waterproof and weatherproof will still being extremely flexible. It won’t become brittle in the sun or extreme cold. Furthermore it is easily stored away and can be folded up if necessary. You’ll also find the non-slip rubber is great for making a safe walking area. Even more, it won’t wear from boots scuffing it or the added heat.
Overall, the Cozy Products ICE-SNOW Ice-Away Heated Snow Melting Mat makes for a great budget choice that won’t break the bank. It’s easy to use, melts snow relatively quickly and can be easily positioned. If you don’t need a fancy mat and just want a bare bones system that works, this is the one to get.
Summary
Never again will you need to worry about shoveling snow in 0 degree weather just to let the dog our or to make it to your car. A snow melting mat will make the entire process as easy as a single plug-in. Our top choice is the very well-reviewed RHS Snow Melting Mat. It’s dependable, portable and quite cost effective. If you need the ability to add extra mats for stairs and corners, consider grabbing the Summerstep Home DM24x36C-RES Residential Snow Melting Heated Door Mat and additional mats as needed. They are much more flexible and won’t constrain you to straight runs.
Now that you’ve cleared that task from your list, you might want to consider an outdoor chandelier for when spring finally arrives or a nice propane fire column to stay warm when the nights are still a bit chilly.
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