The 5 Best Heated Outdoor Mats That Melt Snow and Ice
Updated: Feb. 15, 2023Snow and ice accumulation outside your house isn't just inconvenient—it's dangerous. These heated outdoor mats will help you melt away the risks.
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Historic winter storms have left neighborhoods buried in snow, lakefront homes encased in ice and motorists stranded for hours, if not days. And they’ve brought home the clear message: ice and snow are nothing to be taken lightly. Even a slight dusting of snow on a sidewalk can quickly turn slick, creating a very real danger of slipping and falling. It’s a concern for everyone, but especially for the elderly, people with mobility issues, wobbly little kids, and even older pets that don’t do well in cold conditions. In your arsenal of snow removal tools, here’s a secret weapon to consider: heated outdoor mats.
These mats cover a surface—whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk or other walkway—and generate enough heat to melt ice and snow. They come in different sizes, and some are even made for stairs. While you still might want to break out the snowblower to move large areas of the white stuff, heated snow mats are a genius snow and ice removal hack that doesn’t involve any shoveling. We love the idea already!
Here’s a look at some of the best heated outdoor mats for every use outside your home.
Best Overall
Dr. Infrared Heated Safety Mat
We appreciate the plug-and-go simplicity of this all-around high-quality outdoor heated mat. Use one for melting snow and ice in a small area; or connect up to five mats to clear a walkway to the car, garage or backyard hot tub. The mat comes with a 10-foot power cord, which offers greater flexibility in terms of where you place it.
For price to quality ratio, this is a solid winner. And when it comes to mistakes to avoid when removing snow, you won’t have to think twice about this pick. The no-maintenance design is durable, flame-retardant and features anti-slip rubber for secure footing.
Pros
- Melts 2.3 inches of snow per hour
- Made from heavy duty, anti-slip rubber
- Power unit included, no need to buy separately
Cons
- Small size means multiple mats might be needed
Best Budget
Vevor Snow-Melting Mat
We consider the Vevor Snow-Melting Mat a solid starter pick—a relatively modest investment that can help you decide whether a heated snow mat is the right choice to add to your home heating system arsenal. This simple plug-in model can be expanded and connected with up to 10 mats, making it an ideal choice for outdoor stairs. It’s made from slip-proof PVC and melts up to two inches of snow per hour.
Pros
- One of the lowest-priced heated outdoor mats on the market
- Power cord included, nothing extra to buy
Cons
- Small
Best for Stairs
HeatTrak Snow-Melting Stair Mat
From trusted outdoor heated mat brand HeatTrak, this snow-melting 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.
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
Cons
- Power unit is sold separately
- Multiple mats need to be purchased for multiple stairs, which can get expensive
Best for Driveways
Roof Heating System Heated Walkway
If you’re not ready to invest in a heated driveway, this pick is a more budget-friendly alternative—with no construction required. For the best chance at making it from your car to the front door without mishaps, opt for this extra-long heated walkway.
It’s 15 inches wide and 20 feet long, meaning you can position it where you exit the car and, ideally, extend it to the front door (or to another heated mat). The bright yellow edging helps you see the mat at night and during snowy conditions.
Pros
- Extra-long to get you from the driveway to the front door
- Non-slip, raised diamond patterned tread
Cons
- Pricey
Best for Porches
Cozy Ice-Away Snow Melt Mat
The dimensions of this heavy-duty outdoor heated mat covers a large area, making it perfect for a patio, porch or nestled next to a front or rear door. The mat is made from grippy non-slip rubber, which the manufacturer claims is as durable as car tires. This plug-and-go design weighs a hefty 17 pounds, so it stays put even in windy weather.
Pros
- Rugged design and generous dimensions for a patio or doorway
- Reviewers cite good customer service from Cozy
Cons
- Cannot be connected to other mats
What to Consider When Buying a Heated Outdoor Mat
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 one of these simple human-powered snow removal tools might due.
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!
How We Chose the Best Heated Outdoor Mats
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQs
Can you drive on heated mats?
Heated outdoor mats are suitable for next to your car, but not under its wheels. Avoid driving on them so you don’t damage the heating elements.
How long do heated outdoor mats last?
Most of the heated outdoor mats we included come with a one-year warranty. They’re meant to be left out all winter, though you’ll likely get more longevity from your mat if you bring it in between storms, rolling it out only when you know bad weather is on the way.
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