It's a Winter of Vicious Snowstorms, But Shoppers Say These Compact Melting Mats Save Time, Money, and Effort Clearing Paths and Porch Stairs

These mats can melt snow at a rate of 2 inches per hour

Snow on front yard path and porch stairs. Large pine tree next to it also covered in snow
(Image credit: David Knopf via Alamy)

The snowstorm in the Northeast US is still raging on, covering yards in blankets of snow several inches high and bringing brutal freezing temperatures. Without any precautions in place, this can become hazardous, especially in the case of coming to and from the home.

But, I've just stumbled across an innovative tool that helps remove snow from driveways and keeps pathways clear: the Hetfoent snow melting mats, available in a pack of three on Amazon for $139.99.

Why Shoppers Love the Hetfoent Snow Melting Mats

snowy front garden with two large conifers covered in snow

(Image credit: Steve Smith / Tetra images / Getty Images)

With a rating of 4.3 stars, shoppers with the Hetfoent snow melting mats say they can't believe just how well they work.

'I was seriously concerned at first when I plugged them in. They do not feel very warm to the touch. But, then it snowed up to seven inches and these mats cleared the path entirely,' one five-star reviewer shares.

Not only do they melt snow efficiently, but customers are loving how much easier they are than having to shovel snow or use a snow blower.

'They worked great in the first eight inches of snow and kept the stairs clear,' one person writes.

If you are only needing to deice a garden path and patio, or indeed remove snow from stairs, the small surface area of these mats makes it a no-effort job.

It's a great alternative to an electric snow blower, for example, which can cost multiple hundreds of dollars. Though, a snow blower would be more effective for clearing larger areas, especially ones with a self-propelling motor, like the Powersmart self-propelled cordless snow blower (available on Amazon).

Nevertheless, a big bonus about the Hetfoent snow melting mats is that you can extend it with additional mats to create a longer strip.

Shoppers say they're 'easy to connect and install,' ideal for individuals wanting to clear a path right from the door down to the road or driveway.

The connecting ports between mats are also waterproof, with Hetfoent noting in the description:

'The connection heads between the snow-melting mats have an IP68 waterproof rating and are additionally sealed with nuts for a second seal.'

One disadvantage is that the mats don't come with a timer system to automatically turn on and off. But, some shoppers report it can be used easily with a thermostat extension cord adapter (you can find one on Amazon).

Shoppers also express the power cord is not very long, measuring just 6.56 feet, so an extension lead may be needed to reach an electrical outlet.

The mats heat up to 120°F but with a multi-layered structure, it's safe to walk on. Plus, it's anti-slip and can be optionally fixed to a surface with holes in each corner.

There's no doubt these snow melting mats are a little bit pricey at $139.99 for a pack of three, but the larger the packs you buy, the more you save, with a singular snow melting mat costing $59.99.

Plus, these mats save you the manual labor of having to shovel snow without investing in garden machinery like an electric snow blower just to clear a garden path or porch stairs, making it a worthwhile purchase.

FAQs

Do Snow Melting Mats Damage Decking?

Snow melting mats are generally safe to use on the majority of decking materials, including composite and wood. However, it is always worth researching whether the specific coating on your decking will be affected by the heat of a snow melting mat. For an extra precaution, you can consider putting down a protective heat-resistant material, like silicone.


Of course, there are some places where a snow melting mat won't be the most effective option. Our guide to shovelling snow off gravel can help you clear an uneven surface, for example.

Shop Snow Removal Solutions

Tenielle Jordison
Gardens Content Editor

Tenielle is a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. She holds a qualification in MA Magazine Journalism and has over six years of journalistic experience. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. As our in-house houseplant expert, Tenielle writes on a range of solutions to houseplant problems, as well as other 'how to' guides, inspiring garden projects, and the latest gardening news. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her ever-growing collection of indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, volunteering at a local gardening club, and attending gardening workshops, like a composting masterclass.