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The claim. Plug a HeatTrak mat into an outlet (an outdoor one is most convenient), and it "will prevent snow and ice accumulation on walkways and stairs around your home." The mat measures 20x60 inches and can be daisy-chained to as many as four other mats. Each mat costs $120. The first mat requires a power unit costing $30; added mats require $13 extension cords. Smaller mats for stair treads cost $50 each. For $350, you can buy the 24x60-inch Warmtrax, a heavier-duty melting mat. (Bigger sizes cost more.) It includes a GFCI plug and has a deeper pattern for extra traction. Both mats are sold online.
The check. We set the Warmtrax mat outside and waited for snow. The weather didn’t cooperate fully, so we sprinkled old snow onto the mat, simulating use after a storm. (Instructions say that use before and during snowfall is preferable.) We also placed Warmtrax and HeatTrak in separate chest freezers, piled a layer of ice cubes atop each, and measured their power use and melting effectiveness.
Bottom line. Let it snow. Both mats should remove falling or fallen snow and help with freezing rain. One caveat: Heavy snow could melt and flow off the mats, then refreeze. Both mats use about 300 watts of electricity while plugged in, for an average cost of about 3.5 cents per hour.
Need greater snow-clearing power? See our buying guide to snow biowers.
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