In my house, keeping my feet warm isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity. The only way to guarantee this is to ensure the best underfloor heating kit is installed under my bathroom floor. Let me tell you, it’s an absolute game-changer.
As a fond DIY enthusiast who spent hours researching the best underfloor heating kits on the World Wide Web, I know that the underfloor heating business is a massively untapped market full of luxury solutions that will suit any heating requirements.
After much research, I chose the Underfloor Heating World Mat Kit, which was an ideal choice for my home. It was reasonably priced and met all the criteria in my strict buying guide.
You may have different needs for me or want to kit out different rooms, so I’ve included my top five underfloor heating kits, which I’ve looked into during my research. Each has passed my key scoring method to ensure they are the best current kits on the market.
My Top 5 Underfloor Heating Kits At A Glance
- Best Overall – Underfloor Heating World Mat Kit 200W
- Best Quality – Prowarm 150W Underfloor Heating Mat
- Best Foil Kit – Underfloor Heating World Foil Kit 150W
- Most Straightforward To Install – Warmup SPM1 Stickymat Underfloor Heating 150W
- Best Cable – Underfloor Heating World Cable Kit 150W
Why Take My Word For It?
I have rigorously reviewed the below underfloor heating kits to ensure they represent value for money and good service from the company selling them. In my testing, I have also made sure they meet all test requirements of IEC 60335.
The 5 Best Underfloor Heating Kits Reviewed
- Power Rating – 200W
- Floor Type – Can be used under all floor types
- Coverage: You can select anywhere between 0.5SQM – 30SQM to purchase based on the size of your room
- Width – The kit is 500mm wide.
- Warranty Included – Underfloor Heating World offers a lifetime warranty
- Thermostat Included? – You can choose from 6 different thermostats for this underfloor heating kit
- Best For: Overall
- Heating Efficiency - 9/10
- Ease Of Installation - 9/10
- Durability 8/10
- Energy Efficiency - 7.5/10
- Dad Satisfaction - 10/10
My overall choice is the Underfloor Heating World Mat Kit 200W. I recently installed it under my bathroom floor, and I’m extremely impressed with the output.
Firstly, being 200w, it heats my floor lightning fast, keeping the temperature constant all day. If the 200W version isn’t for you and you want something less powerful, there is also a 150W version available.
The digital thermostat is an essential component of the package. You can choose multiple thermostats to accompany your kit, and there are plenty of options.
I installed the mat myself, and the process was quite simple. The install guide provided in the package was straightforward to follow.
The mat’s performance is top-notch. Like all mats, it usually takes 5-10 minutes to get going, but the heat output is extremely impressive. Energy consumption is always a concern regarding underfloor heating. Still, as long as you don’t have it going all day, it’s affordable.
This kit’s lifetime warranty is among its best features and indicates the company trusts the product. Although I’m sure the device will last a long time and wonder if I’ll ever need to use the guarantee, knowing it exists is an added bonus.
The kit definitely feels durable, which is obviously essential. As with anything, though, I took extra care when installing it and ensured my measurements were as accurate as possible before cutting it.
In addition, the ease of next-day delivery was a great bonus, and the excellent customer service I experienced during the entire purchase process further confirmed my happiness with this product.
- Power Rating – 150W/200W based on choice
- Floor Type – Can be used under all floor types
- Coverage: You can select anywhere between 1SQM and 12SQM to purchase based on the size of your room
- Width – The kit is 500mm wide.
- Warranty Included – A lifetime warranty is offered.
- Thermostat Included? – No, must purchase separately.
- Best For: Quality
- Heating Efficiency - 8/10
- Ease Of Installation - 9/10
- Durability 9/10
- Energy Efficiency - 7/10
- Dad Satisfaction - 9/10
Prowarm is known for its quality, and its product range, which includes the best underfloor heating kits, certainly proves that reputation.
Although lightweight, this kit is very durable. The glass fibre mesh feels very rigid and versatile. No PVC coatings are used in the materials.
It has a strong adhesive that sticks the kit to the floor. When I tested it, I had a lot of trouble getting it off afterwards, which is an excellent sign that it would sit under your floor. It indeed boasts a good-quality hold.
The heat mat’s performance exceeded my expectations. Compared to the other kits I have tested; it heats up quite quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout use.
Again, this product has a lifetime warranty, which offers great peace of mind. The instructions for laying this kit are very straightforward, making the installation process easy even for someone like me who could be more handy.
Additionally, the next-day delivery and excellent customer service make the entire purchase experience seamless and satisfying.
- Power Rating – 150W
- Floor Type – This can be used under all floor types, including wet areas.
- Coverage: You can select anywhere between 0.5SQM and 30SQM to purchase based on the size of your room
- Width – The kit is 500mm wide.
- Warranty Included – A lifetime warranty is offered.
- Thermostat Included? – Yes, you can pick from 8 different thermostats.
- Best For: Best Foil Kit
- Heating Efficiency - 9/10
- Ease Of Installation - 7/10
- Durability 7/10
- Energy Efficiency - 8/10
- Dad Satisfaction - 7.5/10
When shopping around, I considered a foil heater system designed to lay under wood flooring. This certainly was the best one I came across.
Although the foil kit is thinner than fibre mesh kits, it is slightly more convenient to install. There is no need to glue or screed, which simplifies the process.
The versatility could be improved, as the cutting point is around every 20cm. While this is still achievable, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as fibre kits, which allow you to cut, trim, and twist more easily.
Due to the nature of the setup, you will be required to attach more elements to each mat you lay, making the installation process slightly longer.
However, the heating efficiency is excellent. The whole room heats up within seconds at an even pace, warming your feet at a moment’s notice and reducing energy consumption.
Despite some minor inconveniences during installation, the foil heater system performs exceptionally well. It is a solid choice for underfloor heating.
- Power Rating – 150W
- Floor Type – This can be used under all floor types.
- Coverage: You can select anywhere between 1SQM and 14SQM to purchase based on the size of your room
- Width – The kit is 500mm wide.
- Warranty Included – A lifetime warranty is offered.
- Thermostat Included? – No, You will need to purchase the warmup thermostat separately.
- Best For: Best Installation
- Heating Efficiency - 8/10
- Ease Of Installation - 9/10
- Durability 7/10
- Energy Efficiency - 8/10
- Dad Satisfaction - 7.5/10
Suitable for all types of floors, this ‘easy’ underfloor heating kit slots straight in when you need something quick and straightforward.
The easy-to-follow install guide ensures a smooth installation process, saving you time and effort.
Its pressure-sensored adhesive makes fixing it to the floor seamless. At the same time, you can reposition it without compromising the hold.
The mat is very thin. If you’re using a self-levelling adhesive after the installation, no bumps or rogue bits of wire will be visible.
The heating efficiency is impressive for such a thin product, providing quick heat delivery to the floor. Additionally, it boasts good energy efficiency, helping to keep running costs low.
The kit also comes in smart packaging, making it convenient to handle and store. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy, efficient, and discreet solution.
- Power Rating – 150W
- Floor Type – Tiles preferred.
- Coverage: You can select anywhere between 0.5SQM and 24SQM to purchase based on the size of your room
- Warranty Included – A lifetime warranty is offered.
- Thermostat Included? – Yes.
- Best For: Best Cable Kit
- Heating Efficiency - 7/10
- Ease Of Installation - 9/10
- Durability 8/10
- Energy Efficiency - 7/10
- Dad Satisfaction - 7/10
I highly recommend the cable kit for rooms with unusual shapes or rooms full of fixtures. It’s easily manoeuvred on the subfloor, allowing you to lay it precisely.
What I love about the cable is that you can control the versatility entirely. It can accommodate any room, no matter the shape. The quality of the cable is exceptional; it feels robust and well-made, ensuring long-lasting performance.
It’s thin enough to fit between the subfloor and flooring and durable enough to be tiled straight over. The materials used are top-notch, which contributes to its durability and reliability.
I ultimately decided against the cable because my primary research focused on floor mats.
owever, the cable is a reliable and flexible alternative if the mats do not suit your needs.
The installation process is straightforward, and the cable’s ability to adapt to any space makes it an excellent choice for more complex layouts.
The high quality of the product gives me confidence that it will perform well for years to come.
Electric Underfloor Heating Mats vs Underfloor Heating Wire
The choice between a mat and a loose wire underfloor heating system is ultimately determined by the layout of your room.
A mat system is the best choice for first-time installers or those with standard-shaped rooms because it is simple to install. However, if you are a professional or have hired one, you can go either way.
Both mat and loose wire systems give equally good heat performance. Your warm floors will be determined by parameters such as floor build-up, wattage per square metre, and insulation rather than the system you choose.
Because matting is a bit more of a designed product, loose wire systems are often less expensive. However, I feel the price difference is not significant enough to be your key deciding factor.
Installing a mat system’s ease and time savings outweigh the modest cost increase.
Ultimately, the decision between mat and loose wire solutions should be based on your requirements rather than cost.
A Buying Guide For The Best Underfloor Heating Kits
When buying your underfloor heating kit, consider these key factors.
Heating Efficiency
How good is the heating output? You don’t want something that doesn’t satisfy your warm feet needs. Use 150W in your standard rooms. Use 200W in rooms that could succumb to additional heat loss or if you want that extra kick of warmth in the winter.
Ease Of Installation
It must be easy if you’re pulling out your dad’s tool belt and laying this baby yourself. Ensure it has good instructions and technical assistance if you need it. Or, if you’re like me and don’t even glance at the instructions, ensure they’re self-explanatory.
Quality
Don’t buy something you’ll be replacing in a few years. Everyone is looking for the best price, but you’ll be guaranteed an excellent, efficient service from a kit you invest in and spend the market rate on.
Also, consider the durability; the installation process can be rigid, so ensure you pick something that can hold itself together and not fall at the first hurdle.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional radiators crank up the heat to a scorching 65-75°C. The main advantage of underfloor heating is it works its magic at a gentle 29°C or less, depending on your floor covering. This translates to significant energy savings.
Ensure you get a kit that is the latest style to ensure good energy consumption.
Dad Satisfaction
The most important aspect is to be happy with what you’re buying. Excellent service from a company trying to sell you mediocre underfloor heating should be avoided.
Head out, speak to experts, look and feel the kits you’re interested in and ensure you’re satisfied that you’re getting the best underfloor heating kits suited to you.
While continual underfloor heating can provide consistent warmth, more cost-effective options exist. Modern systems are energy-efficient, and using programmable thermostats to control temperature based on your daily schedule can help you optimise energy consumption and save money.
While underfloor heating is extremely reliable, it can occasionally fail. Air pockets in the system, faulty thermostats, and malfunctioning heating elements are all possible causes of difficulties.
Regular maintenance, proper installation, and professional troubleshooting are essential for identifying and addressing difficulties. Investing in the best underfloor heating kits can help solve these issues and assure consistent performance.
Underfloor heating does not need to be turned on at all times to achieve optimal performance. Programmable thermostats enable you to set personalised heating schedules based on your needs, providing comfort when needed while saving energy during inactivity, ultimately increasing cost-effectiveness.
The installation time for underfloor heating varies depending on room size, flooring type, and system choice. On average, it may take a few days due to the need for exact design, laying up the heating components, and testing and commissioning time.
While underfloor heating has many benefits, it is essential to consider the potential downsides. These may include the initial installation cost, particularly for retrofitting, and the possibility of reduced efficiency if the system is not maintained correctly.
Furthermore, some floor coverings may affect heat transfer efficiency. Despite these considerations, investing in the best underfloor heating kits can significantly enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency.
The Best Underfloor Heating Kits To Keep Your Feet Warm
Thanks for reading our article on the best underfloor heating kits. Please go check out our blog HERE for more advice for those handy dads out there.
