Melting mat

✅ What people say works well

Here are some of the positive reports / data:

• The brand HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Walkway Mat: lots of user reviews saying “I haven’t had to shovel the walkway for years” and that it handled snow/ice on a walkway/run of stairs. HeatTrak+1

• The review article by Family Handyman (Feb 2025) on “Heated Outdoor Mats to Melt Snow & Ice” calls one of the mats (HeatTrak Heated Snow & Ice Melting Driveway Mat) “a solid starter pick” and emphasizes the “plug-and-go simplicity”. Family Handyman+1

• The website of the manufacturer says their mats can melt “2″ (≈5 cm) of snow per hour” in some models. HeatTrak+1

• On the forum thread (Bogleheads) someone wrote:

  “I bought Vevor snow melting mats 2 years ago … and used them on my north facing front steps & walk.” Bogleheads
  While this is anecdotal, it supports the idea they are usable.

So in short: yes — they can clear snow, reduce the need for shoveling, especially for walkways/entrances/stairs rather than a large driveway.

⚠️ What you need to watch / what the trade-offs are

Here are the details to keep in mind (especially for a snowy Michigan environment):

1. Area & Size

   • Many mats are sized for a modest width (walkway, stairs) e.g. 24″ wide by 10-15′ long. The more width/length, the more cost, power and complexity. For full sidewalk width you might need multiple mats or a wide mat. For example: HeatTrak offers “24″ x 10′” and up to “24″ x 30′” for the driveway version. HeatTrak

   • If your sidewalk is wider than ~2′, you may need two mats side-by-side (doubling cost & power) or a custom solution.

2. Power / Electricity / Operation

   • These mats need to be plugged in, often 120V or 240V, and will draw amps. HeatTrak lists e.g. 24″x10′ at 120V uses ~5.8 amps. HeatTrak

   • Running cost will depend on how often you use it, how cold it is, how deep the snow is, ambient temps, insulation beneath the mat, etc.

   • You’ll want to mount/run a GFCI outlet outdoors, properly weather-proofed, to support this safely.

3. Snow Depth / Ambient Conditions

   • The “2″ per hour” melt rate is for certain conditions (moderate snow & cold). If you get heavy snow, or wind, or temperature is very low, melt rate may drop.

   • If the sidewalk is very exposed (windy, drop-off, shaded), you may still see accumulation despite mats.

4. Surface & Placement

   • The surface should be reasonably solid (concrete, pavers). If it’s uneven, or covered with ice already, the mat may have limited impact.

   • Some docs caution: if you put on stamped concrete or special finishes, the heat might affect them (though this is more for embedded mats). For top-of-surface mats the issue is less, but you still want to ensure good contact, no large gaps, avoid tripping hazard. Mat Supplier Group

   • Mats should be well-secured (so they aren’t a trip hazard or shifting under foot) especially since you mention knees are bad — you’ll want a flat, stable surface.

5. Cost vs Benefit

   • Up-front cost is non-trivial. For example: HeatTrak’s 24″x10′ mat (120V) is ~$980 USD according to their site. HeatTrak

   • If you only use it for certain storms or infrequent snowfall, you’ll need to weigh how much you value the convenience + safety (less shoveling, less slip risk) vs the cost (purchase + electricity + any installation)

   • Maintenance: while they claim “leave out all winter long”, you still need to check power connections, ensure no damage, maybe move/disconnect/clean each season.

   • If the sidewalk is long (say 20-30′) you might need two mats (or one very long) so cost goes up.

6. Reliability / Durability & Reviews

   • The review base is positive but not huge: some mats (like HeatTrak) seem well-reviewed, but many cheaper mats have fewer reviews or lower ratings.

   • Some user complaints: mats not wide enough, snow heavier than rated, power/cord issues, tripping hazard when not secured. On one cheap listing: rating 2 ★ out of 5 (though only 1 review) for a 40×60-inch mat.

   • Forum anecdote: while one user said “used for 2 years”, they didn’t elaborate big storms etc. Bogleheads

   • Because you live in a region with frequent snow/ice and potentially deep or heavy snow loads, you’ll want to pick a robust model (not just the cheap “10-foot mat” brand unknown) if you want long-term use.

🎯 My verdict for your case (Lapeer, MI & bad knees)

Given your situation (bad knees + important to keep pathway clear + real snow environment), I’d say yes it’s worth serious consideration, with these caveats:

• If the sidewalk is short (say 8-12′) and narrow (like 2′ wide), a single good mat (or two narrower mats side by side) could make a big difference — less shoveling, safer for your wife.

• If the sidewalk is long (20-30′) or very wide (4-5′) then cost escalates and the benefit vs maybe hiring clearing service/shoveling help becomes less clear.

• Choose a high-quality mat (brands like HeatTrak, HotStep) with proven reviews, heavy duty surface, good installation/accessories.

• Make sure you have the proper power outlet setup outdoors (GFCI, weather-rated) and mounting/anchoring so the mat stays flat and safe (especially given the knee condition).

• Use it as supplemental to other safety measures: maybe use the mat for the main path, and have a smaller shovel or clearing tool for side areas. Also maintain lighting, handrails, textured surfaces, salt/sand as needed.

• Consider the long-term cost and usage: If you’ll run it every time it snows, maybe the electricity + wear-and-tear is worth it. If you’ll only sometimes use it, maybe a lighter option (like a cordless snow-blower or hiring a service) might suffice.