Electric and hydronic radiant floor heating systems offer efficient, even warmth for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and whole-home zones. Below is a concise comparison of five well-known kits and panels that suit tile, laminate, and hydronic installations. Each selection lists features, intended use, and installation notes to help you match a system to your project.
| Product | Type | Coverage / Zones | Included Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 180sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System | Electric Cable + Membrane | 180 sq ft | UWG5 WiFi Programmable Thermostat w/GFCI |
| LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Electric Mat | 20 sq ft | UDG Programmable Thermostat w/GFCI |
| Warming Systems 15 Sqft Electric Heating Mat | Electric Mat | 15 sq ft | TH115-AF Programmable Thermostat |
| Floorheat Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel – 1 Zone | Hydronic Distribution Panel | 1 Zone | Panel Components (pump, valves, etc.) |
| Warming Systems Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel – 3 Zone | Hydronic Distribution Panel | Up To 3 Zones | Preassembled With Pumps, Expansion Tank |
LuxHeat 180sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System
This LuxHeat kit pairs a 240V heating cable with a Prova Flex-Heat uncoupling membrane to provide heated floors, crack prevention, waterproofing, and load support for tile installations. The kit includes a UWG5 WiFi touchscreen thermostat with built-in GFCI protection, dual sensing (air & floor), and app/voice control for schedule flexibility.
Key installation notes: the heating cable must be covered with a self-leveler or thinset; wires must not be cut or shortened. The uncoupling membrane supports custom layouts and reduces tile cracking risk. The UWG5 thermostat supports up to 10 schedules and includes a floor sensor and alarm for cable monitoring.
Appropriate For: larger single-room installs where an integrated membrane is desirable — bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas with tile. Certifications: cULus approved; 3-year factory warranty noted.
LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit
This compact LuxHeat mat kit includes a 20 sqft self-adhesive heating mat, cable monitor alarm, and an OJ Microline UDG programmable thermostat with built-in GFCI and floor sensor. The mat uses 3″ pre-spaced cable on a mesh backing that can be cut and turned (not cutting the heater wire) to follow room shapes.
Installation guidance: the mat adheres to the subfloor and must be embedded in self-leveling underlayment, thinset, or mortar for tile or engineered floors. The kit is suited to small bathrooms, remodels, or targeted heated areas where a mat simplifies layout and faster installation.
Warranty and Support: LuxHeat cites long industry experience and a 25-year limited warranty on heating elements. The kit emphasizes ease of installation and built-in safety monitoring.
Warming Systems 15 Sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating Mat
This Warming Systems mat kit is a 15 sqft, 120V electric floor warming solution designed for under-tile installations. It includes a programmable TH115-AF thermostat, two floor sensors, an installation monitor (alarm), and a low-profile 1/8″ mat suitable for wet areas.
Performance and specs: rated at 12 W/sqft and UL listed for USA and Canada, the mat is thin and flexible with double-sided tape to adhere to subfloors. The installation monitor helps detect wire damage during installation, reducing the risk of post-install failures.
Appropriate For: small bathrooms or targeted heated floor sections. The system targets DIY or professional installers who want an assembled mat with monitoring and a standard programmable thermostat.
Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel – 1 Zone
This preassembled hydronic distribution panel is intended for underfloor radiant installations and single-zone space heating. The panel arrives ready with plumbing connections and commonly used components to simplify connection to a boiler or hydronic source.
Key features: the assembly reduces on-site plumbing complexity, supports high-efficiency operation, and is designed to fit into tight mechanical areas. The listing emphasizes professional assembly for convenience and reliable performance.
Appropriate For: homeowners or contractors installing hydronic radiant floors who prefer a packaged distribution panel rather than custom-built manifolds. It is suitable when integrating with an existing boiler or heat source and when a single-zone control strategy is adequate.
Hydronic Radiant Heat Control Panel 3-Zone
This Warming Systems preassembled panel manages up to three hydronic zones and includes pumps, expansion tank, air separator, and standard components. It is built to be serviceable with common name-brand parts and is compatible with glycol systems when required.
Installation and system notes: the panel is designed to connect to a boiler or hot-water source, with 1″ boiler connections and 3/4″ manifold connections typical. The unit simplifies flushing, filling, and future maintenance while allowing for expansion and additional zones.
Appropriate For: multi-zone hydronic projects where centralized control, reliability, and easier installation are priorities. Warming Systems provides engineering support and emphasizes Made-in-USA manufacturing.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Radiant Floor Heater
Selecting the right floor heating system depends on room size, floor covering, heat source preference, and installation access. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to guide selection.
Electric Mat vs. Electric Cable With Membrane
- Mat Systems (pre-spaced mesh): Best for small to medium areas or retrofit jobs. Mats are quick to lay, good for bathrooms and kitchens, and reduce layout planning time. They must be embedded in thinset or self-leveler for tile or stone.
- Cable With Membrane: Preferred for irregular spaces or large open areas where custom cable layouts are needed. When combined with an uncoupling membrane, it offers crack prevention and waterproofing benefits for tile installations.
Hydronic Panels: When To Use Water-Based Systems
- Hydronic heating excels for whole-home or large-area installations connected to a boiler or water heater. It often has lower operating cost at scale and integrates into existing boiler systems.
- Preassembled panels (1-zone to multi-zone) simplify plumbing and reduce installation time. Choose panel size and zone count based on control granularity and floor loop layout.
Thermostats, Sensors, And Controls
- Look for thermostats with floor sensing and programmable schedules to optimize comfort and energy use.
- GFCI protection built into electric thermostats improves safety in wet-area installations.
- WiFi-enabled thermostats allow remote scheduling and integration with smart-home systems for convenience and energy tracking.
Installation And Surface Compatibility
- Confirm compatibility with floor coverings: tile, stone, vinyl, laminate, and some engineered wood. Not all substrates perform equally—follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Electric systems typically require embedding the heating element in a leveling compound or thinset for tile floors. Membranes require a wood float or recommended installation tools.
- Hydronic systems require loop tubing within slab, thin-slab panels, or embedded in underlayment; a professional plumber or HVAC technician should be consulted for system sizing and boiler matching.
Power, Coverage, And Load Considerations
- Electric mats are rated in W/sqft (common values: 10–12 W/sqft). Match output to local heat-loss calculations and desired temperature rise.
- Voltage and circuit requirements: 120V systems may run on standard circuits; 240V systems require appropriate breakers and wiring. Verify amp draw and breaker sizing per the kit specifications.
- Hydronic panels require proper pump sizing and boiler capacity; panels list connection sizes and recommended plumbing details for integrating with existing equipment.
Durability, Monitoring, And Warranty
- Cable monitors and installation alarms can detect wire damage during installation and are valuable for long-term reliability.
- Check warranty length on heating elements and controls. Some manufacturers offer multi-decade element warranties or multi-year electronics coverage.
- Look for UL or cULus listings for electric mats and components; hydronic components should use recognized valves, pumps, and expansion tanks for serviceability.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Bathroom Remodel: Electric mat kits with built-in GFCI thermostats and alarms simplify the install and minimize floor height buildup.
- Large Open Area/Multiple Rooms: Cable + uncoupling membrane systems provide layout flexibility and are effective for large tile floors; plan circuits and thermostats accordingly.
- Whole-House Comfort: Hydronic preassembled panels offer zone control and can be more economical for continuous or extensive heat demand, especially when paired with efficient boilers.
- DIY vs Professional: Mats often suit experienced DIY installers for small projects; cable systems with membranes and hydronic panels typically require professional trades for best outcomes.
Final selection should be based on room-by-room heat demand, substrate type, local electrical/plumbing capacity, and desired control features. Refer to installation manuals and consider professional consultation for electrical or hydronic hookups to ensure code compliance and long-term performance.