Electric radiant floor heating is a popular option for adding comfort and energy-efficient warmth to tiled and laminated rooms. Below is a concise comparison of five reliable under-tile heater kits designed for different room sizes and installation styles. Each kit includes the heating element and a compatible thermostat or accessories to simplify installation and control.
| Product | Type | Coverage | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| LuxHeat 50sqft Floor Heating Cable Kit | Loose Heating Cable | 50 sq ft | Programmable Thermostat w/GFCI |
| Warming Systems 15 Sqft Floor Heating Mat | Adhesive Heating Mat | 15 sq ft | Installation Monitor & UL Listed |
| LuxHeat 20sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit | Self-Adhesive Mat | 20 sq ft | Built-In GFCI Thermostat |
| LuxHeat 80sqft Floor Heating Mat Kit (Wi‑Fi) | Self-Adhesive Mat | 80 sq ft | Wi‑Fi Programmable Thermostat |
| LuxHeat 90sqft Electric Radiant Floor Heating System (240V) | Heating Cable + Uncoupling Membrane | 90 sq ft | Includes Uncoupling Membrane |
LuxHeat 50sqft Heating Cable Kit
This kit uses a loose heating cable that installers embed in a self-leveling underlayment, thinset, or mortar. The package includes a UDG4 programmable touchscreen thermostat with built-in GFCI, a floor sensor, strapping/cable guides, and an alarm/monitor for installation safety.
Key technical points: designed for 120V circuits and covers 50 square feet. The loose-wire format provides design flexibility for irregular rooms or custom layouts but requires careful embedding to meet manufacturer instructions (do not cut or shorten heater wire).
Installation notes: suitable for under tile, laminate, and similar finishes when the cable is fully encapsulated. The kit includes a cable monitor alarm to detect wire damage during installation. The manufacturer provides a limited warranty and technical support resources.
Warming Systems 15sqft Heating Mat
This product is a pre-spaced adhesive heating mat sized for small bathrooms or targeted heated areas. The mat measures 20″ wide by 9′ long and is UL listed for the U.S. and Canada.
Included items: digital programmable thermostat (TH115-AF-120S), a floor sensor, and an installation warning monitor that sounds if the wire is damaged during work. The mat operates at 120V, draws about 1.5 amps, and provides roughly 12 W/sq ft.
Installation advantages: the thin 1/8″ mat is designed to adhere to the subfloor with double-sided tape and can be flipped or turned to fit complex layouts. It’s rated safe for wet areas, making it suitable for bathroom tile installations where space is limited.
LuxHeat 20sqft Heating Mat Kit
This self-adhesive heating mat is intended for smaller rooms and includes a programmable thermostat with integrated GFCI, a floor sensor, and an alarm/cable monitor. The mat uses a 3″ pre-spaced layout for predictable heat distribution.
Key features: the mat is cut-and-turn capable (you may cut the mesh, not the heater wire) for shaping around fixtures. It requires embedding in thinset or a self-leveler and is compatible with tile and laminate installations.
Control and safety: the included OJ Microline UDG-4999 thermostat offers dual sensing (air/floor), GFCI protection, and programming options to manage comfort and energy use. The kit includes a 25-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
LuxHeat 80sqft Wi‑Fi Heating Mat Kit
Designed for larger areas, this 80 square foot kit bundles a self-adhesive heating mat with an UWG4 Wi‑Fi programmable thermostat that includes floor sensing and built-in GFCI protection. The mat uses the same 3″ pre-spaced design for consistent output.
Smart control: the Wi‑Fi thermostat supports remote monitoring and scheduling from Android/iOS devices, making it useful for homeowners who want to program pre-heat cycles or check runtime remotely. Thermostat features include 7-day programming and power logging.
Installation and compatibility: the mat adheres to the subfloor and must be encapsulated in thinset or self-leveling compound for tile installations. The kit includes an alarm/monitor and sensor; the manufacturer emphasizes not cutting the actual heater wire.
LuxHeat 90sqft 240V Cable System With Membrane
This 240V kit combines a loose heating cable with a Prova Flex-Heat uncoupling membrane, offering a 3-in-1 approach: heat, crack prevention, and waterproofing/load support. The kit includes a touchscreen programmable thermostat, alarm, floor sensor, and installation tools.
System advantages: the uncoupling membrane simplifies tile installations by providing substrate protection and allowing the cable to be locked into the membrane for alignment. The 240V configuration is suited to larger rooms and higher-power demands and includes a 7-day programmable thermostat with Class A GFCI.
Installation guidance: heating wires must be covered with thinset or self-leveler after placement on the membrane. The kit targets tile floors where substrate movement and waterproofing are concerns, and the included membrane reduces the need to source separate underlayment.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Under Tile Floor Heater
Selecting the right under-tile heating system involves evaluating several technical and practical factors. Use the checklist below to match a kit to your space and installation preferences.
Type Of Heating Element
- Loose Heating Cable: Best for irregular layouts and custom designs. Requires embedding in underlayment or thinset. More flexible but needs careful spacing and protection.
- Self-Adhesive Heating Mat: Faster to install for rectangular or regular areas. Works well for bathrooms and kitchens with predictable layouts.
- Membrane + Cable Systems: Provide waterproofing and crack isolation in addition to heating. Useful for wet rooms or installations over problematic substrates.
Voltage And Power
- 120V Kits: Common for smaller areas and simpler electrical connections; typically lower watt density per run.
- 240V Kits: Suitable for larger rooms or higher heat demand; require appropriate circuit capacity and professional wiring.
- Check the kit’s wattage per square foot to estimate heat output and match it to room insulation and overall heating goals.
Room Size And Layout
- Measure the heated area precisely and exclude fixtures or cabinetry that don’t require heat.
- Mats are efficient in regular shapes; loose cable is preferred for odd-shaped rooms or around obstacles.
- For partial-coverage warming (e.g., in front of vanities or tubs), smaller mat kits are often more economical.
Control And Safety Features
- Look for a thermostat with floor and/or air sensors, programmable schedules, and GFCI protection to meet electrical safety codes.
- Installation warning monitors detect wire damage during installation and reduce callbacks.
- Wi‑Fi thermostats add remote control and scheduling convenience but require a stable home network.
Installation Requirements
- All electric floor heaters intended for tile must be embedded in thinset or self-leveling underlayment to protect the heating element and ensure heat transfer.
- Follow manufacturer guidance: do not cut heater wires, and maintain specified spacing and cover depths.
- Consider whether you’ll self-install or hire a licensed electrician and tile contractor; 240V systems and hardwired thermostats typically require professional installation.
Substrate And Flooring Compatibility
- Confirm compatibility with your tile type, thinset, and any uncoupling membrane if needed.
- For vinyl or laminate over radiant heat, check the flooring manufacturer’s temperature limits and installation guidelines.
- Uncoupling membranes can mitigate substrate movement and provide waterproofing under tile installations.
Warranty And Support
- Check warranty length for heating elements, thermostats, and included membrane pieces.
- Manufacturer technical support can be valuable for troubleshooting wiring, layout, and commissioning.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Baths/Targeted Areas: Choose compact mats with integrated thermostats and installation monitors (e.g., 15–20 sq ft mats).
- Large Rooms: Larger mat kits or cable systems rated for higher wattage and 240V operation will cover wide areas more efficiently.
- Complex Layouts: Loose heating cable paired with an uncoupling membrane allows custom spacing and better handling of irregular shapes.
- Smart Home Integration: Wi‑Fi thermostats are helpful for remote scheduling and energy tracking but add setup complexity.