I bought this mat in 2014, and now that we're into the winter of 2016 I'm again reminded how much I love this thing. My office temperature is fine (and I have a thermostat) but my feet were ALWAYS COLD - because the floor under my desk is rather cold. Now I look forward to working at my desk because I know that my feet will be toasty warm. I also like the heavy-duty build - it's thick and sturdy. I do have a couple of suggestions similar to others I've seen here. 1. Since I have this on a carpeted floor, I just cut out a cardboard rectangle to use as protection for the carpet. I'd like to move to a more insulating material, such as "bubble foil" http://amzn.com/B000BPF22U 2. Since the switch is under the desk, I figured I would forget to turn it off sometimes at the end of the day. So I just plugged it into a basic 24-hr timer that I got at the hardware store for $4. I only use the "Off" function on the timer - I turn it on by hand when I need it and then I know that it will turn off at the end of the day. 3. It does get a little too hot for socks-only. The temperature is great for me with shoes on. I don't use one, but I can see that a lamp dimmer would be useful for adjusting the temperature. 4. Mine did give off a rubber/plasticizer smell when I first bought it. I thought it was rather mild - but I'm a chemist and have worked in some REALLY stinky places! I can see how those with a more sensitive olfactory system might have problems. But the smell decreased over time and now has no odor at all - even when I turn it on the first time at the beginning of the cold season. Conclusion: highly recommended alternative to a space heater, especially when it's just your feet that are cold. Read more
Update: it has been a few years since I first reviewed this heated foot pad. I bought two of them and they are still awesome. I use a thempature gauge to test them. Both consistently heat to 135 degree. I have piped heat into the room that I use them in. I don't really need them as much. However, they simply slip then under the couch where I get to them easily. These as ARE MADE OF RUBBER. Some complain that they smell like a garbage dump. Hum... That is very suspious to me because I didn't have that experience. Not even when they were brand new. I Wonder if the bad reviews are coming in as a knock off from a different vendor on amazon. I still sing the praises on the two heated rubber mats. I have also found them handy to keep my dogs warm in my abesents when the heat auto sets to a lower temp. In addition, these can be placed under a camping mat. With a quilt over it to keep you warm and cozy. Or to keep you warm if your furnace goes out. I have two backup solar generators to run these to use in such an emergency. Note: rubber smells like rubber. These pads are in no way overbearing. Plus any odor is evaporate over time. Just like a rubber ball. Remember those red rubber balls we played with as kids? Some might inply that a smell of rubber is an indication that it is new and not used as any odor will disapate once it is allowed to air out. Original review: I enclosed a patio that has a concrete floor. I put vinyl flooring down. In the winter that floor gets really cold especially if you are sitting in that room for any length of time. I bought two of these. One for each couch. I placed them on top of another rubber mat that is the same size (not heated). The heat does not transfer through the bottom mat. So no harm to the flooring. When not in use I slide both the heated and unheated mats under the couches. When they are in use. I simply slide them out in front of the couches and push the on button. It about an hour to get to 135 degrees. It is hot enough to Keep your feet warm with your shoes on. I wear slippers because the mat is too hot for bare feet. Interestingly, your whole body stays warm when your feet warm. Who knew? Read more
I wish there was a way to adjust the temperature, but otherwise it’s working out well. It seems sturdy and well made. I’ve just started using it over a well protected quartz countertop. It’s keeping nearby plants warm and having a warming affect on the whole room. I have even set a coffee mug on it and it kept my coffee warm. I’m using it in a colder area of my house so I left it on 24/7 for a week or since it was delivered. So far so good. I would recommend. Read more
