When looking for a way to make any home more inviting carpet warmers are a great way to make things cozier. This product is placed under the rug to make it warmer and more comfortable. While this product is immensely useful, it can be a confusing item to safely purchase. Remove the confusion with a comparison of two top choices on the market. This comparison of Hot Carpet by Woowarmer vs. RugHeat™ by CozyWinters breaks down all the key points of interest.
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer vs. RugHeat™ by CozyWinters
Sizing
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. This carpet warmer is offered in limited sizing choices that do not fit the most commonly sold rug sizes in the U.S. market. RugHeat™ by CozyWinters is available in a range of sizes. To accommodate the most common rug sizes sold on the U.S. market in line with common room sizes found in American homes.
22″ x 34″ (Fits under a 2′ x 3′ Rug)
22″ x 89″ Runner (Fits under a 2′ x 7.5′ Runner)
34″ x 58″ (Fits under a 3′ x 5′ Rug)
58″ x 81″ (Fits under a 5′ x 7′ Rug)
63″ x 93″ (Fits under a 5.5′ x 8′ Rug)
Temperature
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. There are concerns that a temperature of 104 Fahrenheit and above can cause surface skin burns and dehydration, even after a short exposure. This product has operating temperatures of 115 Fahrenheit on high setting and 95 Fahrenheit on medium setting. This exceeds the UL recommended surface temperature for ideal safety.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: This product operates at a safe temperature of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid any safety issues as defined by UL recommendations.
GFCI and plug
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. Using a two prong plug that is attached to a cord as the power source, this unit doesn’t offer GFCI protection which means it is not within electrical codes and may present danger.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: Using a three prong plug that is GFCI protected, this product is the only CE listed carpet warmer on the market to avoid any safety concerns.
Safe power density
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. The power density is not within a safe range as determined by UL standards. In fact, it exceeds the limit of 12 watts/sf defined by UL standards. Which is a concern for both safety and function.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: The power density stays safely within the range of acceptable watts and the product has the necessary amps and voltage required to sustain function.
Waterproofing
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. This product is not waterproof in design and there is also the concern that since it lacks GFCI protection. Spilling liquid on it can be dangerous to users in addition to destroying the product.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: Since this product is waterproof and offers GFCI protection, it is safe to use in wet/damp areas such as the bathroom or kitchen without worrying about safety or damages.
Cord length
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. The cord length is on the shorter side coming in at 6 feet. This makes it too short for easy use in the average room for the American market.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: With a cord that is 8 feet in length, this product more easily accommodates the U.S. market in terms of room size.
Control unit
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer – There are a few issues concerning the control unit with this product. For starters, it is rather bulky and in the way, which makes it a trip hazard in the home. It is also covered with a thermally insulated material which increases safety concerns.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: This control unit puts the heating panel in the corner to avoid the trip hazard issue. It is also encapsulated in a flame retardant ABS block rather than a thermally insulated material for increased safety.
Furniture
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. This product can only be placed under the legs of furniture which limits where consumers can place it.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: A more durable option, this product can be placed anywhere in terms of furniture. It can be covered so the restriction of using it only under furniture legs is removed. It can be used under living room chairs or sofas without worry.
Unclear Messages on Usage
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. There are a few contradictions on how to use this product and it can lead to safety concerns. For starters, the product is suggested for use under a pet bed. But if the unit is covered it will shut off due to overheating. It can also be a safety concern to use it with pets since they may damage the product. Leading to a fire hazard.
The product also claims it can be used with sleeping bags. But the owner’s manual states not to use the product while sleeping. Woowarmer also claims the product is great for placing under a bathmat but it is not waterproof, so this creates another safety/function concern.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: CozyWinters educates customers on the product in terms of how to use it safely with no confusing contradictions. With a thorough FAQ section on the site and customer service support, it is easy to learn the relevant safety and usage information for this product.
Unpleasant Odor
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. The product is reported to have an adhesive odor when it is operated for the first time. The odor should gradually go away, but it can be off-putting, especially in smaller rooms without adequate ventilation.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: The product is odor-free provided the consumer follows guidelines such as not placing foam underneath the carpet warmer.
Bugs
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer. This product is known for harboring bugs since the heating element in encased in a carpet-like material. There are tips in the owner’s manual on how to remove pests such as ticks and mites from the product.
RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: The product is free from the carpeted material over the heating element. This means the potential for harboring bugs is removed.
Warranty
Hot Carpet by Woowarmer: The product comes with a standard 1-year warranty. RugHeat™ by CozyWinters: The product comers with a standard 5-year warranty.
