Pro-mat vs Magnum underfloor heating: which heating mat is better?
Anyone looking for electric underfloor heating will quickly come across the Pro-mat and Magnum brands. Both brands supply heating mats that can be installed beneath tiles or embedded in a layer of levelling compound. However, there are important differences in thickness, cable construction, output and price.
In this comparison, we look at the Pro-mat Pro-Series, the affordable Pro-mat Red Series and the Magnum Mat. This will help you determine which electric underfloor heating system best suits your floor, budget and situation.
Pro-mat and Magnum in brief
The Magnum Mat is a well-known electric heating mat that has been used for many years in bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces.
Pro-mat offers two different product ranges. The Pro-mat Pro-Series is the premium option and stands out due to its reduced thickness and high-quality cable construction. The Pro-mat Red Series is the more affordable option and is more similar to the Magnum Mat in terms of thickness and cable construction.
These systems are available as complete kits with a heating mat, thermostat and floor sensor.
Comparing the Pro-mat Pro-Series, Red Series and Magnum Mat
| Feature | Pro-mat Pro-Series | Pro-mat Red Series | Magnum Mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | Premium | Affordable | Well-known brand |
| Output | 150 watts per m² | 150 or 200 watts per m² | 150 watts per m² |
| Mat thickness | Approximately 2–3 mm | Approximately 4 mm | Approximately 4 mm |
| Cable inner insulation | Fluoropolymer | Fluoropolymer | Fluoropolymer |
| Cable outer sheath | Fluoropolymer | PVC | PVC |
| Complete kits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable beneath tiles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for levelling compound | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi thermostat available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heating mat warranty | Lifetime, subject to the conditions | Lifetime, subject to the conditions | Subject to Magnum’s conditions |
What is the main difference?
The main difference lies in the thickness and construction of the heating cable. At approximately 2–3 mm, the Pro-mat Pro-Series is particularly thin. This is useful for renovations and rooms where the additional floor height needs to be kept to a minimum.
The Pro-Series cable has both fluoropolymer inner insulation and a fluoropolymer outer sheath. The outer sheath therefore contains no PVC.
The Pro-mat Red Series and Magnum Mat are both approximately 4 mm thick. Both have fluoropolymer inner insulation and a PVC outer sheath. This makes the Pro-mat Red Series an interesting and affordable alternative for customers looking for a heating mat with a construction similar to the Magnum Mat.
Pro-mat also offers the affordable Red Series
Alongside the ultra-thin Pro-mat Pro-Series, Pro-mat offers the more affordable Red Series. This range was developed for customers looking for a reliable complete underfloor heating kit with a smaller budget.
The Red Series is available in two outputs:
- 150 watts per m²: the usual choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other well-insulated rooms;
- 200 watts per m²: intended for situations requiring faster heat-up or greater heating output.
Both versions are supplied as a complete kit, offer a choice of thermostats and include a lifetime warranty on the heating mat, subject to the warranty conditions.
Which Pro-mat heating mat suits you?
Pro-mat Pro-Series 150 watt
Choose the Pro-Series if you are looking for the thinnest, highest-quality option. This heating mat is approximately 2–3 mm thick and has both fluoropolymer inner insulation and a fluoropolymer outer sheath.
This version is particularly suitable for renovations, limited floor heights and customers who deliberately choose premium cable construction.
View the 150 watt Pro-mat Pro-Series
Pro-mat Red Series 150 watt
Choose the 150 watt Red Series if you are looking for a reliable and affordable complete kit. The mat is approximately 4 mm thick and is more similar to the Magnum Mat in terms of cable construction.
It is an attractive choice for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms where 150 watts per square metre is sufficient.
Pro-mat Red Series 200 watt
Choose the 200 watt Red Series if you need faster heat-up or greater heating output. This version is also approximately 4 mm thick and is supplied as a complete kit with a WiFi thermostat and floor sensor.
The mat must always be fully embedded in tile adhesive or levelling compound. Bear in mind that greater output also means higher maximum electricity consumption while the system is actively heating.
Which mat is suitable for a bathroom?
An output of 150 watts per square metre is normally chosen for a bathroom. The Pro-mat Pro-Series, Pro-mat Red Series and Magnum Mat are all suitable for this application.
The heating mat is normally embedded in tile adhesive or levelling compound before the tiled floor is installed. Always place the floor sensor in a suitable sensor conduit so it can later be replaced without opening the floor.
Good insulation beneath the heating system is particularly important in a bathroom. Without insulation, some heat can be lost into the cold structural floor. Suitable ProBoard XPS insulation boards help the floor heat up faster and reduce downward heat loss.
Which mat is suitable beneath PVC flooring?
Electric underfloor heating can also be installed beneath suitable PVC flooring. The heating mat must be fully and evenly embedded in levelling compound. The PVC floor may only be installed after the levelling layer has fully cured.
Always check:
- whether the PVC flooring is suitable for underfloor heating;
- the maximum floor temperature permitted by the manufacturer;
- whether the levelling compound and adhesive are suitable for electric underfloor heating;
- whether the floor sensor has been positioned correctly;
- whether the thermostat has been set to a safe maximum floor temperature.
Due to its reduced thickness, the Pro-mat Pro-Series is particularly suitable for renovations where installation height is limited.
Is 150 watts per square metre sufficient?
For most bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces, 150 watts per square metre is the usual choice. In a well-insulated room, the system can often be used as the main heating source. The final result depends on:
- the insulation of the building;
- the available heated floor area;
- the desired room temperature;
- heat loss through walls, windows and the subfloor;
- the selected floor finish.
For rooms where only a comfortably warm floor is required, 100 watts per square metre may be sufficient in some situations. The 200 watt Pro-mat Red Series is available for greater heat demand or faster heat-up.
Unsure about the required output? Have the heating requirement calculated before ordering.
Why choose Pro-mat?
- choice of a premium and an affordable product range;
- available with outputs of 150 and 200 watts per m²;
- an ultra-thin Pro-Series of approximately 2–3 mm;
- complete kits in different sizes;
- choice of modern WiFi thermostats;
- lifetime mat warranty, subject to the warranty conditions;
- expert advice for every application;
- fast delivery from our own stock.
Why choose Magnum?
Magnum is a well-known brand that has been used for many years. A Magnum Mat can be a suitable choice if you specifically prefer this brand or already use other Magnum components.
When comparing the systems, do not only consider the brand name. Also compare the thickness, cable construction, thermostat, warranty conditions, current availability and total price of the complete kit.
Is Pro-mat an alternative to Magnum?
Yes. Both the Pro-mat Pro-Series and the Pro-mat Red Series can be complete alternatives to the Magnum Mat.
The Pro-mat Pro-Series stands out due to its reduced thickness and fully fluoropolymer cable sheath. With a thickness of approximately 4 mm, fluoropolymer inner insulation and a PVC outer sheath, the more affordable Red Series is more similar to the Magnum Mat.
Anyone originally looking for a Magnum underfloor heating kit should therefore also compare the different Pro-mat versions.
Our conclusion
- Choose the 150 watt Pro-mat Pro-Series if you want an ultra-thin premium heating mat with a fully fluoropolymer cable construction.
- Choose the 150 watt Pro-mat Red Series if you want a reliable and affordable complete kit with a construction more similar to the Magnum Mat.
- Choose the 200 watt Pro-mat Red Series if you need faster heat-up or greater heating output.
- Choose the Magnum Mat if you deliberately want to stay with the Magnum brand or already use other Magnum components.
View the complete Pro-mat underfloor heating kits
Would you like to know which size, output and thermostat you need? View our complete Pro-mat underfloor heating kits or contact us for personal advice.
