Tile, board or FireMat? Fireproof mats compared

Under the coffee machine, on the worktop or in front of the fireplace: if you want to protect a surface from heat, you have a choice. A rigid board made of tile, stone, glass or steel, or a fireproof fabric mat such as the FireMat. Here we compare both solutions honestly, with their pros and cons.

Fireproof board: tile, stone, glass or steel

These materials do not burn. They are therefore classed as non-combustible building materials. That has advantages, but also drawbacks:

• Advantage: non-combustible and highly heat-resistant.
• Advantage: accepted by chimney sweeps as floor protection in front of a fireplace.
• Drawback: heavy, angular and often too small.
• Drawback: tiles and glass can break. Steel scratches the floor.
• Drawback: slips on smooth surfaces.

Fireproof fabric mat: the FireMat

The FireMat is made of Panox and para-aramid. These fibres do not melt and are self-extinguishing. The material also withstands up to 300 °C continuously. The FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. It is made in Germany.

• Advantage: light, flexible and available in many sizes.
• Advantage: washable at 60 °C.
• Advantage: available with a non-slip coating and gentle on the surface.
• Advantage: plain and homely instead of bulky.
• Drawback: not a building material. Where the law requires a non-combustible building material, it does not replace it.

What suits which use?

Under the coffee machine and kettle

Here the FireMat is usually the better choice. The German DGUV Rule 115-401 calls for a non-combustible base in offices and only mentions tiles as an example. A tested mat does the job, does not slip and fits under large appliances too. Read more in Fireproof mat for electrical appliances.

In front of the wood stove

In front of a fireplace, the German firing regulations (Feuerungsverordnung) require floor protection made of a non-combustible building material. That means glass, tile, stone or steel. The FireMat is not expressly approved for this, but it is a great addition. Simply place it on the board: it catches embers and ash and can then be rinsed out in the bathtub. Read more in Spark protection mat for the fireplace.

On the induction hob

Only a mat works here. A board would separate the pan from the hob and scratch the glass. The FireMat Silk Edition, by contrast, protects against scratches and boil-overs. Read more in Induction protection mat.

The comparison at a glance

• Weight: board heavy, mat light.
• Fire behaviour: board non-combustible, mat flame-retardant.
• Care: wipe the board, wash the mat.
• Slip resistance: board often slips, mat available non-slip.
• Fireplace floor protection: board mandatory, mat as a convenient addition on top.

Conclusion

For electrical appliances and the induction hob, the FireMat is the more practical solution. In front of the wood stove, the board made of glass, tile, stone or steel remains mandatory. There, the FireMat Gold Edition is the convenient addition that you simply rinse out.