Mail Slots > Competitive Analysis
Mail Slots > Competitive Analysis
Embedded Files
This page provides insight into the competitive options for "insulated mail slots".
An Insulated Mail Slot Solution is actually a tricky problem to solve. A review of the few competitive products that exist speak to the fact there is no great way to mass produce a good solution. Prior to our solution, formally introduced in 2025, each product had a lot more draw backs.
Our product (shown on right) took much longer to develop than most might imagine. It was a very part time project for over 8 years due to subtle nuances that others had not figured out how to more properly address either.
What we've come up with so far is a CNC Router fabrication process on a 1/8" thick commercial sign material that has unique qualities that made it a good substrate for the flaps. However, unlike with a CNC Laser , when this material comes off of a CNC router, it often requires minor hand work for finishing -- and then there are some fine adjustments that need to be made on assembly to get the best seal possible. For many reasons, this will likely always be a '"hand assembled item" with some CNC assist.
All of these competitive products highlighted below have been on the market since the 2000's or prior, and there have been no new entries since then due to the trickiness of the requirements.
Magnetic Mail Slot Flap - $29.95 on Ebay / $46 from Home Depot
Magnetic Mail Slot Flap - $29.95 on Ebay / $46 from Home Depot
On ebay view
At Home Depot view
This was the first product I purchased and tried for my home.
The magnet cover did not continue to sit down straight or well and the magnetic surfaces did not catch great from the beginning, as I recall. . I didn't find it to be a good solution . As compared to a wide open hole it helped but it was not a nice seal.
Draft Dodger Insulated Mail Slot - $49 to $79
Draft Dodger Insulated Mail Slot - $49 to $79
https://insulateddraftdodgermailslot.com/
https://insulateddraftdodgermailslot.com/video-tutorials/
On Amazon view
This was the second solution I tried.
The draft dodger is a highly engineered, nice looking product with an aluminum frame. It either comes in a single sided door with no sleeve for $49 or an interior and exterior door with a telescoping sleeve.
It looks good but function is not great. This was the first product I purchased to solve the problem and i was not happy with it.
There are seval drawbacks to the design.
1) The Brushes for Insulation - The brushes are NOT good for mail. The mail person often pushes the mail into the brushes but not all the way through. Thus the mail slot door stays open with mail in it, which defeats the purpose. Also anything other than flat mail was not an easy fit.
2) No spring or magnet on the door - There is no spring or magnet on the door. it doesn't create positive pressure on the rubber seal (as I recall, I can't tell from their website).
3) Frame issue - if you buy the two piece and over tighten the frame the door does not seat well and there may be issues even with the same thing with the single sided doors.
4) Very little room for door cut opening error - There isn't a lot of extra trim to cover the cut. if the cut is off you may have a problem.
Storm Guard - $19.95
Storm Guard - $19.95
On amazon view
For an inexpensive fix just with the brushes, like found in the draft dodger, , this may work but it has the same issues with the brushes catching the mail
MagFlap MK3 - $56.73 (United Kingdom)
MagFlap MK3 - $56.73 (United Kingdom)
MagFlap MK3
On Etsy view
This product is available in the UK on Etsy.
It looks like a similar concept although they don't have a single photo showing what it looks like when lifted up. It's impossible to tell what kind of seal they use if any at all.
At this time we believe this is "just" some nicely finished metal with the flat magnect shet material around it as a seal.
In the reviews, there were concerns about the magnet being too strong but the customers say it works well enough.
Juin Mail Slot Catcher - $32
Juin Mail Slot Catcher - $32
Juin Mail Slot Catcher
Juin Mail Slot Catcher
On Amazon view
This can work. it's often times purchased to keep the mail away from dogs and dogs away from the mail slot.
The door needs to have an abilty to swing wide open. This can be problematic in town homes if there is not enough room to swing the door open when going in and out.
Report abuse