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Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
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Credit:
Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
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If you’re trying to keep your thermostat a few degrees lower this winter—or are just prone to being cold—an electric blanket is a must-have for your home. Also called heated blankets, these cozy coverings give off impressive heat that will keep you warm on even the worst winter days, and they’re perfect for cuddling up on the couch or snuggling into bed at night.
However, electric blankets can be expensive, and many are prone to issues like cold spots and uncomfortable wires. We wanted to see which ones are actually worth the money, so we tested seven different options over the course of a few months. Our favorite is the Sunbeam Mink Sherpa Heated Blanket (available at Amazon for $39.87) , which works well and is made from thick, cozy fabric that hides the inner wires.
The Sunbeam Royal Mink Sherpa Heated Electric Blanket won us over with it's simple design and snuggly comfort.
If you want the best electric blanket and are willing to pay for it, the Sleep Number Warming Blanket is the one to get.
If layering is your thing, then the Sunbeam Royal Ultra Fleece electric blanket is our top recommendation.
The Beautyrest Heated Faux Fur Throw is the electric blanket of choice for the design-conscious.
The Tefici Electric Heated Blanket will keep you warm without breaking the bank.
Great value
Preheat button
Five year warranty
Really noticeable wiring
Serged ends
Thin wires
Lightweight
Five year warranty
Questionable warranty support
No adjustable shut-off time
Plush
Cozy
Big controllers
Gets warm quickly
Not very soft or cozy
Stiff wires
Good construction
Five year warranty
Patchy heating
High electricity consumption
As you might expect, testing electric blankets required a lot of sleeping.
I’m Camryn Rabideau, a freelance contributor here at Reviewed. I’ve been reviewing bedding for years now and have personally tested more than a dozen heated blankets— for work and personal use. My partner and I live in a drafty old farmhouse in New England, so we often rely on heated blankets to stave off the chill on particularly cold nights. My cat and I also enjoy cuddling up on the couch with an electric blanket to relax at the end of the day.
We ran a variety of tests to find the best heated electric blankets available today. After unpacking each blanket, we looked at the construction, and I put my background in textile science to use as I evaluated the material quality and stitching. We also checked each blanket’s care label, which is generally a large tag on the front of the blanket, to see if the blanket could be machine-washed and if there were any specific instructions. For instance, some brands instruct you to fill the machine, let it agitate gently for a few minutes, then turn off the cycle—not the most convenient process. We gave points to blankets that can be put through a regular wash cycle and dried normally.
We also spent several days testing each blanket. We used them to lounge on the couch and sleep in bed, trying out all the settings. We noted whether there was a noticeable difference between heat levels and timed how long it took for the blanket to change temperature. Of course, we also scored each product on its comfort level, softness, ease of use, and whether we could feel the wires while using the electric blanket.
When you're shopping for the best heated blanket there's a few things to take into account.
In general, there are three types of electric blankets: standard blankets that you sleep under overnight, heated mattress pads that you sleep on top of, and throw blankets that you can use around the house. We focused on standard blankets, so the details provided here are specific to those.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about electric blankets to make an informed purchase.
Electric blankets aren’t as thick or puffy as a winter comforter. Instead, they’re typically more akin to a lightweight summer blanket or throw blanket. Most are made from polyester fleece or velvet, making them soft to the touch.
What distinguishes these blankets from a regular throw is the wiring that runs throughout the material. Unlike a heating pad, electric blankets don’t have a “cover”—the wires are integrated directly into the fabric, and they can’t be removed.
At the end of the blanket is a power cord connector or two, depending on how many zones the blanket has. When you set the electric blanket up, these connectors are typically positioned at the foot of the bed. You can run the cords under the bed, positioning the controller(s) on your bedside table and putting the plug into a nearby outlet.
There are several common features you’ll see on these best electric blankets. First, almost all electric blankets have 10 heat settings and automatic shutoff after around 8 to 10 hours. This safety feature ensures your blanket won’t stay on all day, even if you forget to turn it off.
Another common feature is dual-zone controls. Queen- and king-sized electric blankets typically come with two controllers that allow partners to customize the heat on their side of the bed. This was once a “luxury” feature, but it’s pretty standard today across all brands.
There are also some special features reserved for more expensive electric blankets. For instance, some models have a “preheat” option, which typically heats up the blanket on a warmer setting for 30 minutes or more to get your bed toasty before you hop in. Note that the preheat settings we tested specifically note not to use them when you’re in bed.
Another special feature is a timer, which means the blanket will turn off after a set number of hours. Similar to the preheat option, this will ensure you don’t get too hot overnight, and it will save electricity, too.
If the cold weather makes it hard for you to fall asleep, an electric blanket is an effective way to warm yourself up without heating the entire room. It can also be used to preheat a bed, if crawling into a cold bed is an unpleasant thought. If your feet are often chilled, an electric blanket helps warm up faster and stay warm more effectively than throwing a pair of socks on in bed.
As part of the testing, we tried a highly-rated polyester blanket and I was reminded of how effective regular blankets can be. After testing several electric blankets in a row, I expected to be disappointed by a non-heated version. Other than a bit of chill around my arms, I didn’t notice much difference.
Our heat sensor supported this, noting a peak temperature difference of 1.4℉ between the unheated blanket and our Best Overall pick. So, if the room you’re in isn’t particularly chilly, an electric blanket might not serve you as well as you might be hoping.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you buy an electric blanket is there are a lot of safety precautions. They’re listed in big bold letters in the instructions, but the blankets themselves also sport a big patch with important safety guidelines—and it can’t be removed.
In general, all heated blankets have a few key guidelines for safe use:
Because it’s an electric device that you’re using while asleep, it’s important to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure your safety.
Despite the fact that they’ve been around for many years, electric blankets are still plagued with issues. There are several common problems you might experience if you purchase an electric blanket, and they range from moderately inconvenient to dangerous.
On the mild end of the spectrum, many of these best electric blankets don’t last as long as you might expect, especially considering their high price. If you read reviews on popular heated blankets, you’ll see many users complain their blankets stop working after a few months—sometimes just one “zone” dies out, and other times the whole thing goes kaput. Another frequently cited issue is hot spots, where one zone or area of an electric blanket doesn’t get quite as warm as the other.
However, electric blankets can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Some users report their blankets started smoking or melting at the power cord connection. There’s also a risk of burning yourself if you leave the blanket on too high overnight.
To prevent these hazards, it’s essential to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions. You’ll also want to stop using your heated blanket if there are any signs of fraying, loose wires, or other damage.
You may want to check if there's a year warranty on the heated blanket, too.
Camryn Rabideau is a full-time freelance writer and product tester with eight years of experience. She's been lucky enough to test hundreds of products firsthand, and her specialties include bedding and pet products, which often require help from her two dogs, three cats, and flock of rambunctious chickens.
Rebecca Boniface
Contributor
Rebecca Boniface is a certified PADI dive instructor, full-time nomad, and DIY enthusiast.
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