If you’re looking for a source of supplemental heat, be it for bedtime, watching movies, or snuggling up and reading a good book, consider the consistent and reliable heat from the average electric blanket.
From size and safety to technical capabilities and features, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a new electric blanket. Keep reading to find out some of the most important considerations and to see our reviews on some of the top picks for the best electric blankets on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Sunbeam Microplush Throw Camelot Cuddler Blanket
- RUNNER-UP: Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket
- BEST WEARABLE OPTION: Beautyrest Ultra Soft Sherpa Heated Wrap Blanket
- BEST FOR HEAT CONTROL: Woolrich Heated Plush to Berber Electric Blanket
- BEST FOR COLD FEET: Sunbeam Dual Pocket Microplush Heated Throw Blanket
- BEST ON-BLANKET CONTROLS: Bedsure Low-Voltage Electric Heated Blanket Throw
- BEST LAP THROW: Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Electric Blanket
When searching for a new electric blanket that can fulfill your wishes for on-demand warmth and comfort while reducing your heating bill, there are a lot of factors to consider beyond searching for the perfect size. From appearance and price to technical specs and safety, there are a range of options and details to compare.
Appearance and Price
Most electric blankets come in a host of different sizes, so think about how and where it will be used. If the goal is to snuggle up on the couch while reading or streaming shows, a 50-inch by 60-inch throw-size blanket might suit those needs. If the plan is to sleep under it every night, consider looking for a cozy blanket that is the same size as the bed.
Electric blankets work for California king, king, queen, full, and twin sizes, as well as smaller sizes similar to that of a typical throw. There’s also a wide assortment of solid colors and various patterns from which to choose. While some have a quilted texture and others do not, electric blankets are usually very soft to the touch and made of fleece or microfiber.
Technical Specs
Across the landscape of today’s electric blankets, there are more than a few technical features worth considering. With most electric blankets, there will be heat settings, and some have automatic shutoff, multiple zones, and the ability to machine wash.
- Heat settings: While some have just a few heat settings, many electric blankets have up to 10 heat settings. Having more settings makes it easier to find the temperature that feels best.
- Automatic shutoff: This feature, which automatically cuts off the blanket’s heating mechanism after a specific time (usually 8 to 10 hours), is an important safety feature that can keep you and the surroundings from overheating or even catching fire. It comes standard in most modern heated blankets, but double-check to make sure.
- Separate controls: If you’re sharing your blanket with a loved one who likes things warmer or cooler than you do, opt for a blanket with two zones, each with its own separate controls.
- Machine washing: Many electric blankets can be cleaned and dried in a home’s washer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for machine settings.
Safety
Although it feels like a soft, simple textile, an electric blanket is actually an appliance and should be treated as such. When using an electric blanket, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and ensure your blanket storage is suitable for these unique products.
Our Top Picks
After weighing the considerations outlined above, we put some of the top brands through our hands-on testing. We collected (and tested) the best of the best and spent hours narrowing the market to some of its top-rated electric blankets.
Photo: amazon.com
This microplush velvet electric blanket deserves a spot on the sofa for its ability to deliver consistent heat, reduce cold spots, and to automatically shut off after 3 hours of lounging or napping. The built-in thermal system provides consistent heat throughout the blanket. Control how toasty the 50-inch by 60-inch throw blanket gets by selecting from three heat settings on the ergonomically designed remote. When it’s time to refresh the blanket, throw it in the washer and dryer for simple cleaning. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
In our hands-on testing, this Sunbeam electric blanket’s soft microplush felt heavenly as the heat started flowing. It’s a good size for a twin bed or for lounging on the couch. We found the controls simple to use and the auto-timer completely trustworthy. This model also features a belt clip on the controls, making it easy to keep track of and access them when wrapped in the blanket. We also like that this blanket comes in seven color and pattern choices. However, we did find that it is difficult to remove the electrical cord for washing.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 inches by 60 inches
- Heat settings: 3
- Timer settings: 3-hour auto shutoff
Pros
- Easy to use and adjust heat settings
- Automatically shuts off after 3 hours of use
- Belt clip on controls
Cons
- Difficult to remove the electrical cord for washing
Get the Sunbeam cuddler blanket on Amazon or at Sears.
Photo: amazon.com
Made of 8-millimeter-thick Loftec polyester, this Sunbeam electric blanket for full- to king-size beds replaces the layers of bedding used to keep warm at night. The blanket’s thermal system delivers uniform heat at a choice of 10 heat settings, all controlled via a remote on the electrical cord. It contains Sunbeam’s Sense and Adjust system that provides uniform heating throughout the blanket by automatically adjusting heat for temperature consistency. The Sunbeam, backed by a 5-year limited warranty, automatically shuts off after 10 hours to prevent overheating.
The Loftec is not designed for lounging on the couch. In hands-on testing, we found the blanket somewhat stiff and not as cozy as a lap throw. However, it’s ideal for use on a bed instead of layers of blankets. It is heavy, insulating, and offers 10 heat settings to fine-tune optimal comfort. The long 10-hour timer also provides comfortable sleep all night long.
Product Specs
- Size: Twin to king
- Heat settings: 10
- Timer settings: 10-hour automatic shutoff
Pros
- Highly insulated
- Plenty of heat settings to fine-tune comfort
- Weight feels good on a bed
Cons
- Not soft and somewhat stiff
Get the Sunbeam fleece heated blanket on Amazon or at Sears.
Photo: amazon.com
Bundle up without restricting the movement of arms in this poncho-style electric blanket measuring 50 inches by 64 inches. Available in a variety of solid colors and patterns, the Beautyrest cloaks a body in the comfort of plush polyester with a micro berber lining. Switch between the three heat settings on the remote control, and the heat will automatically shut off after 2 hours as a safety precaution. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Wrapping up in the Beautyrest was a new experience for us, but one we would do again and again. It’s warm, cozy, and oh so soft. The only thing we didn’t like was that this blanket is open on the sides to cold air. It took some wrapping skills to keep our sides covered. But it was worth it for the warmth on our backs and over the shoulders.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 inches by 64 inches
- Heat settings: 3
- Timer settings: 2-hour automatic shutoff
Pros
- Soft, flexible blanket fabric and wiring
- Excellent warmth in the upper back and over the shoulders
- Fun color and pattern options
Cons
- Can leave the sides of the body open to cold air
Get the Beautyrest ultra soft wrap blanket on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Photo: amazon.com
Sensitive sleepers can find precisely the temperature they need to nod off thanks to this electric blanket, which offers 20 temperature settings and dual controllers on the queen- and king-size models. Available in twin to king sizes and seven colors, this reversible blanket with its microplush top and sherpa berber underside will warm a person even when the heat is off. And, during use, the blanket’s flexible internal wires are barely detectable. It comes with a 5-year product warranty.
This Woolrich blanket provides a luxurious sleep experience. It is soft, plush, and highly flexible, so it doesn’t feel stiff. But it’s the heat settings that really make it feel like personalized comfort. Incrementally adjust the 20 heat settings throughout the night or through changing seasons. The queen- and king-size options have two controllers, which means the heat can be adjusted for each partner. It’s a kind of luxury that will be hard to say goodbye to when the summer nights get warm. We liked that we could adjust the timer to shut off in 2-hour increments up to 10 hours.
On the downside, in the queen size and above, it’s a big, heavy blanket. Storing it won’t be easy. Also, the electrical cords can be removed for washing, but getting them disconnected requires a strong grip.
Product Specs
- Size: Twin to king (we tested the queen)
- Heat settings: 20
- Timer settings: Variable up to 10-hour auto shutoff
Pros
- Soft fabric and flexible wiring drape well
- 20 heat settings offer timed heat changes
- Adjustable timer settings up to 10-hour shutoff
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Difficult to remove electrical cord for washing
- Heavy to move and big to store
Get the Woolrich electric blanket on Amazon.
Photo: bedbathandbeyond.com
While most electric blankets leave fingers and toes exposed, this 50-inch by 62-inch microplush throw blanket keeps extremities under wraps in its two large built-in pockets for hands and feet. Extra heat concentrates near the base of the blanket to keep toes even toastier. But the real reason folks love it is that it offers excellent all-over warmth through three remote-controlled heat settings. In addition, there’s a 3-hour automatic shutoff feature for safety.
For watching television, it’s hard to find a better electric blanket than this one. We tucked our feet into the pocket and warmed our hands while snuggling for a good Netflix binge. Three heat settings were enough to keep us toasty, though we never needed (but tried) the highest setting, because it offers plenty of warmth. We could set the heat and forget about it because it automatically shut off after 3 hours.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 inches by 62 inches
- Heat settings: 3
- Timer settings: 3-hour automatic shutoff
Pros
- Soft fabric with comfortable foot and hand pockets
- Evenly distributed heat
- Simple controls
Cons
- Highest heat setting gets pretty warm
Get the Sunbeam dual pocket heated throw blanket at Bed Bath & Beyond, The Home Depot, and Sears.
Photo: amazon.com
This 50-inch by 60-inch blanket’s controls aren’t on a control box on the electrical cord. Instead, they’re built directly into the blanket, streamlining the look and function of the blanket. The on-blanket controls include three heat settings and four timer settings.
During our hands-on tests, this blanket was the softest and most flexible of any we tried. The faux fur is incredibly soft and comfortable and looks more fashionable than the typical electric blanket. We liked using this blanket while sitting at a desk or lounging on the couch. The on-blanket controls were a little harder to find but much less noticeable than a remote attached to the electrical cord. It’s a bit of a trade-off between looks and ease of use. Overall, it’s a super comfortable blanket that doesn’t look like an electric blanket.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 inches by 60 inches
- Heat settings: 3
- Timer settings: 4
Pros
- Very soft and flexible
- Low-profile controls
- Four timer settings
Cons
- Can be hard to find the controls on the blanket
Get the Bedsure low-voltage blanket throw on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
This 50-inch by 60-inch heated throw includes six heat settings, with the highest of them ready to cook the user out. A digital screen on the remote control shows the heat level. The Westinghouse also has a memory function that fires up the heat to the last-used setting. A 4-hour automatic timer shuts down the heat, so users can sit back and relax without worrying about the blanket.
Our testing showed that Westinghouse makes some comfortable, well-designed electric blankets. This model’s six heat settings are easy to scroll through and track. There’s good heat distribution, and it became a favorite for couch lounging. We also liked the memory function because we didn’t have to remember our favorite setting: the blanket did that for us. However, the highest heat setting was too much for us.
Product Specs
- Size: 50 inches by 60 inches
- Heat settings: 6
- Timer settings: 4-hour automatic shutoff
Pros
- Memory function automatically starts the heat at the last setting
- Easy to see digital display
- Soft comfortable fabric and good wire flexibility
Cons
- Highest settings get really hot
Get the Westinghouse heated throw on Amazon.
Our Verdict
The Sunbeam Microplush Throw Camelot Cuddler Blanket combines the needed essentials from an electric blanket into one—easy controls, comfortable fabric with good flexibility, and an automatic shutoff timer. For those looking for a blanket for the bed, the Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket balances heat settings and a longer timer option with function, price, heaviness, and insulation.
How We Tested the Best Electric Blankets
We tested electric blankets in a home setting. Heated blankets designed for beds were tested for several nights to see how they performed over time. All of the heat settings and timer settings were used to make sure they all worked. We also took fabric texture and wire flexibility into account. However, we kept in mind the design intent of each blanket. For example, electric blankets designed for use as bedding aren’t usually as plush as those designed for use as a throw.
We considered the breadth of the heat settings but also whether all of the heat settings were usable. Some heat settings are so hot (or cold) that they don’t serve much practical purpose. Heat distribution was also a big consideration. Hot spots or cold spots due to wrinkles are accounted for in the heating system. Washability also factored into our evaluations. Most of the heated blankets are machine-washable, but we also tested how easy it was to remove the electrical cord for washing and drying your blanket.
FAQs
Electric blankets get you heated in a hurry during chilly weather. If you’re new to these plugged-in warmers, there may be a few questions. We’ve answered some of the most common queries that could be percolating to help you make your final decision on the best electric blanket for your home.
Q: Are electric blankets bad for you?
Much like traditional blankets, electric blankets are safe for most people as long as manufacturer instructions and recommendations are followed. Not following the instructions can result in injury, including shock, burns, or a fire. There are certain populations for which electric blankets are not recommended, including children, individuals with diabetes, or those who have any numbness in their limbs.
Q: Are electric blankets energy efficient?
Today’s electric blankets are energy efficient. If used at night, you may be able to turn down the home’s heat, saving money on your energy bill.
Q: Is it OK to leave an electric blanket on all night?
If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, the blanket should be safe at night. Usually, models that are meant for nighttime use have automatic timers that can be set for 6 to 10 hours. However, it’s important to maintain the blanket carefully, according to directions, to make sure there aren’t any shorts or broken wires. Poor maintenance can create a fire hazard.
