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Jackson leads editorial product recommendations at Sleep Foundation, transforming the data from our sleep product test lab into real world takeaways for consumers. He has spent over half a decade developing protocol to evaluate and measure the impacts of products on sleep quality. As a cited sleep product expert, Jackson helps guide millions of shoppers to find personalized recommendations for everything from pillows to bedding to mattresses.
Electric blankets are a great way to keep warm and cozy in cold weather, whether you have one spread out on your bed or tucked around you on the sofa while you watch TV.
Modern electric blankets are safe, effective, and comfortable. They range from basic models with simple dials, to those with multiple settings and automatic shut-off features, to extra-large versions with two controllers for couples. As well as keeping you warm, electric blankets can act as giant heating pads to help soothe aches, pains, and even symptoms caused by medical conditions like fibromyalgia.
With so many options, choosing the best electric blanket can involve a headache-inducing array of considerations. To make the process easier for our readers, we’ve put together a list of our top picks as well as a guide to buying, using, and caring for an electric blanket. Whether you’re looking for the best value or a luxury model, we’ll help you find the best electric blanket for your needs.
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SHOP NOWWho it’s best for
People who weigh between 120 and 220 pounds
Those who frequently sleep cold
Sleepers who prefer very soft coverings in bed
Highlights
Flannel fleece shell and glass microbead fill make the blanket exceptionally cozy
Choose from 10 heat settings with a shutoff timer up to 12 hours
Free duvet cover included with each purchase
Price
$129
Material
Flannel fleece
Sizes
60″ x 80″
The Zonli Heated Weighted Blanket combines the calming effect of weighted compression with the coziness of electric heat. A shell made of flannel fleece gives the exterior a touchably plush hand-feel. The blanket contains glass microbeads to supply the weight and heating wires for customizable warmth. You can adjust the heat to 10 different levels, and the shutoff timer can be set in 1-hour increments anywhere from 1 to 12 hours.
The blanket is available in one size, which corresponds to a standard queen. You can choose between weights of 15 or 20 pounds. Based on the “10% rule” for weighted blankets, this makes the Heated Weighted Blanket best suited to people between 150 and 200 pounds, though there’s some wiggle room in either direction.
This blanket is ideal for “cold sleepers” and anyone else who needs extra insulation while they sleep. Our testing team found the blanket both easy to use and fast-acting — after turning the dial, the heat level adjusts almost instantaneously. The blanket’s channeled design also ensures you won’t feel wires protruding through the shell. To clean the blanket, simply detach the wired controller and hand wash, then hang to dry. Zonli provides a free duvet cover to safeguard your blanket from stains and reduce the need for frequent cleaning.
The Heated Weighted Blanket is competitively priced and Zonli offers free shipping throughout North America. You may return the blanket within 30 days, provided it is in decent condition and shipped back to the company in its original packaging. Those who keep their blanket also receive a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Shavel Home Products products
SHOP NOWWho it’s best for
Those who prefer plush, fleecy blankets
Couples with different heat preferences
Anyone who enjoys falling asleep under an electric blanket
Highlights
Heat settings range from 87 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Dual-heating option for larger sizes
Blanket is machine-washable and resistant to pilling
Material
Micro-flannel fleece
Sizes
62″ x 84″ 72″ x 84″ 84″ x 90″ 100″ x 90″
The Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket from Shavel Home Products ups the ante when it comes to keeping you comfy and cozy. You can program the blanket to 10 heat levels ranging from 77 and 114 degrees, so you can opt for anything between lightly warm and extra toasty. The blanket is also equipped with a customizable timer, allowing you to set it up to 12 hours in one-hour increments, and the automatic shutoff kicks in at 10 hours.
The shell consists of micro-flannel fleece intended to mimic the luxurious softness of real shearling without using animal-based materials or carrying a hefty price tag. Down alternative fibers line the interior, adding extra plushness to the design. Even if your local climate is prone to extreme conditions during colder times of the year, the Thermee should keep you comfortable throughout the night.
As an added bonus for couples, queen and king size blankets can be programmed for a different temperature on each side. You can also select presets based on your favorite heating levels. When the blanket needs to be cleaned, simply toss it in your household washer — the outer fabric resists pilling and should retain its softness even after numerous laundry cycles. Ten styles are available, including solid colors and stripe patterns.
The Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket is available through various retailers. If you make your purchase through Amazon.com and hold an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll qualify for free expedited shipping. Shavel Home Products backs the blanket with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Shop Now
Who it’s best for
Frequent travelers
Those wishing to use a heated blanket outdoors
People willing to pay a bit more for an innovative blanket
Highlights
Unique design allows you to use the blanket normally or by wearing it
Plush 700-fill power goose down
Teflon-coated cover resists moisture and dirt
Price
$218
Material
Teflon-coated microfiber
Sizes
Medium
The SweetNight Mobile Warming Blanket has an innovative design that allows you to use it from home or on the go. Powered by a rechargeable power bank and featuring snaps that allow you to wear the blanket as a vest, we recommend this heated blanket for those willing to pay a bit more for a highly versatile option.
A microfiber shell coated with Teflon allows you to use the blanket outdoors without facing wind, water, or dirt damage. Inside is plush 700-fill power goose down with sewn-in baffle boxes that keep the fill evenly distributed. The blanket features hidden zippers on the sides that can be unzipped to create armholes, while snaps keep the blanket wrapped around your body. To recharge the power bank, simply connect it via a USB-C cord to a USB port on a computer. Please note that the blanket does not include a charging cord.
The gray blanket comes in a medium size. A convenient carrying bag comes with every purchase. SweetNight offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Mobile Warming Blanket returns are accepted within 30 nights of delivery.
Choosing a heated blanket can be more difficult than it appears at first glance. No matter your budget, it’s important to consider your needs, as well as factors like controls, voltage, and ease of care.
Heated blankets can last for many years, and carefully considering these factors ensures you’ll choose one that you’ll be happy to use each time the weather cools.
Purchasing an electric blanket is only superficially like choosing an ordinary blanket. While the usual considerations like materials and looks do apply, there are other crucial factors ranging from settings and features to safety concerns like voltage and wiring construction. There is no universal ideal of an electric blanket, and each customer should carefully consider what combination of features will work best for their needs.
Modern electric blankets are safer than older models but much more complex, so the wide range of models on offer today may be overwhelming if you haven’t purchased one in many years. Some considerations are deeply important, while others may or may not be of interest to you depending on your preferences. We’ll cover what to keep in mind and which factors are among the most important when purchasing a safe and comfortable electric blanket.
Size
Electric blankets are available in a wide range of sizes, from sofa-friendly throw blankets to large queen or king size models. Smaller blankets are easier to move and store, while the larger sizes often have two heating zones and dials to adjust the heat separately for each side of the bed.
Heat Settings
Most electric blankets have a similar heat range between their lowest and highest settings, but the number of settings in between can vary dramatically. Less expensive models tend to have fewer options, while luxury blankets may have a large number of settings or even the ability to program your own temperature options.
Control
The majority of electric blankets feature wired controls with dials to choose among the different settings. Modern blankets tend to have safety features like automatic shut-off mechanisms, and some models offer timers for either turning on the blanket before you climb into bed or turning it off after a set period.
Voltage
Electric blankets can be regular or low-voltage. The former uses the voltage coming from your outlet, while the latter uses a transformer to lower the voltage used by the electrical components inside the blanket. Low-voltage options are generally considered to be safer than regular voltage, though they do take longer to heat up.
Plug Cord
The position and length of an electric blanket’s plug cord can make a massive difference in its usefulness and safety. While extension cords can make up for a shorter plug cord, the best option is to choose a blanket whose plug can easily reach an outlet near your bed. Similarly, the best-designed blankets generally have the cord located in an area which will not rest on or near your body during sleep.
Materials
Unlike ordinary blankets, electric blankets are generally made out of a small number of fire-resistant materials. Most electric blankets are now made of polyester, which can be exceptionally soft. Acrylic, once a popular choice, tends to be scratchier and much less comfortable. Cotton is rarely used due to its flammability.
Care
Most electric blankets are made out of easily washable materials, and the majority can be machine washed after removing their plug and controller. Still, not all electric blankets are washable. Even spot cleaning can be a concern, as excessive moisture can damage the wiring. Before purchasing a blanket, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to determine whether the blanket can be easily cleaned.
Price
Electric blankets are available at a wide range of price points. Lower-priced models are still likely to be cozy and safe, as long as they have an automatic shut-off feature. However, higher-priced models are more likely to have features like multiple settings and timers that may make a blanket more useful and comfortable.
While electric blankets can be a great — and green — way to keep warm in cold weather, safety concerns and other potential downsides mean that they’re not right for everyone.
ProsConsEnergy-efficient: Instead of raising the thermostat to heat your entire room, heated blankets concentrate their warmth exactly where it’s needed. This makes them a green option, while also potentially saving you money.Heated blankets can seem like an extravagance, but for some people they can make sleep a far easier and more comfortable experience. This is especially true for people who struggle to stay warm at night, or those who live in frigid climates, since electric blankets are able to keep sleepers at the ideal temperature regardless of the weather outside. Couples with opposing temperature preferences can also benefit immensely, since larger models often come with dual heating zones that allow each person to choose their own temperature.
If you find that heat helps soothe your pain, chronic or otherwise, then an electric blanket might be an excellent choice for reasons outside of winter comfort. They function in much the same way as an electric heating pad, but their ability to deliver soothing warmth to the entire body can be much more effective for people with widespread pain.
Of course, electric blankets aren’t the right choice for everyone. Young children should not use heated blankets, nor should adults without the ability to move or turn off the blanket as necessary. People with limited sensation in any area of their body should also consult their doctor before purchasing an electric blanket, as this condition may prevent them from sensing burns or other injuries.
Electric blankets use electricity taken in through a household outlet to heat wires that are coiled within the blanket itself, which then heat the blanket's fabric for an even, comfortable warmth. These wires are protected by a heat-resistant plastic coating, and in some modern blankets may be made of the thin carbon fiber used in high-end heated car seats. Depending on the model, the wires may carry the same voltage brought in through the outlet, or the voltage may be lowered by a transformer in the control mechanism.
How do I use an electric blanket?Electric blankets can be used in three ways: while awake, to heat up your bed before climbing in and while you are falling asleep, and throughout the night. While most modern electric blankets are safe to use in all three ways, some are not intended to be used throughout the night and may automatically shut off for safety reasons. Electric blankets should lay flat over the body, with no creasing or folding, and owners should not lay on top of their blanket. This is particularly true on foam mattresses, which trap heat and can become damaged.
Are electric blankets safe?Modern electric blankets are far safer than older models once were. Even lower-priced options tend to have a wide range of safety features, including automatic shut-off capabilities based on time or heat levels and low-voltage options. However, old or damaged blankets can still pose a fire risk. Always purchase new electric blankets rather than secondhand. Inspect the blanket before use to ensure it is working correctly, and do not hesitate to replace your blanket as necessary.
Can you wash a heated blanket?Most electric blankets are safe to wash, as their internal wiring must be waterproof in order to cope with sweat and moisture produced during sleep. The cleaning process is usually easy, with owners removing the plug and control device before washing. However, it's critical to read all instructions carefully before washing, and particularly before putting the electrical components back together. Some electric blankets are not washable, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before making your purchase or cleaning the blanket.
How much electricity does an electric blanket use?The average electric blanket comes in at approximately 40 to 60 watts when used on a medium setting, though some larger varieties with dual heating zones are rated at 100 to 200 watts. Using the 100-watt variety as a baseline, powering a heating blanket for eight hours uses only 0.8 kilowatt-hours of energy. The average cost of energy per kilowatt-hour in the USA is currently $0.13, meaning that a 100-watt electric blanket costs approximately $0.10 to run per night. While an electric blanket will not replace central heating, it may result in a significant savings in heating costs over the winter.
How long do heated blankets last?Electric blankets can have widely varying lifespans depending on the model, as well as how often they are used and for how long each night. A high-quality blanket used to warm up the bed for several months a year may last for over a decade, while the same blanket used for eight hours a night may need replacing in less than half that time. Most people can expect their blanket to last at least five years, but it's deeply important to inspect your blanket regularly and to replace it whenever it shows signs of damage. Electric blankets can be expensive, but health and safety is of utmost importance.
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