Best Heated Blanket

There are various reasons why you may be considering a heated (or electric) blanket. Most people consider getting them because it’s cold both outside and inside where you live, and having a heated blanket helps keep you warm. Even if you have quality blankets, sheets, and a thick comforter it can be unpleasant sliding into bed, and staying warm throughout the night. It can also be unpleasant sitting on a cold couch, even under a nice throw blanket. Heated blankets can be a great solution for keeping you warm. Electric heated blankets use electricity via insulated wiring in the blankets fabric to heat the blanket. Heat is then directed to you through the blanket in a safe manner, which keeps your warm, instead of you (and your partner) having to wait for your body heat to warm up the bed/couch. There are numerous benefits that heated blankets can have, let’s take a look at them.

Benefits of having an electric blanket in the winter include:

You can also use your blanket in the summer months, so keep it on hand for those chilly summer nights where you want to feel warm and cozy. 

Heated blankets may also offer health benefits, which include addressing issues like:

If you take the above information into consideration, then you can understand that heated blankets aren’t just a luxury, but an integral part of your comfort and health. 

Now let’s take a look at how to choose the right heated blanket for you!

If you are looking for a heated blanket to go on your bed, then here are our top picks!

If you are looking for a throw blanket, take a look at the options below!

If you don’t like the thought of sleeping under a heated blanket. Then check out some heated mattress pads here. Or read on, for our top selection.

Material

You want your blanket to be warm and soft, why else would you buy a blanket right?! If it is scratchy you won’t want to use it. You also shouldn’t be able to feel any wires through the fabric of the blanket. Picking an electric heated blanket will be made much easier if you can stick to the heated blankets on the market that are made of polyester/microfiber materials, as these will feel very nice on the skin, or sherpa-style blankets which are very fuzzy and warm. One of the upsides of polyester microfiber is that the vast majority are machine washable, so you can wash them easily when they get a bit dirty after all the use they’ll be getting in the winter months. 

Size

You definitely need to consider what the blanket will be used for when considering size. If you want it for the bed you’ll likely want a bigger one, if you want it for lounging on the couch, you won’t need one as big (as the bed). You can get comforter-size heated blankets which are ideal for sleeping, these tend to be less energy efficient, which makes sense as they are the biggest versions of heated blankets. You can get these in sizes ranging from twin to king sized beds. There are also numerous sizes of heated throw blankets available, which are great to use on the couch, when camping, or sitting out under the stars on a chilly evening. If you are a couple buying, then you may want a larger electric throw rug to get comfy under (and keep reading below).

*Heated throws don’t have a guideline for sizes, so make sure you double check the dimensions when buying. Typical throw rugs would be 60” x 45” in size, and smaller ones are available for travel. 

Dual temperature control

If you are going to be sharing your heated blanket with another person, then a dual temperature control version might be ideal! By dual temperature, it means that each person will have control over their own side of the blanket. So if you can handle the heat, but your partner can’t, there doesn’t need to be a fight over the controls (surely this will save a couple marriages). Dual temperatures have been becoming more common in the heated blanket market recently, they generally will cost more than single temperature blankets. So consider if you’ll be using this alone, or potentially with your partner, or family. 

Auto shut-off

This is a key feature if you are concerned about safety, as having an auto shut-off is the safest option in preventing you from overheating at night. No one wants to wake up too hot and sweaty, and this option will help regulate that.

Heat settings/Programmable

Most heated blankets will come with adjustable heat settings. This allows you to control the ideal temperature based on your needs. Some models have programmable settings, which allows you to set your blanket to warm at a certain time, so you don’t have to go into bed every night and turn it on. 

Some higher end heated blankets offer temperature sensors, and your body heat can adjust the temperature of the blanket, based on the body temperature you wish to maintain.

Digital screen

Some heated blanket controllers will be fairly basic, others have an LCD display, which makes it easy for you to control settings in the dark if you need to adjust the heat settings.

Machine washable

You should look for a blanket that is machine washable. For this you should be able to remove any controls and plugs from the blanket, and chuck it into your washing machine. Always make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding washing heated blankets, as you don’t want to damage the blanket.

Extra foot warmth

There are heated blanket models that heat up the lower half of your body more, keeping your feet warmer.

Types of heated blankets

There are many types of heated blankets, all will meet different needs. Here is a list of different electric heated blankets:

• Heated throw: is a perfect choice for cuddling under a blanket on the couch. It can warm you up in those cold nights. You can find one to fit different decors as well. 
• Heated comforter/duvet: is a great option if you want an affordable option that you can use all year long. As you can use it as a normal duvet in summer/warmer months, and use the heating function when it gets colder..
• Under blanket: are blankets that fit over top of your mattress, and are fastened down with elastic or cords. Sizes for under blanket’s are calculated to cover the area up to where you place your pillows. 
• Over blanket (similar to comforter/duvet): is a blanket that can be used on its own, or put inside a duvet cover. You can use this on your couch too. 
• Heated mattress protector/cover: which are similar to under blankets, but work more like a fitted cover, again like the under blanket there is no heating in the pillow area. You can use this as a mattress protector, but it doubles in function by keeping you warm. Some have extra comfy materials as well.
• Heated mattress pad/topper: will add extra padding to increase your comfort. This is done similarly to a memory foam pad, but this pad gives you additional warmth and comfort. 

Safety and precautions

In large part electric blankets are safe, over the years they have increased their features with safety in mind. Auto shut-off options ensure that overheating won’t occur, generally these auto turn off options are between 2 and 10 hours. 

Always follow manufacturer’s care and use instructions, this is always the best way to ensure the safest use of your heated blanket. Take note of how many volts the blanket can handle, and make sure your power supply is in line with these instructions. You may need a power adapter to decrease the voltage on higher voltage outlets to avoid damaging the blanket.

For some individuals it is recommended that they do not use heated blankets. People with reduced sensitivity can be at risk if a blanket’s heat raises too much for them to notice. For example, people with diabetes can have reduced sensitivity in their limbs/extremities, which could lead to potential burns. Heated blankets are also not recommended for use by pregnant women. People who may not understand instructions or how to use heated blankets should also not use them, these include: People with dementia or intellectual disabilities, and young children. For this last grouping of people, blankets can still be used, however it may be necessary to place the blanket in bed to warm it up, and then remove it before the person goes to bed.

Care for electric blanket

You can maintain your heated blanket if you treat it with proper care (see manufacturer’s instructions). 

Some general advice is to no bunch/fold it when using them, as this can form hotspots. In addition be aware of other bedding, memory foam is sensitive to heat, so you will want to avoid putting heated blankets directly on memory foam, so you will want to avoid under blankets/heated mattress protectors on these beds. 

For storing heated blankets, do not place them under heavy objects (can damage wires).