Who should get a 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 won’t be woken by the cold, and your body will be able to use its energy (body heat) to fight off any illnesses (cold, flu, etc.), and rejuvenate itself.
If you turn it on before your bedtime, then when you slide into bed it will be warm, and you’ll feel comfortable. Ideally, this will make you fall asleep faster, increasing the quality of your sleep.
Heated blankets can save you money, as you won’t need to have the heat on or up as high. No one wants high energy bills.
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:
Allergies: heat can kill dust mites, so having a heated blanket can reduce the amount present.
Tension: by keeping you warm and relaxed.
Sore muscles: heat has the ability to improve circulation/blood flow in the human body, which will help improve healing, and aid muscles in relaxing.
General stiffness: have increased circulation and relaxed muscles can help you regain some flexibility/range of motion.
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!
Product Reviews
Best Heated Comforters Type Blankets
If you are looking for a heated blanket to go on your bed, then here are our top picks!
- Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket
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Product Description
Our second pick for this category is the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket. There may not be a whole lot of difference between our first and second place products, but we had to choose one based off testing out both products. This blanket comes fully loaded with all the features of the Sunbeam Quilted Blanket above. It has the 10 setting temperature control, dual temperature for larger sizes, auto-shutoff, but it also has a preheat function.
The Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket is made from 180-GSM polyester microfiber. This is both durable and extremely soft. Twin and Full sizes come with one CompTec remote with LED digital display. King and Queen sizes come with two remotes. This blanket can also be machine washed and dried.
Features
10 temperature settings
Polyester microfiber material material
5-year manufacturer warranty
Automatic shut-off (10 hours)
Pre-heat function
Dual control for larger King and Queen sizes
Machine washable
2. Biddeford MicroPlush Sherpa Heated Blanket
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Product Description
Sometimes it can be difficult sharing a blanket with your partner, and even more so if you are fighting over what temperature your heated blanket should be at. If you want a dual-control blanket. Biddeford makes a beauty! This cozy blanket is affordable, and the King and Queen sizes come with the dual controllers, which control two heat zones.
The Biddeford Microplush Sherpa Heated Blanket has soft microplush on one side, and cloud-like sherpa material on the other. There are 10 heat settings and a ten-hour auto shut-off for safety. It is washer and dryer safe.
Features
10 temperature settings
5-year manufacturer warranty
Automatic shut-off (10 hours)
Dual control for larger King and Queen sizes
Two unique materials
3. Beautyrest Microlight Heated Blanket
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Product Description
The Beautyrest Microlight Heated Blanket with Secure Comfort Technology is designed to eliminate electromagnetic field emissions. The microlight plush fabric and ultra-soft wires ensure you won’t be bothered by any heating elements during your sleep. This blanket comes with a 10-hour auto shut-off, and a 20 level temperature controller. This gives you even more customization in regard to temperature than any of the other blankets on the list. It too is also machine washable. Queen and King sizes come with dual controllers.
Features
20 temperature settings
Reversible
Auto shut-off (10 hours)
Dual control for larger King and Queen sizes
5-year limited warranty
Machine washable
Best Heated Throw Blankets
If you are looking for a throw blanket, take a look at the options below!
1. Vremi Heated Throw Blanket
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Product Description
This basic heated throw is soft and fluffy. It is not too big, but big enough to share. It has 6 heat settings and 8 timer settings. The heat settings range from 85 to 110°F. The timer settings will shut off the blanket, they range from 30 minutes to 4 hours. This blanket plugs into a wall socket, and has a 10-foot-long detachable power cord.
This blanket utilizes ultra-soft micro-flannel fleece fabric. This fabric is breathable, and is resistant to pilling and shrinking. It is also equipped with an automatic shut-off timer after 10 hours. This blanket is machine washable and dryer safe when the controller is removed. It does not use much electricity either, so save on your electricity bill by using a Vremi Heated Throw Blanket!
Features
Micro-flannel fleece fabric
Auto shut-off (10 hours)
6 heat settings
8 timer settings
Machine washable
Can be used on bed as well
2. Sunbeam Reversible Heated Throw Blanket
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Product Description
This Sunbeam Reversible Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw Blanket utilizes ThermoFine technology to auto-adjust for consistent heat control. It is a perfect blanket for curling up on the couch with a warm hot chocolate. The blanket has 3 heat settings which are controlled by the remote included. There is a 3-hour auto shut-off function included. This is shorter than other blankets on the list, but should not be seen as a drawback, rather and additional safety feature. This throw blanket is machine washable and dryer safe.
The material is 250 GSM Sherpa and 200 GSM Mink, with a minimalist wiring system throughout. This throw is 50” by 60”.
Features
Sherpa/Royal Mink material (100% polyester)
Auto shut-off (3 hours)
Three temperature settings
Size: 50 inches by 60 inches (127 x 152.4 cm)
Machine washable and dryer safe
Available in various color
3. MaxKare Large Heated Flannel Throw Blanket
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Product Description
For those looking for a larger throw rug, this is our top pick for oversized throw blankets. This blanket is great for family or friends looking to curl up under a warm blanket on the couch during those cold nights. It has three heating levels, warms in 5 minutes, 8-hour auto shut-off.
This blanket is made from deluxe soft flannel, and is skin-friendly. The blanket is machine washable in water below 86℉ (when controller and cord removed).
Features
Deluxe soft flannel material
Three heating levels (range: 90-107℉)
Auto shut-off (8 hours)
5-minute heat up
Size: 72” by 84”
Machine washable (not dryer safe)
Best Heated Mattress Pad
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.
1. Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad
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Product Description
This Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad comes in 4 different sizes (twin, full, queen, and king). They can provide added heat and comfort, and help to soothe muscles.
This heated mattress pad has dual controllers (similar to the heated blankets above), so you can use it with your partner. It has ten different heat settings, and a 10-hour auto shut-off. The skirt will fit onto mattresses up to 18” deep. There is also a preheat setting, to make getting into bed not just bearable, but heavenly. This mattress pad can help save you some money in the winter months, as you won’t need your heater running all night anymore.
Read all about mattress pads here.
What to consider when choosing a heated blanket
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.
Additional information
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).
FAQs
You plug heated/electric blankets into an outlet/socket and electricity heats the blanket through insulated wires. Wires are protected and kept in place by the fabric layers of each blanket.
Having a heated blanket can actually save you money. It is cheaper than turning up the heat in your house. Your blankets watt usage will be listed in its user manual, but you will likely save costs if you can use your blanket, and keep your house’s heat down at night.
If your blanket has brown spots it means that there may be burn damage. If you see this, dispose of your blanket immediately and buy a new one. It is good to consistently check your blanket for signs of this, and the cord as well to make sure it hasn’t frayed. Never buy a used blanket, and avoid using blankets on their maximum heat settings for long periods of time.
You will have to check your manufacturer’s guidelines. If your blanket is dryer safe it is best to use the low heat setting on your dryer.