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When the temperature starts to dip, an electric blanket can provide an extra layer of heat to keep you cozy. And you might be surprised to learn that electric blankets are versatile, too. You can get a larger, bed-sized heated blanket to create a cozy cocoon on your bed, or you can get a smaller throw if you just want to be swaddled in warmth while you watch Netflix or work from home. Another major bonus? Investing in a heated blanket means you can dial down the thermostat and save on your utility bills.
Whether you prefer to snuggle in a faux fur blanket, enjoy the extra heft of a weighted blanket, or are looking for a high-tech bedcover with diplomatic dual controls, there’s an electric blanket to keep you nice and toasty. While you shop, keep in mind that automatic safety shutoffs and adjustable heat levels are some common factors to seek out.
To help match you with the just-right electric blanket, we found the best options on the market today.
Best Overall
Beautyrest Textured Fleece Luxury Heated Blanket
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Amazon
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 20 | Run Time: 1-10 hours | Care: Machine washable
You can't do much better than the Beautyrest Heated Ribbed Micro Fleece Blanket. It comes in six different neutral colors, making it easy to match with existing bedding or throw pillows. In addition to having a stylish ribbed texture, this blanket is made with a microfleece material that’s super soft and doesn’t pill.
Twenty heat settings mean you can customize just how much warmth you’re getting, gradually dialing up the heat as chilly fall evenings transition to frigid winter nights. The Queen- and King-sized models have dual controllers, which is perfect for couples who disagree on perfect sleep temps.
Another feature we love is the preheating setting, which will very literally warm the bed up for you before you crawl under the covers. Other thoughtful features include a 6-foot cord, which means you may not need to clutter your space with an extension cord; an automatic shutoff that can be set from one to 10 hours; and a design that allows for evenly distributed warmth and that’s plush enough that you won’t feel the wiring.
Best Budget
Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw
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Sizes: 50 x 60 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 3 hours | Care: Machine washable
For an electric blanket that’s easy on the budget, the Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw covers all the important basics. It’s soft and fluffy, and, measuring at 50 x 60 inches, it's big enough to snuggle underneath. Plus, it has a detachable controller so you can toss it in the washer and dryer without worry.
While this budget option isn’t as customizable as other heated blankets, it excels when it comes to simplicity. It keeps things easy with three heat options and an automatic three-hour shutoff. Perhaps our favorite feature, though, is the foot pocket to warm up cold feet.
Best Splurge
L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket
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Courtesy of L.L. Bean
Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 5 | Run Time: Not listed | Care: Machine washable
If you consider a heated blanket a cold-weather necessity, the Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket is worth the splurge. This plush blanket comes in two neutral colors and has five heat settings. What really sets it apart from other heated blankets is its technology, including even heating so there are no hot or cold spots and an insulating layer that reflects warmth back to your body. Thin, flexible wires solve the bulk problem common in heated blankets.
This heated blanket is also highly customizable, with a preheat option to get your bed nice and cozy before you crawl under the covers, plus five heat settings and auto shutoff options. The Twin size comes with one controller, but other sizes have two controllers that can control individual heat zones on the bed.
Best Battery-Operated
Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket
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Sizes: 60 x 60 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 1 | Run Time: 5+ hours | Care: Machine washable
Shivering sports spectators and campers, this portable, battery-operated heated blanket is for you. The Cozee is great for camping, road trips, holiday parades, and anything that requires being outside in the cold and away from an electrical outlet.
This blanket has heated pockets and a fleece lining, can heat up in five minutes, and stays warm for more than five hours. It comes with a battery with two USB charging ports to charge phones and a 12-volt adapter cord for car charging while you’re on the road. It also has a water-resistant shell to keep you cozy even on rainy or snowy days.
Best Lap Blanket
Sunbeam Dual Pocket Electric Throw Blanket
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Sizes: 54 x 73 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 3 hours | Care: Machine washable
If you’re specifically looking for a blanket to keep you warm while you're parked on the couch, consider the Sunbeam Dual Pocket Electric Throw. Its defining feature is the set of pockets to tuck your hands and feet into as you snuggle in for movie night, so it's especially perfect for those who always have cold hands and feet.
This velvet plush blanket has three adjustable settings, but only one timer setting (it turns off automatically after three hours). It comes in five solid colors.
Best Dual-Control
Beautyrest Microlight to Sherpa Reversible Electric Blanket
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Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 20 | Run Time: 10 hours | Care: Machine washable
If you like to sleep warm and your partner likes to sleep extra warm (or vice versa), a dual-control heated blanket is a diplomatic solution. With 20 different temperature control settings and nine solid colors to choose from, the Beautyrest Microlight to Sherpa Reversible Electric Blanket is all about options.
The Queen and King sizes come with dual controllers, so you can customize the precise temperature you want for your side of the bed. Like other quality heated blankets, there’s a preheat option, so you can warm up your bed before you get in. If you get hot mid-sleep, there’s an auto shutoff that can be set anywhere from one to 10 hours.
Best Weighted
Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Electric Blanket
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Pure Enrichment
Sizes: 50 x 60 inches | Material: Micromink and sherpa with glass beads | Number of Heat Settings: 4 | Run Time: 2 hours | Care: Spot clean only
Double down on comfort with a blanket that’s both heated and weighted. The 13-pound Pure Enrichment WeightedWarmth Blanket feels exactly like a warm hug. It has four heat settings with a temperature range of 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and an even distribution of weight and warmth.
This throw is made from great materials too, with a velvety-soft micromink on the front and a fluffy sherpa layer underneath. It's filled with evenly distributed glass beads for weight, which means that it unfortunately can't be machine-washed. It also comes with a storage bag that makes it easy to stow away when warmer weather arrives.
Best Faux Fur
Beautyrest Zuri Heated Throw Blanket
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Way Fair
Sizes: 50 x 70 inches | Material: Polyester | Number of Heat Settings: 3 | Run Time: 2 hours | Care: Machine washable
For a design-forward throw that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, the BeautyRest Zuri Heated Throw Blanket comes in a variety of colors with subtle patterns. A feature that sets this heated throw apart is its generous size (it measures 70 inches long!), so you don’t have to worry about your toes getting cold when you pull it up to your neck.
This plush blanket is machine washable and has three heating settings, plus an automatic shutoff that turns off the heat after two hours.
Final Verdict
The Beautyrest Heated Ribbed Microfleece Blanket (view at Amazon) is our top choice because it’s versatile, has 20 temperature control settings, customizable auto shutoff, and a classic ribbed look with neutral color selections to match any style. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that’s also ideal for movie nights on the couch, we recommend the Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw (view at Walmart) because it's straightforward to use, has a fluffy feel, and comes with a foot pocket to warm up your toes.
What to Look for in a Electric Blanket
Heat Settings
Since electric blankets serve a few different purposes, it’s a good idea to nail down how you intend to use your blanket. A main differentiator between heated blankets and throws is the number of heat settings, which can be a great feature since some nights are colder than others.
Most electric blankets have at least three to five heat settings, while the fanciest ones can have as many as 20. Most often, heated blankets that are Queen- or King-sized will have dual controls so each partner can choose the right temperature for their side of the bed.
Automatic Shutoff
The electric blankets on the market today have automatic shutoff capabilities that will power down the blanket after a certain amount of time, which is a great safeguard if you forget to turn off your blanket manually. Most commonly, heated throws will automatically turn off after two to three hours, although you can find longer-running blankets that stay on for as long as 10 hours. This is a great feature for those who sleep cold and need something that'll run for hours.
Cost
When it comes to budgeting for a heated blanket, the most affordable ones tend to be throws that range between $35–$60, while the ones with extra features (like a heated blanket that’s also weighted) will cost more. Heated blankets that are sized for your bed cost double the amount, typically ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the size of your mattress.
Battery-powered outdoor blankets are a considerable investment and can cost a few hundred dollars. When you’re shopping for electric blankets, look for a manufacturer’s warranty in case your blanket stops working well—some manufacturers offer warranties, and they can range from one to five years or more.
FAQs
Are electric blankets safe?
For the most part, electric blankets are safe, particularly the ones that have automatic shutoff. As you’re shopping for an electric blanket, check to make sure the product doesn’t have an open recall status, suggests Mark Dawson, COO of Mister Sparky.
“Also, purchase the blanket brand new instead of from a secondhand shop or garage sale so that you can ensure it's functioning properly,” he says.
Additionally, consider the cord length when you’re evaluating the safety of an electric blanket, because an extra long cord could create a tripping hazard. It’s also important to read the care instructions, as most electric blankets are designed to be rolled or hung up when not in use. Folding them or bunching them can damage the heating wires.
“Once a blanket becomes damaged or stops working properly, it's time to dispose of it so you don't risk a fire,” Dawson says.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Some older models still need to be hand washed, but most new models (with the exception of weighted blankets) are machine washable. You’ll want to refer to the blanket's instructions in case it has specific washing rules, but in general, you can machine wash heated blankets on the delicate setting and use cold water, says Dawson. When you’re drying the blanket, set the dryer to low and let it tumble dry or hang it to dry.
“Be sure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it in or turning it on again,” he says.
Do electric blankets use a lot of energy?
The average blanket uses about 400 watts of energy, and if you were to leave it on all night (which isn’t recommended), it would cost you about 40 cents a night to use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. However, heated blankets are direct heat sources and some people are able to turn down their thermostats at night or while they’re watching TV, which can help lower utility bills in cold months.
Why Trust MyDomaine?
This article was written by Brittany Anas, a freelance writer who specializes in home décor, lifestyle, real estate, and travel. For this roundup, Brittany considered dozens of heated blankets and throws, and she evaluated each model’s basic features, like heat settings, materials, and dimensions, as well as thoughtful extras. She also consulted experts for their recommendations. All of the blankets featured meet safety requirements, including auto shutoff and no open recalls. Additionally, the throws and blankets (with the exception of the weighted blanket) are machine washable.
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