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Best Electric Blankets
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.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Zonli Walk Pro Max Cordless Heated Blanket
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Zonli’s Walk Pro Max is a cordless electric blanket intended specifically for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. A hearty weatherproof exterior and plush fleece lining add to the cozy feel, and you can choose from three heat levels for ideal warmth in any setting.
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Pros
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Cordless, lightweight design is ideal for outdoor use
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Exterior shell is waterproof and stainproof
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Fleece lining provides extra coziness
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Cons
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Relatively short battery life for higher heat settings
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Expensive sticker price
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Price
$299
Material
Waterproof polyester with fleece lining
Sizes
55″ x 71″
Most heated blankets are designed for indoor use, but the Zonli Walk Pro Max is a solid option for staying warm in the great outdoors. The cordless design features a resilient shell that’s both waterproof and stainproof. Soft fleece lines the interior to keep you extra cozy. A front zipper lets you wear the blanket when walking around, and at 3 pounds, it’s very lightweight.
You can choose from heat settings of high (158°F), medium (140°F), or low (122°F). Battery life depends on your selected heat level, ranging from two hours on high to six and a half hours on low. The battery can be fully recharged in three and a half hours using the 20000 mAh power bank included with your purchase. You’ll also receive an extension cord and a charger compatible with your car’s cigarette lighter.
You can wash the blanket in your household machine, though there are detailed care instructions to ensure the electrical components don’t get damaged. Avoid tumble drying – lay flat to dry or hang to dry instead. While the Walk Pro Max’s sticker price is on the higher end, its durable construction should hold up well over time as long as you care for it properly. Zonli accepts returns within 30 days of the delivery date, and your purchase is covered under a five-year warranty.
Most Comfortable
Shavel Home Products Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket
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The Thermee from Shavel Home Products is a hefty heated blanket with a plush fleece face for added coziness. An extensive temperature range and adjustable shutoff timer make this blanket well-suited to anyone who needs specific conditions for comfortable sleep.
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Pros
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Heat settings range from 77 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
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Dual-heating option for larger sizes
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Blanket is machine-washable and resistant to pilling
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Cons
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May not be practical during hot or humid times of the year
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No sleep trial available
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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.
If you enjoy snuggling up with your partner beneath a heated blanket, this cozy option from Sleep Number is available in a queen or king — both oversized to ensure you both get plenty of coverage. A plush fleece shell, 10 temperature settings, and an automatic shutoff timer add to the appealing design.
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Pros
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Adjustable heat levels with 10 different settings
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Automatic shutoff after 10 hours to ensure safety
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Fleece shell makes the blanket feel exceptionally plush
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Cons
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Not sold in twin or twin XL sizes
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Much more expensive than the average electric blanket
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Price
$230
Material
100% polyester
Sizes
90″ x 94″ 90″ x 100″
Many electric blankets sold today are intended for single-person use. The Sleep Number Warming Blanket is available in two sizes, both of which are ideal for two people. The queen measures 90 inches by 84 inches while the king is 90 inches by 100 inches. Either way, you and your partner should get plenty of coverage.
A built-in knob lets you adjust the blanket to 10 different heat settings. The display shows the current level. Internal copper wires distribute heat throughout the entire blanket. These wires are ultra-thin, so you won’t feel them poking through the surface. A plush fleece shell encases the wires for extra coziness. Three shell colors are available. If you fall asleep while the blanket is in use, the heat will automatically shut off after 10 hours.
The Warming Blanket is fairly expensive, and this may be a dealbreaker for shoppers with limited budgets, but shipping is free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order comes with a generous sleep trial spanning 100 nights in length. If you are ultimately satisfied with the blanket, your purchase is further covered under a one-year warranty against workmanship defects.
How to Choose a Heated Blanket
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.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Heated Blanket
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.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Electric Blankets?
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.
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| Energy-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. Thermoregulation: Temperature is an important part of sleep hygiene. If you’ve been kept awake or woken up because you can’t stay warm, you’ll recognize the comfort an electric blanket can provide. Keeps couples at their preferred temperature: Most queen size or larger heated blankets offer dual heating zones with two dials. This feature allows both members of a couple to stay at their ideal temperature all night long. Soothes aches and pains: Heat can help reduce the pain of everything from sore muscles, to menstrual pain, to conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Heated blankets function like oversize heating pads, delivering soothing warmth where it’s needed most. Lightweight warmth: Although some people enjoy the feeling of heavy layers of blankets, others can feel trapped by the weight. Electric blankets offer winter-friendly warmth without any extra heft. | Safety concerns: Modern electric blankets are far safer than older models, with automatic shut-off features and low-voltage wiring. All the same, there is still a risk of fire or burns. Not pet or child-safe: Even the most well-constructed electric items are easily destroyed by sharp claws or curious fingers, and electric blankets are no different. If you have pets or young children who spend time in your bedroom, an electric blanket may not be right for you. Comparatively expensive: Using an electric blanket to reduce the use of central heating might save you money in the long run, but electric blankets also cost more than comparable traditional blankets. Limited fabric choice: Electric blanket fabric must be fire-resistant yet affordable, meaning that the majority are made from polyester. May not be suitable for your bed: While electric blankets work well on most beds, they are unsuitable for use on waterbeds and some adjustable beds. The cord may also be unable to reach loft or bunk beds. Not great for warm weather: Even when you’re not using the heating feature on these blankets, they are often made with less breathable materials. If you live somewhere with hot summers, consider a summer blanket. |
Who Should Use a Heated Blanket?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do electric blankets work?
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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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.