UtterlyHome.com may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Can you think of anything more inviting at the end of a cold winter’s day than the promise of a warm bed thanks to an electric heating blanket? Since their invention, they’ve remained a popular piece of equipment that many homeowners have benefitted from over the years.
In fact, that’s one of our top tips for staying warm in the cold weather. So, when those thicker socks, extra layers, and thicker bedspreads don’t work, you can look to an easier, less bulky option.
Table of Contents
10 Perfect For This Winter
Whether its a single, double or king size electric blanket along with keeping you warm, in these electric blanket reviews, we discuss the safety and practicability of them. If you would like to find out more then we have discussed the many different benefits of using them elsewhere on Utterly Home.
We’ve also answered questions about safety to give you peace of mind when purchasing the best heated blanket for you. So, you’ve decided that you want to join the many others benefiting from electric blankets in their homes and lives here’s how do you know which is the best to buy. We’ve looked at and reviewed the 10 best electric blankets that we think are currently available on the market, so you don’t have to. All you need to do is pick out the one that best meets your needs and budget and hey presto, the cold of winter is dealt with.
1. Sunbeam Royal Dreams Quilted Fleece Queen
First up, we’ve got this extremely affordable quilted fleece design in a nice mushroom color from Sunbeam. The aptly named Royal Dreams provides comfort that knows no end. Even without the warming element, the quilted fabric would offer comforting warmth.
But add into it, the warming system it uses to send heat through that can be controlled via easy to turn dials through 10 levels of heat his that enables you to find that temperature sweet spot just to your liking.
Weighing just 5.5-pounds they are not too bulky or hard to manage. They have also been designed to be easy to maintain and care and can be cleaned in the washing machine and are supported by a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
2. Pure Enrichment PureRelief Plush Heated Throw Blanket
Next, we have the Pure Enrichment offering in the market made from luxury Sherpa and micro mink. It has a reversible design that provides warm and super-soft comfort on either side. This features 4 settings of warmth with the LED control unit.
As with most designs, you can use it without the LED control, as the material will stop you from getting cold on those less severe wintry days. When you do want to use it for its full functionality, though, it’s very safe and even features an automatic shut-off that will switch the heating component off if it has been on for a continued 2-hours.
This helps stop overheating and helps to conserve energy. It’s also easy to look after thanks to the machine-washable materials and along with a storage bag, you get a 5-year warranty.
3. MaxKare Heated Throw Blanket
From MaxKare, the next in our guide comes. This has 2 different sides, with one featuring Sherpa shu velveteen and the other a silky flannel. Practical and comforting, it is a great option if you are looking for something to keep you warm on those short dark and cold nights.
There are three easy to adjust heat settings, producing heat ranging from 90-degrees and 113-degrees Fahrenheit. The heating element can be removed and there’s a snap-button design that secures it in place.
For safety, like many of them, there is a shut-off that works automatically after continued use for more than 4-hours. So, if you are worried about forgetting it, it will stay safe. It can easily be washed in the washing machine.
4. Sunbeam Luxurious Premium King
The second from Sunbeam in our guide is this soft velvet plush design. In addition to the usual features, this boasts a preheat function that means you never have to get into a cold bed or suffer that wait as it warms.
There are 20 different presets you can adjust the heated element to, so there will be no difficulty getting the temperature you prefer. Thanks to the thermocline warming system included, the blanket can monitor the temperature and adjust accordingly, so you are never too hot or too cold during the night.
Fully machine-washable and tumble dryer friendly, it is really very easy to look after and has a Sunbeam 5-year limited warranty.
5. AmazonBasics Soft Micro mink Sherpa Throw Blanket
Don’t let the fact this is from the AmazonBasics range make you think that this is lower quality than others. Made from 100% polyester and featuring Sherpa and micro mink sides, it’s perfect for use as a throw on the sofa or a bedspread.
Another great feature, not often found on others, is the material’s wrinkle-resistance that also deflects pet hair and lint.
As is standard, the materials are machine washable. Obviously, it’s not actually electric but you will find it fantastically warm. Though, due to its low price, you’ll have more money to spare for that.
6. Sunbeam Channeled Velvet Plush
Another great product from Sunbeam, and has been voted as one of the best of its kind in the US. This features 10 easily adjusted heating settings, and preheat functionality, so you never have to feel the chill of winter when you’re settling down at night. 100% polyester is used to produce the channeled velvet design and it also benefits from the exceptionally safe auto shut-off.
It is bolstered by the patented thermocline system that is included in all Sunbeam products, that monitors the temperature and makes automatic adjustments. So, you’ll never wake up sweating because you’ve been exposed to too much heat over a longer period of time.
As standard, it is machine-washable and can be dried in the tumble dryer. It is also protected by a limited 5-year warranty direct from Sunbeam.
7. Perfect Fit SoftHeat Luxurious Velvet Plush
From Perfect Fit, the appropriately named SoftHeat is made from 100% polyester for a silky and soft plush feel. It benefits from micro-fine wires that help distribute heat without being too bulky.
If you’re worried about the idea of high voltages and beds, the patented low-voltage tech that means you never need to have that concern. As you can probably see, it is with good reason that this is often referred to as being one of the safest available.
Like others, the controller is very easy to use to get the best temperature. As with all the products featured here, it’s easy to clean as it is machine washable and is backed with a 5-year warranty from Perfect Fit.
8. Sunbeam Channeled Velvet Plush
Back with what is widely considered the best electric heated blanket in the US, this is the twin bed version of Sunbeam’s extremely efficient, effective and popular blanket.
With 10 heat levels, automatic shut-off and the option to preheat it, as standard, it comes complete with the same kind of features found in other models of other sizes.
Also, similarly to the other Sunbeam blankety options, it is made from 100% polyester, comfortable and soft fabric that can be washed in the machine. It also is backed by the same 5-year limited warranty direct from Sunbeam.
9. Beautyrest Ultra Soft Sherpa Berber Fleece Electric Poncho Wrap Blanket
All the products we’ve featured so far are all well and good, but what about when you just want to wrap yourself up in a blanket? This poncho-style blanket features a stylish plaid pattern, is comfy and warming. With the choice of 3 heat settings, it works just as well as a traditional heated blanket.
The design is perfect for wearing when you are watching TV, playing games on your phone or just sitting and enjoying a nice rest. Like others, it includes an automatic shut-off feature that acts after 2-hours of continuous use.
Easy to care for, it is machine-washable and can also be dried in the tumble dryer and is protected by a full 5-years warranty and you also have the option to send it back for a full refund within 30 days.
10. Holmes Luxury Velvet Plush Heated Blanket
Last on our list is another satisfyingly plush and soft design made from 100% polyester. The LCD temperature control provides 10 adjustable levels of heat, a preheat functionality, and the safe and energy-conserving automatic shut-off.
The great thing about this blanket is that the automatic shut-off only switches the heat off after 10 hours. Washing machine and tumble dryer safe, this is very easy to look after and is backed by a warranty from Holmes.
To go along with the guide to the best electric blankets above, we have put together a brief guide to help you understand and get the best out of the electric blanket you choose.
Buying Guide and FAQ
With these becoming increasingly popular over the years, it’s no wonder why so many homeowners are looking to invest in a heated throw this year. But before you do, maybe you want to understand a little bit more about them. Don’t fear, we’ve put together this short buying guide to help you with your decision.
How Do They Actually Work?
Ever wondered how they work? Well, let us explain. They consist of very fine electrical wiring that runs through the fabric. When the blanket is then placed between your bed sheet and mattress and switched on, the electricity warms it up.
There is a control unit connected between the mains electricity supply and the blanket that can be switched on and off and used to adjust the level of heat you wish to generate. You will probably have noticed that all modern blankets featured in our guide, like most in the market in general, are equipped with an automatic shut-off functionality that stops them from overheating and catching fire and using unnecessary amounts of electricity.
Are They Safe?
While it’s true that the industry has come along leaps and bounds with the modern designs being produced, that are much safer than the options that were available 20 years ago, you still need to take care when using them.
As well as avoiding using one if you are sharing a bed with a pet or small child, you need to pay close attention to the following safety guidelines:
- Always read and adhere to the instructions laid out by the manufacturer
- Only use a blanket for a whole night, if it has a thermocline system or an automatic shut-off at the very least to stop it from overheating.
- Always switch the blanket control unit off at the mains when you are not using it.
Cleaning and Maintenance
As they rely on electricity to heat them up, you may think it must be impossible to keep them clean and hygienic. But the heated blankets themselves are normally made to be cleaned in the washing machine safely, that’s modern technology for you, but of course, ALWAYS read the instructions on cleaning carefully.
Obviously, you need to detach and unclip the electrical wires, but once that’s done you can just put them in a normal wash. Although many must be left to air dry, some can also be put in the tumble dryer, meaning it’s rather easy to look after them.
So, if you are in the market for a brand-new, or maybe even your first ever, we are sure you have more than enough information to go on in this post. We have looked at how they work, how to stay safe when using them and, of course, we highlighted the best heated blankets that we think are available right now.
