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The Best Electric Blankets – Top Picks and Buying Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Electric blankets are a great year-round sleep accessory for those who tend to sleep excessively cold. Most electric blankets sold today have multiple heat settings – some models have 10 or more – that allow owners to find the heating level that works best for them. Additionally, electric blankets in larger sizes, such as Queen and King, often have dual-heating settings for couples with different temperature preferences.

In addition to consistent warmth, electric blankets can benefit sleepers in other ways. Proper thermoregulation is crucial to the circadian rhythm, the natural sleep timer that makes people feel tired when they need sleep and feel alert and awake when the day begins. Electric blankets can also alleviate the symptoms of certain medical conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as aches and pains associated with menstrual cycles. While electric blanket price-points vary by brand and model, most are available for $150 or less.

This guide will explore common characteristics, functions, and features of today’s electric blankets. Below you will find our picks for the best electric blankets sold today. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

The Best Electric Blankets – Reviewed

Best OverallL.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket

Best Overall – L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket

Highlights

  • 5 heat settings
  • 1-year return period
  • Automatic shut-off function
  • Reversible with two distinct textures
  • Dual controls for larger sizes

Best OverallL.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket

llbean.com

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The Wicked Cozy Electric Blanket from L.L. Bean is a standout product due in part to its reversible design. One surface features soft polyester minky and the other features insulating PrimaLush fabric that redirects heat back into the sleeper’s body. The blanket offers five different heat settings, as well as zoned heating that targets different areas for sleepers.

The blanket includes one control for twin sizes, and two controls for full/queen and king sizes. An automatic shut-off function ensures safety if someone falls asleep while using the blanket. Unlike many competing products, this blanket has a fairly thin profile and shouldn’t feel too heavy or bulky. The blanket can be washed and dried in any household machine, making it convenient and cheap to clean. It is available in two colors, cream and gray.

The Wicked Cozy Electric Blanket has a reasonable sticker price compared to other heated blankets, especially given its high-quality design and zoned heating capabilities. L.L. Bean offers free ground shipping for U.S. orders of $50 or more and a one-year trial period, as well.

Good for:

  • Sleepers who prefer fleecy heated blankets
  • People who tend to feel colder in certain areas of their body
  • Shoppers looking for a blanket with a long trial period

Best ValueSunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket

Best Value – Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket

Highlights

  • 10 temperature settings
  • 5-year warranty
  • Polyester fleece
  • Automatic shut-off function
  • Dual controls for larger sizes
Click below to get the best price on the Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket.
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Best ValueSunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket

amazon.com

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Another great electric blanket from Sunbeam is the Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket, which is our Best Value pick due to its below-average price-point; the blanket is widely available for $70 or less in all sizes. Like the previous Sunbeam entry, this blanket offers 10 temperature settings, automatic shut-off capabilities with a 10-hour timer, and dual adjustment options for couples in the Queen and King sizes.

This blanket is made from ultra-plush polyester fleece that holds heat well and provides night-long thermoregulation. The built-in ThermoFine technology also adjusts the blanket based on the sleeper’s temperature in order to ensure the blanket doesn’t feel excessively warm at any point. The Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket can be washed and dried in a machine, as well.

Seven color options are available for this blanket. Sunbeam backs the Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket with a five-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Sleepers with varying warmth preferences
  • Those who prefer exceptionally soft blankets
  • Couples

Best LuxuryShavel Micro Flannel Electric Blanket

Best Luxury – Shavel Micro Flannel Electric Blanket

Highlights

  • 7-layer design
  • 5-year warranty
  • Soft micro flannel surface
  • Machine washable
  • Dual controls for larger sizes

Best LuxuryShavel Micro Flannel Electric Blanket

US-mattress.com

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The Micro Flannel Electric Blanket from Shavel is an ideal option for sleepers who prefer thick, hefty coverings. The blanket is constructed with seven individual layers, including top and bottom layers of down alternative clusters for maximum warmth and insulation. Micro flannel fabric makes up the front and back surfaces, creating a touchably soft texture, and the blanket is quilted together using a satin hem.

The blanket is heated using soft wires enclosed in electrical dampening cloth to prevent dangerous overheating. Twin and full sizes come with one control, while queen and king sizes include dual controls for couples. The entire blanket can be washed and dried in any household machine.

The Micro Flannel Electric Blanket is a bit pricey compared to other similar products, but the cost is still reasonable considering its durable design and luxuriously soft feel. US-Mattress also ships for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Shavel backs the blanket with a five-year warranty against defects.

Good for:

  • Sleepers who prefer thick, hefty blankets
  • Couples
  • People who reside in colder climates

SoftestBeautyrest Micro Fleece Heated Blanket

Softest – Beautyrest Micro Fleece Heated Blanket

Highlights

  • 20 heat settings
  • 5-year warranty
  • Micro fleece fabric
  • 10-hour automatic shut-off timer
  • Machine washable

SoftestBeautyrest Micro Fleece Heated Blanket

US-mattress.com

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Designed for 20 different settings, the Beautyrest Micro Fleece Heated Blanket offers a wider range of heating options than many of its competitors. This ensures most people who use the blanket will find at least one comfortable temperature regardless of their personal preferences. The blanket is also equipped with an automatic shut-off timer owners can program for up to 10 hours.

The blanket is composed of micro fleece, an exceptionally soft material that insulates heat very well. Soft, flexible wires deliver heating throughout the blanket without making it feel too heavy or stiff. Twin and full sizes come with one controller, and queen and king sizes come with two to provide dual heating for couples. The entire blanket can conveniently be washed and dried in any household machine.

The Micro Fleece Heated Blanket is very reasonably priced compared to other similar products, and as with other blankets from US-Mattress, this one qualifies for free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Beautyrest backs it with a five-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Sleepers looking for a blanket with a wide setting selection
  • Those who prefer very soft blankets
  • Value seekers

Best for CouplesBiddeford MicroPlush Heated Blanket

Best for Couples – Biddeford MicroPlush Heated Blanket

Highlights

  • 10 temperature settings
  • 5-year warranty
  • Polyester fleece
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Dual controls for larger sizes
Click below to get the best price on the Biddeford MicroPlush Heated Blanket.
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Best for CouplesBiddeford MicroPlush Heated Blanket

Walmart.com

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The dual-sided MicroPlush Heated Blanket from Biddeford is constructed with one microfiber side and one Sherpa fleece side, giving owners two distinct feels to choose from. The blanket offers 10 temperature settings, as well as automatic shut-off capabilities with a 10-hour sleep timer and dual controls for Queen and King sizes.

The blanket is made with exceptionally thin wires to give it a lightweight frame without feeling bulky. This heating system also helps conserve energy and can lower the owner’s utility bills. One controller is included for Twin- and Full-size blankets, while larger sizes come with two controllers to allow unique customization on each side of the blanket for couples.

The MicroPlush Heated Blanket is available in nine color options. Biddeford offers a five-year warranty with this blanket.

Good for:

  • Sleepers with varying warmth preferences
  • Those who prefer multi-textured blankets
  • Couples

Buying Guide - How to Buy an Electric Blanket

Many electric blankets today come with adjustable heat settings, so you can use them year round for a variety of needs and purposes. Whether you’re trying to save on your electric bill during cold winter nights, ease period pain, or simply enjoy a warm and toasty feel when you hop into bed, an electric blanket can help.

Fortunately, electric blankets are widely available at major retailers like Target or Walmart, manufacturer websites, and online marketplaces like Amazon. Depending on the size, features, and brand of your electric blanket, the cost will vary, but you can usually find a quality electric blanket between $50 to $150.

We’ve written this guide to help you choose your electric blanket. Learn how electric blankets work, their common design features and safety tips to consider, and view our top picks for the best-reviewed electric blankets of 2022.

How Do Electric Blankets Work?

Keeping a cool bedroom temperature is a critical ingredient for a good night’s sleep. However, if you live somewhere with cold winters, or have trouble sleeping in the cold, an electric blanket can help warm things up to a more comfortable temperature – and quickly at that.

Electric blankets use electricity to heat insulated wire that’s safely enmeshed in between the blanket’s fabric layers. The wire heats up, heating the surrounding fabric, which then warms you up more quickly than your body heat or regular bedding.

Thermoregulation

Humans experience thermoregulation, the process by which the body works to maintain an ideal temperature range. Your internal temperature can climb as high as 100.4 or sink as low as 96.8 over the course of the day. As long as the human body stays within this comfortable range, you’ll be able to achieve the best possible function during the day and rest more easily at night.

In the morning, your body raises its internal temperature to help energize you, making it easier to get things done. But as the day fades, it starts cooling down, preparing you for eventual sleep. Your body continues cooling even after you go to sleep, with your internal temperature hitting its lowest point just a few hours before you wake up.

It’s possible that due thermoregulatory dysfunction or simply having too cold a sleeping environment, you might struggle to experience the right level of warmth at bedtime that can let you sleep comfortably. An electric blanket might be useful for providing the right amount of warmth to keep you comfortable so you can sleep soundly.

Do Electric Blankets Raise Your Electric Bill?

No, quite the opposite. By using an electric blanket, you can save significantly on your electric bill. There’s less need to run the heat since you’ve got your own personal heating device in the bed with you. Many people find they can lower their central heat settings by as much as 10 degrees thanks to using an electric blanket.

Plus, most electric blankets tend to be made of plush microfleece and similar materials, which are designed to provide heat without even turning the electric part on! The wires inside electric blankets are thin and flexible, enabling the blanket to stay soft and feel like a regular blanket, so it’s comfortable to use whether it’s plugged in or not. The thinness of the wires also prevents burn damage while delivering maximum comfort and range in heat.

Can Heat From an Electric Blanket Interfere with Sleep?

Among other things, good sleep is predicated upon proper thermoregulation, referring to your body’s ability to regulate your body temperature. Our core body temperature is tied to our sleep-wake cycle, lowering at night as we tire for bedtime and rising in the morning to energize us for the day.

By maintaining a consistent body temperature while you sleep, your brain has one less thing to focus on, allowing you to enjoy restful sleep. However, temperature changes in your bedroom air, along with body heat from your sleep partner, can all impact your own body temperature. Proper bedding insulates you from these temperature disruptors. For some people, an electric blanket can be a helpful tool.

Are There Other Benefits to an Electric Blanket?

Like heating pads, electric blankets provide the additional benefit of soothing symptoms of menstrual cycles, arthritis, and fibromyalgia – all of which come with pain and discomfort that make it more difficult to relax sufficiently to fall asleep. By relieving the discomfort through the heat of your electric blanket, you can more easily fall asleep.

Pros and Cons of Electric Blankets

Owning an electric blanket is a great idea as in addition providing cozy comfort, they can be a source of energy and money savings. Some advantages to owning an electric blanket include:

  • Regulate Body Temperature:If you’re someone who struggles to stay warm, an electric blanket will help you better regulate your body temperature so that you can sleep comfortably.
  • Conserve Energy: By frequently raising your thermostat to heat up the room, you use a lot of energy. This also translates into extra spending on electricity and heating costs. By using an electric blanket, you can save money and avoid wasteful energy consumption.
  • Couples Who Have Different Heat Preferences:If you sleep cool but your partner sleeps hot, it’s often hard to achieve a sleeping arrangement where you’re both comfortable. An electric blanket will satisfy the cooler sleeper while letting the partner who sleeps warm avoid overheating during the night.
  • Soothing Pain And Discomfort: An electric blanket is a great way to soothe away achy muscles and general discomfort at any time of day.

Cons

Although an electric blanket can be a great addition to your sleep space, it’s not always the best solution. A few drawbacks to using an electric blanket could include:

  • Price: Electric blankets usually cost more than a standard blanket. If you’re on a budget, an electric blanket might be a pricier purchase, especially if you find you won’t be using it very often.
  • Limited Material Options: Polyester is an extremely popular choice of fabric for making electric blankets as they allow the blanket to be fireproof. Because safety is of the utmost importance when designing a good electric blanket, it’s hard to find a wide range of fabric choices.
  • Potential Safety Hazard: Even if a blanket is well-made and working fine, there can still be issues with heat levels. If the blanket’s setting is too high and you don’t move or fail to properly switch positions, it can lead to burns. Adults with dementia or mental disabilities, people who have diabetes, and young children are all advised against using an electric blanket.

Who is an Electric Blanket Good For?

  • People who have trouble staying warm when they sleep: If constantly feeling too cold wakes you up during the night, you should strongly consider investing in a good electric blanket. With the right temperature setting, the electric blanket allows you to stay just warm enough to drift off to sleep. It’s a very helpful product for anyone whose body struggles with thermoregulation.
  • Couples with different temperature preferences: Electric blankets are a great way to avoid disagreements about room temperature settings. One person can sleep with the regular blanket while the other uses an electric blanket.
  • People with painful conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia and painful menstruation: Research shows that heat therapy can improve pain tolerance and relax muscles. Wrapping up in your electric blanket can provide some much-needed relief for those with chronic painful conditions.

Common Design Features of Electric Blankets

Like most things, electric blankets have come a long way since their introduction to the bedding market. They offer much more than a single on/off heat setting.

Below are a few of the innovative design features available with electric blankets today. If any particularly appeal to you, make sure to look out for them as you shop for your own electric blanket.

  • Heat Settings: Electric blankets typically come with adjustable heat settings, meaning that you have a range of temperature options to choose from. With some models you can actually pre-program these settings, setting the blanket to warm up automatically during a set period before bedtime and automatically shutting off after a certain time to prevent you from waking up in a hot sweat.
  • Composition: Electric blankets are typically made from polyester. This fabric is fire-resistant, comfortable, and also thick – key to insulating the coils and wires in the blanket so you don’t feel them scratching at your skin. The plug and controls are typically made from plastic. Some controllers feature a LCD display for easy reading and adjustments during the night.
  • Cleaning: Your electric blanket will specify the care instructions. To clean your blanket, you’ll typically remove the plug and controls. The remaining fabric is often machine washable and can be tumble dried on the low heat setting.
  • Size: Blankets are available in different sizes that match standard mattress sizes (twin, full, queen, and king). Electric blankets that queen-size and larger usually come with dual control settings so the blanket’s temperature can be adjusted for either side of the bed – perfect for those who share their bed with a partner who prefers a different temperature.
  • Warranty: Most quality electric blankets come with a warranty, protecting your purchase. If the blanket burns within a certain time period, you may be able to return it for a refund.
  • Low-Voltage Options: Electric blankets come in two main varieties: regular and low voltage. Both of these are designed to be completely safe, but low-voltage electric blankets are even safer and provide less drain on your electricity. However, they do take a bit longer to warm up.

Electric Blanket Safety

With electric blankets, it’s vital to understand how to use and care for them safely. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary fires, electrocution. Always make sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Read on for answers to common questions about electric blanket safety.

Is an Electric Blanket Safe for Me?

Even when a blanket is working as expected, it can still get uncomfortably hot for the user. For this reason, electric blankets are not recommended for use by certain individuals because of the potential safety risk.

For example, people with diabetes can have reduced sensitivity in their limbs, so they may not recognize when the blanket is too hot for them and burns their skin. Pregnant women should also avoid using electric blankets. Finally, adults with dementia or mental disabilities, as well as young children, are not recommended users either. They may not understand how to adjust the settings properly and put themselves at risk of getting burned.

A possible workaround for these individuals is to place the blanket in the bed before they get in, warming it up, and then removing it before the person goes to bed.

Are Electric Blankets Safe for Pets?

Pets tend to run hotter than us, so avoid using your electric blanket if you share your bed with a pet. You also don’t want your puppy chewing it and exposing the wires.

Cleaning, Care, and Maintenance

Because you spend a little more on an electric blanket than a regular one, you’ll want to do what you can to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Proper treatment of the product will go a long way towards making that happen. In this section, you’ll learn about how to clean and care for your electric blanket and when it’s time to consider buying a new one.

How Do I Care for an Electric Blanket?

When you’re dealing with a heating device, proper care and use is of the utmost importance. Maintaining your electric blanket and following the care instructions is essential.

When using your blanket, don’t bunch hit up or fold it, as that can create hot spots. Always place it as the top layer of your bedding. Do not put pillows, sheets, or comforters on top of it – these can all add additional heat which can result in overheating and burns.

This is especially important if you sleep on a memory foam mattress. These mattresses are particularly sensitive to heat. The heat and pressure from your body is what enables them to contour so well, so avoid placing electric blankets directly on their mattress surface.

When storing the blanket, follow the same guidelines – do not place it under heavy objects as these can damage the wires. Always unplug your electric blanket and keep it turned off when not in use.

Can You Wash an Electric Blanket in the Washing Machine?

Not all electric blankets are machine washable, but most are. You’ll need to remove the plug and controllers before putting your blanket in the washing machine. Use the gentle setting on your washer and the low heat setting on your dryer.

Always review the washing and care instructions for your blanket to keep it in good shape.

When Should I Replace My Electric Blanket?

Brown spots on your blanket are tell-tale sign that it has burn damage. If you see these, stop using the blanket immediately and buy a replacement. Regularly check the cord and electric parts of the blanket for frays to ensure they have not incurred any damage as well.

Do not buy a used blanket, and avoid using the blanket at its maximum setting to keep it from overheating.

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