As the weather gets colder, the only thing you want to do is stay in bed or on your couch watching your favorite shows. A regular blanket provides some warmth, but when temperatures drop, nothing matches the coziness of a heated blanket. This is also helpful if you work in an office where the thermostat is always set lower than you’d like. If you’ve been thinking about getting one, now is the time as we enter winter and colder months ahead.
What to look for in a heated blanket
After you’ve scoured the internet for electric blankets, there are a few things you should consider before selecting the best one. Read each product description carefully, and pay special attention to the following features:
Material: Look for heated blankets made with warm materials such as polyester, fleece, flannel, sherpa or faux fur.
Heat settings: The best electric blankets will have multiple heat settings. Depending on your preference, the more heat settings, the better the blanket generally is.
Machine-washable: At some point, your blanket will get dirty. Make sure your heated blanket is machine-washable.
Safety: You want a blanket with an automatic shut-off feature for safety. If you tend to be forgetful, look for a blanket that shuts off within a few hours.
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The following heated blankets have taken the above features into consideration. Each blanket is shown at a twin price, if applicable. Heated throw blankets only come in one size.
Here are the best electric blankets you can get.
Like
- – Machine washable – 5 heat settings
Don’t like
- – 3-year limited warranty – 1 size option
Serta is a well-known mattress brand, and its products are often sold at stores such as Kohl’s, JCPenny and Bed Bath and Beyond. The Serta Fleece to Sherpa heated throw blanket comes in one size, approximately 50-by-60 inches. The top of the blanket is made of cozy fleece and the other side is faux sherpa. It’s available in six colors and has a three-year limited warranty.
The controller has five heat settings and contains a 3-hour auto shut-off. The cord connected to the controller and blanket is about 6 feet long, so you will be able to sit on the couch and plug it into the wall. Unplug and machine-wash warm on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- Five heat settings
- 3-hour auto shut-off
- Three-year limited warranty
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- – Machine washable – 3 heat levels
Don’t like
Beautyrest is another trusted name in the mattress industry, and its mattresses often appear on our lists. This wearable wrap from Beautyrest is available on Amazon for a reasonable price. It comes in one size and is a little larger than a throw at about 50 by 64 inches. The “U” shape of the blanket drapes over your shoulders and frees your arms for movement, letting you keep your mobility as you stay warm. Available in nine fun patterns, the wrap is made of sherpa on one side and fleece on the other. It has a five-year limited warranty.
This wrap blanket has three heat levels and a 2-hour automatic shut-off setting. Be aware that while this is a wrap, it still needs to be plugged into the wall. The controller cord is 3 feet long, and the power cord is 6 feet. Unplug and machine-wash on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- Three heat settings
- 2-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
Like
- – Machine washable – 3 heat settings – Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Certified
Don’t like
Another Beautyrest product makes this list. This Beautyrest throw is 50-by-70 inches and weighs 4.5 pounds. Available in eight colors, the blanket is made of ultrasoft, 100% polyester faux fur. The fabric is also Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex Certified, which means it has been tested for harmful substances and chemicals. There is no stated warranty.
The digital controller has three heat settings and a 2-hour automatic shut-off. The power cord is 6 feet long. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- Three heat settings
- 2-hour automatic shut-off
Like
- – Machine washable – 10 heat settings
Don’t like
- – No specified shut-off time – Short cord
This L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy heated blanket also appears on our best products for sleeping in the winter list. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an extra layer of warmth on your bed because the blanket is thin enough that it won’t be too hot. This blanket comes in three sizes: twin, full-queen and king. Available in four colors, the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy blanket is made of premium Primalush and loftmink polyester. There is no stated warranty.
The unique aspect of this blanket is it comes with dual controllers for partners who share the same blanket. It has 10 heat settings and an automatic shut-off setting, but it doesn’t specify how long it’ll be before the blanket shuts off. Be aware that some customers have stated that the cord isn’t long enough. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- 10 heat settings
- Automatic shut-off
Like
- – Machine washable – 4 heat settings
Don’t like
- – Only one size option – Only 4 hours before automatic shut-off
Our runner-up for the best heated blanket comes from the same brand. This Sunbeam product is more affordable. The Sunbeam Royal Ultra throw blanket comes in one size, approximately 50-by-60 inches. Like the other heated blanket from this brand, the Royal Ultra is made of 100% polyester but only comes in four colors. It has a five-year limited warranty.
With four heat settings and a 4-hour automatic shut-off setting, the Royal Ultra may have fewer heat settings than the Royal Luxe, but the shorter auto shut-off will suit those who worry they might forget their products are plugged in. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- Four heat settings
- 4-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
The best electric blanket on the market can be found on Amazon at a surprisingly reasonable price. The Sunbeam Royal Luxe blanket comes in sizes twin, full, queen or king. It is made of 100% polyester and is available in five colors. It has a five-year limited warranty.
This heated blanket comes with a digital controller and 12 heat settings. It can automatically shut off after a maximum of 12 hours if you forget to unplug it. If you plan to use a heated blanket for longer, opt for the Sunbeam Royal Luxe, as it’s a blanket on this list that allows for the longest time before its automatic shut-off. Unplug and machine-wash cold on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low.
Product features:
- 12 heat settings
- 12-hour automatic shut-off
- Five-year limited warranty
Best Heated Blankets Compared
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| Serta Fleece to Sherpa | Beautyrest reversible electric wrap | Beautyrest heated oversized faux fur throw | L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy | Sunbeam Royal Ultra | Sunbeam Royal Luxe | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat settings | 5 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 12 | |
| Auto shut-off | Yes, after 3 hours | Yes, after 2 hours | Yes, after 2 hours | Yes, but no specified time | Yes, after 4 hours | Yes, after 12 hours | |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty | None stated | None stated | 5-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
Heated blanket FAQs
Can I sleep with a heated blanket?
Heated blankets great for lounging on the couch or working in a cold room, but they’re not recommended for all-night use due to safety concerns. If you’re asleep, you can’t notice if a cord gets tangled or something malfunctions. Short-term use is safe as long as no wires or tears in wires are visible.
Can you use a heated blanket while pregnant?
Yes, you can use a heated blanket while pregnant, on lower heat settings for limited amounts of time. Make sure that the heat setting isn’t too high. A body temperature of 101 degrees or more can be dangerous for the fetus. Heated blankets are also not recommended for infants.
Can you wash a heated blanket?
Yes, you can wash a heated blanket. Remove the cords, read the care instructions, wash on a gentle cycle and then dry on low tumble.
