We have officially entered into some of the coldest months of the year. In case those fuzzy socks and mugs of hot chocolate just aren’t doing the trick, you may want to look into investing in a space heater or electric blanket.
These two nifty little items can equally keep you warm and toasty without hurting your wallet. The question is when it comes to electric blankets vs space heaters, which one do you choose? A space heater will keep an entire room toasty while an electric blanket will literally wrap around you in cozy comfort. They’re both great items to weather out the cold season.
If you’re still not sure which item would be best for you, no worries. We’ve got the rundown on each of these cold weather lifesavers to help steer you in the right direction!
Rundown on an Electric Blanket
An electric blanket is super great if you want to be, quite literally, wrapped up in cozy comfort. The electric blanket has a series of covered wires all throughout the blanket that acts as internal heaters for the actual blanket itself. The wires are secured in place throughout the blanket so there’s no need for any adjusting or fixing. The wires are covered by standard blanket material; usually really soft material such as fleece, cotton, or a polyester blend.
The blanket is turned on through a plug outlet and a remote. You plug the blanket into a wall or power strip outlet for power, then use the remote to control heat level and sometimes the time frame. The standard levels of heat for an electric blanket range from low, medium, and high. These are usually also monitored by a heat sensor or timed temperature setting that will automatically shut the blanket off after a certain amount of time.
Electric blankets are typically washable and dryable, but you always have to read all of the safety features and instructions before using, washing, or drying. Most blankets need their power chords removed before washing or drying, so keep that in mind before use.
Pros
- Soft, warm blanket
- Comes in various sizes and colors
- Easy to use
- Will shut off automatically in most models as a safety feature
Cons
- Could be too hot for some users
- Heat is only in areas where the blanket is laid out
- Safety features could shut off heat sooner than wanted
Construction
An electric blanket is usually pretty standard. The wires will run all throughout the blanket to promote heat but the color, material, and size will change. Electric blankets aren’t too expensive, either. There’s an affordable option for just about everyone. The larger the blanket is the more expensive it can be, but many blankets come with warranties in case anything is faulty with the item. Overall, they are a decent investment considering all the warmth they provide.
Most electric blankets are made with a soft fleece material to add to the coziness, but blankets come in all materials. You can use the blanket as a standalone or use it in combination with your other bedding. Some people like to sandwich the electric blanket in between sheets and a cover top. If this method is a bit too toasty, you can always change it up depending on preference.
Unique Features
Electric Blankets are pretty versatile when it comes to creating your custom toasty sleep space. You can find these blankets in a wide range of colors, or if you go with the sandwich method, you don’t necessarily have to worry about the pattern or design.
These blankets once heated also have an automatic shut off, so if you’re already late to catch the morning train, you don’t have to panic that your apartment will be on fire by the time you get home from work. The blanket shuts off automatically after a certain set amount of time.
You might be interested in: Do You Need to Know How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Uses?
Rundown on a Space Heater
Space heaters are super great because, unlike central heat, a space heater is a cost-effective way to heat up a smaller area. For example, if you just want your room to be cozy without having to heat up an entire house, this is the perfect item for the job.
Space heaters range in size, but the heat output should basically be the same. Obviously, the bigger the space heater, the more space it can cover and the more heat it can push out. You don’t need a giant model for just a bedroom, but if you wanted to use one of them for a larger living room or den, the bigger the better for the job.
Space heaters can range anywhere from $20 to $100 or more depending on how fancy you want them. Basic heaters will cost less, while digital heaters will obviously cost more. It just depends on what kind of heater you’re looking for and the space of the area you want to heat up.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Powerful enough to heat up one room
- You won’t need to use central heat
- Bills will be lower
Cons
- Could still be too cold depending on the area
- You may feel a bit nervous using a space heater
- Other rooms in the house will still be cold
- Could be a safety hazard if kept in rooms with small children
Construction
Space heaters may range in size and capability, but the job remains the same – it heats up space. Obviously, the larger the heater is the more powerful it will be, but most space heaters come with safety shut off times, and they all have coils that are protected within the hardware of the heater itself. In the old days, space heaters had exposed, glowing red hot coils which could potentially be really dangerous if they weren’t monitored. Nowadays, space heaters are much safer. All the hot parts remain inside the machine (for the most part, the surface may still get warm).
Most space heaters can even revolve like a fan and push out warm air all throughout a room. They are turned on by being plugged in, and the temperature can be set digitally or via knobs up at the top. You can adjust the temperature by actual temperatures, such as setting a room to be 80 degrees and the heater will adjust accordingly by shutting off after that temperature is achieved or by simply blowing warm air on and off throughout the time frame allotted. It’s really up to you how warm you may want a room or not. But remember that if you’re using one in your bedroom, temperature plays a very important role in how well you sleep. Too hot can affect you negatively.
Unique Features
Space heaters are nifty because, as stated earlier, they are a great way to get a room warm without heating up an entire house. They save money on heating bills and are a good investment that won’t cost you too much at the get-go.
They also come with automatic shut off or safety features which prevent any accidents from happening, but as always, you must read the safety precaution information before using.
Electric Blanket and Space Heater Comparisons
|
Electric Blankets |
Space Heaters |
| Soft, warm blanket | Cost-effective |
| Comes in various sizes and colors | Powerful enough to heat up one room |
| Easy to use | You won’t need to use central heat |
| Will shut off automatically in most models as a safety feature | Bills will be lower |
Conclusion
So, which of these do you think would work for you? It may be a tough decision. An electric blanket can literally wrap its warmth all around you for a cozy sleep, but a space heater can adequately warm up an entire room to keep the cold at bay.
Both of these would make great additions to any home on a cold, winter night, but which one you’d need really depends on personal preference. Someone may not want to leave the warmth of the bed when using an electric blanket, but the same could be said about the warmth of a room after using a space heater. Whichever one you decide to go with, be sure to read all safety precautions beforehand so you can get the most out of your new addition. A warm, cozy sleep could just be a quick purchase away!