The Best Electric Blankets
Baby, it’s cold outside, and getting warm may require more than just another blanket on your bed at night. Many people turn to the aid of an electric blanket, which can create a cozy cove of warmth on the chilliest nights. You can even throw one of these electric blankets on your couch for lounging in your living room without having to turn up your central heating system. An electric blanket doesn’t have to be used during the winter alone as many of them come with adjustable heat settings.
You can dial down the heat but still stay warm and toasty. But do you really need an electric blanket? And what features are the most important? Start by reading through the best electric blanket reviews here, and learn a bit more about how to choose the best one for you.
1. Serta Reversible Sherpa/Fleece Electric Heated Blanket – Editor's Choice
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Retains heat well
- Has ultra-thin wires
- Preheat feature included
- 5 Year Warranty
2. Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Has digital display controller
- Double controllers for queen and king
- Pre-heat feature included
- 5 Year Warranty
3. Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Machine washable
- Auto shut-off after 10 hours
- Lightweight
- 5 Year Warranty
4. Beautyrest Heated Ogee Oversized Throw
- Machine washable
- Auto shut-off timer after 2 hours
- Lightweight
- 5 Year Warranty
5. Degrees of Comfort Store Electric Blanket
- Machine washable
- Choice of 3 heat settings
- Extra pocket to keep feet warm
- 5 Year Warranty
6. Homde Electric Blanket
- Machine washable
- Choice of 3 heat settings
- Auto shutdown feature
Table Of Contents
- Best Electric Blankets
- 1. Serta Reversible Sherpa/Fleece Electric Heated Blanket
- 2. Runner Up – Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket, Queen, Walnut
- 3. Best Affordable – Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket
- 4. Best Oversized – Beautyrest Heated Ogee Oversized Throw
- 5. Best Foot Pocket – Degrees of Comfort Store Electric Blanket
- 6. Best Basic – Homde Electric Blanket
- Who Needs an Electric Blanket?
- Cautions You Need to Take with an Electric Blanket
- What to Look for in the Best Electric Blanket
- Verdict
- Recent Updates
Best Electric Blankets
1. Serta Reversible Sherpa/Fleece Electric Heated Blanket – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- Heat settings: 10
- Auto-off: Yes
- Machine washable: Yes
- Weight: 8.9 lbs. (queen)
- Sizes: Throw
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Retains heat well
- Has ultra-thin wires
- Preheat feature included
- Has over-temperature protection
Cons
- Dial controllers
- Lots of reported defects
Serta’s luxury sherpa-fleece electric blanket combines a thick, soft material with ultra-thin flat wires to create an electric blanket that should deliver warmth and comfort night after night. As warm as it gets, it won’t get hot to the touch. You can set your blanket to 10 different settings, and if it happens to overheat, it’ll shut off automatically, which is an important safety feature.
Many people who have used this blanket report that it’s a soft and flexible blanket, and you can’t feel the thin wires inside. Even if you shut the heating element off, this blanket is insulated enough that it retains heat well, so you stay warm and toasty. One of the biggest inconveniences of this electric blanket is that it uses dial controllers rather than push-button controllers. This design might make it difficult for some to use. Additionally, there are lots of reported defects of this blanket, including dangerous fires and burns. The good news is this blanket comes with a five-year warranty in case of defects like that.
If you want an electric blanket that has the thinnest wires that you can’t feel through the fabric, this might be the one for you.
2. Runner Up – Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket, Queen, Walnut
Highlights
- Heat settings: 10
- Auto-off: Yes
- Machine washable: Yes
- Weight: 6.75 lbs. (queen)
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Has digital display controller
- Double controllers for queen and king
- Pre-heat feature included
- Has auto-off function
Cons
- Wires may be felt through blanket
- May not heat evenly
Sunbeam has tons of great products, including heated mattress covers, but this microplush electric blanket from Sunbeam is fluffy, super-soft, and it could be the bed accessory you’ve been looking for. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so it’s suitable for any size bed and any décor. You can set up the preheat feature to make sure your bed is comfy and cozy before you slip in between the sheets. And if you fall asleep with the blanket on, there’s an auto-off function. This will ensure that the blanket shuts off after 10 hours of being on.
If you buy a queen- or king-sized blanket, you get two controllers that let you choose one of 10 heat settings on either side of the blanket. This makes it easy for you and your partner to choose what’s most comfortable for each of you. Some people have reported that the blanket has cold and hot spots, which could be signs of a defective product. Also, it is possible that you may be able to feel the wires through the blanket.
If you’re looking for an electric blanket that’s soft to the touch and includes several heat settings, this might be the one for you.
3. Best Affordable – Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket
Highlights
- Heat settings: 10
- Auto-off: Yes
- Machine washable: Yes
- Weight: 6.4 lbs. (queen)
- Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Includes 10 heat settings
- Machine washable
- Auto shut-off after 10 hours
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not very soft
- Dial controllers
- Warms up slowly
Biddeford makes several electric blankets, and this knit one is made to be affordable, warm, and easy to use. The queen and king blankets come with two dial controllers, which allows two sleepers to choose the most comfortable heat setting for them. The material of the blanket is polyester, which can be made to feel very soft, but this one isn’t. Many people reported it feeling more like felt, and it sheds quite a bit. It is a good weight, though, being lightweight, so it doesn’t overwhelm you.
Like most electric blankets, this one includes 10 heat settings, so you can make it slightly warm to roasting and toasty. However, many customers said this blanket is slow to heat up and usually just gets to a mild warmth. The controllers might be difficult to use in the middle of the night because they’re dial controllers rather than having an LCD display. The auto-off feature is a nice precaution, but there have been reports of burns and malfunctioning blankets.
If you want a lightweight electric blanket that warms up your bed slowly and comfortably, this one might be a good choice for you.
4. Best Oversized – Beautyrest Heated Ogee Oversized Throw
Highlights
- Heat settings: 3
- Auto-off: Yes
- Machine washable: Yes
- Weight: 5.45 lbs.
- Sizes: Throw
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Machine washable
- Auto shut-off timer after 2 hours
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only 3 heat settings
Electric blankets aren’t typically known for being particularly lovely to look at, but this Beautyrest heated throw changes the rules. The design of this soft blanket should work well with any décor, and you can choose from nine different colors. It’s soft and velvety to the touch, and it heats up quickly with just a push of a button on the single controller.
Unfortunately, you can only choose from three heat settings, but those should be enough to keep you warm as you lounge in your living room – no matter how cold it is in your house. The six-foot cord should be long enough for you to plug it into a nearby outlet and still be able to lay under the blanket comfortably. This is a throw, so it isn’t big enough to cover most beds, but it could be sufficient enough to warm up your side of the bed before you crawl in at night. The auto shut-off feature kicks on after the blanket has been on for two hours.
If you want a decorative, cheap, and warm electric throw for your chair or couch, this could be a great pick for you.
5. Best Foot Pocket – Degrees of Comfort Store Electric Blanket
Highlights
- Available colors/patterns: 9
- Available sizes: 50 x 60 inches, 50 x 62 inches, 60 x 70 inches
- Material: Microplush
Pros
- Machine washable
- Choice of 3 heat settings
- Extra pocket to keep feet warm
Cons
- Controller may overheat
This electric blanket from Degrees of Comfort is designed with a foot throw, which essentially acts like a pocket to heat up your feet when you’re in bed or lounging on your sofa. The benefits of an electric blanket that includes a foot pocket include improved blood circulation, regulated heat throughout the body, and optimal comfort that sometimes you can only find in a cozy, warm winter throw.
Degrees of Comfort gives you three size options to choose from, of which only two include the foot pocket option. There are also three heating levels to choose from, so you’ll be able to customize your warmth level depending how warm your sleeping environment already is. It also includes a custom LED controller to operate and change the different heat settings. Simply remove the controller and put the blanket inside your washing machine when it’s time for a wash, and be sure to use warm water on a gentle cycle for optimal results.
6. Best Basic – Homde Electric Blanket
Highlights
- Available colors/patterns: 2
- Available sizes: 50 x 60 inches
- Material: Flannel and sherpa
Pros
- Auto shutdown feature
- Three heat settings
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some reports of uneven heating
Measuring 50 x 60 inches, this Homde electric blanket is made of flannel on one side and cozy sherpa on the other to give you extra plush comfort. This blanket keeps heat inside and gives you a warm feeling when you’re snuggling into bed or on the sofa, even when the heat function isn’t on.
The Homde blanket also includes an auto shutdown feature, which turns off the heat after four hours of continuous use – a great safety feature. It gives you the choice of three heat settings that let you adjust the temperature between 90 and 110 degrees F. After you remove the controller, the blanket is easy to machine wash if you do this on a cold, gentle cycle, and you can also throw it in the dryer to tumble dry.
Who Needs an Electric Blanket?
There are several reasons why you might want to buy an electric blanket. The most obvious reason is for when it’s cold outside and inside, and you want to stay snug and cozy. Sheets, quality blankets, and a thick comforter are recommended to keep your body heat contained in your bed, but sometimes it just isn’t enough. An electric blanket uses the power of electricity and insulated wire that’s sandwiched in between fabric. All that heat is directed to you and your sleep partner, which warms you up much quicker than waiting for body heat to generate.
Another benefit of using an electric blanket and one of the top reasons people like to use them is the cost savings you should see on your electric bill. If you were to crank up your central heating system to ensure everyone is warm and snug in bed, you’re likely to see your bill go up. An electric blanket on each bed in your house is going to take up less energy. If you can lower your thermostat by just 10 degrees, it can save you dollars every month on your electric bill.
A highly rated electric blanket can serve the same purpose as an electric heating pad. So, it’s great for people who suffer from aches and pains, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps. When those pains set in, and during cold weather, it always seems worse. That’s when an electric blanket can help soothe those aches.
Cautions You Need to Take with an Electric Blanket
It seems like an electric blanket is an ideal accessory for anyone’s bed or couch, but not everyone can safely use one. Those who may not be able to tell when the blanket is too hot could be injured. For example, those with diabetes may not have much sensitivity in their arms or legs. Also, if you have an ailing parent or a child who doesn’t know how to control the settings, it may put them at risk of burns. If you’re pregnant, you probably shouldn’t use an electric blanket either, it’s the same reason you aren’t supposed to take baths that are too hot or use a hot tub. Alternatively, though, you could use an electric blanket to heat up your bed before you crawl in and then turn it off just beforehand.
There are some precautions that you need to take with an electric blanket. Not all electric blankets are meant to be washed in a washing machine, but most are. Plus, you need to take caution when using your blanket. Don’t allow it to bunch up or be folded while it’s on- doing so could create a hotspot that’s too hot.
You’ll want to follow the instructions for your electric blanket such as not putting anything on top of it, including another blanket or a pillow. And be sure you don’t keep the electric blanket turned on when you’re not using it. If coils are damaged, you’ll start to see brown spots, which indicates internal burning, and if that happens, it’s time for a new blanket.
What to Look for in the Best Electric Blanket
A basic electric blanket does exactly what you expect it to: It heats up and keeps you warm. Most electric blankets come with more features to make it an even better bed accessory, though. Always check the details and take a look at ratings.
Heat Settings
The best electric blanket includes adjustable heat settings, which lets you choose the temperature that’s most comfortable for you.
Dual Controls
On queen- and king-sized blankets, you should be able to control either side of the blanket. This is helpful if you prefer things cooler or warmer than your sleeping partner.
Auto-Off
An electric blanket that includes an automatic shut-off is one of the safest options, and it can prevent you from overheating when you sleep at night.
Machine Washable
You should be able to remove the plug and controls. This allows you to toss the blanket into your washing machine.
Soft & Thick
Most electric blankets are made of polyester, which is fire-resistant and can be made super-soft and thick. You shouldn’t be able to feel the wire through the fabric.
Digital Screen
Controllers that include an LCD display make it much easier to read in the middle of the night when you need to turn the heat up or down.
Programmable
Some electric blankets include programmable settings, which allows you to set up your electric blanket to warm up, say, 20 minutes before you head to bed. So, you’ll never have to slide into an icy-cold bed again.
Let’s take a look at the comparison between some of the very best blankets out there by features, brand, and affordability.
You may be interested in: Best Queen-Sized Electric Blanket
Verdict
Most electric blankets come with similar features, including the ability to choose among 10 different heating settings, an auto-off function, and soft material. There’s one blanket among these top reviewed electric blankets that outperforms them all, though, and that is the Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Heated Queen Size Blanket, Grey.
It’s a soft addition to your bed that you can set to pre-heat your bed for those extra chilly nights – and that means no more icy sheets. The dual controllers on the queen- and king-sized blankets let you control the heat of one side or the other, but they are dial style. Still, it’s easy to see what setting you’ve chosen or switched to, and the blanket is machine washable. It includes all the features you could possibly want, and it has a five-year warranty, in case you get a defective unit.
Recent Updates
December 16, 2021: The Degrees of Comfort Store Electric Blanket and Homde Electric Blanket have been added to this roundup due to consumer popularity. Verified availability of all other products.