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Many people choose to buy an electric blanket for added warmth. These products may also improve symptoms of certain health conditions. However, they come with a few risks and are unsuitable for some individuals.
Electric blankets are similar to electric heating pads and feature tiny heating elements wrapped within the blanket itself. They typically require a person to plug them into an electrical outlet.
This article provides some helpful suggestions about electric blankets, including what to look for in a blanket and answers to frequently asked questions.
A quick look at the 6 best electric blankets
- Best for couples: Beautyrest Heated Plush Electric Blanket
- Best lightweight: Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket
- Best for power naps: Bedsure Heated Throw Blanket
- Best for comfort: Eopecles Electric Blanket
- Best energy-efficient: EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket
- Best for therapeutic heat relief: Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw
Electric blankets are bedspreads or blankets containing an interwoven wiring system that provides subtle warmth. Due to the amount of electricity they use to produce heat, they generally require being plugged into an electric outlet to operate.
Though some people may find the extra warmth of an electric blanket soothing, they should know that these blankets are not safe for everyone. The risks of using electric blankets include burns and fire.
Certain people should avoid using electric blankets, including:
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: Products are available for different budgets.
- Heat setting: Products have an adjustable heat setting, so people can choose their preferred heating level and prevent burns.
- Auto shutoff: Products shut off automatically, so they do not overheat.
- Washable: Products are machine washable, but consumers should read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning the blankets.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for couples: Beautyrest Heated Plush Electric Blanket
Price: around $100 for twin size
This Beautyrest electric blanket produces low electromagnetic field radiation and has 20 heat settings. It has programmable controls with an automatic shutoff from 1 to 10 hours.
Other features include:
- a lightweight polyester fabric design
- twin measurements:
- length: 84 inches (in)
- width: 62 in
- weight: 5.5 pounds (lb)
- machine washable
- a 5-year limited warranty
Pros and cons
People who bought Beautyrest’s electric blanket state the heat settings are helpful, as they can adjust the heat to their preference.
However, some reviewers say that the blanket stopped working after they washed it, while others claim it had inconsistent heating spots. Some reviews also report difficulty replacing defective blankets.
Who would this suit?
This electric blanket works best for anyone who wants added warmth without too much additional weight.
Best lightweight: Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket
Price: around $49 for a twin size
This electric blanket features a solid pattern and consists of a micro-flannel material. It is machine washable, and individuals can dry it in a tumble dryer on a low setting.
It has an updated programmable control with an automatic backlit shutoff and up to a 10- or 12-hour programmable shutoff function. It also has memory settings and two controllers.
Its features include:
- anti-shrink and anti-pill micro-flannel material
- twin measurements:
- length: 84 in
- width: 62 in
- weight: 6.06 lb
- memory function in settings
- a lightweight design
- a 5-year warranty
Pros and cons
Some people compliment the blankets’ softness and warmth even without the heat switched on, ease of washing, and easy-to-use controllers.
Others comment that they received defective items, even when they were replacements.
Who would this suit?
This item may best suit people wanting a blanket with programmable memory for different users.
Best for power naps: Bedsure Heated Blanket Throw
Price: around $70
This machine-washable throw blanket has a striped pattern and heats up quickly for instant warmth.
Other features include:
- nonwoven sherpa and fleece fabric
- twin measurements:
- length: 62 in
- width: 84 in
- weight: 6.2 lb
- temperature monitoring system
- five heat settings
- automatic shutoff after 3 hours
- machine washable
Pros and cons
Some reviews mention that Bedsure’s heated blanket heats up fast and enjoy its automatic shutoff feature. People also like the heat controller and lightweight design.
However, negative reviews note that heat did not distribute evenly throughout the blanket. Others say the blanket does not get very warm and does not work after being placed in the washing machine.
Who would this suit?
This electric throw blanket may work well for anyone who likes to relax on the sofa or take a nap.
Best for comfort: Eopecles Electric Blanket
Price: around $44
The Eopecles Electric Blanket comprises a polyester, multi-layer flannel material. It has a solid pattern and is machine washable.
The blanket has a removable power cord, three custom-set heat levels, and an automatic shutoff after 4 hours.
Other features include:
- a multi-layer polyester flannel material
- twin measurements:
- length: 62 in
- width: 84 in
- weight: 5.74 lb
- machine washable
- ETL safety certification
- 5-year limited warranty
Pros and cons
Several positive reviews note the blanket has a rapid heating function and that it is easy to use. They also mention the heat distributes evenly throughout the blanket.
However, some say the blanket does not provide sufficient heat.
Who would this suit?
This electric blanket may work well for anyone who wants a comfortable fabric with evenly distributed heat.
Best energy-efficient: EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket
Price: from $55
The fast-heating EHEYCIGA blanket has a polyester fiber design with a soft fleece flannel. It has a fixed inner layer to prevent the wire from shifting.
There are five heat settings, and the blanket will automatically shutoff after 3 hours.
It has a detachable controller and is machine washable.
Other features include:
- double-sided soft fleece flannel fabric
- measurements:
- length: 60 in
- width: 50 in
- weight: 3.47 lb
- FCC and ETL certified
Pros and cons
Many positive reviews mention the blankets’ quality and ease of use. People also describe it as extremely soft and comfortable.
However, some people claim it stopped working after only a few uses.
Who would this best suit?
This electric blanket may best suit anyone looking for an eco-friendly, energy-efficient option.
Best for therapeutic heat relief: Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw
Price: around $130 for a queen size
This FFC and ETL certified Westinghouse electric blanket provides fast-acting therapeutic heat relief that expands blood vessels to promote blood circulation.
The blanket has a detachable controller, 12-hour automatic shutoff with overheat protection, and 10 heating levels.
It is also machine washable and comes with various other features, such as:
- 220 GSM flannel and sherpa reversible fabric
- queen size measurements:
- length: 84 in
- width: 90 in
- weight: 8.6 lb
- a 5-year limited warranty
Pros and cons
Positive reviews mention the blanket’s soft fabric and that it heats up quickly. They also state that its controls are easy to use and it evenly distributes heat.
However, some reviews claim the blanket stopped working after a short amount of time.
Who would this suit?
This electric blanket might work well for anyone seeking therapeutic heat relief, as its evenly distributed heat may help a person’s circulation.
In the table below, we provide a snapshot of how the best electric blankets of 2022 compare with each other.
| Beautyrest Heated Plush Electric Blanket | Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket | Bedsure Heated Throw Blanket | Eopecles Electric Blanket | EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket | Westinghouse Electric Blanket Heated Throw | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | for couples | lightweight | for power naps | for comfort | energy efficient | therapeutic |
| Pro | heat settings | quality | rapid heating | rapid heating | quality | even heat distribution |
| Con | uneven heat distribution | customer care | insufficient heat | insufficient heat | not durable | not durable |
| Price | around $100 | around $49 | around $70 | around $44 | around $55 | around $130 |
People interested in buying an electric blanket should consider what features are important to them before making a purchase.
Some features to consider include:
- Size: Electric blankets come in different sizes. A person should consider picking an electric blanket that suits the setting in which it will be used, such as a bed or couch.
- Auto shutoff: Many electric blankets have an automatic shutoff feature that allows them to deactivate after a few hours and prevent overheating.
- Controls: Some electric blankets have simple-to-use controls. Some have a backlight, so a person can easily adjust the settings during the night.
- Washing options: Most electric blankets are machine washable. Many of them, however, should not be dried in a tumble dryer.
- Cord length: Cord length and placement can affect how easily a person can use an electric blanket. Manufacturers typically list cord lengths on their websites, and a person can read customer reviews to find out what others experienced in terms of cord length using the products.
- Material: Manufacturers use various types of materials to make heated blankets. These materials can affect a person’s comfort. For example, blankets comprising polyester fibers are lightweight, soft on the skin, and offer some insulation. In contrast, blankets consisting of fleece are easy to maintain and provide extra warmth even when turned off.
The following are some common questions about electric blankets.
Are electric blankets safe?
Electric blankets do carry some risks. For example, they may not be safe for pregnant people.
Additionally, the
Electric blankets can also be dangerous to various groups of people, including:
- those living with diabetes
- anyone who cannot feel heat changes easily
- people with mobility issues
- those with dementia
- young children and infants
Are electric blankets washable?
People should read the manufacturer’s washing instructions before cleaning their electric blanket.
Most modern electric blankets are machine washable. Many companies recommend that individuals detach the power cord and avoid using detergents that contain bleach.
What are some of the health benefits of electric blankets?
The
Some individuals may find that heated blankets help with certain health conditions. However, most of these accounts derive from anecdotal reports or broader connections to heat therapy studies and benefits. Therefore, although they may help some people, research has yet to show the benefits of using heated blankets in a range of health conditions.
The
Heated blankets can provide a source of extra warmth. In some circumstances, such as when a person has exposure to extreme cold, they could help prevent frostbite. However, its other reported health benefits are anecdotal and may not work for everyone.
In addition, these blankets may not be safe for everyone. A person should read the manufacturer’s instructions and consult their doctor before using any type of heating device.