6 Best Electric Blankets of 2023: Buyer’s Guide

While a simple blanket may be enough to keep you warm and cozy on mild nights, an electric blanket can be the best way to ward off the chill of winter. Here’s a list of things you should consider when thinking of purchasing an electric blanket.

Material

As much as you enjoy sleeping warm, you won’t love sleeping on a scratchy blanket. The best blankets offer cushy comfort even with their heating features turned off.

Thankfully, most electric blankets are constructed from microfiber fibers that feel soft and cozy. Others are made from sherpa or velvet which are warm and fuzzy. Apart from comfort, polyester microfiber electric blankets are machine washable and dryer safe.

Price

Electric blankets are usually very affordable and won’t even add to your electric bill.  Having it is a huge bonus as opposed to having conventional heaters.  But don’t compromise safety for the price.  Blankets that come with additional features, like an auto shut-off setting, tend to cost more.  Also, the size of your bed will influence the price of the blanket.

Energy Usage

Most electric blankets are affordable to run, especially when compared to switching the heater on. They retain the heat, keeping you warm during the night or when watching TV on the sofa – you don’t have to heat your entire house.

In most cases, you’ll spend a few cents to run your electric blanket for an hour or more depending on the model.  The best heating blanket heats up quickly, evenly, and effectively, meaning you can switch them off after a few minutes. Thus, saving your electricity costs.

Size

Do you want a full, queen, or king size electric blanket?  Do you want an electric blanket for lazing around the house?

Electric blankets come in different mattress sizes. Some are perfect for twin to king-size beds, while others are just the size of your average throw blanket.  It’s up to you to select the electric blanket that suits your needs.

Opinions and comments from verified customers play a crucial role when it comes to selecting the best electric blanket.  Go through different electric blanket reviews to see what customers are saying about different products. Also, reviews will help you identify the core factors to consider before purchasing an electric blanket.

Dual Controls

Dual control means that there’s a control on each side of the blanket.  This creates two different areas, suitable for two different individuals.

Dual control comes in handy if you’re planning to share your electric blanket with someone else.  Your partner will have control of his or her side of the blanket. No more rows or boosting the heat before climbing to bed.

Some unique models can even split into 4 sections, meaning you’ll have control of your side of the bed as well as the upper and lower parts of your body.

Overheat Protection

All electric blankets on sale must have an overheat protection feature. This way it will sense faults and overheating, and shut off itself.    If your electric blanket has this feature, you can leave it overnight or unsupervised without worrying. But even so, taking precautions is crucial.

Foot Warmth

This means that the blanket needs to be warmer at the bottom than at the top. As a result, keeping your feet warm. If heat escapes your feet, you’ll feel cold, which in turn affects the ability of your entire body to warm up.  If you experience freezing toes every night, find a blanket that will provide you with uniform heat distribution.

SEE ALSO: Hot Sleeper vs Cold Sleepers

Other Things To Bear In Mind

All electric heating blankets require an electrical connection. So ensure you’ve checked the length of the electric cable to see if it will reach a plug.

We often expect most electric blankets to last for about 5 years. While most manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty for their products others can go low as 2 years. We do not recommend buying an electric blanket without a warranty, just as we always recommend buying mattresses with a warranty. Especially because unlike other bedding products, an electric blanket comes with the risk of mechanical failure.

How simple it is to care for the electric blanket is another important consideration. Many manufacturers note that their electric blankets are machine-washable. If you choose a model that is not, then you will have to carefully wash the electric blanket by hand.

Finally, check if the electric blanket allows you to increase and decrease its temperature, this is very important. Some blankets usually come with 3 heat settings, while others have over 20 settings.

Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

Generally, electric blankets consume little energy. On average, an electric blanket can use electricity amounting to four cents an hour. Depending on the settings of the electric blankets, some can use electricity worth 15 cents an hour.   You can spend about $20 per season to run your electric blanket, which includes pre-heating and leaving it overnight for 3 months.

Electric blankets are effective heaters, so you only need to run them for 10 to 30 minutes before switching them off.  Since the blanket traps warm air, you will keep warm all night and you won’t need the heater later.

What’s even better is that most electric blankets have auto shut-off settings or timers. You can pre-set the blanket to switch off at a certain time to save energy. Avoid running your electric blanket all night.

Is it safe to wash an electric blanket?

Yes! Most electric blankets are designed for machine washing and drying.  You need to wash your electric blanket to keep it fresh and in working condition. However, you need to be careful when washing it since harsh twisting or agitation can damage the interior heating component and wiring.

Are electric blankets safe for children?

Electric blankets are perfectly safe for older kids if you follow the necessary safety precautions to ensure the safety of your child.  When purchasing an electric blanket for your kid ensure it’s accompanied by the certifications that show the product abides by the relevant safety regulations.

We recommend you try to purchase a low-voltage electric blanket.  The low voltage will reduce the risk of overheating or fire risks. A blanket using 25 volts as opposed to 120 volts will also save your electricity costs. We also don’t recommend electric blankets for any children under age 5, as younger children have more fragile skin and are susceptible to burns.

What should I look for when buying an electric blanket?

Auto-shut-off features are a necessity in any electric blanket you’re considering, as are safety features to prevent overheating. Dual heat controls are important for partners who have different warmth preferences.

The right size of blanket is another important consideration, though you may be able to get away with a twin size blanket on a larger bed if you just want a way to keep yourself warm. Lastly, consider ease of care, as some electric blankets can be tossed into a home laundry machine while others can be only be spot-cleaned or professionally cleaned.

What are the alternatives to an electric blanket?

Heated mattress pads are another way to use technology to create a warmer bed. There are also heated throws, which are designed to wrap around lounging individuals in a way that the typical electric blanket is not. A few smart mattresses also have heating features, but these are far more expensive than a typical electric blanket or heated mattress pad.

When it comes to tech-free bedding, sleepers might want to consider a heavy comforter or duvet to stay warm at night. These are essentially thicky, downy blankets that wrap around you for insulation. Many are designed for year-round use, too, staying breathable in warmer summer months.

Is an electric blanket or weighted blanket best?

Electric blankets and weighted blankets both have different intended uses, so it’s not truly fair to say one is better than another. While a weighted blanket can keep a sleeper warm, its primary function is to use pressure to relax a sleeper. However, an electric blanket is usually quite thin, relying on heating wires instead of a bulky fill to keep sleepers warm.

Some manufacturers have even begun to combine the two, for sleepers who want to relieve nighttime anxiety and stay warm on a cold night.

Conclusion

Electric blankets can be an effective, affordable, and energy-efficient way to stay warm on cool winter nights. However, it’s important to observe all necessary safety precautions as you use an electric blanket. If you have an older electric blanket in questionable condition, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible with a newer model.