Electric blankets are a winter staple, offering a cozy way to warm your body and bed. Brands like Sunbeam, Beautyrest, and Serta are serving up various options. But with so many to choose from, you might wonder if an electric blanket will keep you warm and if you need to worry about safety.
We've compared five bestselling electric blankets available online and tested them to recommend the best one for you.
We tested each product for the following:
Which product ended up being the best of the best? In our buying guide, we'll also tell you how to pick the best electric blankets on your own, so read on for more shopping tips.
During his university years, Hiroki Tamaru worked as a dispatch sales representative for Dyson, where he was in charge of vacuum sales at electronics stores for two years. As head of HVAC and vacuums at mybest, Hiroki has rigorously tested and reviewed a diverse range of over 150 vacuum cleaners and HVAC products such as evaporative coolers, oil heaters, and cordless vacuums, and more from notable appliance brands such as Haier, De'Longhi, and Electrolux, HVAC manufacturers like Hessaire, and vacuum cleaner manufacturers like BISSELL and Eureka. He meticulously evaluates performance metrics, features, energy consumption, and more. Leveraging his sales experience in the household appliance industry, Hiroki strives to create content that makes it easy for anyone to develop a passion for these products.
To ensure a comfortable night's sleep with an electric blanket, avoiding overheating is essential. Ideally, there should be a broad range of temperature options, starting as low as possible and going up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing anyone to adjust the temperature according to their preference easily.To assess this, we evaluated the temperature range of the electric blankets. We used a thermal camera to observe the blankets one minute and 10 minutes after turning them on, measuring the temperature at each corner and the center. We conducted tests at both the lowest and middle settings, determining optimally calibrated blankets to be those with a cooler temperature at the lowest setting and not exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit on medium. We also noted the range of different temperature settings between the lowest and medium levels. Products with a greater range of settings were given higher ratings.
To prevent excessive warming, it's advised to turn off the electric blanket within two to three hours of getting into bed. With this in mind, the blankets must be comfortable even when used as regular blankets. This led us to test how soft each blanket felt against the skin. We had a mixed-gender group of 10 testers lie down and use the electric blankets for three minutes. We gave high ratings to blankets that felt pleasant on the skin and had unobtrusive internal heating wires. Testers were asked to provide feedback based on the following three factors.Did you feel any prickliness or itchiness?Was the texture sufficiently soft and pleasant on your skin?Could you perceive any stiffness from the heating wires?
You may want to use your electric blanket every day during the cold winter months, so it's essential that it's convenient to use. We evaluated the functionality of the electric blankets considering the following factors.Is it machine-washable or dryer safe?Does it have an automatic temperature adjustment feature?Is the blanket lightweight?Does it have dual controls for separate temperature settings on each side?Does it have an auto-off function?Is there a preheat mode?How long is the power cord?Does it have Wi-Fi connectivity?
Considering that electric blankets are often used for extended periods during sleep, using them without worrying about running costs is ideal. With this in mind, we evaluated the cost efficiency regarding electricity consumption. We set the blankets to medium and recorded their power consumption one minute and 10 minutes after being turned on. Those that consumed less power received higher ratings.
It's disappointing to buy an electric blanket for its heating capabilities only to find that the edges don't get warm. To address this, we assessed the range covered by the heating elements within the electric blankets. We measured the distance from the edge of the blanket to the heating elements at four locations: top, bottom, left, and right. Products with heating elements reaching closer to the edges received higher ratings.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
There are numerous alternatives for staying warm at night, such as space heaters. However, electric blankets hold a distinct edge. Let’s dive into the key benefits.
One of the key advantages of electric blankets is their ability to warm your body directly. While heaters effectively warm up an entire room, they often fall short for those particularly sensitive to the cold. Plus, it's inefficient to heat the whole room when nestled in bed. You can directly warm your bed and body with an electric blanket, ensuring a cozy and comfortable night's sleep.
You can use an electric blanket to preheat your bed before sleeping or turn it on after getting in. Let’s look at which technique promises the most comfortable sleep.
The recommended approach is to preheat the bed before climbing in. Slipping into a bed that's already warm is far more comfortable than waiting for it to heat up. You get to enjoy the blanket's coziness when the bed has been warmed up ahead of time.
One concern with heating appliances is the running cost. Let’s break down the costs associated with electric blankets compared to other heating options.
One of the enticing aspects of electric blankets is the low electricity consumption. In comparison, electric heaters can cost around 20 cents per hour, whereas electric blankets keep it to a mere three cents, or less than one-sixth of the cost.
Furthermore, the initial cost of an electric blanket is reasonable. A queen-sized electric blanket like the ones featured in this article usually ranges from $60 to $100. With easy purchase options, low running costs, and providing direct warmth, electric blankets are an economical choice for heating during the winter months.
Electric blankets are products that are in close contact with your body. If not used properly, there's a chance of accidents. Make sure to check the correct usage before purchasing.
While a warm electric blanket feels incredibly cozy, being cautious with the temperature settings is essential. In a test where the blanket was left on the highest setting for one hour, the surface temperature reached about 111 degrees. While it's not scorching hot to the touch, there's a risk of burns if it stays in contact with your skin all night. When using an electric blanket, make it a point not to leave it powered on for extended periods.
When using an electric blanket, you'll need to plug it into an outlet. If you realize after purchasing that the cord isn't long enough, there's not much you can do. Make sure to check in advance.
The products we examined all had cord lengths of about six feet. To avoid the frustration of not being able to reach your bed, measure the distance between your bed and the outlet ahead of time. Additionally, since electric blankets are heating appliances, it's best to avoid using extension cords. If the cord doesn't reach the outlet, consider alternative options like heaters or bed warmers.
In our tests, we used only queen-sized blankets for consistency, but if you’re looking for something smaller, cordless electric blankets are also available.
Electric blankets usually have temperature settings ranging from one to 10 or one to 20, but the actual temperature can vary from product to product. Make sure to check, so you can pick one that has an ideal temperature for sleeping.
Using an electric blanket to warm up is cozy, but getting too warm can backfire. Focus on warming the surface of your body and avoid raising your core temperature. 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is a good baseline to consider.
As mentioned above, temperature settings on electric blankets are often displayed only as numbers, which don't directly correspond to actual temperatures. So, it's not clear what the appropriate temperature is just by looking.
When testing all products in various modes, we found that on a medium setting of five on a 10-step scale, all products exceeded 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, to set the temperature according to your preference within an appropriate range, it’s important that the blanket can be set to various temperatures at its lower settings.
Two from Beautyrest stood out in the range of products tested for their impressive temperature adjustability. Both offer temperatures starting from around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can be adjusted in 20 steps. While settings above the medium mode might feel too warm, you have 10 levels to choose from between the low and medium modes.
Both products are almost the same regarding ease of temperature settings but differ in touch. The Microlight to Berber Electric Blanket features a fluffy lining, giving it a soft and plush feel. The Plush Electric Blanket, on the other hand, is noteworthy for its velvety smoothness, making it the go-to choice for those who prefer a sleeker blanket.
Leaving an electric blanket on throughout the night is not advisable, as it could lead to overheating and the risk of burns. Choosing a blanket that allows you to set an off-timer is critical.
It is ideal for the body temperature to gradually drop to alleviate the day's fatigue. While it is OK to enjoy the warmth after getting into bed, setting an off-timer for two to three hours later is essential to facilitate a decrease in body temperature.
Each product tested had ample timer settings ranging from one to 10 hours or more, adjustable in one-hour increments. Any of these products would suffice to lower body temperature after falling asleep. Just be careful not to fall asleep before setting the timer.
Once the off-timer turns the power off, you'll use the electric blanket as a regular blanket. To ensure a seamless sleeping experience, the texture against the skin is crucial. Since this is not something you can quickly determine through online shopping, be sure to check out our reviews.
When you touch electric blankets, it’s clear that the feel of the surface is primarily divided into velvet and fleece textures. The velvet-textured blankets are so soft they make you want to stay wrapped in them even after turning them off. On the other hand, fleece material can feel a bit rough.
After having 10 testers feel all the products, Beautyrest, which excels in ease of temperature setting, also received positive feedback for its soft and fluffy feel. However, Serta's Plush Electric Blanket was the most pleasant to the touch. It's smoother than Beautyrest and has a texture that makes you want to keep touching it.
Since electric blankets are in contact with the body for extended periods, choosing products with safety in mind is essential. Instead of randomly picking cheap products sold on e-commerce sites, opt for products certified by external organizations. All the products in our reviews have received certification.
Choose products approved by external certification bodies such as Intertek (ETL) or UL Solutions (UL). Certified products have a mark printed on the blanket's label.
However, remember that being certified does not equate to absolute safety. During the writing of this article, three of the products that received UL certification were subject to recalls by the manufacturers. Even after purchasing a blanket, regularly check information from the manufacturer's official website and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating Accuracy | Comfort | Functionality | Energy Efficiency | Heating Element Coverage | Width | Length | Weight | Cord length | Material | Temperature range | Maximum temperature | Adjustable temperature | Timer function | Auto-off function | Power supply type | Machine washable | Dryer compatible | Voltage | Dual control | Power consumption | ||||||
1 | Beautyrest Microlight to Berber Electric Blanket | ![]() | 4.42 | mybest's Top Choice! Wool-Like Texture With a Wide Range of Easily Adjustable Temperatures | 4.45 | 4.44 | 4.50 | 4.85 | 4.17 | 84 in. | 90 in. | 8.82 lbs. | 6 ft. | Polyester | 71 - 97℉ | 97°F | Power cord | 110, 120V | 0.017 kWh | |||||||
2 | Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket | ![]() | 4.40 | Smooth Texture and Wide Temperature Range Offers Broad Appeal | 4.45 | 4.37 | 4.57 | 4.81 | 4.17 | 84 in. | 90 in. | 7.28 lbs. | 6 ft. | Polyester | 70 - 95℉ | 95°F | Power cord | 110, 120V | 0.019 kWh | |||||||
3 | Serta Plush Electric Blanket | ![]() | 4.35 | If You Value Softness and Tend to Get Chilly, Look No Further | 4.28 | 4.54 | 4.30 | 4.76 | 3.97 | 84 in. | 90 in. | 7.15 lbs. | 6 ft. | Acrylic,Polyester, Cotton | 77 - 98°F | 98°F | Power cord | 120V | 0.021 kWh | |||||||
4 | Sunbeam LoftTec Wi-Fi Connected Heated Blanket | ![]() | 4.26 | Remote Operable, but Limited Heating Wire Coverage | 4.39 | 4.24 | 4.75 | 4.94 | 3.72 | 84 in. | 90 in. | 6.3 lbs. | 15 ft. | Polyester | 71 - 90°F | 90°F | Power cord | 120V | 0.013 kWh | |||||||
5 | Serta Reversible Fleece to Sherpa Electric Blanket | ![]() | 3.63 | Too Warm Even on the Lowest Setting, so Not Suited for Overnight Use | 3.00 | 4.04 | 4.40 | 4.52 | 3.97 | 84 in. | 90 in. | 6.59 lbs. | 6 ft. | Polyester | 93 - 98°F | 98°F | Power cord | 120V | 0.032 kWh |
Temperature range | 71 - 97℉ |
---|---|
Timer function |
The Microlight to Berber Electric Blanket is from Beautyrest, a brand developed by the major American bedding manufacturer Serta Simmons Bedding. It features a sherpa lining that is plush and feels like wool. The biggest draw for this blanket is that it features 20 different temperature settings. At a setting of one, it heats up to a comfortable average of 70.47 degrees Fahrenheit, and when set to 10, it stays at an average of 83.63 degrees. It supports dual control so you can set different temperatures for the left and right sides, making it convenient for two people to use it with personalized temperature settings for each side.
The plush lining means that the heating wires are less noticeable. However, some people might find the texture to be somewhat rough. If you’re the type that doesn’t get itchy wearing a wool sweater, this blanket might be for you. With the cord removed, the blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. When drying, make sure to stretch it out properly on a drying rack or dry it for five minutes in a tumble setting on low.
There are sections around eight inches at the foot and about 12 inches on the sides where there are no heating wires. You might be disappointed that it does not heat right to the edges, but this blanket has less unheated space compared to other brands. To get the most end-to-end coverage when warming your bed, put this one on your list. If you are looking for an electric blanket that can help achieve a good night's sleep even for those who are sensitive to cold, this product is definitely worth considering.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Maximum temperature | 97°F |
Adjustable temperature | |
Auto-off function | |
Power supply type | Power cord |
Voltage | 110, 120V |
Dual control | |
Power consumption | 0.017 kWh |
Temperature range | 70 - 95℉ |
---|---|
Timer function |
The Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket features a velvety soft fabric on both sides that offers a soft and delightful touch against the skin. The 20 different temperature settings on this blanket puts it on par with the Microlight to Berber Electric Blanket from Beautyrest. Setting it to level one produces a pleasantly low average temperature of 69.84 degrees Fahrenheit. And of course, you can turn up the settings for a warmer experience, making it easy to find the temperature that’s just right for you.
The fabric's texture is smooth and natural without being overbearing. This blanket is user-friendly, even for those who may not be fans of ultra-plush materials. However, due to its thinness, it's worth noting that the heating wires may be more noticeable through the fabric. The blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. To hand wash, soak it in lukewarm water with detergent for 15 minutes, then gently agitate.
An added bonus is that the heating wires run all the way to the end of the blanket. However, there are spaces about 12 inches on the left and right without heating wires, so it may not offer enough coverage for those with a larger physique. If a silky, smooth texture is your preference, this blanket comes highly recommended.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Maximum temperature | 95°F |
Adjustable temperature | |
Auto-off function | |
Power supply type | Power cord |
Voltage | 110, 120V |
Dual control | |
Power consumption | 0.019 kWh |
Temperature range | 77 - 98°F |
---|---|
Timer function |
Serta Simmons Bedding offers the Serta Plush Electric Blanket under Serta, a brand they've introduced as an affordable line. The standout feature of this product is its delightful texture. Compared to Beautyrest's products, this electric blanket boasts a longer pile, giving it a silky and more luxurious feel. Not one of our 10 testers had any complaints, so if you’re unsure about what kind of texture you prefer in a blanket, you can't go wrong with this choice.
While this blanket offers just 10 temperature settings, fewer than Beautyrest’s, when set to level one you can get the average temperature as low as 76.81 degrees Fahrenheit. This blanket can keep two people who tend to feel chilly comfortably warm without causing any discomfort from excessive heat. Similar to other products, this blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Just don't forget to detach the cord before washing.
However, it is worth noting that the blanket has areas approximately 12 inches on the sides and at the foot where there are no heating wires. This could be a dealbreaker for those who want their bed to be heated end-to-end. With its irresistibly smooth texture, the Serta Plush Electric Blanket is well-suited for those who plan on using it as a regular blanket.
Material | Acrylic,Polyester, Cotton |
---|---|
Maximum temperature | 98°F |
Adjustable temperature | |
Auto-off function | |
Power supply type | Power cord |
Voltage | 120V |
Dual control | |
Power consumption | 0.021 kWh |
Temperature range | 71 - 90°F |
---|---|
Timer function |
The LoftTec heated blanket is from kitchen and seasonal appliance manufacturer Sunbeam. A unique feature is that it can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app or voice assistants like Alexa. For those with some distance between the living room and bedroom, this is one worth considering. It comes with 10 temperature settings, fewer than Beautyrest, but set to level one it maintains a comfortable average temperature of 70.78 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, since you can set different temperatures for each side, there's no need to compromise if you’re sharing the blanket with someone who might have different temperature preferences.
The pile on this blanket is deep, giving it a soft and fluffy texture. Because it’s thick, you're unlikely to feel the heating wires. However, those with dry skin might find it clings to the skin a bit. It's washable on a gentle cycle. One downside is the smaller area from side to side covered by the heating wires compared to other blankets. Thermal camera images clearly show some areas without any heating wires. This may not be ideal if you need more coverage, or want your bed warmed edge to edge.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Maximum temperature | 90°F |
Adjustable temperature | |
Auto-off function | |
Power supply type | Power cord |
Voltage | 120V |
Dual control | |
Power consumption | 0.013 kWh |
Temperature range | 93 - 98°F |
---|---|
Timer function |
The Reversible Fleece to Sherpa Electric Blanket by Serta features a cozy sherpa lining and a fleece exterior. A major drawback is that it gets too hot compared to other blankets. Even at the lowest setting out of 10, the temperature rises to 92.8 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes, exceeding temperatures that would be comfortable for sleeping. This may not seem like a major issue if your goal is to warm the bed quickly. But other blankets can also heat up fast if the temperature is set higher, so there’s little reason to specifically choose this product.
The texture of the blanket also divided opinions. Specifically, the fleece material might feel too rough for some, so it may be less appealing for those who prefer smoother blankets. Like other electric blankets, this one is machine washable on gentle if you remember to detach the cord before washing. The heating wires don't reach to the edges, leaving areas without heat of about 12 inches, give or take, at the foot and sides. Especially at the foot, the heating wire stops short compared to the Beautyrest, so it may not be the best choice for taller people.
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Maximum temperature | 98°F |
Adjustable temperature | |
Auto-off function | |
Power supply type | Power cord |
Voltage | 120V |
Dual control | |
Power consumption | 0.032 kWh |
Our search criteria for the ideal product included five essential qualities.
Products we tested
To ensure a comfortable night's sleep with an electric blanket, avoiding overheating is essential. Ideally, there should be a broad range of temperature options, starting as low as possible and going up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing anyone to adjust the temperature according to their preference easily.
To assess this, we evaluated the temperature range of the electric blankets. We used a thermal camera to observe the blankets one minute and 10 minutes after turning them on, measuring the temperature at each corner and the center. We conducted tests at both the lowest and middle settings, determining optimally calibrated blankets to be those with a cooler temperature at the lowest setting and not exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit on medium. We also noted the range of different temperature settings between the lowest and medium levels. Products with a greater range of settings were given higher ratings.
Testers were asked to provide feedback based on the following three factors.
Considering that electric blankets are often used for extended periods during sleep, using them without worrying about running costs is ideal. With this in mind, we evaluated the cost efficiency regarding electricity consumption. We set the blankets to medium and recorded their power consumption one minute and 10 minutes after being turned on. Those that consumed less power received higher ratings.
It's disappointing to buy an electric blanket for its heating capabilities only to find that the edges don't get warm. To address this, we assessed the range covered by the heating elements within the electric blankets. We measured the distance from the edge of the blanket to the heating elements at four locations: top, bottom, left, and right. Products with heating elements reaching closer to the edges received higher ratings.
No. 1: Beautyrest|Microlight to Berber Electric Blanket
No. 2: Beautyrest|Plush Electric Blanket
No. 3: Serta|Plush Electric Blanket
No. 4: Sunbeam|LoftTec Wi-Fi Connected Heated Blanket
No. 5: Serta|Reversible Fleece to Sherpa Electric Blanket
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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