5 top-rated electric heated blankets to keep you warm this year
Experts discuss the benefits of electric heated blankets and whether they’re safe to use as temperatures drop.
This UL-listed blanket from Beautyrest offers 20 heat settings and features an adjustable auto shut-off function that can be set for up to 10 hours, according to Beautyrest. The blanket has a one-hour preheat option that begins the warming process before you use it, and it’s compatible with smart home outlets and automatic timers so you can adjust the time you want it to turn on, according to the brand. You can select from multiple sizes — ranging from Twin to King — and the Queen- and King-sized blankets come with dual controllers so partners can select their preferred settings.
This ETL-listed Serta Electric Throw Blanket is reversible — one side is made from polyester microplush and the other side features a sherpa lining. It has five heat settings listed as numbers on the controller so you can choose the most comfortable option for you, along with a four-hour automatic shut-off function. The blanket measures 60 inches long and 50 inches wide and comes in various colors, including Chocolate and Bay Blue.
With the digital controller, this fleece blanket lets you select from six heat settings using the up and down arrows as well as view and program its 10-hour auto shut-off timer. The brand says the blanket has comfortably thin heating wires and it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe in case of stains or debris. The heated blanket is UL- and ETL-listed and the brand offers a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Regardless of how you plan to use your electric blanket, there are always precautions you should take to ensure you’re using it safely. Experts told us you should never leave an electric blanket on when you leave the room or when you’re asleep. Many electric blankets have an automatic shut-off feature so it’s not heating when you don’t need it, but it’s always wise to double-check that your blanket is off once you’re done using it.
According to Urban, the wellness effects of a heated blanket become muted over time as your body adapts to it, “and then there's no more gain being delivered from that ongoing heat.” He added there is also the risk for individuals who have diabetes and other medical conditions for decreased sensation, which can impair their ability to know if the blanket is too hot — this can increase their risk of burns after an extended period of time.
“Even in the world of therapy, when we use heat, we're only using it for a short duration and not for hours and hours,” said Urban. He said he usually keeps heat on patients for about 30 minutes at a time.
Rather than sleeping with an electric blanket, experts recommend using it to heat up the bed and then turning it off before you go to sleep.
As with any electric heating device (like a space heater or heating pad), an electric blanket can pose a fire risk. Heating pads and electric blankets are the cause of about 500 fires each year, and almost all of these fires involve electric blankets that are more than 10 years old, according to Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Erin McDermott, senior communications manager for the National Safety Council, noted a few things to avoid when using an electric blanket:
Electric blankets also aren’t pet-friendly, according to Gallucci. “Pets can be drawn to the warmth provided by the heated blanket, but one should be aware that these blankets can pose some risk to our pets if they claw, scratch or chew on the blanket when plugged in,” he said.
“Electric blankets must always be unplugged or turned off when not in use,” said McDermott, who added that you should never fold or store your blanket until it’s completely cool. Additionally, be sure not to store your blanket anywhere where the wires are exposed to water, extreme cold or heat or other conditions that may damage the wires or internal mechanisms of the blanket.
When shopping for an electric blanket, there are several features that our experts recommended considering.
As discussed above, you should purchase a heated blanket that’ll automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. The auto shut-off feature can be effective at reducing fire and burn risks.
Some electric blankets will have a timer feature to dictate the amount of time you want the blanket to be on before automatically turning off. “If you're going to use it at night, you can set that timer and once you fall asleep, it turns off rather than sleeping the entire night with it on,” said Urban.
Some electric blankets come with various heat settings to control how much heat you’re actually getting. Adjustable heat settings can typically help you choose which temperature works best for you, with some even having a pre-heat option for heating up your bed sheets. “Everyone is unique when it comes to the right temperature so having many options will prove beneficial,” said Gallucci.
When purchasing an electric blanket, be sure to only purchase from reputable retailers in order to avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features. According to Deerwester, these safety features should be certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). “NRTLs test and certify electrical equipment and other products to ensure that they meet current safety standards and are safe with proper use,” she said.
Each one of our experts recommended certifications with national safety testing organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which reliably tests safety standards including those for heated bedding, and Intertek's Electrical Testing Labs (ETL).
“Choosing a blanket that has a machine-washable cover will ensure ease of cleaning when necessary,” said Gallucci. But even if an electric blanket boasts that it’s machine-washable and dryer-friendly on a low setting, it’s best to carefully follow the care and maintenance instructions before throwing it in the wash. Our experts noted electric blankets shouldn’t be washed too frequently due to the risk of exposing wires to water.
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