:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-ebe5f5f249f5440a9bb133fa7a58c2c8.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2020-ebe5f5f249f5440a9bb133fa7a58c2c8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_DSC3035-89e8764848db4aa6901d9451b9b15923.jpeg)
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-7-best-electric-blankets-4136731-final-01-b6e6d193447e4997ba1ee235cfa9818f.jpg)
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
An electric blanket is ideal for those who sleep cold, want to cut down on heating costs, or like to be extra cozy at home.
To ensure you purchase a safe electric blanket, Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends only buying from reputable retailers and looking for products that have been certified for safety. "This helps you avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features like those which have been 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." he shares. Based on that feedback, all of the electric blankets on our list are UL- or ETL-tested and certified, both of which are recognized as an NRTL in the US.
After researching and testing dozens of electric blankets, we chose our favorites considering the material, size, certifications, and features of each. Our best overall pick is the Micro Flannel Reverse to Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket, an exceptionally soft machine-washable option with a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature, dual controls, and multiple color and size options.
Here are the best electric blankets.
Best Overall : Shavel Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MicroFlannelElectricBlanket-3c2c831193ab4522b2da5a96fcc5bb94.jpg)
Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond
Machine washable
Comes in eight colors
Dual controllers for larger sizes
Five-year warranty
Can be hard to remove stains
For an all-around excellent option with ample settings, go with this pick from Bed, Bath & Beyond. The warm sherpa adds an extra layer of comfort to this pick without overheating. "I like to sleep on a cooler bed and get cozy under layers. I just feel too hot after a while. I could use this blanket easily on a low setting and not feel that overwhelming warmth," says our tester. They also reported that you can't feel the wires or elements while wrapped in this blanket, which is also a plus. It was like "sleeping on a cloud."
The sherpa material often runs the risk of shedding, but that's not a problem with this Micro Flannel blanket. The seven layers of fabric are filled with a down alternative fiber, so it's hypoallergenic. We also love that the queen and king sizes include two controllers so each person can program their perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. The blanket will even remember your favorite settings with the memory function.
We also like that this heated blanket has a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature. You can stay warm through the night without worrying about it turning off too soon or causing an electrical hazard.
Our tester did note that coffee and other liquids may leave small stains when spot cleaning, but you can also put this blanket in the washing machine for an easy refresh.
Price at time of publish: $230
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/micro-b17ef766f65f47fba01dbf252439d07a.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Budget : CURECURE Heated Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/curecure-d40ca55e41f044879d1d82a7cf9d8b7f.jpg)
CURECURE
Affordable
Long power chord
Machine-washable
No advanced controls
Available at about half the price of the average electric blanket, the CURECURE heated blanket is a prime option for those on a budget. The soft-to-the-touch velour provides an undeniably comfortable experience without noticeable wires. Though it only has four heat settings, the blanket gave our tester a consistent heating experience.
The blanket is machine-washable on a cold cycle but should be air-dried, and is available in five colors and four sizes. Our tester did wish that this pick came with more controls, but for such an affordable price, it's a great option. It's extremely user-friendly and easy to spot clean.
Price at time of publish: $46
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cure-2648a624288f4974ad87bedf2ec660ef.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best with Foot Pockets : Degrees of Comfort Micro-Plush Heated Blanket with Foot Pocket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/degreesofcomfortbestelectricblankets-c9a32de13e65434695c42e435e0d2e76.jpg)
Amazon
Affordable
Foot pocket
UL-certified
Five-year warranty
Shuts off after two hours
Cold toes? Reach for the Micro-Plush Heated Blanket from Degrees of Comfort. It earned 5s for effectiveness and durability, thanks to the machine-washable, dryer-safe design and a generous five-year warranty. The long power chord gives you plenty of space to use your blanket wherever you'd like and our tester didn't notice any chords or discomfort when snuggling.
What really stands out with this electric throw is the foot pocket, which offers a designated spot to tuck in your feet while working at a desk or cozying up on the couch. Though our tester noted a few loose threads out of the package, they loved the cozy feel of this blanket without being too warm.
Price at time of publish: $53
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/degree-e3e589c0ed924b7abf36db5a7e82a32c.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Throw: L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Throw
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/512167_459_41-aee38c816dbe4a688d0feb6e122f0a66.jpg)
L.L.Bean
Exceptionally soft
High-quality design
Machine-washable
Short power cord
The best throw is undoubtedly the Wicked Cozy Heated Throw from L.L.Bean. As the name suggests, the small blanket gives off lots of heat with five different settings and an automatic shut-off feature. The ribbed material evenly disperses the heat so your whole body feels equally warm and snuggled. "The rib detail gives it a luxurious feel and the other side is a dense silky side that's very lush. I could hang out in this all day," says our tester.
At 50 x 60 inches, it's a standard throw size, though our tester noted the relatively short power cord. This machine-washable, reversible blanket is incredibly soft and cuddly, with PrimaLush polyester on one side and Loftmink on the other.
Price at time of publish: $119
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wicked-7b832bcee8c94402a7d352047704ceb4.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Color Options : Shavel Micro Flannel High Quality Durable Heating Technology Luxuriously Soft & Warm Electric Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shavel-ad1cc225b1394fa3a6ed357aceab51d6.jpg)
Shavel
Attractive color and pattern options
Thick, soft flannel material
Dual controls
A bit pricey
One downside of electric blankets is that they can be bulky and not the prettiest when not in use. Fortunately, this pick from Shavel comes in multiple attractive patterns and colors to add a bit of color to your space while lounging around. While beautiful to look at, we love that this pick doesn't sacrifice construction or effectiveness.
""The blanket heated as expected, and the wires weren't overly obvious when lying under it. I like the dual heat option, especially for partners sharing this blanket on a bed," our tester says. It also includes a programmable timer with an automatic shutoff and eight heat settings to choose from. The flannel material feels thick and incredibly soft without noticeable wires. Though the price tag is a bit high, we love this blanket for its aesthetically pleasing, yet effective design.
Price at time of publish: $278
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shavel-fa4f322930af4c2d8a0dab1e531076ff.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Wearable : Beautyrest Reversible Sherpa to Fleece Electric Wrap
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shawl2-fc6318f24db64ce593efea22eb54ec18.jpg)
Beautyrest
Can use hands-free
Evenly distributed heat
Affordable
Plug and control panel can be bulky
For an electric blanket that you can use completely hands-free, we love the heated shawl from Beautyrest. The three heat levels provide even warmth without noticeable wires. The blanket wraps around your shoulders like a shawl to keep you warm when cuddling on the couch or walking around the house.
For such an affordable price and great color options, this is a great option for kids or teens. It also comes backed with a UL certification, so you can guarantee it emits virtually no harmful radiation or emissions. Our tester evaluated a similar wearable blanket from Beautyrest and did note that the chord and control panel can be a bit bulky, but loved the even heat distribution and ease of use.
Price at time of publish: $59
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beautyrest-de3b6c958e4b447cb6b9e486e457b507.jpeg)
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Our number one pick is the Micro Flannel Reverse to Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket, which scored a near-perfect score for its layers of comfort, multiple heat settings, and dual controls. For something a bit more affordable, we recommend the CURECURE Heated Blanket, which offers evenly distributed heat and maximum comfort.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Woolrich-3-0f1b8f1278024a3fae4e2ce6f38fbedf.JPG)
The Spruce / Theresa Holland
How We Tested
For this roundup, our editors researched the top electric blankets on the market. We then purchased almost 30 picks to put to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them on the basis of quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and overall value. They were also stained with coffee to see how easy it is to spot clean these blankets without permanent damage. Our testers evaluated how the blankets worked and felt when in use. Some were also tested over a long period of time on our tester's homes to see how they performed in the real world. Our writer's research and testers' notes ultimately helped compile this final list.
What to Look for in an Electric Blanket
Material
If your heated blanket is warm but scratchy, you may not enjoy using it as much. Fortunately, many heated blankets on the market now are made with soft microfiber fabrics that feel cozy to the touch or sherpa-style blankets that are fuzzy and warm. In addition to the comfort, the big upside to these polyester microfiber blankets is that most are machine-washable for easy care.
Size
Consider whether you want an electric blanket for your bed or just for lounging around the house. A comforter-size electric blanket, though practical for sleeping, may overwhelm your couch or sitting space while also being less energy efficient. There are many heated blankets the size of your average throw available. On the other hand, if you want an electric blanket to warm your whole bed, there's every size from twin to king on the market.
Automatic shutoff
A majority of the heated blankets you can buy today have an automatic shutoff feature. This means that if you forget to power it down, it'll automatically turn off after a period. Some electric blankets turn off after two or three hours, but for those designed for sleeping, it's usually closer to 10 hours.
According to Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, "Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping." This automatic shutoff feature ensures your blanket remains safe, even through the night.
Safety label
"Make sure it includes labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized national testing laboratory," says H. Landis "Lanny" Floyd, a professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "The label is an assurance the blanket complies with product safety standards. A standard safety feature is a control on the power cord that allows the user to adjust the temperature setting and turn the blanket off without unplugging the power cord."
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Beauty-Rest-2-22d7c4272f3f437194bd527c9023526c.JPG)
The Spruce / Theresa Holland
-
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Most electric blankets on the market today are machine-washable—just make sure you detach the power cord before throwing it in the wash. Some can be dried in a dryer, though others are designed to be air-dried. Read the directions thoroughly before washing an electric blanket, and always follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.
-
Are electric blankets safe?
"Electric blankets are safe to use at home," Floyd tells The Spruce, "but an electric blanket is an electrical appliance." For this reason, he urges you to always read the manual before using one, as it will explain how to identify damage and prevent potential hazards.
Additionally, Floyd advises against buying a used electric blanket. "You do not know how the blanket has been cared for, and there may be hidden damage. An old blanket may not include the latest safety features required by current product safety standards."
Additionally, Majano states that electric blankets are safe as long as they are used properly. "Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat. Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip as they could overheat and cause a fire. Any devices that generate heat, like electric blankets or space heaters, should be plugged directly into an outlet," he says.
He also warns against folding electric blankets when in use. Most unsafe electric blankets are more than 10 years old, he shares. "Be sure to properly maintain the blanket and its electrical cord. Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or one where the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Replace any worn or old heating pad or electric blanket," he recommends.
-
How much energy does an electric blanket use?
Generally speaking, electric blankets don't use up very much energy. They tend to consume about 100 watts on average, which would run you somewhere around $0.011 in electrical costs per hour of use. Lots of folks use heated blankets during the winter months as a way to stay warm and keep their energy bill at a minimum. Majano shares that the wattage will usually be shared on the packaging of your electric blanket.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in textiles, lifestyle, and home design. For this roundup, she personally tested 13 electric blankets from various brands and retailers, combed through user reviews, and researched the key features and specifications before making her final selections. Each product on this list earned high scores in multiple categories, including quality, design, fabric, heat levels, effectiveness, and durability.
For additional insight, Theresa also spoke with certified safety professionals H. Landis "Lanny" Floyd and Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International on key safety features to consider when making your selection.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JuliaFields-54a1bbe7012645f5912e85df4a83af4c.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-v2-HOME-14-best-throw-blankets-4153787-final-01-9c2455bbdab9424cae20a193bf383fd1.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-smart-lamps-6740683-73708fd9cc2d41dfa493fbe0b958c1cb.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-12-best-blankets-4157559-9049d11d2beb4280b8f3aae1c78c4a63.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-latex-pillows-5676407-a7704bf7f0f54f60af9992b93dd12f57.jpg)
:strip_icc()/HeatedMattress.REV-09ae2582aef44c23832d5ca71af5e7be.jpg)
:strip_icc()/default_thespruce_primaryimage-366c94ce4155414b823a765ebee408de.png)
:strip_icc()/Web_1500-SPR_OVERALLGROUP_2-a89efbd4856547568b361784955c1d0d.jpg)
:strip_icc()/FauxFurBlankets-117c020b8ea94727afd15aea427e9f29.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Surge-Protectors-e521e89aee7b43849268b69e61dd1081.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-9-best-towel-warmers-4153435-5bb4ad3f51784685951e05dad62fad03.jpg)
:strip_icc()/how-to-wash-an-electric-blanket-2146292-Hero-01-26f55aea47ec4639838c2450e64ce820.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Blankets-for-Kids-4165686-a00743a76a7d496d83d6cfb8e64a545a.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-the-11-best-picnic-blankets-recirc-badge-deae6506eaa14dc6baabdb66b247c6d7.jpg){kind=icon}
:strip_icc()/Biddeford-Sherpa-Electric-Heated-Blanket-HeroHoriz-11510362887a43ecafe605582192d60e.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR_LinenspaShreddedMemoryFoam_RM_002_4972-132931c99d1c450988804ef549de5b2b.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-7-best-quilts-4158286-01-00eb2846feaf4b02a1c3b8c85c55d5e9.jpg)