The 8 Best Electric Blankets of 2021

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.

UL Label

"Make sure it includes labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized national testing laboratory," says Floyd. "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."

Standout Features

Dual temperature control

If you’ll be sharing your electric blanket with someone else, it makes sense to look for a version that has dual temperature control. This means that you and a fellow snuggler will each have control over half the blanket so that no one is too hot or too cold. Dual temperature controls are becoming more common, but typically cost more than single temperature zone versions.

Pre-heat option

If you want your bed to be toasty warm before you get in, choose an electric blanket with a pre-heat option. This will ensure the bed has reached your desired temperature before you tuck in for the night.

Rechargeable battery

While most electric blankets must be plugged in during use, you can opt for a rechargeable battery-operated version if you want the flexibility to get cozy anywhere. This design is pricier, but if going cord-free is a priority, it's worth spending more on your new heated blanket.

FAQs

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."

How much energy does an electric blanket use?

Generally speaking, electric blankets don't use up very much energy. They tend to consume about 200 watts on average, which would run you somewhere between $0.15 to $0.30 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.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in lifestyle and home design. For this roundup, she spoke with a certified safety professional, looked at dozens of 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 has multiple heat settings, an auto-shutoff feature, and a soft feel. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home improvement, interior decor, and bedding.