Top 4 Best Electric Blankets for 2022

An electric blanket can be a terrific source of supplemental heat, helping you keep warm on especially chilly days. They can also help you save money on your heating bills by allowing you to turn your home thermostat down at night when you’re in bed.

Deciding to purchase an electric blanket is an easy decision. However, trying to choose one out of the hundred or so models available on the market isn’t so easy. So in order to simplify your buying decision, we invested close to 17 hours researching and comparing over 30 different electric blankets and throws. We then narrowed the field down to the top 4. Check out our list below, or go straight to our comparison chart to view them side by side.

Best Overall: Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece Electric Blanket

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The Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece is, in our opinion, the best electric blanket currently on the market. It’s made out of a very high quality micro fleece fabric that is extremely soft yet very durable.

One of the best features of this blanket is that you can just throw it in the washing machine when it comes time to clean it, as it’s fully washer and dryer safe. You don’t have to worry about tearing or shrinking here. It’s also very low voltage and one of the safest electric blankets you can buy.

Pros

Uses very thin wires. Unlike traditional electric blankets that use big, bulky and round heating wires, the Soft Heat Luxury heating wires are very thin, flexible and lay flat. Because of its advanced design, you won’t even know that the wires are there since you won’t be able to feel them. And don’t worry about the wires getting damaged during washing – they’re designed to retain their shape even after washing.

Dual controls. This blanket is essentially divided into 2 halves with each side having its own controls (and heating elements) that allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking. This is a must-have feature for people sleeping with a partner, as each person can individually set the temperature of their own half. If you’ve ever fought over a TV remote, then you’ll truly appreciate having this feature.

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Low voltage. If you’re worried about being exposed to electromagnetic radiation, then you’ll want an electric blanket that is designed to operate at low voltages. This blanket uses a mere 25 volts, which is pretty much as low as they get. But it doesn’t sacrifice heating power to achieve this low voltage. The reason is because it utilizes a technology that transforms standard 120v AC current into low-voltage DC current. This makes the Soft Heat Luxury one of the safest blankets out there.

Evenly distributed heat. This blanket was designed for optimal heat distribution to give its users the utmost comfort. The heating wires are perfectly spaced throughout the blanket, so there are no spots on the blanket that are too hot or too cold, which is a known problem with some of the lesser quality electric blankets.

Preheating function. This will help you conserve energy and save money by not having to keep the blanket “on” at all times. You could just keep the blanket off when you’re not using it, but most people will find it too inconvenient to have to wait for the blanket to heat up, so this is a very useful feature to have.

Automatic shut-off system. Another great feature is the built-in auto shutoff system that will turn the blanket off after 10 hours. This is an important safety feature that will prevent the possibility of it causing a fire.

Cons

On the more expensive side. If you’re just looking for a cheap electric blanket with an “anything will do” mentality, then this is not the one you want. This is a quality product with a 5 year warranty, so expect to pay more for it than your typical run-of-the-mill blanket that won’t last you a year.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for quality and don’t mind paying a little extra for it, then the Soft Heat Luxury should be at the very top of your list. There are very few electric blankets out there that can match its reliability, heating and fabric quality, and advanced features. And that’s why we’ve selected the Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece as the best electric blanket. Read reviews on Amazon >

Best Value: Sunbeam Microplush Heated Electric Blanket

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For those of you looking to get the best “bang for your buck,” we highly recommend the Sunbeam Microplush. Sunbeam is one of the most trusted brands out there for household appliances and bedding products and the Sunbeam Microplush is one of their most popular and best selling products.

One of the best features of this electrically heated blanket is that it’s made from a high quality fabric called microplush that’s very soft and comfortable. The material feels extremely nice when you have it wrapped around your body or when laying on it. The blanket is also very good at maintaining a consistent temperature, which is very important in helping you stay comfortable throughout the night, especially on cold winter nights.

Pros

Very good heat output. This electric blanket is definitely one of the better ones out there in terms of generating heat.

Available in 4 different sizes. It’s available for purchase in four different sizes: Twin, Full, Queen and King. The twin size is great to use as a simple little throw blanket to cover up in during extra chilly nights or when relaxing on the couch, and you can use the larger sizes as a full blanket for you bed.

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Auto off. When you turn it on, the blanket will automatically start a timer that will turn the blanket off after 10 hours. Let’s face it, most people who use these will forget to turn them off, wasting precious energy in the process, so it’s a nice feature that will give its users one less thing to have to worry about.

5 year warranty. Electric blankets are somewhat notorious for failing after a few years, so having this extended warranty will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re covered for the next 5 years.

Cons

Cord could be longer. The only minor drawback of this blanket is that the cord could have been made a bit longer.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a quality electric blanket that you know you’ll be able to rely on for years and years (not months), then this is it. It heats up quickly, is comfortable yet sturdy, and will most certainly keep you warm. And considering that it’s priced below that of other electric blankets of similar quality, we feel the Sunbeam Microplush offers the best value for your money. Read reviews on Amazon >

Best Budget Model: Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Electric Blanket

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If you’re looking for a decent electric blanket that you can buy at a reasonable price, then the Sunbeam Quilted Fleece is just that. You won’t get the kind of quality or features that you would find in some of the higher end electric blankets like the Soft Heat Luxury, but you’re not paying for it either. For what it costs, though, it’s a fairly good electric blanket and does what it was made to do well, which is to give you extra warmth during cold nights and evenings.

Pros

Machine washable. This blanket is very easy to care for as it’s fully washing machine safe. Unless you like hand washing your throws and blankets, this is a feature you’ll definitely want to have.

Multiple heat settings. It has 10 different heat settings, and also comes with an auto-off feature, which will shut the blanket off after 10 hours. So if you have a tendency to doze off while laying on the couch (who hasn’t done this?), then this feature will come in very handy, as you can simply set the auto-off feature without worrying about leaving it on all day and wasting electricity.

Heats up quickly. Users will like the fact that this blanket heats up fairly quickly. In fact, it will get very warm within minutes of turning it on.

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Cons

Lacks heating power. Some people might find the blanket to be just “lukewarm”, even on the high setting. So it would not be advisable to use this blanket in a very cold room or area of your home, as it just wouldn’t provide you with sufficient heat in such a setting.

Somewhat uneven heating. You’ll find that this blanket has “cold spots”, meaning there will be areas of the blanket that will feel warm and other areas that don’t. This can sometimes happen with electric blankets with lower quality heating elements or poor spacing of the heating wires. However, it isn’t actually as bad as it sounds, and often times you won’t even notice it when you’re using it since heat tends to get dispersed regardless. But on really cold days, you’ll probably feel the cold spots.

Bottom Line

Although it does have a few drawbacks, the Sunbeam Quilted Fleece is still a good blanket that we’d recommend to anybody in need of an electric blanket/throw but isn’t looking to spend lavishly on one. If you’re looking for an electric blanket to use in your bed, you’ll want to spend a little more to get something like the Soft Heat Luxury, but if all you need is a little extra warmth and comfort for when you’re watching TV on the sofa, then this will more than suffice. And because just about anyone should be able to afford it, we’ve chosen the Sunbeam Quilted Fleece as the best inexpensive electric blanket. Read reviews on Amazon >

4 Best Electric Throw: Sunbeam TRT8WR-R230-25A00 Reversible Sherpa/Mink

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The vast majority of electric blankets that you’ll find on the market are made of either microfleece or microplush, but some of them – like the Sunbeam Reversible Sherpa/Mink – are made with a combination of sherpa and mink. So if you’re someone who prefers the feel of the latter over the ubiquitous fleece/plush, then you’ll want to strongly consider getting this uniquely comfortable dual-sided heated throw.

Unlike electric blankets which are intended for use on beds, heated throws are generally designed to be used anywhere outside of the bedroom, such as when you’re snuggling up on the sofa or recliner in the family room while watching your favorite TV show. They’re great general purpose mini-blankets that you can even drape over you while relaxing in a chair. And the Sunbeam Sherpa/Mink Heated Throw does just that.

Features

Advanced heat control system. This electrically heated throw has an advanced self-regulating heat control system that can sense the body warmth of the person using it and will automatically adjust the internal thermostat in order to maintain a comfortably warm temperature.

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Varying warm settings. The temperature control dial allows you to pick from 3 different heat settings: low, medium and high. If you don’t like having to deal with complicated controls, then you’ll appreciate the simple design of the controls.

Washer and Dryer Safe. Another feature you’ll like about this electric throw is that it’s completely safe to wash in the washing machine, and it’s even safe to dry in your drying machine as well without damaging it. It’s made with a high quality fabric and the wires are durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of a fast spinning washer/dryer. However, you’ll want to wash it for a short duration as a long spin could potentially put holes in the blanket if washed too frequently.

Long cord. An electric blanket with a short cord can be inconvenient to use because if your power outlet is too far from your bed/sofa, you’ll have to use an extension cord. This electric blanket has a cord that is almost 7 feet long, so you probably shouldn’t have any problems getting the plug to reach your nearest outlet.

Bottom Line

This a great throw that you can throw (no pun intended) over your shoulders while lazying it up on the couch. This is what it was designed for and it does its job well. However, with a width of about 4 feet and a length of about 5 feet, it’s simply too small to be used as a regular bed blanket. But it’s terrific for everything else and you’ll really appreciate the superb feel and quality of the Sherpa and Mink fabric. Read reviews on Amazon >

Safety

When looking at different brands and styles of electric blankets, the first thing you should consider is safety. Check to make sure that the blanket has a UL or ETL mark to show that it meets safety regulations. Typically, all of the models made by any of the top brands will meet the UL standards.
It is also important to remember that even if it does meet safety standards, you still need to properly care for your blanket to keep it working properly and safely. For example, check the cords for damage on a regular basis, have your blanket inspected every two to three years and always follow the instructions that are listed in the user’s manual.

Brand

Buy with quality in mind. Although there are many brands that manufacture electric blankets, try to stick with a brand that you can trust, like Sunbeam or SoftHeat whenever possible. If you buy one of the less expensive electric blankets on the market, you’ll probably discover that the quality simply isn’t up to par. It’s better to spend a little more money on a blanket that you will be able to safely use for many years.

Features

Ten years ago, electric blankets did not come equipped with the numerous features that are available today. Over the past several years, these blankets have been redesigned, safety features have been improved and they are a great option for individuals who want to stay warm at night without turning up the heat. Here are some of the most popular features that potential buyers are looking for in an electric blanket.

1. Dual controllers. In the past, most blankets could only be heated to one temperature. The dual control option allows each side of the bed to be heated differently for individualized comfort.

2. Automatic shut off. Most blankets made today come equipped with this feature and automatically shut off after 10-12 hours. This feature is extremely convenient for people who forget to turn off their electric blanket in the morning, and it makes today’s blankets much safer than blankets that were manufactured 10 years ago.

3. Cordless. Wireless electric blankets are quickly becoming one of the most popular blankets on the market today. One of the biggest complaints customers have regarding their electric blanket is having an unsightly cord hanging off the bed. It can also be a safety hazard when getting out of bed in the middle of the night. With the wireless blanket, you no longer have to worry about bothersome cords.

4. Machine washable. Most blankets made today are machine washable. However, you still need to be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Following the instructions is the best way to prevent damage to your blanket.

5. Warranty. A warranty is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an electric blanket. Even if you have to spend a little more money, it is probably worth the extra cost. Then, if your blanket isn’t working properly, you simply call the service center to figure out the problem. If the problem can’t be fixed, the company will provide you with a replacement. One thing to remember if you’re planning to use the warranty is to keep your receipt.

Over the past several years, the quality and safety of electric blankets has dramatically improved. Regardless of the type, style or brand of blanket you decide to purchase, you will save energy and still sleep comfortably regardless of the outdoor temperature.

Our Top Pick

Soft Heat Luxury

Material
100% Polyester Micro-Fleece

Sizes Available
Twin, Full, Queen,
King & Throw

Machine Washable
Yes

Dual Controllers

Settings
10 Heat Levels
10 Hr. Auto Shut-off

5 Year Warranty

Price Level
$$$$$

Check Price
on Amazon >

Best Value

Sunbeam Microplush

Material
100% Polyester Microplush

Sizes Available
Twin, Full, Queen
& King

Machine Washable
Yes

Single Controller

Settings
10 Heat Levels
10 Hr. Auto Shut-off

5 Year Warranty

Price Level
$$$$

Check Price
on Amazon >

Best Budget Model

Sunbeam Quilted Fleece

Material
100% Polyester Fleece

Sizes Available
Twin, Full, Queen
& King

Machine Washable
Yes

Single Controller

Settings
10 Heat Levels
10 Hr. Auto Shut-off

5 Year Warranty

Price Level
$$$

Check Price
on Amazon >

Best Electric Throw

Sunbeam Sherpa/Mink

Material
100% Polyester Fleece

Sizes Available
Throw
Only

Machine Washable
Yes

Single Controller

Settings
3 Heat Levels
3 Hr. Auto Shut-off

1 Year Warranty

Price Level
$$

Check Price
on Amazon >

Top Rated

Biddeford MicroPlush

Material
100% Polyester Microplush

Sizes Available
Twin, Full, Queen
& King

Machine Washable
Yes

Dual Controllers

Settings
10 Heat Levels
10 Hr. Auto Shut-off

5 Year Warranty

Price Level
$$$$$

Check Price
on Amazon >

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