With fall in full swing, we're not only thinking about stuffing our wardrobes with cozy items, but updating our home decor with a few hygge additions before the colder weather fully sets in, too. The first thing we’re going to invest in? An electric blanket. Because although our favorite throw blanket keeps us pretty warm, there’s nothing like a heated version on those truly sub-zero nights.
The 13 Best Electric Blankets for Hibernation Season, According to Enthusiastic Reviewers
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Published Nov 23, 2022
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How Do Electric Blankets Work?
Electric blankets use electricity via a plug to a household electrical outlet to heat wires that are spread out within the length and width of a blanket. The heated wires warm the surrounding fabric, which then radiates outward to users. According to the Sleep Foundation, a trade organization devoted to bedding intel, the electrical wires in these blankets are coated with heat-resistant plastic or they may be made from thin carbon fiber. Finally, the wires may or may not connect to a low-voltage transformer.
Are Electric Blankets Safe?
Simply put: Follow the user instructions in the blanket’s manual and you shouldn’t have any issues. And before you ask, most electric blankets have an auto-shut off feature, so you don’t have to worry about them overheating. It should be noted, however, that the World Health Organization recommends that women discontinue the use of electric blankets while pregnant to avoid any possible complications. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends that those with diabetes warm up their bed with an electric blanket, then shut the heat off before getting under the covers. This is due to the possibility of experiencing neuropathy, which damages the nerves and can affect one's ability to feel heat appropriately.
Do Electric Blankets Use a Lot of Electricity?
Nope! Electric blankets don’t require a ton of power, even if you keep them on for hours. In fact, using one regularly could help you lower your utility costs, since you won’t have to keep the overall house temperature as high.
How Do You Wash an Electric Blanket?
Follow these steps:
- Check the blanket’s instruction manual for details on how to wash your particular model. It will likely tell you to disconnect the blanket from its power source and remove the power cord from the blanket.
- Stick it in the washing machine. Most electric blankets should be washed in cool to warm water on the gentle cycle. Your blanket’s manual should include specific instructions on how to dry it, too.
Now that we’ve got those questions cleared up, let’s dive into the best heated blankets for hibernation season, according to enthusiastic reviewers. Here, the 12 best electric blankets to shop this year.
The Best Electric Blankets at a Glance
- Best Overall: Serta Reversible Electric Blanket
- Best Value: Sochow Sherpa Fleece Electric Blanket
- Most Splurge-Worthy: L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Electric Blanket
- Most Fuzzy: Pure Enrichment Purerelief Electric Blanket
- Best for Couples: Degrees Of Comfort Electric Blanket
- Most Warm: True North by Sleep Philosophy Reversible Electric Blanket
- Most Cozy: Sunbeam Electric Blanket
- Best Comforter Style: Micro Flannel Electric Blanket
- Best Wearable: Beautyrest Electric Poncho
- Best Battery-Operated Electric Blanket: Cozee Electric Blanket
- Best Pocket: Beautyrest Electric Blanket
- Best for Travel: TrekSafe Electric Blanket
- Easiest to Clean: Woolrich Oversized Electric Blanket
- Pros: Five different power and heat settings, auto-shut off after four hours, machine washable
- Cons: Blanket takes a while to heat up
Coming in eight different colors, this Serta heated blanket both looks and feels good. The blanket is super soft, thanks to one side of brushed microplush that can be flipped to reveal plush sherpa lining on the other. Combine that with its easy-to-use controller that allows you to set both its heat and power levels, and you've got the perf combo to send you off to dreamland in total comfort. This blankie also features an auto-shut off function that turns the heat off after four hours, allowing you to rest easy without fear of overheating. And, to make things even better, this baby is machine-washable for an easy clean up. "Spill something on it while binge watching TV? Used while sick? No worries! The electric throw is WASHABLE because the power cord detaches," wrote one reviewer who'd never used an electric blanket before settling in beneath her Serta. "This is easily the most surprising feature." No wonder nearly 6,000 people have given it a 5-star rating on Amazon.
- Pros: Machine washable, two-sided texture
- Cons: Requires an initial wash before use
Available in 20 colorways, this blanket comes in standard throw blanket size (50 inches by 60 inches) as well as those suitable for twin and double beds. With a fleece material on one side and fuzzy sherpa on the other, there's a comforting use for it even when it's not switched on. "This blanket was a good choice because my sister loves it and uses it every day after her hip surgery," wrote one happy buyer. "It's not too hot or cool, just right!"
- Pros: Even temperature throughout, bulk-free feel, auto-shut off
- Cons: Super slippery
This luxe heated throw from L.L. Bean comes in twin, full/queen and king sizes to fit your bed. It also boasts five heat settings, a pre-heat function and soft-to-the-touch material. Raved one shopper: "I use it under my fitted sheet to radiate upward. I think the secret to electric blankets is investing in a good one."
- Pros: Reversible, machine washable
- Cons: No auto-shut off feature
This blanket's 60-inch by 50-inch size is perfect for naps on the couch or cuddling up with in a reading chair. Oh, and you can choose between four different warmth settings for customized comfort. "The micromink is incredibly luxurious," writes one happy user. "The sherpa side gives it a nice, cozy weight. It heats up amazingly fast.
- Pros: Two heat zones with separate controls, adjustable auto shut-off, 20 different heat settings
- Cons: Smaller sizes do not include a dual controller
If you and your partner are in a constant battle over the thermostat, this electric blanket from Degrees of Comfort is for you. The queen and king sizes have two separate heat zones built in that are each managed by their own controller. Each zone has 20 different heat settings, so you can keep your side of the bed at just the temp you like it, too. It's also speedy. Writes one shopper: "We use this blanket every night, turning it on before hopping into bed, and we feel warm right away. When we turn it off, the blanket still keeps warm for hours and it's now something we can't live without during winter time."
Most Warm
6. True North by Sleep Philosophy Reversible Electric Blanket
True North by Sleep Philosophy
- Pros: 20 different heat settings, reversible sides, super warm, automatic timer
- Cons: Expensive
Not only does this reversible pick shut off by timer, it pre-heats by timer as well: Rather than having to turn your blanket on 15 to 20 minutes before you want to get in bed, all you have to do is connect this one to the timer. From there, it’ll start warming up for you every day at the time you choose. Just a heads up: Buyers say that once you’ve snuggled up underneath this plush design, you’ll never want to get out of bed. "I’m from Wisconsin. Winters get cold. This blanket is WARM," wrote one happy customer. They also applauded its 20 heat settings and auto shut-off. "Being as comforting and warm as it is makes it easy to forget to turn off, but the blanket has an automatic shut off after ten hours. I’m not sure I’d use it that long or leave it on by accident, but in the event it happens it eases my mind to know it will shut off." Use code BLKFRI to get it for a steal.
- Pros: Pre-heat setting and auto shut-off, soft material, ten settings
- Cons: Some reviewers say you can feel the wires through the fabric
With a 12-hour auto shut-off, which seems to be longer than most others brands, this one allows you greater peace of mind. "Some other brands have a four-hour shut-off (which results in waking up at 2 a.m. freezing and desperately searching for the controls)," explained one buyer. Another shopper loved Sunbeam’s electric blankets so much, she bought one for every bedroom in her house. “They heat up great and look nice too,” she wrote. Finally, there's the consensus among its more than 21,000 5-star reviewers is that the fleece material is lightweight, but warm, and so soft you'll regret leaving your bed again.
- Pros: Soft down alternative fill, quick heat-up, separate heat settings for each side
- Cons: Some reviewers say it’s too heavy
Want an electric blanket that you can leave on your bed all winter long? Opt for this comforter and you won’t have to worry about layering a less-than-stylish heated throw over. It looks just like a typical comforter but has eight heat settings and separate heat zones for each side of the bed. One Maine-based reviewer writes how it's helped during long winters: "This electric blanket is excellent. It's thick enough that the wires aren't felt." Plus, you can program it to automatically turn on at a certain setting every night. As if we weren’t already totally sold, one person went so far as to call it the best purchase they’ve ever made.
- Pros: Poncho shape, pre-heat feature
- Cons: Some customers say it doesn’t get warm enough
If your main goal this winter is to find a heated blanket you can actually wrap yourself in while you work from home, look no further. This unique shawl design from Beautyrest is made to drape over your shoulders for easy bundling. “[It’s] super soft, extremely warm even on the medium setting and allows me to stay cozy at the computer while I work for hours at a time,” one reviewer attests. The 6-foot power cord means you can have a big of leeway from an extension cord or wall socket, and the 3-foot controller cord is the right length to access the three heat settings without it all getting tangled under you on the couch.
- Pros: Rechargeable batteries, weather-resistant, portable
- Cons: Expensive, limited color options
We know that this baby isn't the most budget-friendly option on the list, but if you're looking to invest in an electric blanket that'll last you years, this is it. Without a cord, it's super easy to transport (thank you, batteries!) and it's weather proof. So whether you have to brave winter's chill to watch your kiddo from the sidelines or are retreating to the mountains for weekend of camping, it'll keep you warm and dry regardless of what and where your plans are. And if that isn't enough to convince you that splurging on this puppy is worth it, it's also equipped with pockets, has two USB charging ports in the remote and quickly recharges before you're able to say "I'm cold."
- Pros: Little to no electromagnetic field radiation, pocket to keep feet warm
- Cons: Not designed to be used while you sleep, short auto-off time
Maybe you're a cold sleeper, maybe your partner is a cover hog or maybe, no matter thick your socks are, your feet are always cold at night. Whatever the case may be, nothing is more frustrating than being unable to comfortably sleep because you're worried about your toes getting frostbite—but never fear. This electric blanket from Beautyrest is ideal for those of us that wake up in the middle of the night shivering thanks to the snuggly foot pocket at the bottom of the blanket. Just climb into bed, get all nice and snuggled up and wave goodbye to the Jack Frost chill preventing you from catching zzz's ever again.
- Pros: Plugs into your car’s 12-volt socket, extra-long cable
- Cons: Some buyers say it takes a while to warm up
According to customers, this compact blanket from TrekSafe is a game-changer for cold morning commutes and winter road trips, since you can drape it over your lap while you drive or keep it in the back for passengers to use. Once you plug it into the car's 12-volt port, you’ll feel it warm up in no time. And reviewers give it high marks for looks, too: "The red plaid is nice and rustic. The fabric is soft and comfy. The adjustment switch was easy to use and has three settings—off, low and high."
- Pros: Rustic pattern, doesn't shed
- Cons: Can wrinkle if not taken from dryer promptly
Just detach the cord, pop this blanket in the wash on a cold cycle, and soon you'll have a a like-new blanket. Generously sized at 60 inches by 70 inches, this Woolrich number gets our vote for family room favorite because it's not only large enough to fit a couple of kids under, the jewel-tone plaid fabrics will hide any little Cheeto fingerprints between washings. Pro tip: Want to keep it your family room tidy and yet have the blanket always at arm's length? Lightly fold this baby and keep in a deep straw basket next to the couch.
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Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and she hasn't met a lifestyle vertical she doesn't like. During more than a decade in digital media, she has continued to build on her knowledge of all things travel, from the best suitcases to the perfect black trousers to wear in-flight. Since moving to Los Angeles, she's branched out to focus on home and wellness categories, showing a special interest in all things fitness, like searching for the perfect pair of leggings. And in the new world of WFH everything, she's become a quick study in the best electronics and home office set-ups for us all.
