So no matter the style or color you choose, the best heated blankets should always have a seal of approval from third-party testing agencies like UL or Intertek. Read on for details about the best heated blankets according to my testing. If you’re looking for an affordable electric blanket, look no further.
The higher the voltage, the greater the risk of electrical shock. You might be wondering what exactly is the difference between AC and DC power, so let’s talk about that. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Engineering gives a thorough explanation, which we’ll summarize here. Alternating current and sunbeam electric blanket direct current are different types of voltage or current used for the conduction and transmission of electrical energy. AC is the dominant power source you’ll find in daily-use items like lamps, whereas a battery uses DC power. We looked at the distance between the wires, and how close the wires ran to the edges.
Serta’s blanket weighs less than most other options on our list, so some people may find it too thin, especially on a colder day. But it’s a great option if you tend to run hot and you just want a little warmth to ease sore muscles. There’s no programmable timer either, so you will have to manually turn it on in person whenever you want to heat up the blanket.
As such, I would be concerned about using this blanket on a high setting overnight. Sunbeam’s heated bedding includes a unique plug, which attaches the controllers and power supply to the bedding with a firm locking mechanism on either side of the connection port. Although plugging in or unplugging the controllers takes some effort, this design ensures that they won’t come loose.
This direct-to-consumer company claims to have “Invisiwire Tech”—wires that are extremely hard to feel. But the high price point (almost $400 for a sunbeam heated blankets queen at the time of writing) gives us pause. Regardless of the model, disconnect all the controllers and cords from the port before laundering.
But if you’re new to heated blankets, you may want to start off with a budget-friendlier option—or a smaller size—to see if they’re right for you. Some heated blankets use a dial to help you click through their different heat settings, while others have a digital display with plus and minus buttons to set your heat level. Don’t forget to look for sunbeam heated blankets a blanket with a “preheat” option, so you won’t be shivering while you wait for it to warm up. This model has 10 heat settings and a 10-hour shut-off, but that’s about it in terms of features. It seemed to get warmer than other blankets, even on low settings. When I used it overnight on setting 2, I woke up uncomfortably warm after a few hours.
People in warmer climates who will only use their blanket occasionally should look at budget buys instead. This determines the cord length you’ll need from your electric blanket. You can use almost any electric blanket if you have an outlet right next to your bed, but you’ll need something longer if your power outlet is located on a distant wall. For safety, its 3-hour auto-shut-off function offers total peace of mind, so you never have to worry if you fall asleep with it on , or walk away and get distracted.
Check out our favorite cooling weighted blankets under $300 that are best for hot sleepers and hot summers. Electric blankets might be risky for some people with chronic illnesses. For example, people with diabetes can develop a reduced sensitivity to heat, which makes it harder to tell if their blanket is getting too hot and causing irritation or burns. Individuals with chronic health conditions should check with their doctor before buying an electric blanket.