It warms up faster than many other blankets, getting to high heat almost instantly, and its heat is even throughout the blanket. We purchased the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw Blanket so our expert reviewer could put it to the test on her couch. Nina Ruggiero is an editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about travel, beauty, and e-commerce. Her nearly 10 years of experience has included writing for Elite Daily, amNewYork, Newsday, People, Time, Money, Business Insider, WE tv, and more. A bed blanket’s size and weight can make it unwieldy for couch lounging. For snuggling on the sofa, the Sunbeam Velvet Plush Heated Throw comes out as my top choice.
Serta’s 100-watt heated throw blanket is perfect for cozying up and staying warm during the winter months. The ultra-soft material is made from brushed microplush that reverses to a plush sherpa lining that looks good and feels good. The 50-by-60-inch sunbeam electric blanket size is ideal for a single user, but two can squeeze in and share the warmth. The easy-to-use controller has two buttons — Power and Heat — with five heat settings, making it easy to adjust and maintain your perfect comfort level.
After thirty minutes of warming up, we used an infrared thermometer to test five points on each blanket; the middle and each of the four corners. Then we used the numbers to get the standard deviation and the average temperature of the blanket for each temperature setting. We used setting 3, 6, and then 10/High for our controller settings. We used the standard deviation to determine even heating of the blanket.
The Sunbeam Zoned Heated Mattress Pad has a 100% cotton top, a rare feature on heated mattress pads that can improve breathability. This zoned mattress pad includes a wireless controller that lets you adjust heat settings across three banded sections . If you get the queen or king size, you can also adjust each side differently for each sleep partner, for a total of six different zones. But, should all of this sound like too much micromanaging, you can also just use the mattress pad with all-over heat.
The look and feel of this blanket enhanced my decor and my night’s sleep with comfortable heat and a ton of clickable options. We could feel the wires in this blanket—but we could feel the wires in all the top blanket contenders, and the Velvet Plush’s wires were relatively less noticeable than those of some other models. Once we had the blanket on the bed, sandwiched between a comforter and a top sheet, the wires were less bothersome but still noticeable. Since the blanket lies on top of you instead of under you, the wires don’t have the potential to create pressure points or to dig into your body.
We spent hours on the couch during some of the coldest days of the year, testing this throw to see how quickly it heated and how warm and comfortable it kept us. At around $50, it’s one of the more affordable heated blankets out there, but does it get the job done? This is likely because when polyester is laundered, it’s less prone than cotton or wool to stretch or shrink, which could warp the wires.
Just like our other picks, this 50-by-60-inch blanket is machine-washable and can be dried on low heat to help preserve the fabric’s softness and maintain its luxurious look and feel for years to come. In fact, sleep experts suggest that a colder ambient temperature is an ideal temperature for getting a good night’s rest. But there are many reasons why you may seek extra warmth at night. If so, our research and testing found that in most cases you’re better off using a heated mattress pad, rather than an electric blanket.
This Sunbeam blanket’s size and design are perfect for use while sitting or lying on the couch. It comfortably reaches from the collarbone to well below the toes, so the user’s body is completely covered. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about electric blankets to make an informed purchase. The Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket was the least welcoming of the bunch. It’s made from polyester like many others, but it’s neither soft nor cozy, and I didn’t want it against my bare skin.
The plush is thick enough on both sides so the heating wires, spaced at 3.25″ apart, are barely noticeable to the touch. The Tefici has a generous 10-foot power cord, which allows you to move around without feeling tied down to one position. Those who like a fluffy blanket with a good amount of body might not love the Sunbeam.
And to take full advantage of the electric blanket that shoppers call “toasty,” it starts with a simple push of a button. With the Sunbeam, you can use the belt clip to attach the remote to yourself (if you’re close enough to the outlet) or to the couch or the blanket itself. Plus you get a generous Walmart return policy–or you can pay, I think, $3, for an extended replacement plan. To prevent these hazards, it’s essential to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions.