Don’t launder your heated bedding more than you absolutely have to. This ETL-listed Serta Electric Throw Blanket is reversible — one side is made from polyester microplush and the other side features a sherpa lining. It has five heat settings listed as numbers on the controller so you can choose the most comfortable option for you, along with a four-hour automatic shut-off function. The blanket measures 60 inches long and 50 inches wide and comes in various colors, including Chocolate and Bay Blue. I was able to easily adjust the temperature in the middle of the night without trouble because the controller illuminates in the dark, a common feature in all the heated blankets I tested. The sleep mode button allows you to adjust the length of the auto shut-off to between 1 and 10 hours, designated by an “H” on the LED screen, which is a good detail for groggy nighttime operation.
If you’re looking for a heated throw for relaxing on the couch during cold winter nights, this Sunbeam is worth a try. With the digital controller, this fleece blanket lets you select from six heat settings using the up and down arrows as well as view and program its 10-hour auto shut-off timer. The brand says the blanket has comfortably thin heating wires and it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe in case of stains or debris. The heated blanket is UL- and ETL-listed and the brand offers a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind. This plush electric blanket offers 20 different heat settings for you to choose from using the included controller with a convenient LCD display. While the actual temperature of each setting isn’t disclosed by the brand, the settings can be adjusted using the up and down buttons on the controller.
One thing that’s different about this blanket is its two separate heating zones are served by a single connector. For this reason, you have to set the cords up in a specific way to ensure the controllers end up on the right sides of the bed. I didn’t realize this until I had already spent 10 minutes threading the cords under the bed.
If you fall asleep on the couch, the automatic timer shuts it off, reducing the risk of overheating or getting a burn. I also appreciated the belt clip for tracking the remote control. In short, it became my go-to blanket to stay cozy under while bingeing Netflix in the evening. But where the design of this blanket gets extra points for practicality and helps it stand out from other electric blankets is the belt clip. Imagine yourself wrapped in a cozy, warm blanket, but you need to adjust the temperature because as the evening progresses, it gets colder. Then imagine wrestling around with the blanket and cord trying to find the remote control.
However, if you plan on using it overnight or want a blanket you can share, it’s worth it to invest in a more expensive model that will stand the test of time. The Microplush Heated Throw warms up faster than many other blankets, getting to high heat almost instantly, and its heat is even throughout sunbeam heated blankets the blanket. The throw comes with a controller that lets you choose low, medium, or high heat—the high heat is very intense, and even the low is very warm. Sunbeam claims its ThermoFine warming system “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth,” and we found this to be true.