The look and feel of this blanket enhanced my decor and my night’s sleep with comfortable heat and a ton of clickable options. Safety concerns about malfunction, overheating, and electromagnetic frequency waves are among the top questions the Electric Blanket Institute receives. Each of the blankets we looked at met the latest Underwriters Laboratories electric bedding standards. Each of our finalist blankets did a great job of heating evenly, with no discernable hot or cold spots. However, in terms of overall heat distribution, the SoftHeat and Serta blankets were both clear winners, with the most uniform feel of warmth when under the blanket. However, the SoftHeat and Serta blankets, which convert to DC power, cost less than four dollars a year to operate.
It has a plush microfiber top with a ribbed look with a fluffy fleece bottom, providing two different textures for you to choose from. The brand also offers another electric blanket with a reversible faux fur and sherpa design for extra softness. Just keep in mind that this blanket isn’t as thick as other picks, so while it heats up faster than others, the wires are a little more noticeable. Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief electric throw blanket features a reversible design — anti-pill micromink on one side and sherpa on the other — with super-soft, luxe comfort on both sides.
If you suffer from a health condition and are unsure whether a heated blanket would be safe, consult with your doctor. As I learned firsthand, heated blankets sometimes just stop working. No matter what appliance you purchase, it’s always a good idea to look for a warranty. “We usually assume a 10-year cycle for most small appliances,” says Hawk. Compared to the other blankets I tested, the Berkshire Blanket VelvetLoft Striped Heated Blanket was the thickest.
All of the electric blankets we tried had problems, ranging from unpleasant-feeling fabric to particularly noticeable wires. In our test group, the Sunbeam Velvet Plush Heated Blanket was the best, since its overall combination of softness, performance, controls, and safety features helped it edge out the competition. 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 a blanket with a “preheat” option, so you won’t be shivering while you wait for it to warm up.
Setting up the Sunbeam was very easy as it comes with one plug to go into the wall socket and one that clicks into the end of the blanket. There are two clips on the blanket plug to keep it from coming loose. Garnet, Royal Blue, and Walnut are the richest shades, and there are more muted options such as Sand and Olive. We chose a light blue option that doesn’t seem to be available anymore. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. After years of researching bedsheets—from cotton to flannel and everything in between—we’ve found the best sets no matter what your preference.
The blanket itself is incredibly warm, offering reversible functionality with snuggly sherpa on one side and silky faux-mink material on the other. Even without the heat on, it’s hefty enough to warm you up, and soft enough to give you an ultra-cozy feel. One thing that’s different about this blanket is its two separate heating zones are served by a single connector.
With its snuggly soft texture and cozy fleece side, the Sunbeam – Sherpa-Mink Throw Blanket is perfect to curl up with even before you turn the heat on. In fact, the premium soft material and plush thickness of the sherpa means you don’t even feel the wires when the blanket is resting against your body. We appreciated the fact that SoftHeat is both machine washable and dryable (be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for settings). Since you’re most likely to use an electric blanket during the winter, finding a place to hang-dry a full-size or larger blanket could be a bit cumbersome.
While some have a quilted texture and others do not, electric blankets are usually very soft to the touch and made of fleece or microfiber. Most electric blankets come in a host of different sizes, so think about how and where it will be used. If the goal is to snuggle up on the couch while reading or streaming shows, a 50-inch by 60-inch throw-size blanket might suit those needs. If the plan is to sleep under it every night, consider looking for a cozy blanket that is the same size as the bed.
All of the heat settings and timer settings were used to make sure they all worked. For example, electric blankets designed for use as bedding aren’t usually as plush as those designed for use as a throw. In hands-on testing, we found the blanket somewhat stiff sunbeam electric blanket and not as cozy as a lap throw. However, it’s ideal for use on a bed instead of layers of blankets. It is heavy, insulating, and offers 10 heat settings to fine-tune optimal comfort. The long 10-hour timer also provides comfortable sleep all night long.