Experts told us you should never leave an electric blanket on when you leave the room or when you’re asleep. Many electric blankets have an automatic shut-off feature so it’s not heating when you don’t need it, but it’s always wise to double-check that your blanket is off once you’re done using it. Those who are suffering from pain disorders may also have trouble falling asleep — a heated blanket can “be beneficial to warm up cold sheets or for help in drifting off to sleep,” noted Gallucci.
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.
Sunbeam claims its ThermoFine warming system “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth,” and we found this to be true. The Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw is an affordable and easy-to-use electric sunbeam electric blanket blanket for first-time buyers or anyone who wants cozy supplementary heat while curled up on the couch. If used at night, you may be able to turn down the home’s heat, saving money on your energy bill.
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. It’s also nice to know that the timer restarts automatically if the controller gets turned off or power is lost. Heated blankets designed for beds were tested for several nights to see how they performed over time.
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.