Among the many bedding alternatives available, purchasing an electric blanket, usually referred to as a heated blanket, may be the finest choice you can make during chilly weather. Electric heat is used to radiate warmth from tiny wires that run along the interior of heated blankets. Experts I spoke with said that while they are perfect for combating extremely low weather, they may also be dangerous if used incorrectly.
I talked to a board-certified pediatrician and fire safety experts to find out how to use an electric blanket safely and who can benefit from one the most.
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Our top picks
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Best overallBedsure Electric Throw Blanket
$undefined$38.99Amazon
Learn more
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Best under $50Brookstone Heated Blanket
$24.29$40.49Target
Learn more
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Best splurgeSerta Fleece to Sherpa Heated Blanket
$103.19$189.99Wayfair
Learn more
How I picked the best electric blankets
Here are all the things I considered when compiling this list after consulting with fire safety specialists for their opinions on safety procedures:
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Certification:
When buying an electric blanket, look for products that bear [the] mark of an independent testing laboratory, which ensures that it s been tested to meet established safety standards, says Susan McKelvey, communications manager at theNational Fire Protection Association
(NFPA). Many electric blankets come with
Edison Testing Laboratories
(ETL) certification, (part of quality assurance provider
Intertek
), which tests products to ensure they meet safety standards. Some electric blankets also have certification from the
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC), which means they ve been tested by an FCC-recognized and accredited laboratory.
In order to ensure that they comply with the company’s regulations, the FCC regulates electronic consumer items that have the ability to emit radio frequencies. Another quality assurance firm, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), may also have certified a small number of blankets. According to Robert O. Brien, president of NY Fire Consultants, Inc., the UL Listed seal indicates that the product has undergone testing in accordance with nationally accepted safety and sustainability criteria. The ETL, FCC, or UL have certified each of the blankets on this list.
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Auto shut-off:
Many electric blankets have a timed auto shut-off feature, usually turning themselves off after a few hours. This helps prevent overheating (and fires) and eliminates having to remember to turn it off when you re away. All of the electric blankets on this list have this feature. -
Heat settings:
A quality electric blanket will have multiple heat settings, which you can often control via a remote. This allows you to choose exactly how warm you want it to be, preventing overheating. All of the electric blankets on this list have at least two or more heat settings.
Top-rated electric blankets to try in 2024
Every electric blanket listed below has at least 500 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of at least four stars, or at least 100 reviews on Wayfair, Target, or the websites of the individual blanket brands.
Bedsure Electric Throw Blanket
Bedsure Electric Throw Blanket
- Machine washable
- Uses both sherpa and fleece
- Nothing to note at this time
The Bedsure electric throw blanket is composed of flannel-style and sherpa fleece for warmth and softness, and it is available in a variety of plain colors and sizes. You may use the remote in one- to four-hour increments thanks to its four time settings. According to the makers, the blanket is machine-washable, making it simple to maintain after years of usage. It has an average rating of 4.4 stars based on 7,725 reviews on Amazon.
Sizes: throw king| Auto shut-off: yes| Heat settings: 6|Certification: FCC and ETL
Tefici Electric Throw Blanket
Tefici Electric Throw Blanket
- Comes in 5 sizes
- Machine washable
- Select colors available
After four hours, this throw blanket made of flannel will automatically turn off. Because the controller can be detached, the blanket, which has an average rating of 4.2 stars based on 12,456 reviews on Amazon, may also be used as a standard blanket. As long as you take off the remote control, you may also hand-wash or machine-wash it, according to the manufacturer. For safety concerns, make sure you let it air dry completely before using it again.Yes, auto shut-off; three heat settings; throw-king sizes; ETL and FCC certifications
Brookstone Heated Blanket
Brookstone Heated Blanket
- Machine washable
- King size has dual controllers
- Throw size unavailable
According to the brand, the Brookstone electric blanket is made of polyester and has a soft texture. It has an average rating of 4.4 stars based on 321 reviews at Target. There are three sizes available, and the queen and king sizes include two remote controls so that multiple people can use it simultaneously. It is machine washable and dryable, and it includes a 12-hour auto shut-off option.Yes, auto shut-off; 10 heat settings; twin king size; ETL certification
Beautyrest Fleece Electric Blanket
Beautyrest Fleece Electric Blanket
- Dual controllers
- 20 heat settings
- Ribbed texture
- Nothing to note at this time
The Beautyrest electric blanket can be programmed to turn off automatically every one to ten hours. All of the blankets are machine washable, available in more than five colors, and the king and queen sizes come with two controllers. They also have flexible wire and a faintly ribbed feel. Based on 929 reviews, it has an average rating of 4.3 stars on Amazon.Heat settings: 20 | Sizes: twin king | Certification: UL | Auto shut-off: yes
Serta Fleece to Sherpa Heated Blanket
Serta Fleece to Sherpa Heated Blanket
- LCD display controller
- Has both fleece and sherpa
- Throw size unavailable
Serta’s electric blanket has two textures: sherpa on one side and fleece on the other. Selecting from the blanket’s ten heat settings is made simple by its controller, which features an LCD display. According to the company, you may either hand wash it or use a delicate cycle in the machine to clean it. Additionally, it offers an adjustable auto shut-off feature that you can set to last anywhere from one to twelve hours, just like many other alternatives on this list.Yes, auto shut-off; 10 heat settings; twin and king sizes; ETL certification
Westinghouse Flannel to Sherpa Electric Blanket
Westinghouse Flannel to Sherpa Electric Blanket
- Has both flannel and sherpa
- King size unavailable
With a 4.5-star average rating based on 973 reviews on Amazon, the Westinghouse electric blanket is composed of sherpa on one side and woven ribbed flannel on the other. According to the company, it is safe to tumble dry in temperatures lower than 86 degrees and is machine and hand washable. It also has a timer that you can set to go off in hourly increments.
Yes, auto shut-off; 10 heat settings; throw-queen sizeETL certification
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How to shop for an electric blanket
Here are some things to think about when shopping:
Material: Polyester is used to weave flannel, fleece, and/or sherpa into many electric blankets. Additionally, some of them have ribbed surfaces. Sometimes, if it’s made of a really thin material, like generic polyester, you can feel the wires from the outside.
Size: In addition to a throw size, the majority of electric blankets are available in mattress sizes. Before you commit, consider where and how you want to utilize one.Outlets: Typically, an electric blanket needs to be plugged into an outlet close by, such as one near your sofa or bed. You should have an outlet within arm’s reach, depending on how you intend to use the blanket.
Intended use: According to specialists I spoke with, electric blankets aren’t safe for everyone to use, even pregnant women, even though they offer warmth and comfort. Additionally, you must handle the blankets properly to avoid damage. prevent using the blanket when it is still moist from washing, and prevent bunching it up while it is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
If used properly, electric blankets are generally safe for the majority of people. This entails washing and drying it thoroughly, as well as storing and folding it appropriately.
Yes, they have the potential to start an electrical fire if handled incorrectly. This is because if you keep them on for an extended period of time or switch them on before they are completely dry, they run the risk of overheating. According to McKelvey, this is why it’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for use, upkeep, and storage. She also advises turning off electric blankets before bed. That said, many electric blankets (such as the ones this list) have auto shut-off features to help avoid accidents.
According to board-certified pediatrician Dr. Chandani DeZure, pregnant women should refrain from using electric blankets and hot tubs because of the possible risks associated with elevated body temperatures. She also recommends only allowing children over the age of three to use heated blankets, and not allowing them to sleep with it overnight. Additionally, some safety labels deter diabetics from using them.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Susan McKelvey
is the communications manager at theNational Fire Protection Agency
, an organization that specializes in fire safety and prevention education, wildfire preparedness and electrical safety.
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Robert O Brien
is a former firefighter and the president and cofounder ofNY Fire Consultants, Inc.
, an organization specializing in fire safety education.
-
Chandani Patel DeZure
, MD, is a hospitalist physician at the division of neonatal & developmental medicine and a media spokesperson for theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
.
Why trust NBC Select?
As an NBC Select acommerce editor, I regularly write about kitchenware, home appliances, and bedding. For instance, I’ve written on the finest mattresses for side sleepers, sleeper sofas, and bamboo sheets. I interviewed several fire safety specialists as well as a physician for this topic.
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