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If you’re in the market for an electric blanket, chances are your space is chilly or you’re someone who gets cold easily. If that’s the case, we recommend the following PEOPLE Tested products to add to your cart.
In our space heater test, this small Aikoper space heater was named our “best portable” space heater. We loved that we could easily move it from room to room. Plus, it’s only $30.
This heated jacket was warm and toasty in only 54 seconds, according to our testing. That’s only one of the reasons it won our award for best heated jacket. We also love that it’s water-resistant, warms both the chest and back areas, and its one-button operation makes it easy to use.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Electric Blanket
Controls
“Make sure the heating control is easy to read and easy to operate,” Deanna Hodges, the CEO of H2 Home Collection and Hodges International, tells PEOPLE Tested. “Look for a blanket with an auto shut-off and a timer. Always consider your needs and how easy or difficult the blanket temperature may be to control or regulate.” The Shavel Micro Flannel High Quality Durable Heating Technology Electric Blanket features both auto shut-off and a timer for ultimate customization that’s easy to use.
Safety Certification
“A UL certification means that the blanket has been tested and deemed safe for use by underwriters laboratories,” says Hodges. “There are many blankets out there, especially online, that do not have a UL certification.” She suggests erring on the side of caution and finding one that has the UL certification. “It will be worth it in the long run to know that your blanket has been independently tested and deemed safe,” she says. Check the packaging and the cord for UL certification or ETL certification, as they are often printed on the item itself, and not necessarily in the online description. Several blankets we tested passed ETL certification, including the Shavel Micro Flannel Quilted Heated Blanket (our best overall pick) and the CureCure Heated Blanket.
Pricing
We tested all sorts of electric blankets, ranging in price from $36 to $350. The size of the blanket is often a key factor in pricing, as you can typically buy a twin, queen, or king, and often a throw size, too. If you plan to use an electric blanket on your bed, don’t skimp on the size — you’ll regret not having more surface area. But if you’re buying one to warm up a couch for cozy nights, get the best quality you can afford in a throw size.
Two-Zone Heating — or a Spare
“If you are part of a couple, consider a blanket with two controls and two zones,” Hodges says. “This makes it easier for each person to find their perfect temperature and keeps everyone happy!” She says keeping an electric blanket or two on hand can really help with your electric bill in the winter months — making it more comfortable to keep the heat a bit lower. Electric blankets on this list that feature two-zone heating include the Shavel Micro Flannel Quilted Heated Blanket and the Shavel Micro Flannel Solid Electric Quilted Blanket.
When to Buy
“If you know that you are going to buy an electric blanket, do not wait until the winter,” Hodges recommends, adding that prices are often higher then. She suggests buying one in the summer, if available, and then putting it away until it gets colder. “As soon as the weather changes you will be happy that you already bought yours at a fraction of the price,” she says.
How We Tested
We got comfortable sitting under 27 different blankets and ran through the features to get a feel for each one. We paid special attention to whether we could feel the wires inside that warm up the blanket, and whether they made any crinkling sounds.
Using an IR thermometer, our team noted the temperature of the blanket while off, as well as turned on to various heating levels, also testing how long it took for them to heat up. We made sure the auto shut-off feature worked properly on each blanket, and spilled some coffee on each one to test how easy it was to spot-clean the stain.
We gave each blanket a rating of 1 to 5 on its feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, and ease of use. Then, after learning the retail price, we gave it a rating from 1 to 5 for its value. The individual and cumulative scores were all considered in naming the PEOPLE Tested winners. To ensure longevity results, we continued testing the electric blankets at home so we could measure performance over time. Continued winners stayed on our list, and those that couldn’t go the distance lost their spots.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Rennie Dyball is a contributing freelance writer who’s tested many products in the home and cleaning space. Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer at PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. For this story, they spoke to a Bed Bath & Beyond representative and project manager, remodeling pro, and digital host for HGTV Laurie March and Deanna Hodges, the CEO of H2 Home Collection and Hodges International, as well as used insights from our lab tests and home tests to determine the best electric blankets of 2024.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.