How We Tested
For this roundup, our editors researched the top electric blankets on the market. We then purchased almost 30 picks to put to the test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, evaluating them on the basis of quality, feel, effectiveness, heat, durability, ease of use, and overall value. During the testing process, we assessed how quickly these blankets heated to temperature, working with their controls to understand how intuitive or challenging to use they were, and even put the fabrics through some wear. The blankets were stained with coffee to see how easy it is to spot-clean these blankets without permanent damage.
Once our lab-based testers evaluated how the blankets worked and felt when in use, we continued to test some of the products over a long period of time at our tester’s homes to see how they performed in the real world. During the at-home testing process, our testers evaluated how each blanket performed on a daily basis, utilizing different features and functionality like automatic shut-off, dual temperature controls, and memory settings to offer a deeper dive into the performance, durability, and overall capability of the products. Our writer’s research and testers’ notes ultimately helped compile this final list.
What to Look for in an Electric Blanket
Material
If your electric blanket is warm but uncomfortably scratchy, you may not enjoy using it. Fortunately, many heated blankets are made with soft microfiber fabrics that feel cozy to the touch, ranging from velvety-soft plush material to fuzzy and warm sherpa-style options. Many of the options on our list, from our Best Overall pick-Shavel’s Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket- to our Best Dual-Control pick, the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Luxury Micro-Fleece Heated Electric Warming Blanket, are plush, soft, and meant to feel sumptuously cozy.
If you’re searching for something that’s more durable than soft, however, you can also find options that feature other materials. For example, electric blankets can also include weather- and water-resistant options, though, like our Best Outdoor pick, the Eddie Bauer Portable Heated Electric Throw Blanket.
Here’s another reason to take a close look at the material of any electric blanket: Many polyester microfiber blankets are machine-washable for easy care. If you’re concerned about regular washing and don’t want to work with more complex care needs, you’ll want to choose a blanket made from a material that’s easy to toss into your home washing machine. Our Best Budget pick, CureCure’s Heated Throw Blanket, and our Best with Foot Pockets pick, Degrees of Comfort’s Micro-Plush Heated Blanket, are two great examples of simple, straightforward options you can wash.
Size
Electric blankets come in a variety of sizes. You can opt for heated throw blankets, which are ideal for lounging or using on the couch. Or, you can add one to your bed for warmth while sleeping, with options available in common bedding sizes from Twin to King.
Here’s how to find the right size for your needs: Consider whether you want an electric blanket for your bed or just for lounging. A comforter-size electric blanket, though practical for sleeping, may overwhelm your couch or sitting space while also being less energy efficient. There are many heated blankets the size of your average throw available. On the other hand, if you want an electric blanket to warm your whole bed, there’s every size from twin to king on the market.
Automatic Shutoff
A majority of the heated blankets you can buy today have an automatic shutoff feature. This means that if you forget to power it down, it’ll automatically turn off after a period. Some electric blankets turn off after two or three hours, but for those designed for sleeping, it’s usually closer to 10 hours.
According to Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, “Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.” This automatic shutoff feature ensures your blanket remains safe, even through the night.
Safety Certifications
“Make sure it includes labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized national testing laboratory,” says H. Landis “Lanny” Floyd, a professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “The label is an assurance the blanket complies with product safety standards. A standard safety feature is a control on the power cord that allows the user to adjust the temperature setting and turn the blanket off without unplugging the power cord.”
The Checkout Counter
Still feeling cold? We’ve got a few more product recommendations to help keep you warm throughout the year.
- Black+Decker Indoor Space Heater: For less than $50, we recommend this powerful little heater (just over 2 pounds) for small spaces like your office or bedroom.
- Zadro Towel Warmer: If you find yourself chilled as soon as you step out of the shower, a towel warmer will stop the cold in its tracks. Toss in your towel or robe (or even your pajamas) into this bucket for 15 minutes and then enjoy the warm embrace post-wash.
- Bliss Casa Flannel Sheet Set: A set of flannel sheets paired with an electric blanket is a match made in heat heaven. We love the old-school patterns on these sheets that get softer the more we wash them.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned writer specializing in textiles, lifestyle, and home design who’s been writing for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she personally tested a number of electric blankets from various brands and retailers, combed through user reviews, and researched the key features and specifications. She also utilized insights and experiences gathered during the lab and at-home testing processes, using the firsthand research conducted by The Spruce’s testers to create this list. Each product highlighted here earned high scores in multiple categories, including quality, design, fabric, heat levels, effectiveness, and durability.
Our Experts:
- H. Landis “Lanny” Floyd, professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International
- Lily Sperry, former lifestyle writer and editor for The Spruce
- Heather Adams, senior editor for The Spruce