Cozy Up With These Tester-Approved Electric Blankets This Fall (2024)

Our Top Picks

For an all-around excellent option with ample settings, go with Shavel's Micro Flannel Sherpa Electric Blanket. Whether you run hot or cold, we found that the warm sherpa added an extra layer of comfort without any risk of overheating.

On low, this blanket feels cozy and luxurious, without overwhelming warmth. When you need a higher temp, it takes just a few minutes to reach the appropriate level of heat. It's also a great option to layer under your sheets, comforter, and other layers of bedding.

While sherpa material often runs the risk of shedding, that's not a problem with this micro-flannel blanket. The seven layers of fabric are filled with a down alternative fiber, so it's hypoallergenic. We also love that the queen and king sizes include two controllers so each person can program their perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. The blanket will even remember your favorite settings with the memory function.

Additionally, we like that this heated blanket has a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature. You can stay warm through the night without worrying about it turning off too soon or causing an electrical hazard. In our testing, we did find that coffee and other liquids may leave small stains when spot-cleaning, but you can also put this blanket in the washing machine for an easy refresh.

^{Material: Polyester cover, 100% down alternative fill, sherpa, micro flannel fabric | Size: Twin, full, queen, king | Timer: 10-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 10}

Available at about half the price of the average electric blanket, the CureCure Heated Blanket is a prime throw-style option for those on a budget. While we haven't tested this exact model, we did thoroughly evaluate a nearly identical product from the same brand.

During testing, the soft-to-the-touch texture provided us with an undeniably comfortable experience without noticeable wires. One side of the blanket is ultra-cozy flannel, while the other is a smooth and sumptuous velvet material.

Though it only has four heat settings, the blanket offers a consistent heating experience, warming up quickly and maintaining its heat. The handy auto-shutoff feature kills the heat after six hours, ensuring you don't run into any potential dangers if you fall asleep. And, as an added bonus, we found that the control buttons are intuitive and easy to use.

The blanket is machine-washable on a cold cycle but should be air-dried, and it's available in five colors and four sizes. We do wish that this pick came with more controls for a higher level of temperature customization, but for such an affordable price, it's a great option. It's extremely user-friendly and easy to spot clean.

_{Material: Cotton | Size: 50 x 60 inches, 77 x 84 inches | Timer: 3-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 4}

One downside of electric blankets is that they can be bulky and an eyesore when not in use. Fortunately, this micro flannel pick from Shavel comes in multiple attractive patterns and colors to add a bit of color to your space while lounging around. While beautiful to look at, we love that this pick doesn't sacrifice construction or effectiveness.

In our testing process, the blanket heated as expected, and the wires weren't overly obvious when lying under it. We particularly liked the dual heat option, especially for partners sharing this blanket on a bed or while lounging on the couch together.

It also includes a programmable timer with an automatic shutoff and eight heat settings to choose from, offering plenty of options for users of all temperatures and comfort levels.

We also like how thick and incredibly soft the flannel material feels, without drawing any attention to the wires inside. Though the price tag is a bit high, and it does take some time to learn the controls, we love this blanket for its aesthetically pleasing, yet effective design.

^{Material: Sherpa, velvet and microfiber | Size: 90 x 72 inches | Timer: 10 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 10}

For an electric blanket that you can use completely hands-free, we love Beautyrest's Reversible Sherpa to Fleece Electric Wrap. It's like a heated shawl you can use whether you're working at your desk or lounging on your couch, with both style and plenty of warmth. The blanket wraps around your shoulders to keep you warm when cuddling on the couch or walking around.

The three heat levels provide even warmth without noticeable wires. It gets to work quickly; in our testing, we found this electric blanket heated up within nine minutes. Its controls are easy to use, and it's simple enough to rely on day in and day out.

For such an affordable price and great color options, this is a great option for kids or teens. It also comes backed with a UL certification. In our testing, we did find the cord and control panel on this model can be a bit bulky, but we loved the even heat distribution and ease of use. We also, however, found that the heat output does cycle. This means you'll experience periods of high heat and lower heat, so be prepared for slight variations.

^{Material: Sherpa, fleece | Size: 64 x 50 inches | Timer: 2 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 3}

If you’re searching for an electric blanket that’s shareable and yet allows everyone to choose their own warmth level, the Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Blanket is a great option. With easy-to-use dual controls that lit up, we had no issue adjusting the temperature–or seeing which buttons we were pressing–as needed.

Each side of the blanket can be controlled by a different user, a perk that’s particularly great if you’re sharing it on the couch or in a queen-size bed.

We liked the consistent, mild level of heat offered by this electric blanket, but be warned: If you’re someone who really wants to get toasty, the temperature here likely won’t meet your needs. While there are 10 heat settings, each setting appeared to only increase the temperature by one degree. Additionally, it is a weightier blanket, which makes it a bit trickier to lift and maneuver.

After six months of use, this electric blanket continued to live up to our standards. The only detail we weren’t happy with was the weight of the blanket. As one of the heavier options on our list, we found it to be noticeably difficult to lift and wrap up in as we used it often. However, if you don’t mind a weighted option, we think it’s still a worthwhile buy.

_{Material: Fleece | Size: 84 x 90 inches | Timer: 10-hour auto shut-off | Heat Settings: 10}

How It Performed Long-Term

Eddie Bauer’s Portable Heated Electric Blanket offers the best of both worlds, as we discovered in our testing: It heats up fast in cold temperatures, and it doesn’t require you to stay plugged in at home.

This is a blanket designed for outdoor adventures, from staying warm during fall football nights to curling up under the stars while camping. With a plush, soft polyester fabric on one side and a weather-resistant, durable nylon on the other, it can handle just about anything.

We particularly like the speediness with which this electric blanket heats up. When we put it to the test, it warmed up in seconds and was relatively easy to control. We did have to examine the controls a bit to understand which light referred to which of the three heat settings, but after a couple uses we got the hang of its features and functionality.

After giving this blanket a wash (it’s machine-washable, per the manufacturer’s instructions), we noticed the power switch became a bit trickier to use. It was more difficult to turn the heat on and off–but we were still able to use its controls effectively. However, we were impressed overall by the warmth, speedy heating, and the weather-resistant nature of the blanket itself.

_{Material: Polyester, nylon | Size: 40 x 50 inches | Timer: None | Heat Settings: 3}

Cold toes? Reach for the Sunbeam Luxe Heated Throw Blanket. Although we didn’t test this one out for ourselves, we’ve had great experiences with the brand’s other products, including Sunbeam’s heated mattress pads. We love the ultra-cozy texture, machine-washable construction, and easy-to-use design.

We also like that it comes in a wide range of sizes, whether you’re looking for a throw size or one to cover the entirety of your bed. What really stands out with this electric throw is the foot pocket, which offers a designated spot to tuck in your feet while working at a desk or cozying up on the couch.

We also appreciate the easy-to-use controller, which allows you to switch between the four heat settings at the press of a button. While there aren’t many heat settings to choose from, it should do the trick if you don’t have overly specific preferences. Plus, you can enjoy a four-hour automatic shutoff for peace of mind.

You might find that the connection point between the power cord and blanket can a bit bulky, but we think this is a minor pain point. When it’s time to clean your electric blanket, simply throw it in the wash.

_{Material: Microfiber | Size: Throw (50 x 60 inches), twin, full, queen, king | Timer: 4-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 4}

Final Verdict

Our best overall electric blanket is the Micro Flannel Reverse to Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket, which scored a near-perfect score for its layers of comfort, multiple heat settings, and dual controls. For something a bit more affordable, we recommend the CureCure Electric Heated Throw Blanket (best budget), which offers evenly distributed heat and maximum comfort at a value-packed price that makes it very worthwhile.

FAQ

• Can you wash an electric blanket?

  Most electric blankets on the market today are machine-washable—just make sure you detach the power cord before throwing it in the wash. Some can be dried in a dryer, though others are designed to be air-dried. Read the directions thoroughly before washing an electric blanket, and always follow the manufacturer's care recommendations.

• Are electric blankets safe?

  "Electric blankets are safe to use at home," Floyd tells The Spruce, "but an electric blanket is an electrical appliance." For this reason, he urges you to always read the manual before using one, as it will explain how to identify damage and prevent potential hazards.

  Additionally, Majano states that electric blankets are safe as long as they are used properly. "Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat. Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip as they could overheat and cause a fire," he says.

• How much energy does an electric blanket use?

  Generally speaking, electric blankets don't use up very much energy. They tend to consume about 100 watts on average, which would run you somewhere around $0.011 in electrical costs per hour of use. Lots of folks use heated blankets during the winter months as a way to stay warm and keep their energy bill at a minimum. Majano shares that the wattage will usually be shared on the packaging of your electric blanket.