In a comparison between space heaters and electric blankets completed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the electric blanket was the most energy-efficient choice. To counteract this objectivity, we used our infrared thermometer as a diagnostic tool. Because it measures temperature within a two-percent plus or two-degree minus range, we felt confident our reading would accurately reflect a true comparison between electric blankets.
With wiring that can barely be felt inside of the blanket, the Perfect Fit Soft Heat Warming Blanket feels very much like a regular polyester blanket. While soft and cozy, it doesn’t offer the fancier features of our top pick, like separate heating zones for feet. However, it does provide consistent, subtle heat, which peaked at 90.8℉ during testing. As its name suggests, the Comfy Feet also features independently controlled heat zones for your feet. The foot zone can be set higher than the rest of the blanket, resulting in a noticeably warmer foot pocket.
When it’s time to refresh the blanket, throw it in the washer and dryer for simple cleaning. An electric blanket is a great way to provide some supplementary heat in your home. Manufactured by one of the most trusted sunbeam heated blankets names in heated bedding, the Sunbeam Reversible Sherpa/Royalmink Heated Throw boasts a dual-sided plush design and auto-adjusting heat. With the chilly weather upon us, we were eager to snuggle up with this blanket.
With the digital controller, this fleece blanket lets you select from six heat settings using the up and down arrows as well as view and program its 10-hour auto shut-off timer. The brand says the blanket has comfortably sunbeam electric blanket thin heating wires and it’s machine-washable and dryer-safe in case of stains or debris. The heated blanket is UL- and ETL-listed and the brand offers a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Additionally, the wires inside this blanket were very stiff—you can feel them immediately when you lie under it, and they made the blanket difficult to fold. How to shop for an electric blanketWhen shopping for an electric blanket, there are several features that our experts recommended considering. Avoid putting anything on top of the electric blanket when it’s in use, including other blankets or pets. “When we first get up, our muscles are very stiff, especially as it gets colder,” Urban explained. If you have arthritis pain in your joints, hips, legs and/or back, he recommended structuring your wake-up routine around laying in bed for about 20 minutes with the heated blanket on before getting up.
This 50” x 60” electric throw makes a great accessory while relaxing on the couch, bed or your favorite chair. The Sunbeam Microplush’s construction is not as nice as the other blankets in this guide—its wires are thick and a bit rigid. The wires are all the more noticeable thanks to the Microplus thin fabric. That said, it does offer a nice preheat feature with a separate button on its well-designed controllers. While this blanket has a simple design and impressive heating capabilities, it doesn’t feel as soft as others and feels more like an old army blanket, stiff and wiry. It also doesn’t heat very evenly throughout the blanket, with up to a 10˚ measured temperature difference at different locations.
In terms of feel, the Sunbeam is not the softest because it is 100% polyester and a bit rough to the touch. The blanket is also thin, so it is very easy to feel the bulky wires. While the Sunbeam does not cost too much up front, it may not be the most durable option.