The best electric blankets have two control units for queen and king sized beds and one controller for a twin and standard bed. The wires should be thin so you will not feel them. They are soft, automatically shut off after 10 or more hours, have energy saving features, and can be washed in the machine. You will want 5-years Warranty or more for the investment you have made against defects.
[h3line h3-text=”What an Electric Blanket is and Features to Consider“]
Electric blankets are blankets with wires to provide a constant heat with controllers. You will want the following features for electric blankets sold in the USA.
- Gone are the days of blankets with the bimetal switches that clicked to annoy you all night.
- At least a 10-hours automatic shutoff feature in case you forget to flip the switch.
- Automatic pre-warming to have a toasty bed to get into.
- Manual pre-warming where you simply turn it to a higher number for a half hour then back to your favorite heating number when you get into bed.
- Thermal overload protection to prevent fires.
- A variety of fabric colors.
- Choices of fabrics for softness and heavy or light weight.
- Backlit or lit dial numbers that dim.
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for safety.
- Machine washing and possible machine drying, but never commercial machines.
- Purchase for the size of your mattress. Sometimes a king electric blanket fits a queen bed best for overlapping at the sides.
- Most electric blankets do not have satin binding at the top; the top is usually the same blanket fabric turned under and stitched.
Electric Blanket Durability and Quality
A suitable electric heated blanket should last 5 years or more with the proper care. Rather than washing it frequently, spot clean or vacuum occasionally. The fabric it’s made of should maintain its shape and withstand washings and dryings. It can always be cleaned at the dry cleaners. You will not want the fabric to pill up or leave lint all over. The wires inside need to feel comfortable to your body and be flexible.
Budget Considerations
A rule of thumb is that a basic model electric heated blanket should cost from $40 to $120 while a superior blanket will cost from $70 to $200 plus.
[h3line h3-text=”Who Should Not Use Electric Heated Blankets”]
Things can go awry with all electrical appliances such as your toaster, electric coffee pot, hair dryer, and electric heated blankets. Sometimes controls do not work correctly or are defective. Wires can break, become kinked when the blanked is scrunched causing overheating situations. When this happens, contact the place you bought it to see if it’s still under Warranty. If not, it might be best to discard it.
These are not advised to be used with small children, those who are physically unable to protect themselves, some elders, those who are not sensitive to heat such as neuropathy patients. Do not let these people use the electric blanket no matter how much they want to.
[h3line h3-text=”Is it Safe for Use When Pregnant?“]
You will get differing opinions when searching the Internet for an answer. There is no absolute proof that EMFs are not harmful to the fetus and it’s probably best to not overheat him or her. You could pre-heat your bed and then turn the control off when going to sleep. Always consult your doctor if you are thinking of using an electric blanket. Be cautious when you are carrying a baby.
[h3line h3-text=”Is it Safe for Use with a Pacemaker?“]
Electric blankets are not known for damaging pacemakers or affecting their performance. You can check with the American Heart Association and the Mayo Clinic for their view on this topic. Always consult with your doctor and the pacemaker manufacturer.
[h3line h3-text=”Is it Safe for Use for Diabetics?“]
Diabetics usually have neuropathy in their lower limbs where their nerves cannot tell them if they are cold or hot. Their arms can also be sensitive and they do not want to be burned. However, they can pre-warm their bed, touch it where they are sensitive to heat, and turn it off when turning in for the night. It’s best for you folks to consult your doctor for his or her opinion for your specific issues.
[h3line h3-text=”Electric Blanket EMFs“]
The Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) are a 60 Hz energy field. Some scientists in the early 1990s and late 1980s were disturbed about the safety of this. There was a lot of concern and talk in communities among lay people that the overhead transmission lines generating alternating current by power companies could cause cancer using some appliances. The U.S. government studied the possible problems spending $65 million stating that EMFs do not cause cancer, behavior or learning problems to include reproductive concerns. All electric blankets made after 1992 have much weaker and lower electrical fields than earlier electric blankets had.
You might feel more secure using the low-voltage electric heated blankets reviewed here. The power within the blanket’s control and wiring changes the 120-Volt incoming A/C (alternating current) into 16- or 18-Volt D/C (direct current).
[h2line id=”top_rated” h2-text=”Top 5 Electric Blanket Reviews“]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”1. Perfect Fit® SoftHeat® Luxury Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Heated Blanket, Queen“]
[rate amzrate=”5″ edrate=”5″]
A bit of history for the company, Perfect Fit® that makes the SoftHeat® luxury electric blanket since 1932. It is a reputable USA textile company now manufacturing low-voltage products. For those of you who remember the Classic Bedsack®, it was an innovative creation for protecting mattresses from stains adding another layer of comfort fitting snugly to your mattress, and it is still made today. This brand is more expensive but well worth it for safety and comfort. Only a few models are made and the distinction is the outer fabric. This is a blanket that goes over the top of you—on top of the top sheet. A heated mattress cover would go under your body on top of your bottom sheet.
The Perfect Fit® brands include the SoftHeat®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Perry Ellis Portfolio®, Puresleep®, Serta®, Serta Icomfort®, Therapedic®, Wellrest®, and of course the Bedsack® of 84 years in the making. Their patented Safe & Warm® low-voltage technology is impressive and provides savings to your electric bill in the winter.
The SoftHeat® model LVBQ-H2-030 comes in twin, full, queen, king, and a throw. The blanket is available in 5 colors of beige, chocolate brown, gray, natural, and slate blue. The natural color shown here will harmonize with any bedding, and the other colors will coordinate well with a specific color you want to complement. This blanket is a best seller on Amazon.com®.
The Soft Heat® warming wires are more flexible, lay flat being thinner and not detectable to your body. You will not have cold and hot spots so often found in lesser quality electric blankets. You will feel constantly warm the way you like it all night long. There is nothing worse than having a wire poke you.
The 3.5-foot cord is UL listed plugging into a USA 110/120-Volt A/C (alternating current), 50/60 Hz input at 1-Amp, 1-Watt. It pulls less than 25-Volts while competitor blankets draw 120-Volts. The output is 18-Volt D/C (direct current) at 3.5-Amps output. This does not operate on batteries. Each controller plugs into its own receptacle at the wall. The cord from the controller to the end of the blanket where it plugs in at the bottom end is 13-feet.
Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) from electrical alternating current (A/C) concerns many people. With this blanket’s use of low direct current (D/C) you should feel confident with this product.
You might notice the controller feels warm or hot. That is normal with the step-down transformer that generates heat. It is taking the 110-Volts from the wall down to 24-Volts making it less dangerous than the average electric blanket. If there is no smell, you have nothing to worry about. You cannot use this in 220/240-Volt receptacles. It will burn the unit and be no good to you. You might want to find a converter for this application—a voltage converter is available from Amazon.com®. Just so you will know if this works with your wall receptacle, each controller plugs into a grounded 3-prong outlet. The blanket draws current and it must be grounded (the round prong on the end). Do not defeat this system and buy a 3-prong adapter.
It is made of 100% polyester microfleece, washable with cold water on the gentle cycle and will not shrink, stretch, or pill in the dryer on low heat. It does not have satin binding on the top edge. Be sure to unplug the controller plug-in at the bottom of the blanket when washing. Do not unplug from the wall; that serves no purpose. The wires in the blanket are 75% smaller than less expensive brands. It is not hazardous to your health or surroundings. It also has overheat protection if needed.
The control unit is small and will sit on your night stand with its nonslip bottom. The knob for adjusting the temperature is easy to turn and can be personalized up to 10 settings. For queen and king size blankets, you will receive 2 controls divided into two separate zones on the blanket. The control has a backlight to read easily in the dark with an automatic dimming feature. Preheat your blanket before getting into bed and then set the dial where you like the warmth level best. When the unit adjusts the temperature automatically to keep you warm, there is no click sound. It will automatically shut off after 10 hours. The queen size is 84-inches wide x 90-inches long. If you want your blanket to drape over the sides more, buy a king to fit your queen bed. I do! The blanket weighs about 4 pounds.
Gift-wrapping is available for family and loved ones. You will receive your SoftHeat® electric blanket, a User’s Manual, and a 5-year Limited Warranty. It is made in the USA and Thailand.
[amz3d asin=”B0041RQXMW”]
[/boxsph3]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”2. Sunbeam® Quilted Fleece Electric Heated Blanket, Queen“]
[rate amzrate=”5″ edrate=”5″]
Sunbeam® has been making quality appliances for many years and is a trusted household name. The soft and plush fleece blanket comes in exciting colors of mushroom, walnut, lagoon, ivy, seashell, garnet, and acorn. Choose your size of king, queen, full, or twin. Sorry, no California king is available. This is a blanket and not a mattress warmer for the bottom.
The warmth from this 100% polyester electric blanket is soft and you will sleep like a log. The ThermoFine® technology will automatically adjust for dependable heat control and 10-heat settings. It has quilted channel design panels for loveliness. It is machine washable and dryer safe. Read the instructions for details for how-to. The blanket automatically shuts off after 10 hours so you feel secure and safe if you forget to turn it off. The dual controllers are analog and have 10 heat settings. Turn it to 7 or 10 to pre-warm your bed, then turn it down to the comfort you like for warmth. It has no ‘preheat’ setting.
The queen size is 84-wide x 90-inches long and it weighs 6 pounds.
The 6-foot cord is UL listed plugging into a USA 110/120-Volt A/C (alternating current), 50/60 Hz input at 180-Watts. This does not operate on batteries or car D/C ports. Each controller is 2-pronged and plugs into its own receptacle at the wall. The cord from the controller to the end of the blanket where it plugs in at the bottom end is 12.5-feet. You cannot use this in 220/240-Volt receptacles. It will burn the unit and be no good to you. You might want to find a converter for this application—a voltage converter is available from Amazon.com® for 240-Volts outside the USA.
Gift-wrapping is available for loved ones and friends. You will receive your Sunbeam® quilted fleece electric blanket, a User’s Manual, and a 5-year Limited Warranty.
[toggle title=”Watch Video”][videoy id=”sCAjXjvmMc4″][/toggle]
[amz3d asin=”B008BF25Q8″]
[/boxsph3]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”3. Biddeford Mills™ Comfort Knit Electric Heated Blanket, Queen“]
[rate amzrate=”4-5″ edrate=”4.5″]
Biddeford Mills™ are manufacturers of affordable electric blankets, throws, and mattress pads as a New England company for over 150 years, was subsequently purchased by Microlife®, a Taiwanese company, where production is now in China. They have been selling a multitude of blankets in the USA since 2000.
The Biddeford cloud blue, fawn, natural, and sage color electric heated blankets are available in twin, full, queen, and king. The queen comes with 2 analog rotary controllers. The blankets are machine washable and put in the dryer on low heat. They might pill after washing. The blankets are made of polyester and might be somewhat scratchy, so use a top sheet with enough hem left to turn the sheet back over the blanket.
The control unit will sit on your night stand and you turn it off and on with a flick of the switch on the left front. You then dial it up to the number most comfortable for your warmth level. There are 10 heat settings.
Plug the UL listed 8-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt A/C (alternating current), 50/60 Hz outlet. You cannot use this in 220/240-Volt receptacles. It will burn the unit and be no good to you. You might want to find a converter for this application—a voltage converter is available from Amazon.com® for 240-Volts outside the USA.
You will have good value for the money and receive it wrapped in a reusable zippered bag with handle for summertime storage. The queen size is 84-wide x 90-inches long and it weighs 6 pounds. It does not have a satin binding on the top end.
You will receive your Biddeford comfort knit electric blanket, a User’s Manual, and a 5-year Limited Warranty. The blanket is made in China.
[amz3d asin=”B005J9CEW4″]
[/boxsph3]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”4. Beautyrest® Ribbed Microfleece Heated Blanket, Queen“]
[rate amzrate=”4-5″ edrate=”4.5″]
Beautyrest® has been making mattresses since 1925. Their electric heated blankets are the same fine quality you’ve come to know. As the picture shows, they are available in ivory, taupe, mink, lake (blue), and palmetto (green). The sizes are twin, standard, queen, and king. The 2 controllers that come with queen and king sizes have 20 temperature settings and will automatically shut off after 10 hours. They are a knit fabric with no satin binding. The pattern is a solid color and slightly ribbed.
The wiring grid inside is flexible and the fabric is a bit thin, but warm. It runs smaller than some of the other brands so a king size would be best on a queen bed. It is washable but tends to pill after use. It is safe, has a great style and a bit pricey than some of the other brands.
Plug the shorter than usual UL listed cord into a USA 110/120-Volt A/C (alternating current), 50/60 Hz outlet. You cannot use this in 220/240-Volt receptacles. It will burn the unit and be no good to you. You might want to find a converter for this application—a voltage converter is available from Amazon.com® for 240-Volts outside the USA.
You will receive your Beautyrest® ribbed microfleece heated blanket, a User’s Manual, and a 5-year Limited Warranty. The blanket is made in China.
[toggle title=”Watch Video”][videoy id=”1_rn1SYdYSc”][/toggle]
[amz3d asin=”B006J8DW4S”]
[/boxsph3]
[boxsph3 h3-text=”5. Serta® Luxe Plush Low-Voltage Electric Heated Micro-Fleece Blanket, Queen”]
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″]
[/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″]
[/su_column][/su_row]
[rate amzrate=”4-5″ edrate=”4.5″]
We know the adorable counting sheep from Serta® TV commercials, makers of fine mattresses and other quality bedding items. Sleep better in a room that is cooler with this low-voltage electric blanket and say good night to those sheep.
The Serta® made by Perfect Fit® does not have many color choices available in cloud, pearl, sapphire, and topaz for twin, full, queen, and king beds. They are, however, soft and more neutral colors tend to blend with your bedroom décor. The blanket is washable and should be line dried. Be sure to read the instruction manual for details.
The Serta® warming wires will not be noticed by your body because they lay flat and are thin providing reliable steady warmth all through the night. You will not have cold and hot spots. There are 2 controllers for the queen size and each one plugs into a separate receptacle. It will shut off automatically after 10 hours.
The 3.5-foot cord is UL listed plugging into a USA 110/120-Volt A/C (alternating current), 50/60 Hz input at 1-Amp, 82-Watts. It pulls less than 25-Volts while competitor blankets draw 120-Volts. The output is 18-Volt D/C (direct current) at 3.5-Amps output. This does not operate on batteries. Each controller plugs into its own receptacle at the wall. The cord from the controller to the end of the blanket where it plugs in at the bottom end is 13-feet. Just so you will know if this works with your wall receptacle, each controller plugs into a grounded 3-prong outlet. Do not defeat this system and buy a 3-prong adapter. The blanket draws current and it must be grounded (the round prong on the end).
You cannot use this in 220/240-Volt receptacles. It will burn the unit and be no good to you. You might want to find a converter for this application—a voltage converter is available from Amazon.com® for 240-Volts outside the USA.
This blanket includes a small power supply box that changes 110/120-Volt A/C home current into non-hazardous low-voltage D/C current similar to a battery to provide warmth, protection and safety even if the blanket becomes wet.
Gift-wrapping is available for those you love and care about during cold nights. You will receive your Serta® electric heated blanket, a User’s Manual, and a 5-year Limited Warranty. The blanket is made in China.
[amz3d asin=”B0091BU6Z8″]
[/boxsph3]
[h3line h3-text=”Things to Consider“]
- With an electric blanket you will not get an electric shock from incontinence or spilled drinks. If your pet punctures or chews through a wire, no shock will occur.
- Today’s blankets have thinner wires than those made 20 years ago.
- Most blankets are machine washable and dryable without stretching, shrinking, or pilling. Be sure to read the instruction manual for washing that comes with your electric blanket.
- The wire connects to the blanket from the controller at the foot of the bed.
- Do not tuck the bottom of the blanket under the top mattress.
- Power strips and extension cords of the correct rating can be used. Read the instructions for this. If an extension cord is too thin, it can burn up.
- For those who sleep on their boats and RVs, the SoftHeat® electric blanket will work with a modified sine wave inverter.
- Keep your packing papers, invoices, and charge card receipts in case you need to file a Warranty claim.
- Do not cut the tag off your blanket.
Final Thoughts
When the snow flies and old man winter returns, there is nothing better than an electric blanket for keeping your bed warm all over when you turn and move about. Buy one for yourself or your teenagers to keep everyone toasty warm. If you cannot get to sleep, try a sleeping mask or white noise machine to help you get your much needed rest.
The electric blankets are safe to use and will be a welcome comfort in the cold days ahead. Check customer reviews and see what others are saying with their experience with electric blankets.