Business

Best Heated Blankets 2024

November 1, 2024

It’s curious when a teeth-chattering chill manages to creep underneath your covers at night, no matter how many layers you have. If you’ve contemplated the idea of adding an electric blanket to your bed for this very reason, I highly recommend that move, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night yearning for more heat. After two years spent extensively testing some of the most popular brands on the market, I found the Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket to be the best among those I’ve tried, thanks to its luxurious feel, superior performance and overall longevity. In fact, this is going to be my third winter using this blanket and it looks and feels just like new after chilling out in a storage bin in my closet in the off season.

We tested the best electric blankets for over two years and narrowed it down to our top favorite … [+] four picks.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer

A blanket that radiates heat during the night has become a must-have in my drafty New England house, particularly as we strive to cut costs by keeping the thermostat down. While the wiry, fuzzy electric blankets of yore weren’t safe to leave on overnight, that’s no longer the case. In fact, thanks to smarter designs, today’s heated blankets are actually designed to be taken to bed, and fire hazard risks have dropped significantly over the years. “Now we have smart wires that detect if there is an abnormal condition occurring anywhere along the wire, and it’s going to go back to your controller,” says Joel Hawk, a principal engineer manager at UL Solutions. Still, regardless of the style or color you choose, the best heated blankets need a seal of approval from third-party testing agencies like UL or Intertek for safety reasons. Below, find details about the best heated blankets and throws based on over two years of testing.

Amazon

Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket (Queen)

I’m a freelance writer, editor and content strategist whose work has appeared on websites including CBSNews.com, WellandGood.com, ConsumerReports.org and more. As a senior editor for People, I launched the website’s successful Pets channel in 2008. Since leaving People in 2017, I’ve been writing about various lifestyle topics from my home in New England, often with a feline judging me from afar. I have a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University.

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I’m the senior mattress and sleep editor for Forbes Vetted. Over the years, I’ve tested and reviewed everything from sleep trackers to pajamas to mattresses—all in an effort to help people get quality Zzzz’s. I’m a former TV news reporter with more than a decade of writing and editing experience. I’ve lived coast to coast, covering various stories and enjoying the outdoors along the way. I currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Dimensions: 90 x 84 inches | Number of heat settings: 20 | Auto shut-off feature: 10 hours | Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty

Best for:

Those who want a lightweight throw for the bed or couch
Folks who prefer a wide range of heat settings
Someone who needs a controller that’s easy to operate

Skip if:

You want a thick and heavy blanket

This product tops the list of best heated blankets, thanks to its lightweight material and wide range of heat settings. This silky blanket spread easily over my comforter and could pass for a coverlet (an extra layer of bedding often used to boost a room’s decor). It’s made of microlight, plush polyester and has a luscious feel. It comes in multiple colors and a few prints, and the design looks attractive.

Setup was easy: You place it on the bed with the warning label facing out at the feet and the cords trailing under the bed in the direction of your head. The paper instructions are also clear and concise. I really appreciated that the UL certification is explained thoroughly in the FAQ section.

With 20 adjustable heat settings, it has the most heat options of all the top blankets on this list. I started warming the bed at 20, the highest setting, and the blanket produced a warm, cozy feel in about 25 minutes (there’s also a preheat feature that heats the product faster or can be used as a boost when you need extra heat). The surface thermometer readings were pretty consistent, ranging mostly from 80 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. While having 20 heat options is great, I clicked around a bit and wasn’t able to differentiate between 7 and, say, 13, so I started at 20, then reduced the temperature to 4 for most nights’ sleep.

Because it’s so thin, I felt comfortable washing it on my washing machine’s delicate cycle as the instructions suggest. I hung it to dry in my laundry room, and it was as soft and silky as before about a day later.

(You can read our in-depth review of the Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket for more details, too.)

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Amazon

Westinghouse Heated Blanket (Queen)

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Dimensions: 84 x 90 inches | Number of heat settings: 10 | Auto shut-off feature: 12 hours | Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty

Best for:

Cozy heat for a full 12 hours
Those who prefer simple controls
People who need longer cords

Skip if:

You want an ultra thin blanket for your bed
You prefer a wide range of heat settings

I love the extra cozy feel of the Westinghouse Warming Blanket. It’s best suited for a person who prefers to drape something a little heavier over their bed. This blanket provides a snug, mellow heat whether it’s on or off. Unlike the Beautyrest, it has just 10 heat settings, with “H” (or 10) being the hottest.

The controller is basic, with one set of arrows for heat, another set for duration and an on/off button. It has a digital display that can be a little difficult to read during the day and could be challenging for someone with vision issues to decipher. I found the digital numbers easier to read in the dark. On frigid 16-degree nights, my preference was the maximum level of heat.

I love that you can set this blanket to warm your bed for a full 12 hours, too. That’s the perfect duration for those slow snow days when school is canceled and you get a few extra hours of sleep (true story).

After 20 minutes of warming time, the Westinghouse’s readings were between 72 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit and not terribly consistent across the surface, but that warmth felt even on my body when I cozied up underneath. The controller’s triangular shape is also worth a mention. It sits securely on a surface, thanks to rubber grips on the bottom. And because it’s secure on my table, it’s very easy for me to roll over at night to adjust the temperature and duration.

The Westinghouse Weighted Blanket’s cord, which runs from the bottom of the bed to the controller, is about 7 inches longer than that of the Beautyrest. Users may find this to be either annoying, if you hate lengthy wires, or a nice feature, because it could allow the controller to sit more firmly at your bedside. Longer cords can also be helpful if you make wild movements in your sleep, which can cause tugging on the controller.

Finally, this weighted blanket was easy to spot clean when I spilled coffee on it, and it quickly air dried. See my full Westinghouse Electric Blanket review for more details.

Shavel Home Products

Thermee Premier Throw (Twin)

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Dimensions: 84 x 62 inches | Number of heat settings: 10 | Auto shut-off feature: 10 hours | Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty

Best for:

Folks who want an oversized, versatile throw for couch or bed
Those who prefer a thick electric blanket

Skip if:

You want something small and lightweight
You prefer short cords

The Thermee blanket became a favorite in my household for several reasons: It’s heavy, soft and warms up to a toasty temperature (an average of 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit in about 30 minutes). While it’s categorized as a throw, it also fits a twin bed—an ideal size for people who want something for the couch but also possibly for a guest bed.

When I’m seated with it on the couch, it’s definitely long—84 inches, to be exact—and it overflows around my feet onto the floor. The 17-foot cords are also long and extend nicely from the bottom of my twin-size trundle bed to a nearby wall outlet.

The plush, non-wiry feel of the Thermee is its standout feature. Made with 100% woven and knit polyester fabric, it has micro flannel on one side (which the brand claims is shrink, pill, wrinkle and fade resistant) and ultra velvet on the other. Because it’s a heavier blanket, it even warms you when the heating element is off.

Operating the Thermee is simple. You turn it on and adjust temperature and duration using two sets of up and down arrows. It has two special features that kick in automatically: a 10-hour automatic shut off and a “quick heat” function that warms the blanket to maximum heat in 30 minutes then reduces to your last programmed time/heat setting. From the moment you turn it on, the digital numbers on the controller are backlit so you can more easily select settings. The numbers turn off after 40 seconds if the controller is not being used.

Since it’s a thicker, longer blanket and I have a temperamental washing machine that doesn’t respond well to thick blankets, I opted to spot clean this blanket rather than machine wash it on the gentle cycle as the instructions suggest. I poured coffee on a corner of the blanket, and it washed out easily with warm water and mild soap, then I hung it to dry overnight. It looked brand new.

Amazon

Westinghouse Heated Throw (Throw)

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Dimensions: 50 x 60 inches | Number of heat settings: 6 | Auto shut-off feature: 10 hours | Warranty: Limited 5-year warranty

Best for:

Fast-acting heat
Lightweight warmth for your lap

Skip if:

You’re looking for a blanket that covers your whole body
You need longer cords

The Westinghouse Warming Throw was perfect for the severe weather we had last winter. This lightweight throw, which has flannel on one side and sherpa on the other, heats up extremely quickly: In approximately 10 minutes, it reached its maximum heat of 80 to 84 degrees (measured via infrared thermometer).

The Warming Throw is pretty much the exact opposite of the Thermee Micro Flannel, in terms of design. It weighs just 3 pounds and doesn’t do much to warm the body when it’s off since its construction is pretty thin. Unlike the Thermee, you can definitely feel the wires when you touch the surface, which isn’t something everyone likes.

At 50 x 60 inches, this throw is about half the size of the Thermee. The controller has a digital number display that is operated by just three buttons: one button for heat, one for time and the third is an on/off switch. It has six heat settings and four different time settings (of two, four, eight and 10 hours). The cord is approximately 9 feet long, so you need a plug nearby to wherever you plan to use it.

As for special features, when you turn the blanket off and then turn it on again, it automatically reverts to the last comfort level setting used. Luckily, I found that it evenly distributes that heat.

The blanket fully covers the bottom half of a tall body, so consider your height and what exactly you want in a throw. I’ve been using this blanket for the better part of a year, and it’s held up really well. The sherpa side has developed a few pills and collected random debris from my floors (and from my kids), but I haven’t experienced any shedding.

You can machine wash this blanket if you follow the specific instructions in the manual, but I opted to spot clean it instead, due to the design of my machine. This ended up being easy, and it looked good as new.

Other Heated Blankets I Tested

I tested five other heated blankets that didn’t make the cut.

The SoftHeat Electric Blanket: This polyester blanket is super cozy and soft, and its wires are nearly undetectable. It definitely would have been a contender if it didn’t have a few drawbacks. A rectangular adapter at the wall-end of the lengthy wires make the wiring system clunky. The controller is an old-fashioned dial, which functions fine but feels a bit archaic compared to others. There were also reviews citing issues with customer service. After digging, there have been 23 consumer complaints filed to the Better Business Bureau since the manufacturer dissolved in 2020.

The Warmee Smart Heated Throw: The biggest splurge of the bunch with a retail price of $329, this heavyweight blanket topped my list of throws when I originally wrote this review last year. Sadly, it wasn’t able to keep that spot. I really love this blanket for its soft, thick construction, its cute patterns and colors, and its smart method of operation—an app that sets it apart from other blankets. I was really bummed when the throw I evaluated died over the course of this year. I originally suspected my switch to a 5G network was the issue, but the brand sent me a new one that works fine. If you purchased this blanket after reading my review and yours died too, know that the blanket has a 3-year limited warranty that offers protection against defects.

The Biddeford Comfort Knit Electric Heated Blanket: Two things I noticed right off the bat with the Biddeford: The blanket can be operated by an old-fashioned dial controller on either side; and despite marketing verbiage that touts “ultra-thin” wires for “added comfort,” I wasn’t blown away by its design at all. I could feel wires throughout the blanket, and the construction in its feel and color reminded me of the old-school electric blankets I grew up with.

The Cozee Battery Powered Heating Blanket: This battery-operated portable blanket is great for outdoor use at sporting events, but it doesn’t provide the continuous warmth of the other picks on this list. There are two ways to wear the Cozee—like a cape or wrapped around you under your arms. Depending on how tall you are, your feet may not be covered. If you charge the battery for six hours, it provides nearly three hours of continuous heat. Even without heat it’s a high-quality, thick blanket that has a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. I wore it as I worked at my desk, and it really warmed me up.

Bedsure Fleece Electric Blanket: The fluffy sherpa underside of this blanket definitely brings on the heat. However, you can feel the wires on top and underneath the blanket. The Bedsure has lengthy 16-foot cords, easy-to-operate controls that illuminate at night and one-click preheating that warms the blanket to level 10 automatically. The blanket, which has a 5-year warranty, shuts off at eight hours, which is less than some of the other blankets I tried.

How I Tested The Best Heated Blankets

In general, heated blankets work in largely the same way: They contain an insulated wire covered with fabric that creates heat when it’s plugged in. When you’re shopping for one, you notice right away they come in a range of sizes that correspond to your bed size—king, queen or twin. If you select a size larger than a twin, it typically comes with two controllers, one for each side of the bed, which allows two people to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to controlling heat output. If you’re looking for a heated blanket for a couch or office chair, a throw is more appropriate because it’s smaller and usually designed for one person to use. As an example, the throws I tested usually measured around 60 x 70 inches, while king-size blankets measured 90 x 100 inches. Throws typically come with one controller for one person to operate with it draped over their lap. Here’s what I looked for while testing:

Performance

First, I evaluated the feel, style and weight of each blanket, since comfort is a high priority. Then, I tried the blankets with their heating elements. I read the instructions and powered on the blankets on my king-size bed. I considered how warm they made me feel, noting any cold spots. I also tested the consistency of the heat on the surface—how evenly it is distributed—with an infrared thermometer. Since some electric blankets can feel lumpy instead of smooth, I noted whether I could feel wires on the top and underneath.

Intuitive Design

I found there’s a learning curve when you try out any heated blanket. Each controller has different buttons for adjusting the heat level and timer. After reading the instructions, and in some cases watching instructional videos several times, I evaluated how easy it was to turn the blankets on and adjust the heat levels in daylight and in the dark. I also took note of the length of the cords, which ran from the bottom of the bed to the plugs behind my bedside tables, since a longer cord gives you more leeway for how far your bed can be from an outlet.

Safety Features

All the blankets I tested had auto shut-off, whether that was over eight, 10 or 12 hours. Each product I tested also had an accredited third-party certification logo, either from UL Solutions (UL) or for Intertek (ETL), on their instructions or tag. Read on for why it’s important to look for that logo and auto shut-off while shopping.

Also take note of the guidelines for safe operation, which appear on the permanent sewn-on label on the blanket. Those guidelines include not using the blanket on a pull-out or fold-out bed, never dry cleaning the blanket, never using clothespins to hang it and never allowing animals to use the product (no matter their level of cuteness).

Ease Of Cleaning

I had intended to wash each blanket in my washing machine, but I discovered pretty quickly that with larger king-size blankets—even though the instructions say you can wash each of them in the gentle cycle of a standard washing machine—their weight and size were major factors.

In my testing, I found that my six-year-old washing machine couldn’t handle a king-size blanket, and most brands advise against washing blankets at a laundromat. Instead, I spilled Starbucks coffee on each of them and focused on spot cleaning with soap and water, noting the ease of removing the liquid from all the fabrics.

Warranty

I learned from reading ratings and reviews and from my own testing experience that heated blankets can be fussy. Sometimes they suddenly stop working for a variety of unclear reasons like a thermostat breaking down, loose connections or power surges that can cause overheating, so a good warranty is key. Lifetime limited warranties and five-, three- and one-year warranties were among the best protections I found.

How To Pick A Heated Blanket

Materials

Many electric blankets found in the marketplace are made with polyester and some of these designs disguise the warming wires within them better than others. It may not matter to you whether you can feel wires on the surface of your blanket, but for some folks this may be a deal-breaker. That’s when easy return policies are clutch.

Look for product verbiage that touts thickness or thinness, and a less-wiry feel. Some brands, like the Warmee blanket for instance, claim to make heated blankets with Invisiwire fibers that are cased in MFA, a “Teflon-like polymer material that is proven to have a very high temperature resistance in addition to good flexibility,” according to the website. It’s true that the pricey Warmee’s tech hides the wires extremely well, while its thick “velvet plush” construction feels like a fluffy cloud. Decide what you want in a blanket and choose accordingly.

Number Of Heat Settings

Electric blankets offer a range of heat settings. The Beautyrest, for instance, has a whopping 20 heat levels, the most of any blanket on this list. The other blankets I chose for this list have a range of one through ten. It is nice to have options, especially if you’re a sleeper with different heat preferences each night. Before you turn the heat on in your house for the winter, max heat may be what you need from your blanket. After you’ve turned on the thermostat, a lower level of heat may meet your needs.

Some blankets warm up quicker than others, too. If you want a blanket that heats up fast, look for blankets with “boost” or “quick heat” modes. This typically means the blanket warms to max heat faster than usual, then conveniently shifts to your last programmed setting.

Size

Whether you’re looking for a lap warmer for the couch or a king-sized blanket to bring on the heat as you sleep, there’s an electric blanket to meet your needs. With your intended use in mind, it’s also important to think about how to launder it when you spill coffee all over it (it happens). A blanket that is extra large, thick and bulky may not fit in your washing machine even though the manufacturer says that it’s machine washable. I know from experience how massive blankets can stress out appliances—it happened when I tested a thick L.L. Bean blanket for this story—and it’s scary. Make sure to take note of product dimensions, weights, descriptions and customer reviews before you select a size.

A Third-Party Certifier’s Seal

Only buy blankets that have been approved by nationally recognized testing agencies, such as UL Solutions (UL) or Intertek (ETL). The Beautyrest blanket had an entire section in the manual dedicated to its UL certification, which I appreciated.

This means that the product has not only gone through a full protocol and battery of tests but also that the third party periodically asks the manufacturer to demonstrate that the unit is being built with the right components. This reinforces that quality assurance processes are in place. “What you should see is that it has a third-party logo, and it should say the word ‘listed,’” explains Hawk. “Sometimes you have manufacturers who like to play games and say it’s compliant with the UL standard. That doesn’t mean anything. That’s a false or misleading advertisement.”

A Reputable Retailer

Never buy a heated blanket at a garage sale or secondhand. Purchase your product from a reputable retail store or online retailer, which often have safety protocols and do random spot checks of their own. “I think with blankets it’s a little different than clothing. I don’t know how many people try to resell it, but it’s always best to get it from a retailer,” Hawk notes.

Auto Shut-Off Feature

While it’s not required by the UL 964 Standard, Hawk says choosing a blanket with the auto shut-off feature—meaning the unit automatically shuts off in eight, 10 or 12 hours—is good practice just in case you ever forget to turn it off. “Auto shut-off is a nice safety feature. Again, not required by the standard, but that’s a nice feature to look for, and that usually is advertised. Even online you’ll usually see that called out,” he notes.

Warranties

As I learned firsthand, heated blankets sometimes just stop working. No matter what appliance you purchase, it’s always a good idea to look for a warranty. Also bear in mind that heated blankets do not last forever. “We usually assume a ten-year cycle for most small appliances,” says Hawk.

How To Use A Heated Blanket

Always read the operating instructions included with your product cover-to-cover prior to using a new electric blanket. Electric blankets made for a bed are designed to be placed with the sewn-on label at the foot, facing out. Then you can plug the lengthiest portion of the cord into the blanket (make sure to do so correctly and avoid forcing the plug). Double check that the longest section of cord runs from the bottom of the blanket, underneath the bed and to the controller. The controller can sit on your bedside table or on the floor. The shortest portion of cord runs from the controller to the wall outlet. After you’ve plugged it in, press the power button and choose a heat setting and duration. You’re poised for a warmer night’s sleep.

My Expertise

I have more than two decades of experience writing about lifestyle, health, celebrity and pet content. I was the founding senior editor of People.com’s pets channel, and I frequently reviewed pet, baby and parenting gear for the website. More recently, I’ve been writing product reviews for brands like Consumer Reports and ScaryMommy.com. Paramount to all of that, I live in a very drafty house in New England that feels cold even in the summertime. Flannel sheets, slippers and space heaters are all staples around here, especially during the frigid winter months, which explains my enthusiasm for putting the best heated blankets to the test.

For the technical side of this piece, I consulted with Joel Hawk, a veteran of Illinois-based UL Solutions, who oversees the testing of heated blankets for the agency, for his insight into how to shop for and store these products. UL is an organization that created a nationally recognized safety standard called Electrically Heated Bedding UL 964 and independently tests electric blankets to ensure they meet the necessary requirements. To learn about the health benefits of heated blankets, I spoke with TPI Level 1 certified physical therapist Cindy Langer, founder and owner of BodyFit Physical Therapy in Connecticut.

When selecting blankets to test, I extensively studied online ratings and reviews. I considered heated blankets at a variety of price points and only chose products with an auto shut-off feature and warranty. I focused on blankets that were certified by one of the 21 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) like UL Solutions or Intertek. I further established specific criteria to determine which blankets are best. For throws, I evaluated each on my couch or at my desk. For heated blankets intended for use on a bed, I evaluated each blanket before, during and after an approximately eight-hour sleep.

When I started testing these products, the winter chill was definitely moving in. I unboxed the blankets, read the instructions and set them up on top of my comforter and top sheet. I learned how to operate the controls and slept with the blanket for a night or in some cases two or three. I have a sore back and have difficulty finding a good sleep position, so I woke up in the dark to look at the controller, adjust the temperature and then go back to sleep. As a homeowner and parent, and because I’m one of those people who checks a straightening iron twice to make sure it’s off, I unplugged each one after use to be sure it was off.

How To Care For A Heated Blanket

Once you’ve chosen a blanket, read the instructions and the safety label on the blanket thoroughly. As a next step, always monitor the condition of your blanket. “You should always be ready to what I call ‘retire the product’ before it gets to its end point,” says Hawk. If your fabric starts to wear out or discolor, or you see damage on the cords, it may be time to replace your blanket.

When it comes to washing your blanket, follow the manufacturer instructions for washing and drying electric blankets. Using other methods such as dry cleaning could damage the product. Lastly, store your heated blanket in a dry location. Fold it loosely without stacking things on top of it. Detach supply cords and wind those up separately. “That way you’re not binding the product; you’re not wrapping the cord real tightly around the product,” Hawk explains. “You don’t want to displace the internal wires.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket tops our list of best heated blankets for many reasons including its silky, lightweight construction, numerous heat settings and durability over time (I’ve been testing the same blanket for three winters and it’s still going strong). If you’re looking for a throw, our list includes two top picks, the lightweight Westinghouse Heated Throw and the heavyweight Thermee Premier Throw.

Is It Good To Sleep With A Heated Blanket Every Night?

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Is It Good To Sleep With A Heated Blanket Every Night?

Take it from our tester who lives in a drafty New England home that can be chilly even in the summertime—heated blankets can definitely boost your bedding game. When the temperatures dip, there’s nothing like rolling into a warm bed at bedtime.

Why Do Heated Blankets Stop Working?

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Why Do Heated Blankets Stop Working?

A heated blanket could stop working due to a number of reasons. If you’re faced with a similar issue, unplug the blanket as a first step. Then make sure to check each of the connection points thoroughly, like the plug, temperature controller and cord connection that attaches to the blanket. If there is an issue with any of these connection points, your best option is to simply replace the blanket. Alternatively, you could also reach out to the manufacturer if your blanket is still under warranty.