Cuddle up in a cocoon of penetrating warmth. A heated blanket will be your new best friend this winter.
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Buying a Heated Blanket
When a hot water bottle just won’t cut it, turn to a heated blanket to take the chill off.
In colder months, heated blankets not only keep you warm but can also relieve muscle aches and pain from arthritis. Another plus: They’re energy-savers, allowing you to turn down the thermostat at night and lower your heating bill.
Here’s what to consider when buying a heated blanket:
- Power source (electric, battery, thermal/self-heating, air-flow);
- Size (throw, twin, full, queen and king);
- Safety (cut-off timers, overheat sensors);
- Energy efficiency;
- Cost.
Note: When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, heated electric blankets should not pose a safety risk.
Best All-Around Heated Blanket
Unlike traditional electric heated blankets with bulky, uncomfortable heating coils, the SoftHeat by Perfect Fit luxury fleece electric heated blanket features micro-thin, flexible wires that are virtually undetectable.
It offers 10 custom low-voltage heat settings; queen- and king-sizes come with dual heating zones and two controllers. We also love the blanket’s non-slip bottom so it stays put all night long.
Best Reversible Heated Blanket
Ridiculously cozy, the Sunbeam heated throw blanket is warm and soothing on both sides. One side is 100-percent polyester Sherpa fleece. Then flip it over and experience the super-soft faux Royal Mink.
Choose from three heat settings. Its ThermoFine technology auto-adjusts to deliver consistent heat distribution throughout the night. What happens when you doze off? Don’t worry — after three hours, the throw blanket safely shuts off.
Best Heated Blanket for Couples
No more arguments over who’s hot and who’s cold. The BedJet dual-zone comfort sleep system lets each person adjust the blanket to their perfect temperature.
But what makes this blanket extra special is the air-based system, which regulates the temperature to keep you sweat-free. How? By circulating fresh air between you and the sheets to wick away body humidity that can make you feel hotter.
Operate the blanket through your smartphone, tablet or remote control. It goes from warm to cool in less than 30 seconds, and comes with a 60-day guarantee. The temperature control of this blanket provides great sleep.
Best Heated Blanket With Foot Pockets
A great choice for those whose feet are always cold, the Degrees of Comfort micro-plush heated blanket features a soft pocket for those frigid toes. Lounge comfortably on the couch or in your favorite easy chair while the blanket emits three levels of ambient heat, top to bottom.
Unlike some electric blankets, this one is washable. Just disconnect the controller and power cables and toss it in with your cold-water laundry. It can also be tumble dried.
Best Self-Warming Blanket for Pets
Your pet deserves snuggly warmth as much you do. The Furhaven Pet Products ThermaNap dog and cat blanket features a top layer of terrycloth, a self-warming heat-reflective core and a faux lambswool bottom layer. It’s electricity-free and water repellent in case of muddy paws or accidents.
It’s available in small, medium, large and extra-large to accommodate a range of pets, from kittens to Saint Bernards. It can turn any place into a heated pet bed.
Best Heated Throw
Looking stylish draped over your favorite armchair or the back of the sofa, the Beautyrest Zuri oversized heated throw measures 50 inches x 70 inches, nearly a foot larger in length and width than many standard heated coverlets.
Made of ultra-soft faux fur in gray, snow leopard, sand, tan or chocolate, it’s Oeko-Tex certified. That means it doesn’t contain harmful substances or chemicals, so you can rest easy.
Best Wearable Heated Blanket
Really light but really warm, the U-shaped Beautyrest heated snuggle wrap easily fits over your shoulders like a shawl. It cradles your body in comfort! It’s a great gift for college students or anyone else who sits for long hours in front of a computer screen.
“My prior heating blankets/wraps were a struggle — I was always trying to find the right way to get them wrapped around my body and arms, the heating was inconsistent or not strong enough,” writes one five-star reviewer on Amazon. “Thankfully, those times are over.”
Best Battery-Operated Heated Blanket
No need to fiddle with electrical cords and outlets. The full-size Cozee battery-powered heated blanket is cordless so it won’t restrict your movements.
The blanket combines a micro-fleece lining with an outer water-resistant layer. The Cozee heats up in less than five minutes and holds a charge for three hours or more. Features include heated hand pockets and an integrated pouch to store the battery pack.
Happy Cozee web site customer David R. writes, “Finally someone has created a heated blanket that operates by battery power.”
Best Heated Blanket for the Car
Road trips in winter can be brrrr. The Stalwart heated car blanket plugs into any car, truck, SUV or RV 12-volt accessory power outlet or cigarette lighter. It comes with a cord long enough (96 inches) to heat up the driver, front passenger, the back seat contingency and even the dog.
Because it heats up fast, it’s a must for quick trips to the store or on commutes between home and work. The lightweight blanket comes with a handled case that can be easily stored in the trunk or your emergency kit.
Best Non-Electric Outdoor Heated Blanket
With a double-coat of thermal layering technology, the SuitedNomad Comfortwave series outdoor blanket reflects your body heat back at you. No electrical outlet or heavy battery pack to lug around.
The high-density polar fleece protects you from wind, rain and bitter cold. It’s a lifesaver on chilly evenings around the campfire, at a tailgate party or your kid’s soccer match. Hikers and other adventurous types will like how the blanket rolls up into its stuff sack for compact portability.
