With temperatures starting to drop in many parts of the country, there’s one smart, inexpensive way to stay warm — for far less than cranking up the heat — that may not have been considered: an electric blanket.
While you may have some concerns about electric blankets being a hazard, making the right choices while shopping makes a difference. “Purchase electric blankets that bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory,” Susan McKelvey, communications manager for the National Fire Protection Association, says. “This ensures that the product is tested to meet adequate safety standards. And also make sure the blanket is in good working order and that cords aren’t compromised in any way (i.e., frayed or exposed wiring, etc.).”
And most importantly, turn that heated blanket off! “Don’t leave an electric blanket unattended when in use; turn it off before going to sleep,” she says. Or, alternatively, when you’re shopping for one, look for a blanket that turns off automatically after a certain amount of time. Whether you’re going to cuddle with your heated blanket on the couch or use it on your bed, here are our picks for the best.
Biddeford Microplush Reverse Faux Sherpa Electric Blanket ($67.19 with code THANKYOU, originally $160; macys.com)
What we love about this absolutely snuggle-worthy blanket is that while one side is a cozy microplush, the other side is a fuzzy faux sherpa.
Shavel Micro Flannel 7 Layers of Warmth Queen Electric Blanket (starting at $125.99 with code THANKYOU, originally $300; macys.com)
If you dream of all flannel everything, this heavyweight heated blanket will help make those dreams come true. “I love the weight of it — with everyone selling weighted blankets these days, this blanket feels good against my body without weighing me down,” raves a reviewer.
L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket (starting at $179; llbean.com)
Iconic cozy brand L.L.Bean’s offering has reviewers calling it the “ultimate heated blanket,” and another saying, “This blanket is well constructed, warms quickly and the temperature can be readily adjusted.”
Beautyrest Heated Ogee Oversized Throw (starting at $71.99; wayfair.com)
Need extra warmth for cold nights in with Netflix? Try one of these electric decorative throws that will keep you warm all evening.
This ultralight plush fabric throw is machine-washable (not all of them are), and, as one 5-star review notes, it’s “very soft and has three heat settings, also auto turn-off in case you forget!”
Beautyrest Zuri Oversized Heated Faux Fur Throw ($75.99; wayfair.com)
Yes, you can be cozy and fabulous! This luxe faux fur throw has over 266 5-star reviews and is super, super soft.
Arielle Electric Metallic Print Throw (starting at $35.99; target.com)
Is your vibe a little extra? This metallic print throw, available in pink, blue, ivory and silver, is the perfect way to cuddle up and still sparkle. “This has been the best heated throw blanket ever!” shares one reviewer, who also “loves the automatic off safety feature.”
Beautyrest Deep Pocket Heated Mattress Pad (starting at $97.99; wayfair.com)
Get deep warmth all over your bed with a heated mattress pad that will give you that floating-on-a-warm-spa-table feeling.
Featuring 20 heat settings and a timer that shuts off the electricity after 10 hours, eliminating magnetic field emissions, it’s not surprising this heated mattress pad gets top ratings from reviewers.
Woolrich Heated Sherpa Polyester Mattress Pad (starting at $79.99; wayfair.com)
This heated mattress pad is machine-washable, has a 10-hour auto shut-off and a five-setting temperature control, with controllers for both sides of the bed.
Sunbeam Heated Quilted Mattress Pad (starting at $52.11; amazon.com)
Highly rated by Amazon shoppers, you’ll get “even, consistent heat,” according to reviewers, from this pad with a dual heating zone within.
MaxKare Heated Mattress Pad Underblanket ($81.99; amazon.com)
This mattress pad from MaxKare wants you to think of it as an underblanket, and with a velvet topper and 5-star reviews calling it “heavenly,” it’s hard to deny the idea of warming from underneath.
