To ensure you purchase a safe electric blanket, Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, recommends only buying from reputable retailers and looking for products that have been certified for safety. “This helps you avoid counterfeits that may not have built-in safety features like those which have been certified and tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL),” he says. NRTL-certified products are guaranteed to meet current safety standards and are proven to be safe with proper use. All of the below electric blankets are UL- or ETL-tested and certified, both of which are recognized as an NRTL in the US. After researching and testing dozens of electric blankets, we chose our favorites considering the material, size, certifications, and features of each. Our best overall pick is the Micro Flannel Reverse to Sherpa Electric Heated Blanket, an exceptionally soft, machine-washable option with a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature, dual controls, and multiple color and size options. Read on for the best electric blankets—thoroughly vetted by us. The sherpa material often runs the risk of shedding, but that’s not a problem with this Micro Flannel blanket. The seven layers of fabric are filled with a down alternative fiber, so it’s hypoallergenic. We also love that the queen and king sizes include two controllers so each person can program their perfect temperature for up to 12 hours. The blanket will even remember your favorite settings with the memory function. We also like that this heated blanket has a 10-hour automatic shutoff feature. You can stay warm through the night without worrying about it turning off too soon or causing an electrical hazard. Our tester did note that coffee and other liquids may leave small stains when spot cleaning, but you can also put this blanket in the washing machine for an easy refresh. Price at time of publish: $230 Material: Polyester cover, 100% down alternative fill, sherpa, micro flannel fabric | Size: Twin, full, queen, king | Timer: 10-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: Not Listed The blanket is machine-washable on a cold cycle but should be air-dried, and is available in five colors and four sizes. Our tester did wish that this pick came with more controls, but for such an affordable price, it’s a great option. It’s extremely user-friendly and easy to spot clean. Price at time of publish: $46 Material: Polyester, cotton | Size: 50 x 60 inches, 62 x 84, 72 x 84, 84 x 90 inches | Timer: 6-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 4 What really stands out with this electric throw is the foot pocket, which offers a designated spot to tuck in your feet while working at a desk or cozying up on the couch. Though our tester noted a few loose threads out of the package, they loved the cozy feel of this blanket without being too warm. Price at time of publish: $53 Material: Microplush polyester | Size: 50 x 62 inches | Timer: 2-hour auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 3 At 50 x 60 inches, it’s a standard throw size, though our tester noted the relatively short power cord. This machine-washable, reversible blanket is incredibly soft and cuddly, with PrimaLush polyester on one side and Loftmink on the other. Price at time of publish: $119 Material: PrimaLush polyester, Loftmink polyester | Size: 50 x 60 inches | Timer: Auto shutoff (hours not listed) | Heat Settings: 5 “The blanket heated as expected, and the wires weren’t overly obvious when lying under it,” says our tester. “I like the dual heat option, especially for partners sharing this blanket on a bed.” It also includes a programmable timer with an automatic shutoff and eight heat settings to choose from. The flannel material feels thick and incredibly soft without noticeable wires. Though the price tag is a bit high, we love this blanket for its aesthetically pleasing, yet effective design. Price at time of publish: $278 Material: Microfiber | Size: 90 x 72 inches | Timer: 10 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 8 For such an affordable price and great color options, this is a great option for kids or teens. It also comes backed with a UL certification, so you can guarantee it emits virtually no harmful radiation or emissions. Our tester evaluated a similar wearable blanket from Beautyrest and did note that the chord and control panel can be a bit bulky, but loved the even heat distribution and ease of use. Price at time of publish: $59 Material: Sherpa, fleece | Size: 64 x 50 inches | Timer: 2 hours auto shutoff | Heat Settings: 3
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
What to Look for in an Electric Blanket
Material
If your heated blanket is warm but scratchy, you may not enjoy using it as much. Fortunately, many heated blankets on the market now are made with soft microfiber fabrics that feel cozy to the touch or sherpa-style blankets that are fuzzy and warm. In addition to the comfort, the big upside to these polyester microfiber blankets is that most are machine-washable for easy care.
Size
Consider whether you want an electric blanket for your bed or just for lounging around the house. A comforter-size electric blanket, though practical for sleeping, may overwhelm your couch or sitting space while also being less energy efficient. There are many heated blankets the size of your average throw available. On the other hand, if you want an electric blanket to warm your whole bed, there’s every size from twin to king on the market.
Automatic Shutoff
A majority of the heated blankets you can buy today have an automatic shutoff feature. This means that if you forget to power it down, it’ll automatically turn off after a period. Some electric blankets turn off after two or three hours, but for those designed for sleeping, it’s usually closer to 10 hours. According to Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International, “Heating appliances should never be left unattended or used while sleeping.” This automatic shutoff feature ensures your blanket remains safe, even through the night.
Safety Certifications
“Make sure it includes labels from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized national testing laboratory,” says H. Landis “Lanny” Floyd, a professional engineer, certified safety professional, and adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “The label is an assurance the blanket complies with product safety standards. A standard safety feature is a control on the power cord that allows the user to adjust the temperature setting and turn the blanket off without unplugging the power cord.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in textiles, lifestyle, and home design. For this roundup, she personally tested 13 electric blankets from various brands and retailers, combed through user reviews, and researched the key features and specifications before making her final selections. Each product on this list earned high scores in multiple categories, including quality, design, fabric, heat levels, effectiveness, and durability. Additionally, Floyd advises against buying a used electric blanket. “You do not know how the blanket has been cared for, and there may be hidden damage. An old blanket may not include the latest safety features required by current product safety standards.” Additionally, Majano states that electric blankets are safe as long as they are used properly. “Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. When covered by anything, including other blankets or pets, electric blankets may overheat. Do not plug electric blankets into an extension cord or power strip as they could overheat and cause a fire. Any devices that generate heat, like electric blankets or space heaters, should be plugged directly into an outlet,” he says. He also warns against folding electric blankets when in use. Most unsafe electric blankets are more than 10 years old, he shares. “Be sure to properly maintain the blanket and its electrical cord. Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or one where the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Replace any worn or old heating pad or electric blanket,” he recommends. For additional insight, Theresa also spoke with certified safety professionals H. Landis “Lanny” Floyd and Daniel Majano, Program Manager for the Electrical Safety Foundation International on key safety features to consider when making your selection. The Spruce’s Julia Fields contributed additional research and updates.
