Winter’s coming, and it’s time to start preparing for the chilly weather. One option to keep you warm is a heating pad and while it may do a good job, it might not be ideal for someone who needs more evenly distributed heat output for the whole body. This is where a heated blanket can help. Whether you live in colder climates or just need a way to cozy up your mattress, you should consider getting a heated blanket.
Electric blankets, as they’re often called, have electrical wires integrated into warm material to get you the optimum amount of heat. A good electric blanket will be energy efficient and have a heating element for the right amount of heat to comfort you without making you feel too hot. Whether it’s for yourself or a holiday gift for a loved one, our picks of the best electric blankets are perfect to help you cozy up on your couch or bed without turning up the thermostat.
After you’ve scoured the internet for electric blankets, there are a few things you should consider before selecting the best one. Read each product description carefully, and pay special attention to the following features:
- Material: Look for heated blankets made with warm materials such as polyester, fleece, flannel, sherpa or faux fur.
- Heat settings: The best electric blankets will have multiple heat settings. Depending on your preference, the more heat settings, the better the blanket generally is.
- Machine-washable: At some point, your blanket will get dirty. Make sure your heated blanket is machine-washable.
- Safety: You want a blanket with an automatic shut-off feature for safety. If you tend to be forgetful, look for a blanket that shuts off within a few hours.