The Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw is an affordable and easy-to-use electric blanket for first-time buyers or anyone who wants cozy supplementary heat while curled up on the couch. Don’t fold, bunch up, or pinch your heated bedding while you’re using it. That could cause excessive heat to build up, damaging the wires or even causing a fire if other safety mechanisms fail. Made of 100% polyester, the Velvet Plush has a notably soft, brushed texture that feels like a thick velour. Of the Sunbeam blankets we tested, its velvety-soft surface felt the most pleasant and did the best job of masking the wires inside.
Mattress pads are also easier to use safely because they lie flat and don’t bunch or fold , which could cause overheating. But blankets are better if you already have a specific mattress topper that you love or you don’t want to add extra padding to your mattress. If you use heated bedding only occasionally, it’s also easier to swap in an electric blanket than it is to change the mattress pad. Pure Enrichment’s PureRelief electric throw blanket features a reversible design — anti-pill micromink on one side and sherpa on the other — with super-soft, luxe comfort on both sides.
Experts told us you should never leave an electric blanket on when you leave the room or when you’re asleep. Many electric blankets have an automatic shut-off feature so it’s not heating when you don’t need it, but it’s always wise to double-check that your blanket is off once you’re done using it. The non-slip digital controller is easy to read and adjust, with a lighted dial and an extra-long cord that was useful to reach outlets in any part of the room. While we tested a full-size blanket, the king size is divided in two separate zones and comes with two controllers to adjust the temperature of each side of the bed, allowing for individual comfort and control. I learned from reading ratings and reviews and from my own testing experience that heated blankets can be fussy.
Pull the electric cord out if it is lodged between the mattress or box spring or if it is tucked into any furniture. Run the length of the electric cord on the bedroom’s floor only, keeping as much under the bed as possible to avoid tripping. For safety, its 3-hour auto-shut-off function offers total peace of mind, so you never have to worry if you fall asleep with it on , or walk away and get distracted.
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, 5-, 3- and 1-year warranties were among the best protections I found. Some sunbeam heated blankets heated blankets use a dial to help you click through their different heat settings, while others have a digital display with plus and minus buttons to set your heat level. Don’t forget to look for a blanket with a “preheat” option, so you won’t be shivering while you wait for it to warm up.
Then we double-checked with the infrared thermometer, again testing all four corners and the center to make sure the heat was distributed evenly. You should not dispose of the blanket immediately, as you may need to take additional photos of the blanket to receive the refund. Once the company has issued the refund, blankets should be disposed of according to local electronic recycling guidelines. The sensation of heat on the skin sends positive feedback to your brain that can distract from stiffness or pain, or from the fact that you need to get out of bed and start the day. It certainly did that for me. “Your brain gets overloaded with this nice comfortable sensation, and that can be very comforting,” she says.
When I used it overnight on setting 2, I woke up uncomfortably warm after a few hours. As such, I would be concerned about using this blanket on a high setting overnight. When sunbeam heated blankets the temperature plummets, your heating bill can really take a hit. If your sheets and comforters aren’t keeping you warm enough, electric blankets are a great way to stay cozy.