The 3 Best Electric Blankets & Heated Mattress Pads of 2023 Reviews by Wirecutter

Then we double-checked with the infrared thermometer, again testing all four corners and the center to make sure the heat was distributed evenly. The Biddeford Micro Mink & Sherpa blanket reached the highest temperature of all the blankets, at 107.1 degrees Fahrenheit. It also had the widest range of temperatures, with a low setting of 81.7 degrees.

Grace has also worked on wearable technology, smart clothing and electronic textiles within various academic laboratories. Stay warm while conserving energy with one of these electric blankets we tried and loved. Purchase your product from a reputable retail store or online retailer, sunbeam heated blankets which often have safety protocols and do random spot checks of their own. I don’t know how many people try to resell it, but it’s always best to get it from a retailer,” Hawk notes. Amy JamiesonThis luxe throw was extra comfortable, and it was a favorite with my family.

sunbeam heated throw

This blanket had cold spots because the wires were too far apart, and the wires also stop nearly a foot away from the edges of the blanket, leaving you with cold toes if you stretch out too much. Overall, there are simply better options out there to spend your hard-earned money on. While the Perfect Fit comes with a five-year warranty, our research uncovered that some customers have had difficulty having their warranty honored. Taking a close look at the company’s website, we found that multiple links lead to content unrelated to Perfect Fit products.

To find out if this is a warm heated blanket that won’t break the bank, read on for my full Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket review. Polyester is an affordable synthetic material that’s commonly used in budget-friendly blankets. Though it felt soft and feathery to the touch, the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw isn’t very breathable. Much like traditional blankets, electric blankets are safe for most people as long as manufacturer instructions and recommendations are followed. Not following the instructions can result in injury, including shock, burns, or a fire.

The blanket comes with two controllers, but only one power cord, so it was unclear which controller was connected to which side. The electric blanket has a 10-hour automatic shut-off so, if one leaves the blanket on for 10 hours, it should turn off by itself. Although some polyester blankets with a faux fur texture tend to deteriorate when washed, this washer- and dryer-safe throw kept its shape, color, and texture. We washed the throw once on the recommended settings—machine wash cold, gentle cycle, then tumble-dry on low, delicate cycle—and there was no pilling, the hem didn’t fray, and the color remained the same. Just note that Sunbeam warns not to dry clean or iron this blanket. Made of 100% polyester, the Velvet Plush has a notably soft, brushed texture that feels like a thick velour.

We think the wires in this blanket might shift more over time than those in other blankets . The channels sewn into the Sunbeam design are wider, which can allow the wires to shift from side to side, possibly producing hot and cold spots. We could feel the wires in this blanket—but we could feel the wires in all the top blanket contenders, and the Velvet Plush’s wires were relatively less noticeable than those of some other models.

This blanket comes with a five-year warranty from a well-established company and might be worth the purchase if found at a good price. Here are the two top-rated controllers by Bedsure and Degrees of Comfort. Each blanket was compared directly to the others to find the most comfortable model. The warmest blanket with the highest temperature capabilities is the Sunbeam Fleece Heated Blanket with a low average temperature of 83˚, a medium temperature of 86˚, and a high average temperature of 94˚. Relaxing under the Sunbeam Heated Quilted blanket with no worries of the cord ripping out due to the plug’s locking mechanism. Using the Instacart app or website, shop for products from your store of choice near you.

I read the instructions and powered on the blankets on my king-size bed. I also tested the consistency of the heat on the surface—how evenly it is distributed—with an infrared thermometer. Since some electric blankets can feel lumpy instead of smooth, I noted whether I could feel wires on the top and underneath.

In 2022, we tested another mattress pad, the Sunbeam Zoned Heated Mattress Pad, our current pick, because our previous mattress pad pick was experiencing prolonged stock issues. In our analysis of 37 expert reviews, the Sunbeam Lush Polyester Electric Blanket placed 17th when we looked at the top 21 products in the category. Another issue we encountered was that the blanket wasn’t distributing heat evenly. So much for the ThermoFine technology that’s supposed to deliver consistent heat!

The Degrees of Comfort stands well and is usable one-handed when placed on your nightstand. To help you determine whether an electric heated blanket is right for you, we spoke to experts about the benefits of electric blankets, how to shop for them and how to use them safely. The Warmee Smart Heated Throw is a splurge, but if you want to easily control your heated blanket with an app, it may be worth it for you. I’m designating the Warmee as a throw because of its smaller size, and while the brand says it can be used by two people, I preferred to use it without company. Its soft, thick and plush construction made it a winner for cozy nights on the couch, and its “smart” operation—a standout element among the blankets I tried—makes it a fun option for the tech-savvy.