Reasons to Choose the Best Electric Blanket
What are the benefits of having a heated blanket?
Despite what you may think, these items are not to be used only in the winter, as they have a number of benefits during other seasons.
Benefits of an electric blanket during Winter
First off, you don’t get to wake up feeling cold, so users stay healthier, refreshed, and giving your body strength to fend off attacks.
Additionally, it is best worn before you go to bed, so it is warm when it is time to rest. You should fall asleep due to its cozy and comfortable material.
When you are warm and cozy, there is no need to keep on heaters at night, letting you cut costs on energy spending.
Health Benefits
A heated blanket could be a perfect remedy to combat some of these health challenges:
Heated blankets can act as a cure for several health complications such as:
Stress:
Helps to stay relaxed, ensuring a good night’s rest.
Allergies:
You can reduce dust mites to 50% using an electric blanket.
Muscle strain:
Low heat helps to increase blood flow around the body, helping to relieve the body of aches.
Stiffness:
An increase in blood flow can help to regain flexibility as well as the range of motion around the body.
1. Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Heated Queen Size Blanket
This electric blanket is a combination of thick, soft material, and an ultra-thin flat wire to produce an electric blanket that delivers warmth and comfort every night.
No matter how warm this blanket gets, it never becomes too hot to handle and you can manage your blanket using ten different settings. When this blanket overheats, it automatically shuts down to protect you from any harm.
This blanket is insulated enough to keep you warm even if you shut down the heating element. One of its glaring demerits is the application of dial controllers in place of the popular push-button controls.
This design makes it challenging for some users to operate. Also, there are reports of fires and burns as a result of the use of this blanket. The positive side about this blanket is that it has a 5 year warranty period which should cover any defects.
Pros
- You get ten heat settings to choose from
- Heat retainer that keeps you warm all through the night
- Comes with built-in ultra-thin wires that do not pose any inconvenience while using the blanket
- Preheat feature is also available
- Users also enjoy protection against overheating
Cons
- There have been a number of reported malfunctions that could pose safety risks.
- Has dial controllers instead of the popular push-button kinds available out there.
2. Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket
This blanket from Thermee is one of the best out there in today’s market. The Thermee Micro Flannel Electric Blanket is very cozy and far from heavy and also available in different patterns.
This blanket also has 8 heat settings alongside a programmable timer to give you the freedom of regulating the switch on the blanket for up to 12 hours daily.
The blanket also has removable cords and is machine-friendly. Also made of shrink-proof fabrics with bright-fade resistant patterns.
This blanket has one controller for both the twin and full sizes as well as double controllers for Queen and King. However, this blanket has rather short controller cords, causing a bit of discomfort at night.
Pros
- You enjoy 8 heat settings with this blanket
- Several colors and patterns to choose from
- Users can also program this blanket using the built-in 12-hour timer
- Users also get an automatic shut-off feature
- There is a dual control for both Queen and King sized options.
Cons
- May often become static
- Short controller cords.
3. Sunbeam Electric Microplush Heated Blanket
This blanket has a piece of soft and cozy fabric and comes in king sizes for every customer to make a choice. There is a pre-heating feature that makes sure you never need to endure a cold night ever again.
It also comes with a user-friendly controller that lets you adjust the settings on this blanket with ease. Additionally, it is made of 100% polyester and micro plush texture to give you that extra comfort.
The king-size model of this blanket comes with dual controllers giving you the freedom to adjust each side separately for easier use.
Pros
- You enjoy ten different heat settings with this blanket
- There is a pre-heat feature that lets you warm up your bed prior to bedtime
- It also comes with push-button controls that are easy to manage.
Cons
- Does not last long like the other expensive options
- The wires inside the blanket are not particularly pleasing to touch
4. Soft Heat Luxury
This blanket has a washable fleece with wires so thin you may have a hard time spotting them. The two sides of the Soft Heat Luxury can be heated separately which makes it ideal for couples.
An energy-saving blanket, meaning that you’ll save money on energy costs. The designers of this blanket made sure that you’ll never get burnt while holding this blanket.
The Soft Heat Luxury blanket is not the most enduring blanket on the market, as a number of users have complained that it stopped functioning after a couple of months.
Pros
- Has a plush and comfy feel
- Offers a five-year warranty
- Awesome for couples with varying heat preferences, up to ten different options to choose from.
Cons
- Not particularly durable
- Has a limited temperature range compared to other blankets
5. SoftHeat Ultra Micro-Plush Triple-Rib Heated Blanket
This blanket is available in five sizes (Queen, King, Twin, Full and Throw) and five colors variant.
Made from soft polyester, its 10 different heat settings help you control the blanket’s temperature adequately. It has two separate controllers as well as a dual heating zone system, and this is available in Queen and King sizes.
The SoftHeat Ultra Micro-Plush Triple-Rib blanket is safe for your washing machines and drier.
The blanket’s lovely design combines thin wires with a thick fabric, ensuring that the wires do not bother you. It is however relatively expensive and may not be the first option in mind when scouting for an electric blanket.
Pros
- Warms up rather quickly
- Offers a variety of colors and sizes
- Offers a five-year warranty
- Very soft to the touch
- Safe for washing machine and dryer.
Cons
- Rather expensive
6. Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket
Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket has a rich garnet color that’s certain to look beautiful on any bed. It also comes with a 4mm thick material and is designed thinner than a lot of other heated blankets, ensuring you don’t add extra unnecessary weight to your bed.
This pocket-friendly option includes a controller with a digital display that is easy to operate. The simple push-button controls is another great feature of this blanket and it’s equipped with a pre-heat feature that lets you keep your sheets toasted before bedtime.
Pros
- A budget-friendly option for people who may not be seeking a blanket at the higher end of the spectrum
- Has 10 different heat settings
- Can sense and adjust to warmth for constant temperature control
Cons
- This blanket is not as thick as other blankets in the market
- The thick wires can be felt when you use this blanket
7. Biddeford Blankets Comfort Knit Heated Blanket, Queen, Natural
This is a popular brand in the electric blanket market, as this micro-plush Sherpa blanket can turn out to be the right investment for those chilly nights. Its larger sizes come with two controllers that give you independent control of the heat settings.
Biddeford also incorporates an automatic shut-down feature which turns off the blanket after ten hours of usage. It has an LCD display clear enough to see, making it easy to adjust at night.
A number of users have reported that this blanket has some defects like non-functional controllers, inconsistent heating, and even fire hazards. You can take solace in the fact that this blanket comes with a warranty, so fire hazards are covered.
Pros
- Safe for machine washing
- Shuts off automatically after 10 hours of use
- Lightweight and soft to touch
- Has an LCD display
Cons
- The defects seem to be prevalent
8. Sunbeam Microplush Electric Heated Throw Blanket
One of the best picks on this list, this blanket is soft, large, warm up quick and can keep you warm all through the night.
Measuring 50 × 60 inches and is purely made of polyester, this blanket is available in various colors and has a controller with 3 heat settings.
One of the best qualities of this blanket is the speed at which it gets warm, making it perfect for those winter nights when you cannot wait for your thermostat to restart. The bad side about this product is its controller, as it is not particularly reliable and heats up when the blanket’s been in use for a long time.
Pros
- The soft and plush feel
- Warms up quick
- Large and comfortable, with 3 different heat options for every customer to enjoy
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- This blanket controller may become extremely hot when the blanket works for long hours.
- You may experience difficulty keeping your sheets in one position
How to choose the best electric blanket
There are certain features to look out for before opting for an electric blanket. Some of these things include:
Safety
A crucial aspect we cannot be overemphasized in our everyday lives. When opting for an electric blanket, look out for featured markings on the blanket, if it has ‘UL’ or ‘ETL’ then it is a brand you can trust. These codes states the manufacturer’s adherence to strict safety measures.
Due to differences in power outlets, always ensure that your blanket is suitable for the region you may find yourself.
Size
Different manufacturers often create heated blankets to suit a certain bed size: Twin, Double, Queen, and King. Some covers are also available in sizes like short Queen or the Twin XL. It’s best you purchase a blanket size closest to your bed size, as you may stand the risk of damaging the elastics and cord if you try to fit the inappropriate size on your bed.
Features
Electric blankets have grown over time from just being “covers” to becoming technical sleeping items. New features like timers as well as heat settings ensure better user experience, letting you take naps stress-free while adhering to safety measures.
When going for a blanket, decide on what you need and what extra features you would love. Some of these features include:
Ease of use
Select an electric blanket best suited to match your lifestyle. Find the one that suits you, is simple and matches your needs.
Low voltage blankets are a better option if you share the same bed as your pet. Also, if you share your bed with someone else, you should be able to manage the two halves using separate controls.
You should also check out the control units and ensure it is one you can easily see without needing assistance.
Materials and feel
Before getting a blanket, you need to know if it will shed lint if it is soft enough to sleep under, if it can be washed with machines and if it is durable. These questions, alongside its aesthetics and thickness of the wires, will ultimately help you decide which blanket to opt for.
Temperature range
Your blanket should not only suit your preferences, but they should also suit the climate of the region you live in. the number of heat settings also matters too, as some blankets offer three options while others offer as many as ten.
Most models have settings enabled from 80F to 108F. Also, certain blankets can keep track of temperature and make necessary adjustments, letting you enjoy your sleep at optimal temperature levels.
Price tag
It’s best to find the features you need at a reasonable price and go for it. The minimum price point is set at $35 with the maximum set at $200.
Tips on how to use electric blankets
How safe are these electric blankets?
They are generally safe, as many have an automatic shut-off feature that will turn off the blanket after a stipulated number of hours. Always adhere to all instructions for use and every other necessary precaution.
Check your blanket’s manual to understand the level of volts it can handle from a power supply. Also, you should get a power adapter for those outlets with a higher voltage to avoid overheating.
Can your electric blankets increase your heating bill?
Electric blankets are a cheaper option than toasting up your home by charging up the heaters. If you have a blanket that utilizes 200 watts, turning it on for ten hours translates to two kilowatt-hours, this is roughly 20 cents (depending on your location). If using a blanket means you turn down the heat at night, then the blanket is a fine investment that is certain to yield the required results.
How do I take proper care of an electric blanket?
First of all, you must adhere to all care and use the instructions attached to the manual so you stay safe. Try to keep the blanket spread out in the right proportion and not rolled up as this can create hotspots and damage the blanket.
Unplug from the electricity source and fold neatly to store for later. Stop using your blanket if you discover brown spots, as this may indicate overheating.
Throw or blanket?
With an electric blanket that goes directly on your bed, you have the whole bed heated up, but with an electric throw, you can put it in any room and can wrap it around your body if need be. Throws do not come in standard bed size, so it is best for your sofa or as an extra topper in bed.
Temperature settings
Check out how many options are available to control the temperature and ascertain what you’ll go for. It’s best to invest in one that comes with at least 3 heat options.
Energy efficiency
Most new electric blankets are energy efficient and should save you in the long run.
Safety
Safe blankets are usually designed with an auto-shutoff feature that helps you turn it off if you accidentally leave it for long hours.
Washable
Always look out for blankets that are washable. They should possess removable covers that can be hand-washed or with the help of a washing machine.
Mattress type
When getting electric blankets, always consider your mattress size and look for one that matches it. Consider placing a sheet between both the mattress and blanket, ensure to gradually heat your blanket.
Conclusion
Sleep is very vital if you hope to attain a wonderful and healthy life and improving your sleep conditions is necessary. Getting an electric blanket will keep you warm and comfortable.
We advise you to try out SoftHeat Luxury Micro-Fleece blanket as it is well-priced, offers good features (like auto-off), and has a variety of colors to pick from.
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