When temperatures drop, thoughts turn to hot drinks, woollen socks, and a heated throw to keep you warm on the lounge or electric blanket to ready your bed for a warm and cosy night's sleep.
Depending on how much you want to spend, you can get a simple electric blanket or heated throw from a major chain store, but there are also options with a few more bells and whistles.
On this page:
- Electric blanket vs heated throw – what's the difference?
- What should you look for in an electric blanket or heated throw?
- Are electric blankets and heated throws safe?
- Using your electric blanket or heated throw safely
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Electric blanket vs heated throw – what's the difference?
An electric blanket is to be used on your bed and is typically placed under your fitted sheet. The blanket uses electricity to heat up and keep your bed feeling cosy and warm.
A heated throw blanket also uses electricity to warm the blanket but is more portable and can be used when you're on the lounge, so long as a power socket is within reach.
What should you look for in an electric blanket or heated throw?
Electrical safety compliance
All electric blankets must display a regulatory compliance mark (a tick inside a triangle) confirming that it is approved for safe use in Australia, which includes requirements such as ensuring the blanket won't get dangerously hot.
Auto-off feature
This feature automatically turns off the electric blanket or heated throw after a pre-set amount of time.
Ease of fitting the blanket
For electric blankets, a fitted blanket with elastic all around is easier to put on and take off, and stays flat and taut on the mattress. Ones that tie down or have elasticated straps are more fiddly to use.
Foot zone
If your feet get particularly cold, look for an electric blanket with extra warm foot zone controls, or check that the heating elements extend as far to the foot of the blanket as possible.
Raised markings or lights
If you change your blanket's settings during the night, look for a control with raised markings so you can identify the settings in the dark. Alternatively, look for a light which will indicate the blanket is switched on. An illuminated LCD screen also makes it easier to see settings in the dark.
Comfort
Assess how thick the material is, and how much the heating elements stick out if you lie on them. Some electric blankets can be uncomfortable when you're sleeping on your side, at the bit where the controller plugs into the element.
Dual controls
These are generally available on queen- and king-sized blankets and let you control the temperature on your side of the bed independently (which is handy as many couples have different warmth preferences!).
Programmable settings
These allow you to preset a maximum heat setting at a particular time. Some also have timers (for one, three or five hours, for example). A few models even have smartphone apps and work with smart home hubs like Alexa or Google so you can turn your blanket on or off with a voice command.
Material
Much of an electric blanket or heated throw's cost is down to its composition. A woollen fleece blanket gives extra comfort and will cost more than a thin mattress topper. Some are waterproof, quilted or have anti-bacterial claims.
Washable
Generally, electric blankets can be put in your washing machine on a delicates cycle (once the controllers are removed). Some have handy removable covers, which make them easier to clean. Most need to be line-dried, but some are suitable for tumble drying on a cold setting (consult the manual for your specific model to make sure).
Cord length
If you're using a heated throw, check to make sure the electric cord is within reach of a power point, so you can use it on your lounge without being restricted. Don't plug it into an extension cord as this can cause overheating and is a potential fire risk (see "Are electric blankets and throws safe", below).
How much do electric blankets and heated throws cost?
Electric blankets cover all conventional bed sizes. We test them on the most common bed type – a queen bed – and the cost ranges between $55 and $469, depending on their features and composition.
The heated throw blankets we've tested range in price from $35 to $199.
How much do electric blankets and heated throws cost to run?
Most electric blankets have a wattage of around 100–150W. Based on our measurements, you shouldn't expect to pay more than $48 per season to run a single bed electric blanket (with many costing a lot less than this). This includes pre-heating and leaving it on overnight, every night, for three months. Our electric blanket reviews list running costs for each model.
To be on the safe side, we advise against all-night use, even if the blanket has an all-night mode, so running costs should be even less (some blankets we've tested specifically advise against all-night use, so we only calculate pre-heating costs for those models).
Heated throw blankets are used differently, so we calculate their running costs differently too. We include the manufacturer's recommended preheat time in the calculations and set the blanket on its maximum setting for three hours and then on its lowest setting for three hours. This is calculated daily over a three month winter period. For the heated throws we tested, running costs ranged from $12 to $18.
Are electric blankets and heated throws safe?
A number of electric blanket and throw recalls have been issued over the years, typically due to problems with controller durability which have caused electric blanket fires. This has led to CHOICE placing a greater emphasis on testing for durability and electrical safety. Our tests have shown modern electric blankets and heated throws are safe, but where electricity is involved there's always a small risk, and accidents can happen.
- All electric blankets and heated throws must carry AS/NZS 60335.2.17:2012 or later, so look for this when shopping.
- Read the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use and care.
- Fire and Rescue NSW recommends people test their electric blankets and heated throws before using them.
- Never use an electric blanket or heated throw with an extension cord as it could overload.
Using your electric blanket or heated throw safely
Checking your blanket
To test an electric blanket, lay it flat on top of the bed and switch it on for five minutes. Visually inspect and feel the wires – check that they're operating correctly and are undamaged. Make sure there are no hot spots. Manufacturers such as Sunbeam recommend you get your blanket checked by a qualified professional every couple of years once the warranty period expires.
Fitting your electric blanket
Make sure your blanket isn't wider than the mattress – the heating elements should remain on the top of the mattress. Be careful, too, with pointed or sharp objects that could damage the heating elements. Consult the instructions, as some models can't be used on futons, rubber or foam mattresses, water beds or under mattress protectors. Only turn the blanket on once it's flat and secure on the mattress.
Make sure there's nothing on the blanket that could lead to localised overheating (such as books, clothing, a folded blanket, pillows or a pet).
The electric cord and switch should be outside the bedding and near the head end. When the appliance is not in use, turn the power off and remove the plug.
Safety tip: Don't use an electric blanket for an infant, an immobile person or someone insensitive to heat, and don't use it with a hot water bottle or when it's wet.
Storing your blanket
If you want to take your blanket off the bed in summer, fold it very loosely (not tightly as this could damage the elements), or roll it around a cylinder, and store it in a dry place. Alternatively if it's a really comfortable fleecy blanket, the controllers can be removed and it can stay on your bed as an underblanket!
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
