Fancy jumping into a warm and toasty bed on a freezing winter night? Us too – that's why CHOICE experts put 28 electric blankets to the test in our labs to find out which one performed the best.
Not only are electric blankets a saving grace for those of us with perpetually chilly feet, they're also cost-efficient to run and, when operated following instructions, safe to use.
When testing, our experts look at factors such as how fast different electric blankets will warm your bed, how comfortable they are to sleep on and how easy they are to clean, as well as any safety issues.
And they have all the answers to any burning questions you have about whether an electric blanket is right for you, with some solid reasons for buying one.
On this page:
- They really work
- They're a relatively cheap way to stay warm
- They're safe to use (if you follow instructions)
- Some are easy to wash
- You can tweak the settings
- There's an electric blanket for all budgets
They really work
Electric blankets are not complicated products.
They're just, well, blankets, but with integrated wires inside that heat up the fabric to transfer heat to your body while lying in bed.
Some have more complicated wiring configurations with fancy features.
For example, you can get multi-zone heating technology if you want your feet to be warmer than your mid-section. Or 'smart connectivity', in case you want to be able to turn your blanket on using your smartphone from the living room.
But, essentially, electric blankets all do the same thing, and they do it well.
Almost all the electric blankets we tested in our electric blanket review were able to reach a temperature of 40 degrees within 15 minutes, with most achieving that temperature within 10 minutes or less, and some in as little as two minutes!
So if it's a toasty bed you're after, they've got you covered.
They're a relatively cheap way to stay warm
With many of us struggling to stay on top of household bills, an electric blanket could be a good option to help you stay warm when compared to how costly and inefficient electric heaters can be (particularly if you're running them all night).
Even if you run your electric blanket on low for eight hours each day, it'll only cost you up to $50 for the whole winter
Our calculations show that even if you run your electric blanket on low for eight hours each day, it'll only cost you up to $50 for the whole winter.
But running an electric heater for that time will add a couple of hundred dollars or more to your power bill.
You can check the running costs of all the products we tested in our electric blanket reviews.
A timer is a handy feature to have on your electric blanket.
They're safe to use (if you follow instructions)
Our tests have shown modern electric blankets are safe, but where electricity is involved there's always a small risk, and accidents can happen.
To make sure the model you're looking at buying is safe, visit eess.gov.au and go to 'Search Electrical Equipment'.
Electric blankets should have a regulatory compliance mark to show that they meet Australian standards. If you can't find one on the model you're interested in, give it a miss.
Running time
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use – for example, some manufacturers say that their electric blankets should not be left on overnight while others deem it safe.
We always exercise caution with products here at CHOICE, so we advise that it's better to not use them overnight (or always just use it on a short timer), and that they definitely shouldn't be used by young children.
Electrical safety
If you see any issues with the condition of the electrical cord or controls, stop using it straight away.
Pacemakers
Electric blankets are safe to use for people with pacemakers, according to the UK National Health Service, but this could vary from person to person (and could depend on which brand of pacemaker you are using), so it's best to check with your health professional.
Some are easy to wash
While it may seem unwise to throw an electrical appliance into the washing machine, some electric blankets are actually washable once you've removed the controllers.
Some blankets we tested have a removable cover that makes it easy to clean, and also likely to extend the life of your blanket as it potentially won't get as grubby.
Most electric blankets need to be line-dried, but some are suitable for tumble drying – just double-check the instructions before you put them in the dryer.
When we calculate the 'ease of use' score in our electric blanket reviews, we take into account how easy they are to clean.
You can tweak the settings
All the blankets we tested have dual settings, so if your partner has a tendency to overheat, you can each adjust the temperature on your side of the bed to suit your preference.
Most blankets have a range of heat settings, although some have more than others. Very basic models usually have three or four levels, while the more expensive blankets can have up to 10, making them more customisable to the heat you prefer.
Some blankets have timers. This means you can program the blanket to turn off after a few hours when you've drifted off into a cosy snooze.
There's an electric blanket for all budgets
Whether you're a new electric blanket adopter (welcome to the fan club), you're replacing an older blanket, or you're buying more for other people in the family, there are options for every budget.
In our latest test, prices range from $55 for a queen-sized fitted electric blanket from Kmart, up to $469 for the Sunbeam Sleep Perfect Wool Fleece Electric Blanket.
Factors that will influence the price are things such as brand, material and how many bells and whistles the blanket has. If you've always dreamt of a blanket with an extra-warm foot zone, a number of models have this feature and some even allow you to choose a different setting for that section.
Factors that will influence the price are things such as brand, material and how many bells and whistles the blanket has
CHOICE expert Adrian Lini says, "We tested several cheaper products that performed just as well as or outperformed more expensive blankets, so you can get a decent electric blanket without having to spend a fortune."
"As well as price though, my advice would be to look at a blanket that has a removable cover to make washing easy, and a timer, which is a really handy feature."
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Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
