I am one of those people always receives “warm” things for Christmas.
Battery-operated heated socks? Check.
A three-foot-long heating pad? Check. An air mattress pad with circulating, heated air? Check.
But there’s nothing like a good electric blanket. Whether it covers your bed or your body, a heated blanket can go a long way to helping a cold sleeper make it through the night. No more curling into a ball to avoid the “ice zones” a couple of inches away.
So, for this post, I decided put together a list of things to look for when you’re choosing a heated blanket.
First things first – safety
One of the biggest safety hazards with a heated blanket is that of hot spots. Those develop when the blanket gets all jumbled up and the center of the jumble can’t dissipate heat. Other problems can arise when someone forgets to turn off the blanket when they get up in the morning. And what happens if you have a spill on an electric blanket?
Safety Features
All of these worries are valid, but you’ll find that most manufacturers solved these problems a long time ago. You can even put electric blankets in the washing machine, now. There is no need to spot-clean or hand wash heated blankets.
UL Listing
Look for UL listing for the cover. Anything with electrical wiring should have UL listing for safety standards. You can never be too safe, so practice due diligence here and make sure that the UL listing is legit. You can see some guidelines on that here.
Automatic Shut-off
You can readily eliminate the worry of leaving an electric blanket running with the automatic shut-off. They are usually programmed to go off after 10 hours of run-time.
Temperature Ranges
Most heated blankets have a number of temperature settings, just like a heating pad has. Make sure the controller is easy to reach. Some models have as many as 10 settings from preheat to “blizzard blaster.”
You want to make sure to select a temperature that works for the person sleeping in the bed. For example, a heated pad under a baby or elderly person should be on low until you know exactly what settings are best.
Last but not least – do your own research
You can learn all the ins and outs but I’m a cautious buyer and it’s hard to get me to trust a label even if it’s a toaster, let alone something that I’ll put against my body. So, my final word of advice here would be to learn the basics but then do your own research – from reading the user experiences of the electric blankets you have your eye on to looking at some independent testing and review sites. I found a solid source of info here.
Brand Names
So, you’ve found a heated blanket with UL listing and an automatic shut-off. You’ve found one you can put in the washer. Which brand should you choose? In the United States, there are 4 companies that make outstanding electric blankets. They are:
- Perfect Fit
- Sunbeam
- Biddeford Mills
- Shavel Home Products
These four manufacturers make all of the brands you have heard about, such as Select Comfort, Therapedic, Cannon, Sealy, and Micro Flannel.
Heated Mattress Pads
If you are still worried about a blanket getting wadded up and overheating, you might look at heated mattress pads. These will fit the mattress and you or your child will sleep on top of the warmth. They are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about nighttime accidents with a toddler.
Another benefit that heated mattress pads have over electric blankets is dissipation. Heat rises, and electric blankets generate heat that rises to the ceiling. Mattress pads, though, dissipate the heat to the sleeper and to the bed covers. This may be the solution you are looking for.
Top Models
Soft Heat
One of the most popular models of heated blankets on the market is the Soft Heat brand. It is made by Perfect Fit, and has a low-voltage heat system throughout. It has dual controls for the queen and king size blankets. This micro-fleece blanket is a non-pill fabric and it has automatic shut-off.
Sunbeam Heated Fleece
Sunbeam makes several affordable electric blankets that will satisfy your needs. This model has dual controls for the larger blankets and a 10-hour shut-off. It is UL certified and has 5 heat levels – which doesn’t seem to bother anyone.
Sunbeam Velvet Plush
Here is another Sunbeam product that is very popular. It is not low-voltage like the Soft Heat, but it warms up quicker. The velvet plush fabric is a plus, too, for those who want soft, snuggly warmth. You can find the Velvet Plush with adjustable automatic shut-off for 2, 6, and 10 hours. It has 10 heat settings.
Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad
We mentioned that a heated mattress pad may be the way to go. This quilted, heated mattress pad by Sunbeam has the same features as the blanket: 10 heat levels, automatic shutoff, preheat settings, dual controllers.
In Summary
So, look for UL listing, multiple settings, auto shut-off, water-resistant, washable heated blankets. Inspect your blanket regularly to see if there are any broken wires. There probably won’t be any if you have taken care of the blanket, since the wires are very flexible and tough. If you check the safety recommendations and follow them, you will have an electric blanket that will last you several years and keep you toasty.
Leave a Reply