Best Electric Blankets & Heated Throws
Along with hot drinks and thick socks, electric blankets are one of winter's most-loved creature comforts. If you're looking for wraparound warmth that clings to you deliciously, an electric blanket or heated throw is a top pick. Continue reading...
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With 9 adjustable temperature settings, overheating protection, and a machine washable design, the Ovela Fitted Electric Blanket can help you sleep easier - and warmer - at night.
Price (RRP) $79.99
Latest review: I have had this shoulder & back heating pad for a couple of weeks now and used almost every day. My lower back and shoulders have had a little bit of pain from exercise and this has helped manage it.
Price (RRP) $199
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The Jason Fitted Blanket offers a mid-tier electric blanket that produces mixed reports among reviewers - some enjoyed its warmth, while others found it left cold spots on the mattress.
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Breville BodyZone Antibacterial Fitted
· includes 3 listingsThe Breville BodyZone Antibacterial Fitted Heated Blanket has 6 heat settings and is machine washable, letting you personalise it to your personal preferences and easily clean it when needed.
Price (RRP) $189.95 to $319
Latest review: This heat pad has been a game changer. It's comfortable and easy to use - but most importantly it heats up fast and gets the heat right to the spot where I need it. I also love the flexibility as I
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Delivering gentle heat to your neck, shoulders, and the back of your head, the Sunbeam Shoulders & Neck Heating Pad helps soothe muscles with 5 different heat settings.
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The Sunbeam Feel Perfect Therapeutic Heat Pad has 5 different heat settings, providing targeted heat relief for where you need it most.
Latest review: Super easy to operate, couldn't wish for a better companion during the winter
Price (RRP) $89.95
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Latest review: The many settings and timer are great. I often only use the foot setting once I'm in bed which i love. There's no bumpy connections, hooray. We"ve had this just over 2 years now. Best one ever, well
Price (RRP) $239.99
Latest review: We ordered a totine electric blanket 3 weeks ago. They took our money 3 weeks ago but we just got notified that they can't fulfil our order. That's 3 weeks of winter that my elderly mother could
Price (RRP) $114.95
Latest review: Followed all instructions need to put on highest setting for hours before going to bed still luke warm. Bought on site eBay seller would not answer my request for return faulty item, contacted
Dreamaker Washable Electric Blanket
· includes 7 listingsLatest review: These blankets are only to be used straight into a power point and not on a power board. I would never have bought it had I known this. As well as that although I had turned it off when I got into
Price (RRP) $54.95 to $99.95
Latest review: Sadly, you will die of the cold before this "Throw" gives enough heat. Even on maximum heating, you are still cold at 14 degrees in the house. The positives were : Nice colour (Pink), large size
Price (RRP) $39.99
Heller Fitted / Tie Down
· includes 7 listingsLatest review: I had this for 6 years and it was good initially until yesterday morning when it caught fire but luckily we managed to put out the fire in time. I was wondering why the overheat protect function
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Latest review: Absolutely terrible. Wish I had read the reviews first. Bought 2 sets of queen size blankets for the family because had the dual zone settings and wireless remote control option from you iPhone.
Price (RRP) $329
Dimplex Dream Easy Fitted Electric Blanket DHDEB
· includes 5 listingsLatest review: The best electric blanket I have ever purchased, heat settings are perfect. Also great fit for your mattress.Amazing quality & price compared to other well known brands and highly recommended
Price (RRP) $49.95 to $89.95
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Heated Throw Blanket
· includes 4 listingsLatest review: Followed all instructions. Did all the trouble shooting and the heat can hardly be felt at all. Where there is a little bit of heat - it is only in patches and not even. VERY disappointed with
Latest review: This is my 3rd winter with this electric blanket. Never had a problem with it. Temperature settings from 1-9, which is great because I my preferred setting is 1 for the upper body and 2 for the feet
Price (RRP) $179.99
Latest review: The first one purchased didn’t work new out of the box. The second lasted 4 months without that much u
Kambrook Dream Weaver
· includes 3 listingsLatest review: My fault for losing the receipt, but the remote started making a weird crackle noise and stopped working just after 3 months. Called up Kambrook, said they don't offer replacement parts, don't even
Price (RRP) $99.95 to $149.95
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How do electric blankets work?
Insulated carbon wires distribute heat throughout an electric blanket or electric throw using attached power cord/s. Electric blankets only need to be switched on for about 10-30 minutes before bed for them to take the edge off chilly nights.
Trapping warm air between your quilt and mattress, they keep your bed toasty-warm during the night. This makes them a cheaper alternative to leaving a heater on all night.
Are electric blankets safe?
- While they may have received some negative press, when maintained carefully and used sensibly, the answer is yes. All models are required to comply with strict safety standards before being sold in Australia.
- Electric blankets should not be used by pregnant women, infants and toddlers under the age of three, pets, people with diabetes (as overheating can result in nerve damage) and those with poor circulation.
- There are steps you can take to ensure maximum safety. Keep the blanket on a low setting, especially when leaving it on for a long period of time. While you can leave electric blankets on all night, avoid doing so to prevent the blanket - and you - from overheating.
- Choose a model with an overheat protection sensor, which turns the blanket off if high temperatures are detected.
- Replace your electric blanket every 10 years, or immediately if there are signs of bent or exposed wires, fraying fabric, burn marks, damaged cords, or any other visible wear.
Is it expensive to run an electric blanket?
Electric blankets and throws are gentle on your energy bill, with Energy Australia estimating they cost about four cents per hour to run. Selecting a blanket with a high energy rating also helps.
How to choose an electric blanket
Design and fit - should electric blankets be on the top or bottom?
Whether an electric blanket goes on the top or bottom of a fitted sheet depends on its design. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packet to figure out how to get the best level of warmth from your electric blanket.
All of the following types of electric blankets are available in standard mattress size, so you can opt for an electric blanket for a single to king-size bed.
- Over-blanket: This type of electric blanket is placed on top of your sheets, providing warmth from the top down.
- Under-blanket: Also called a heated mattress pad, this sits between your mattress and fitted sheet. Under-blankets are available in either fitted or non-fitted designs.
- Fully fitted: This electric blanket type is contoured to your mattress to fit over it snugly and completely. Choose a blanket the correct size for your bed. As these are slightly more comfortable and cover the whole of your mattress, they are dearer than non-fitted types.
- Non-fitted: These tie down onto your mattress using straps. You can purchase non-fitted electric blankets for just one side of the bed. They're easier to put on than fitted types, and are also cheaper.
Heat Settings
Electric blankets allow you to choose your desired level of warmth. Typically there are three heat settings: low, medium and high. However, pricier blankets may be equipped with a more precise 1-10 heat setting range. Some electric blankets also feature different heating zones for different parts of the body.
Fast heating will also be a top priority on a cold winter’s night. Nobody likes cold sheets, so it’s useful to do some research on how long an electric blanket usually takes to warm up. Cross-check the manufacturer’s information on heating times against reviews by people who have bought the blanket.
More efficient electric blankets can heat up a bed in just 10-20 minutes. With slower electric blankets, you can diligently switch on your electric blanket half an hour before bedtime, but still be shivering when you jump into bed.
Comfort level
Wires
While regular blankets are created to be soft and smooth, electric blankets are designed with wires running through them. As a result, the material of an electric blanket should be thick enough that you can’t feel the wires poking through. This is especially the case for under-blanket designs.
Material
A comfier design may be achieved by quilted electric blankets, which are made with plush, multi-layered fabric. Electric blankets with a wool pile or wool fleece cover may also be thicker and softer than other materials.
However, it is still possible to buy a comfortable electric blanket that's made from a synthetic material like polyester. The material just needs to be thick enough that you don't feel the wiring underneath.
Control units
The control units of the electric blankets should also be positioned a comfortable distance away from your mattress. This means you won’t accidentally roll onto them in the night, and be woken up by an uncomfortable lumpiness under your back.
Handy extra features
Special features might hitch up the price tag of an electric blanket a little, but offer a more luxe and convenient warming experience.
- Dual controls are available for non-single beds, letting partners pick their preferred level of warmth for their side of the bed.
- Pre-set timers let you enjoy freshly warm sheets when you hop into bed at a set usual time each night. Keep on a low setting for safety.
- Extra-warm foot zones help to banish cold feet.
- Detachable control units are convenient because you can remove them to wash the blanket, so it lasts longer than a single season. Many electric blankets are machine washable once you remove the controllers. Make sure to check the washing instructions from the manufacturer first, though.
- Illuminated controls mean that if you have to switch off the blanket or adjust the setting in the dark, you can still see.
- Waterproofing is a safe and convenient feature if you have kids or pets that are more than likely to get a few splashes on the electric blanket.
Price
Electric blankets range from $50-400. The price you'll pay depends on the size of your bed, whether there are any premium materials like wool-pile used, and any other special features included.
Some of the top-rated electric blankets on ProductReview.com.au are made by budget brands. It can be a relief to know you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to keep all your arms and legs warm and cosy during a chilly winter’s night.
Heated Throws
A heated throw is a type of electric blanket that's thin, portable and made for one person.
The difference between an electric blanket and a throw is that an electric blanket is fitted to your bed, whereas an electric throw is portable, letting you enjoy warmth no matter where you are in the house.
Why choose a heated throw blanket?
- A nifty alternative to spot heaters. Instead of stationing yourself stoically before the heater to stop shivering, an electric throw gives you wraparound warmth as you lounge around watching TV or reading, or as you relax on the porch with a hot drink.
- Light and comfortable due to their intended purpose to be used all day long. They’re usually made of a soft material like microfleece, these blankets are light and comfortable.
- Don’t be as cold as ice. If you’re using a space heater, you usually have to leave behind your well-earned warmth when you move into a different room. However, a heated throw is an easy way to take your heat source with you.
- Doesn’t depend on your room type. If you have an open plan living room, heat generated by a space heater can leak out. In the daytime, an electric throw keeps you warm no matter your space and its dimensions.
- Most throws are spill-proof, making them safe if you accidentally spill a drink onto them. Some throws also repel wind if you're outside.
- Cheap to buy as a heated throw can be purchased for as little as $35.
- Can still be paired with a room heater to maximise the warmth provided by a heated throw.
However you choose to make your home a cosy den of comfort - with an electric blanket, throw or heater - there are plenty of heating solutions to help you cherish the winter warmth. Reading reviews can help with finding the right combination for your household and lifestyle.