Your post-workout restoration toolkit might already embrace a sturdy foam curler and an ice pack—however what a few heated blanket? Analysis exhibits that warmth (like the heat from an electrical blanket) can assist enhance your blood circulation, rushing up your restoration after a tricky exercise. For busy folks or anybody dwelling in a small house, a mushy, cozy blanket that doubles as a sensible strategy to relaxation up is a critical win-win.
The very best heated blankets are comfy, protected to make use of, and straightforward to take care of. To search out the highest choices, we first consulted health and medical professionals for recommendation on which key options to search for. Then, we examined 27 expert-approved heated blankets from prime, trusted manufacturers. Eight of our favorites obtained excessive scores for high quality, really feel, effectiveness, warmth, sturdiness, ease of use, and general worth. An authorized bodily therapist from our Overview Board additionally reviewed this text for accuracy and the way to use a heated blanket safely.
Are Heated Blankets Secure to Use?
Electrical blankets emit extraordinarily low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs). Most individuals are uncovered to ELF-EMFs each day by means of frequent objects like electrical wiring, electrical shavers, and hair dryers. Research have discovered a hyperlink between publicity to excessive ranges of EMF and childhood leukemia, however this publicity usually comes from residential energy traces (not heated blankets). Typically, ELF-EMF ranges are so low at residence that they don’t seem to be a trigger for concern.
Keep away from utilizing a heated blanket in case you have neuropathy from diabetes or different nerve or circulatory situations, says board-certified bodily therapist Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT. You shouldn’t use a heated blanket over an acute harm that is swollen (like a sprained knee or ankle), provides bodily therapist Kathleen Gassner, DPT. People who find themselves pregnant ought to keep on with low or medium settings to keep away from overheating. When buying, be certain that to buy your electrical blanket brand-new (not second-hand) from a good model. Additionally, verify for an ETL Listed Mark or a UL Certification Mark—these sign that your blanket has been licensed protected by a nationally acknowledged unbiased verification company.
Key Specs
Sizes: 66 x 85 inches (twin) to 108 x 90 inches (king) | Materials: Polyester | Warmth Settings: 10 | Energy Supply: 17-foot twine | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.9/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for anybody who’s had issues overheating whereas utilizing heated blankets previously.
Why We Love It
After testing 27 heated blankets, Shavel Residence Merchandise’ Micro Flannel Heated Blanket is our favourite for restorative restoration after a tricky exercise. Created from quilted micro flannel and shearling, it includes a hypoallergenic down-alternative fiber, a powerful 10 warmth settings, and a fast warmth perform that reaches the utmost temperature in simply half-hour. There’s even a reminiscence perform that remembers your final temperature and period settings, so you’ll be able to spend much less time fidgeting with the controls and extra time enjoyable.
Whereas testing this blanket, we have been stunned by how breathable it felt. Our tester, who tends to overheat whereas utilizing electrical blankets, observed she may use this blanket for lengthy intervals of time on the decrease settings and nonetheless really feel comfy. We additionally recognize the 17-foot energy twine, which is lengthy sufficient to achieve most shops from a mattress or sofa.
We like that this blanket shuts off robotically after 10 hours of use, for peace of thoughts. Twin controllers within the king and queen sizes enable you and a buddy or partner to manage the settings on either side of the blanket individually. Machine-washable and ETL-tested, this heated blanket additionally comes with a five-year guarantee to guard your funding. Six months later, we discovered that it stayed mushy to the contact and stain-free, incomes a everlasting place on our couches and beds.
Potential Flaws
- Throughout testing, we observed that small stains have been tough to take away whereas spot-cleaning. However we did discover that this blanket comes utterly clear within the washer.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I work the night time shift, and sleep is tough to come back by through the day. This blanket allowed me to settle in, relax, and chill out rapidly.” —Tiffany Ivanovich, Verywell Match product tester
-
No superior controls
-
Small dimension
Key Specs
Sizes: 50 x 60 inches | Materials: Cotton flannel | Warmth Settings: 4 | Energy Supply: 6-foot twine | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.6/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for curling up in a chair or on the couch, particularly if you happen to like a simple distant.
Why We Love It
CureCure’s Heated Blanket is our prime budget-friendly choose, offering constant warmth at a fraction of the price of different blankets on our checklist. Throughout testing, we appreciated that the velour and sherpa materials felt mushy and comfy, overlaying unnoticeable wiring that evenly distributed 4 ranges of warmth. The six-foot energy twine can attain an outlet wherever you recline, and we additionally recognize that the controller is straightforward to make use of and browse.
This ETL-tested blanket heats up rapidly and maintains its temperature for six hours earlier than shutting off robotically. We additionally love that it’s machine-washable and spot cleans simply, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in your favourite restoration meals and drinks worry-free. Two months after initially testing it, we’re nonetheless curling up beneath CureCure’s blanket—even our canine adore it!
Potential Flaws
- The controller is straightforward to make use of, nevertheless it feels slightly flimsy. We additionally want it had extra settings.
- We want this blanket was barely bigger, to accommodate taller customers.
Most Beneficial Perception
“It heats up very well and is so mushy and comfy! I can hardly really feel the heating cords—it’s in no way just like the heating blankets I bear in mind once I was rising up.” —Ashley Craiger, Verywell Match product tester
-
Cordless
-
Heated hand pockets
-
Two built-in USB ports
Key Specs
Sizes: 60 x 60 inches | Materials: Polyester | Warmth Settings: 3 | Energy Supply: Battery | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.2/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for bundling up outdoor throughout in a single day tenting journeys or cold-weather sporting occasions.
Why We Love It
With an all-weather exterior and a velvety, micro plush inside, Cozee’s Moveable Battery Powered Heated Blanket is our prime choose for staying heat on the sidelines or holding your muscular tissues in prime form for climbing throughout tenting journeys. Powered by a lithium battery park that has obtained a UL Certification Mark, this travel-friendly blanket warms up in simply 5 minutes to maintain you cozy for as much as 4 hours on the bottom setting. Better of all, the corners have heated hand pockets, and there are two USB ports for charging your units.
Throughout testing, we observed that this blanket evenly distributes warmth with none uncomfortable or seen wires. Plus, it has a Mylar thermal shell inside that retains the warmth inside in cool climate. While you’re completed utilizing it, stash it within the included carrying case and recharge the battery pack utilizing a wall outlet or Cozee’s automobile charger. Given all of its spectacular options, we expect this blanket is certainly definitely worth the funding—particularly for athletes or vacationers who’re all the time on the go.
Potential Flaws
- On increased settings, the battery solely lasts round three hours. However we like that the automobile charger means that you can rapidly recharge when you must.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The within is a mushy, velvety materials, and the wires aren’t noticeable in any respect. With the ability to cost the blanket along with your automobile is ridiculously useful.” —Savanna Bous, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Sizes: 84 x 90 inches | Materials: Polyester | Warmth Settings: 10 | Energy Supply: Wire | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for soothing aches and pains, with a most temperature of 87.5 levels F.
Why We Love It
Excellent Match’s SoftHeat Electrical Blanket is shareable and extra-cozy, due to its massive dimension and twin controls that effectively cowl any queen- or king-sized mattress. The brushed polyester fleece feels plush and opulent, proving to be the softest heated blanket we examined. We recognize its sturdy design—the strengthened hems, undetectable wires, and pill-resistant material really feel constructed to final.
One of many largest and warmest blankets on our checklist, the very best settings can attain as much as 87.5 levels F. We additionally like that either side could be managed individually utilizing easy knobs, whether or not you’re sharing with a companion or a pet. A UL Certification Mark, automated shut-off function that kicks in after 10 hours of use, and machine-washable material make this blanket a strong purchase. It’s additionally coated by a five-year guarantee to guard your preliminary funding.
Potential Flaws
- We observed throughout testing that the directions are slightly difficult. Even so, the blanket’s knobs are pretty intuitive and straightforward to make use of.
Most Beneficial Perception
“This blanket was very straightforward to plug in and activate. It’s light-weight and appears nice on my mattress!” —Sonja Carmon, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Sizes: 40 x 50 inches | Materials: Polyester, nylon | Warmth Settings: 3 | Energy Supply: Battery | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.3/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for gathering round a campfire or spending lengthy hours outdoor in chilly climate.
Why We Love It
Huddled up at a monitor meet? Eddie Bauer’s Heated Throw Blanket goes the place you go, with a handy battery-powered design. Constructed for the outside, this reversible blanket is constituted of water resistant nylon on one aspect and weather-treated fleece on the opposite. We additionally love that the kangaroo pocket the place the battery lives doubles as a hand hotter in cooler temperatures.
Throughout testing, we cherished that this blanket warms up rapidly and lasts as much as six hours, relying on which setting you’re utilizing. The battery is straightforward to cost utilizing the included adapter and even has a USB port for juicing up your cellphone in a pinch. And with a three-year guarantee, you’ll be able to relaxation straightforward.
Potential Flaws
- After we tossed this blanket within the washer, we have been disillusioned to search out that the controller didn’t work as nicely. We suggest spot-cleaning solely to get essentially the most out of your buy.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I really like that it’s weather-resistant—everybody ought to have one.” —Polly Rodberg, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Sizes: 89 x 89 inches | Materials: Polyester | Warmth Settings: 8 | Energy Supply: 17-foot twine | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.2/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for pairs, particularly if somebody’s all the time scorching and somebody’s all the time chilly.
Why We Love It
By no means battle over the thermostat once more with Shavel Residence Merchandise’ Micro Flannel Heated Blanket. The king and queen sizes function separate heating zones and controls, so you’ll be able to choose and select your favourite settings. After we examined the queen dimension, we discovered that it distributed warmth evenly and had an intuitive controller, with up and down arrow buttons that management the temperature and a helpful timer.
Created from velvety micro flannel and trimmed with a satin border, this thick quilt is available in a wide selection of colours and sizes for various beds and couches. We particularly like that if one individual forgets to show their aspect off, the blanket will robotically shut off after 10 hours. Properly-constructed, ETL-tested, and coated by a five-year guarantee, this blanket can be protected to make use of and straightforward to take care of.
Potential Flaws
- The wires are extra noticeable on this blanket than in others we examined.
Most Beneficial Perception
“Professional tip: Flip it on at a low temperature whilst you prepare for mattress. That approach, while you get into mattress, you will not be sliding into chilly sheets. I did this a number of instances and it felt so cozy and opulent!” —Brandi Fuller, Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Sizes: 50 x 62 inches or 60 x 70 inches | Materials: Polyester | Warmth Settings: 3 | Energy Supply: 6-foot twine | Machine-Washable: Sure | Our General Ranking: 4.4/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for holding your toes heat after strolling or working in chilly climate.
Why We Love It
We didn’t know we wanted a heated blanket with a foot pocket till we tried some—and Levels of Consolation’s Micro-Plush Heated Blanket rapidly turned our favourite. In testing this outsized, UL-certified throw, we discovered it warmed rapidly to 82.9 levels F on the very best setting. Plus, its light-weight material hides the wires inside nicely and feels mushy to the contact.
As soon as we kicked up our chilly, drained toes, we appreciated how rapidly we may get comfy with this blanket’s lengthy energy and controller cords. The easy, ergonomic distant is straightforward to make use of and could be eliminated when it’s time to toss the blanket within the washer. We additionally love that it’s budget-friendly, costing seven instances much less than a few of our different prime picks. After utilizing this blanket for 2 months, we (and our cats) are nonetheless fortunately reaching for it on chilly nights.
Potential Flaws
- Most heated blankets on our checklist robotically shut off after six to 10 hours of use. However this one shuts off after two hours, which we discovered to be slightly inconvenient.
- Throughout testing, we observed it was tough to launch the heating aspect plug from the blanket. Nevertheless, this does guarantee a safe, protected connection.
Most Beneficial Perception
“This heated blanket is unimaginable for its beneficiant dimension, genius foot pocket, and heating skills. My cat cherished this blanket too, even when it was off—that is the one blanket she’s ever snuggled up beneath.” —Amina Abdelrahman, Verywell Match product tester
Heated Blankets We Additionally Examined
By means of our rigorous testing course of, we’ve tried dozens of heated blankets—however they will’t all make our checklist of favorites. Whereas these blankets impressed us in some methods, they finally missed the mark:
- Created from mushy fleece and shearling, Woolrich’s Linden Mink to Berber Electrical Blanket feels cozy to twist up beneath. However it’s on the smaller aspect, and the blanket’s edges don’t warmth up. It additionally solely warms up by 9 levels—in comparison with round 15 levels for a few of our favourite blankets.
- Pure Enrichment’s WeightedWarmth Blanket heats up properly, and it’s weighted (not like lots of our prime picks). However the fleece matted rapidly after we spot-treated a stain. We additionally discovered that the controls have been difficult to make use of.
- Silky mushy and budget-friendly, Consolation Classics’ Arielle Heated Metallic Print Throw heats up evenly. Nevertheless, the material feels skinny and the perimeters had some unfastened threads. Plus, we want it was simpler to spot-clean.
After testing 27 heated blankets, Shavel Residence Merchandise’ Micro Flannel Heated Blanket is our clear winner for its long-lasting warmth and spectacular reminiscence perform. We proceed to check all of those heated blankets at residence, and we’ll replace our suggestions if we discover something new that we haven’t already talked about right here.
What to Search for When Purchasing for Heated Blankets
- Warmth Settings: Heated blankets might have wherever from three to twenty totally different warmth settings. The extra, the higher, in response to Royer—she says selection creates a extra comfy expertise. Should you’re planning on sharing the blanket with others, take into account a bigger possibility with a number of heating zones. This will reduce disagreements and promote a restful night time’s sleep for all, says Emeka Aludogbu, DC, CCN, CSCS, a chiropractic and sports activities medication physician.
- Supplies: Bodily therapist Lalitha McSorley, BS, MS, PT, recommends searching for heated blankets constituted of polyester as a result of they’re mushy, sturdy, straightforward to scrub, and fire-resistant. Microfiber is one other nice possibility that feels even cozier, not often drugs, and may go within the washer, she provides.
- Dimension: Heated blanket sizes begin at throws (good for lounging on a chair or couch) and go all the best way as much as California king (very best for sharing with important others and pets). Deciding the place you’ll be utilizing your blanket and what number of others you’ll be sharing it with can assist you select the suitable dimension.
- Options: Each blanket on our checklist has at the very least one distant management that adjusts its warmth settings and an automated shut-off security perform. Some have an LED display that’s straightforward to learn at midnight or a programmable timer. On the subject of design, you could need to search for pockets to stash chilly toes, smartphones, or remotes.
- Security: “All new electrical blankets are required to have security options, like a rheostat management. A rheostat management is used to manage the quantity of present flowing in a circuit. Drastic modifications in present are what normally causes fireplace and burns,” McSorley says. To make sure your heated blanket is protected to make use of, Royer and board-certified household medication doctor Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, agree that it needs to be bought new—by no means second-hand. Additionally, verify that it has an up-to-date guarantee and an unbiased verification.
- Impartial Verifications: In line with Royer, Purdy, and McSorley, it’s essential to purchase a heated blanket that’s licensed protected by a nationally acknowledged testing company. Verify for an ETL Listed Mark or a UL Certification Mark. These symbols are a sign that the heated blanket you’re buying is protected to make use of.
- Care and Upkeep: Search for a heated blanket that may be washed frequently, and all the time launder it in response to the producer’s directions. Most blankets on our checklist are machine-washable—but when your espresso or tea takes a tumble, you must use a moist material and a few dish cleaning soap to spot-clean it.
How We Examined the Heated Blankets
To search out the very best heated blankets, we’ve examined 11 expert-recommended choices from prime manufacturers. Throughout testing, we consider every product based mostly on the next key standards:
- High quality: After we first unbox every blanket, we take into account the way it appears to be like and feels. Are there crooked seams and unfastened threads? Can we see or really feel the cords inside, or are they well-hidden? We additionally verify to see if the blanket has an ETL Listed Mark or a UL Certification Mark.
- Really feel: As we check the blanket, we assess the way it feels. Is it mushy and easy to the contact, or is the fabric skinny and scratchy? If the blanket has two totally different sides, are they each nice to make use of? Is it nonetheless mushy on the finish of the testing interval, after a number of washes and spot-cleaning periods?
- Effectiveness: To earn an ideal rating on this class, a blanket has to warmth up rapidly and evenly. If the blanket has any extra options, we additionally check these and observe how nicely they work.
- Warmth: The very best heated blankets have a number of warmth settings that each one work appropriately. Some are automated, whereas others require the person to manage the warmth stage. If a blanket has a number of heating zones or different options, we be certain that to check these, too. Do all warmth settings match the producer’s claims and specs?
- Sturdiness: As we use the blankets, we observe how straightforward they’re to wash. After weeks of standard use, does the blanket nonetheless feel and look model new? Do the controls nonetheless work?
- Ease of Use: We be certain that every heated blanket has settings and controls which can be straightforward to make use of. Is the show straightforward to learn? Can we work the distant with out consulting the blanket’s instruction guide? Do we discover ourselves frequently reaching for it, or is there one thing that retains the blanket from turning into a daily a part of our routines?
- General Worth: To precisely fee every heated blanket’s worth, we don’t have a look at its value till the top of every testing interval, after we’ve evaluated it in each different class. How a lot would we pay for the blanket, based mostly on its efficiency? Heated blankets with a excessive worth rating are sometimes price lower than what we’d take into account paying for them.
Our Consultants
We consulted specialists at each stage whereas researching and reporting this story. Some, like Royer, helped us decide the way to use heated blankets safely. Others offered steering on how utilizing a heated blanket can enhance your each day routine. We select merchandise independently, however enter from specialists helps us tailor our picks.
- Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a bodily therapist, Pilates instructor, and Balanced Physique Grasp Teacher in Centennial, CO
- Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified household medication doctor in Miami, FL
- Lalitha McSorley, BS, MS, PT, a bodily therapist and proprietor of Brentwood Physiotherapy Clinic in Calgary, AB, Canada
- Emeka Aludogbu, DC, CCN, CSCS, a chiropractic and sports activities medication physician in Dallas, TX
- Kathleen Gassner, DPT, a bodily therapist and working coach
Steadily Requested Questions
Are heated blankets price it?
Utilizing a heated blanket to use warmth to sore muscular tissues can assist relieve tightness, soothe power ache or aches, and enhance blood circulation, says Purdy. A heated blanket may assist your physique keep a constant temperature on chilly days and nights, making it a helpful funding for many individuals.
How a lot does a high-quality heated blanket price?
You possibly can count on to spend between $40 and $350 on a high-quality heated blanket. Our prime general choose prices as much as $200 once we printed this checklist (relying on the scale).
Is it okay to sleep with a heated blanket?
It’s effective to make use of a heated blanket in mattress, however specialists don’t suggest leaving yours turned on all night time lengthy. Royer and Aludogbu suggest manually turning your blanket off earlier than falling asleep (even when it has an automated shut-off function) to stop overheating or harm.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, is an authorized private coach, Verywell Match author, and health fanatic who researches and critiques health merchandise. As a runner from the Midwest, she is aware of how useful it may be to twist up with a heated blanket for relaxation and restoration after a chilly outing. Jessica is devoted to reporting genuine content material to her readers.
Extra reporting by Ravi Davda
As an authorized private coach and well being and health author, Ravi Davda understands how essential high quality product suggestions could be. He recommends merchandise which can be dependable, comfy, and genuinely well-reviewed by those that’ve tried them.