6 best electric blankets and throws for winter 2024
Electric blankets are perfect for chilly days and one of the most energy efficient ways to stay warm. Here we round up the very best electric blankets and throws to keep your warm during winter.
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Electric blankets and throws are perfect for chilly days when turning a heater on seems a little over the top, or when you just want to snuggle into something soft and cosy. Plus, they’re one of the most energy efficient ways to stay warm.
While it does depend on the energy output of the blanket itself, according to Energy Australia, they cost on average about four cents an hour to run whereas space heaters can rack up 15 cents an hour – so with an electric blanket by your side, you can stress less about those power bills and simply crank up the heat.
There's also no need to fight over the settings with options like the Dreamaker Dual Control fitted electric blanket, which comes with two detachable remote controls to warm your side of the bed exactly how you want it. One fan described the heated throw as "so warm and comfortable", even calling it the "best investment I have made". And if you're after a bargain, it's currently 15 per cent off (now $62.95, down from $73.69).
Sunbeam's Feel Perfect Sherpa Fleece Heated Throw is also on sale, dropping to $95.20 (down from $119). Reviewers call it "seriously warm and fluffy", with one person claiming they've happily ditched the heater for this more energy efficient alternative.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL ELECTRIC BLANKET AND THROW
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Sherpa Fleece Heated Throw, $95.20 (down from $119) at Amazon Australia
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Sherpa Fleece Heated Throw
What You Need To Know
The heated throw additionally features six heat settings, including timer functions that can automatically switch the electric blanket off after one, three or nine hours. What’s not to love?
Reviewers on the Myer website call it “indispensable during winter” and “seriously warm and fluffy”.
One five-star review wrote, “It is perfect for winter nights and energy saving too as I no longer use my electric heater to warm up my room.”
Dreamaker Fleece Top Electric Under Blanket, from $69.95 (down from $79.95) at Temple and Webster
Dreamaker Fleece Top Electric Under Blanket
What You Need To Know
Unlike other heated blankets on the list, this one has a plush fleece top to get you extra warm and cosy. Plus, it also can be used as a normal mattress protector meaning you get two for one. With nine different heat settings, you can be sure to find one to suit your needs whether you’re after something to take the chill off or if you’re in need of some serious warming up.
“I am extremely pleased with my new electric blanket. The fleecy top means that I do not feel the heating lines in the blanket. Also, the fleece is generously warm and soft, and retains warmth without becoming too hot,” wrote one five-star review.
They continued, “the multi-setting control allows me to set the temperature at precisely the level I want so that the bed does not become too warm. Finally, I can drift off to sleep comfortably knowing that the auto cut-off will turn off the blanket.”
Another five star reviewer left the comment, "Awesome for chilly nights! Can't live without mine! Love the sheepskin, feels amazing!"
BEST VALUE ELECTRIC BLANKETS AND THROWS
Giselle Bedding Electric Heated Throw, $56.95 at Big W
Giselle Bedding Electric Heated Throw
What You Need To Know
It’s more transportable than a fitted electric blanket and also perfect for those who are working from home. Available in a wide range of colours to suit your personal style and aesthetic, it has nine temperature settings, a nine-hour timer, and it’s machine washable (just remember to detach the cable before you chuck it in the wash!).
Popular with shopper, this blanket has attracted a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on Google reviews with one customer leaving the comment, "I love my heated throw. Good control, lots of heat. Quickly warms up. Very soft, beautiful colour."
"Blanket exceptional, excellent, heats rapidly, soft, cosy, perfect size, lightweight, high quality and just the best," wrote another. " Would highly recommend this product."
Dreamaker 500GSM Faux Fur Heated Throw, $79.95 at Amazon Australia
Dreamaker 500GSM Faux Fur Heated Throw
What You Need To Know
It offers nine heat setting, a nine-hour timer and double overheat protection safety technology. The blanket also has a long 230cm cable, giving you plenty of reach.
“I bought this throw to keep me warm while working from home at my desk, without putting the expensive heating on,” a reviewer wrote.
BEST PREMIUM ELECTRIC BLANKET AND THROW
Linen House Wool Electric Blanket, $239.99 at Linen House
Linen House Wool Electric Blanket
What You Need To Know
It features four different heat-zone options that can work at the same time, along with nine heat settings, a 12-hour timer and two detachable controllers. The blanket also has a 50cm fitted skirt, making it easy to place on thicker mattresses.
However, this Linen House blanket cannot be used on electric or reclining beds.
“Lovely blanket. (L)ove the dual controls and the timer is great. Best investment we made,” praised a reviewer.
BEST ELECTRIC BLANKET AND THROW FOR COUPLES
Dreamaker Quilted Electric Blanket Dual Control, $62.95 (down from $73.69) at Amazon Australia
Dreamaker Quilted Electric Blanket Dual Control
What You Need To Know
Fighting over who gets to control the remote? This affordable quilted electric blanket comes with two detachable controllers, so you can choose your ideal settings for your side of the bed while your partner can pick what makes them feel most cosy. This quilt also offers three heat options and contains a 40cm fully fitted skirt to minimise any bunching.
“I love it. So warm and comfortable. Best investment I have made,” praised a shopper.
OTHER WINTER BUYS
Oodie Blue Weighted Blanket Bundle, $159 (down from $268), The Oodie
What You Need To Know
Vegan-friendly, these generously-sized, sherpa fleece-lined hoodies come as part of this weighted blanket bundle – assured to help you sleep peacefully through the coming cold months. You’ll score an oodie and a weighted blanket filled with non-toxic glass beads in separately sewn pockets.
One five-star review says, “The warmth and comfort is unbelievable and perfect for those cold winter nights. I’ve been living in mine while I’ve been working from home.”
Teen & Adult Oodies, from $79 (down from $109) at The Oodie
What You Need To Know
These oversized hooded blankets come in a wide range of adorable prints, from koalas and unicorns to pizza. They’ve got 100 per cent cruelty-free soft flannel fleece on the outside and warm sherpa fleece on the inside, and are machine washable too. You’ll be unashamedly wearing yours everywhere this winter.
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Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE AN ELECTRIC BLANKET?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to update your old one, the general recommendation is that you should replace your electric blanket every five to 10 years, depending on how well you’ve looked after it. If you’re unsure, these are some common signs that your blanket needs an upgrade:
- Fraying material or discolouration
- Visible wires or wires poking through
- Damage to cable and blanket controls
- Buzzing noise when blanket is running.
CAN I LEAVE AN ELECTRIC BLANKET ON ALL NIGHT?
Most modern electric blankets include safety features that would likely make them safe enough to be left on, but as a general rule, you shouldn’t leave your electric blanket on all night. They’re best used for a few hours to warm up your bed before you get in, and you can switch them off once you go to bed (or, if your blanket allows, set a timer for it to switch off shortly after you fall asleep). Besides the safety concerns that come with leaving your blanket on all night, you’ll probably find that the heat is contained well enough once it’s been on for just a short while – and turning it off before you go to sleep will ensure you don’t wake up feeling overheated or stuffy!
HOW DO YOU WASH AN ELECTRIC BLANKET?
Only wash your electric blanket if the instructions specifically say you can do so safely. Washing your blanket is easy though: simply detach the remote controls and any other electricals as specified in the user manual; add the blanket to your washing machine; set your washer to gentle and only add a small amount of detergent; and hit start. Some electric blankets can be tumble dried on a low heat setting, but if you want to play it safe, simply hang it out to air dry completely. Make sure it’s totally dry all the way through before using it again – otherwise you could risk damaging it.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELECTRIC BLANKET AND A HEATED THROW?
An electric or heated blanket works almost like a mattress protector and sits underneath your sheets to keep your bed warm. Whereas a heated throw is designed to be more portable and work like a traditional blanket, only heated.
More Best Winter Warmers Coverage
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