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.
If you’re in the market for an electric blanket, here are some of our favourite options including the Giselle Bedding Heated Throw that helped shoppers “save on power bills”.
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BEST OVERALL ELECTRIC BLANKET AND THROW
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Sherpa Fleece Heated Throw, $79 (down from $94) at The Good Guys
What You Should 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 $79.95 at Temple and Webster
What You Should 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.”
BEST VALUE ELECTRIC BLANKETS AND THROWS
Giselle Bedding Electric Heated Throw, $49.52 at Amazon Australia
What You Should 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!).
“After a horrifying gas bill, we purchased two of the Giselle Heated Throw Rugs and turned off the central gas heating. We have had them for a month now and they have been great. We use them in the lounge when watching TV and they keep us warm even during Melbourne winter. They are large enough to cover you and on high setting are very warm,” an Amazon customer posted.
Another similarly said it helped them to “save on power bills”.
Dreamaker 500GSM Faux Fur Heated Throw, $79.95 at Amazon Australia
What You Should 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 THROWS
Breville BodyZone Antibacterial Fitted Electric Blanket (Queen), $223 (down from $279) at Myer
What You Should Know:
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of sharing a bed with someone whose body temperature is always in a whole different climate to your own, you’ll agree that the idea of multi-zoned electric blankets is nothing short of genius. This design from Breville divides the blanket into four quarters that can be individually heated to different temps – so you and your partner can decide exactly how warm you want to be from head to toe.
Plus, calling all germaphobes: the blanket itself is both antibacterial and machine washable. With six heat settings and a safety timer option, you have full control over just how warm you want the bed to be.
“I love the separate zones – my feet are often colder than the rest of me! The controls are very easy to navigate and the timer enables the blanket to switch off automatically – a great safety feature,” a reviewer posted, rating it five stars on the Breville website.
“The most impressive thing is you can download the Breville app and turn your blanket on from anywhere,” another wrote.
Linen House Wool Electric Blanket, $239.99 at Linen House
What You Should 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 $79.95) at Amazon Australia
What You Should 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.
BEST ELECTRIC HEAT PAD
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Therapeutic Heat Pad, $29 (down from $49) at Bing Lee
on sale
Sunbeam Feel Perfect Therapeutic Heat Pad
Picture: Sunbeam.
What You Should Know:
While it’s smaller than an electric blanket, an electric head pad like this one is a great option for targeted spot heating. It only takes 10 minutes to heat up and will automatically turn off after three hours. For an extra luxe working from home set up, you could even attach it to the back of your chair … it’ll make reading those reports so much more rewarding.
OTHER WINTER BUYS
Adults Weighted Blanket, $119 (down from $249) at Calming Blankets
What You Should Know:
A weighted blanket is a great alternative to an electric blanket. Made from cosy plush fabric, it is the perfect blanket to snuggle under on a cold winter’s night.
There’s multiple weight options to choose from, all of them feeling super soft and durable.
You also get free shipping and 30-day trial, money-back guarantee.
Teen & Adult Oodies, from $79 (down from $109) at The Oodie
What You Should Know:
These oversized hooded blankets come in a wide range of adorable prints, from koalas and unicorns to pizza and Mickey Mouse. 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.
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.
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Originally published as 8 best electric blankets and throws for winter 2023
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