October 11th, 2021 by Sarah Miles

10 features and functions to consider

While it may seem like an electric blanket is a simple product, there is actually more to consider than you might think when choosing which one to buy. Here is our guide to the 10 features and functions to look for when making your selection.

1. Heat Settings

Most electric blankets come with a range of heat settings that determine the temperature it reaches. Many have 3 and some can have as many as 9! Obviously, the more options you have, the more you can tailor it to your personal preference every day, which will of course vary depending on how cold it is. Another useful setting to look for is a fast heat setting which does exactly as it suggests; heats up very quickly.  This means there’s no need to pre-heat before you go to bed.

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2. Controllers – Single or Dual?

The controller is the device you use to determine the settings. A single controller applies the same settings to the whole blanket. Dual controls allow you to tailor the settings for each half of the blanket independently. It’s designed for couples as it allows each person to have their side of the blanket just how they like it so both can get a great night’s sleep (and no bedtime arguments!).

3. Zone Heating

When we go to bed in the winter, our feet can often be significantly colder than the rest of our bodies. Some blankets come equipped with a zone setting at the bottom so you can set it warmer for your feet or only heat that section of the blanket.

4. Fabric – Soft or Super Soft?

The material your electric blanket is manufactured from is important, after all, it needs to be comfortable to lay on or snuggle under (depending on which type you choose). They are all designed to be soft but there are degrees of softness. At the more cost-effective end of the scale, you have polyester which is soft and easy to care for but tends to be slightly thinner than other types (this may be an advantage for storage in the summer if you don’t have a lot of space). The next step up is fleece which is both softer and fluffier. At the luxury end, you have diamond-quilted which is much thicker and retains heat very well. You can even get faux fur heated throws which are best used as over-blankets or for throws for the sofa or armchair.

5. Timer Settings

Timers are much more useful than you might think. The biggest advantage is being able to set it to turn off after a determined time period so that you can use the heat to help you get to sleep but may not necessarily want it on all night. In the absence of a fast heat setting, you can also use the timer to come on before you go up to bed so that it’s already nice and toasty for when you retire for the night.

6. Care

Just as you would wash your bedding, you need to be able to keep your electric blanket clean. Luckily, these days most electric blankets can be washed in the washing machine so just check the care labels. Remember of course though that the bigger and thicker the blanket, the bulkier it will be so may not fit into a standard home washing machine and would need to be professionally cleaned. This is where fabrics such as polyester have an advantage over thicker materials.

7. Cost to Run

If you are concerned about the cost of running another electrical device, don’t be. Many electric blankets are very economical to run with some costing as little as pennies per night. It’s worth checking the manufacturer’s description when you browse. Many people also find that using an electric blanket allows them to reduce their reliance on central heating, so they could even allow you to save money as well as help the environment.

8. Allergy-Free Blankets

Not that anyone wants to share their bed with bed bugs, but those with allergies can find them especially irritating. Bed bugs are fairly rare but if you want to take extra precautions against the critters, an allergy-free blanket has a special treatment that makes the material inhospitable for pests such as these.

9. Safety

Modern electric blankets are very safe as long as they are used and cared for properly. If you are seeking extra peace of mind, look for blankets with overheat protection. These will cut out if they detect the blanket is getting too warm due to a fault.

10. Secure Fit

If you are going for an underblanket, the last thing you need is for it to move around and get bunched up underneath you as you sleep. It’s therefore worth checking how it fits in place. If you tend to not move around too much in the night you may be fine with a blanket with elastic straps to fasten it to the bed. If you want a more secure fit, you will usually be better off with a full skirt, which works in the same way as a fitted sheet and should keep it firmly in position all night.