When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like curling up under a warm, toasty blanket. An electric blanket takes that comfort one step further, giving you adjustable warmth at the touch of a button.
Whether you’re trying to stay warm on the couch, add an extra layer to your bed, or take the chill out of a cold winter evening, a heated throw can make a big difference. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is worth buying?
I tested three electric blankets, the Westinghouse Heated Throw, the Eastsora Heated Blanket and the Beautyrest Reversible Heated Throw, to compare how quickly they heat up, how evenly they spread warmth, how comfortable they feel and how easy they are to use.
A personal note on the Beautyrest: I’ve owned it for three years, which lets me compare the newer models with one that has held up through years of use. Here’s how they compare.
Quick comparison: the best electric blankets
Heating times reflect my own hands-on testing, not manufacturer testing.| Blanket | Score | Best for | Heat settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Heated Throw | 9/10 | Customizable warmth | 6 |
| Eastsora Heated Blanket | 8.5/10 | Lightweight comfort | 12 |
| Beautyrest Heated Throw | 9.5/10 | Plush comfort and longevity | 3 |
How I tested the electric blankets
I compared all three blankets on the same basic criteria: how quickly they warmed up, whether the heat felt evenly distributed, how comfortable they were and how easy the controls were to use.
I also paid attention to whether I could feel the wires through the material and how heavy or lightweight each blanket felt.
For the Beautyrest, I had the added advantage of having owned it for three years, so I could judge its comfort and performance beyond a first test. The Westinghouse and Eastsora were new purchases, and I did not wash either one during testing.
1. Westinghouse Heated Throw: Best for customizable warmth
Check price at AmazonThe Westinghouse Heated Throw is a good option for anyone who likes plenty of control over their blanket’s temperature and how long it stays on. It has six heat settings and an adjustable timer ranging from two to ten hours.
The blanket is reversible, with a soft flannel side and a sherpa side. I particularly liked the sherpa texture, although the blanket didn’t feel quite as luxurious right out of the package as the other two I tested.
What I liked
- Fast heating: This was the fastest blanket in my test, taking just two minutes to warm up.
- Configurable settings: Six heat levels make it easy to find a comfortable temperature, while the adjustable timer gives you more control over how long the blanket stays on.
- Even warmth: The heat felt evenly distributed throughout the blanket.
- Comfortable to use: I couldn’t feel the wires while lying under it, although they were a little more noticeable when I ran my hands over the fabric.
What could be better
- Not the most luxurious feel: Although comfortable, it didn’t feel quite as plush or substantial as the Beautyrest.
- Wires are somewhat noticeable: They weren’t an issue while I was using the blanket, but I could feel them more easily by touch than with the Eastsora.
Product details
- Size: 50 x 60 inches (throw), charcoal
- Fabric: ribbed flannel top, sherpa reverse
- Heat: 6 levels
- Timer: 2, 4, 8 or 10 hours, then automatic shutoff
- Safety: ETL and FCC certified, with overheat protection
- Care: machine or hand wash below 86°F; air dry or tumble dry low
A great choice if you want a heated throw with plenty of adjustable features. It warmed up faster than the other two blankets I tested, and the six heat settings and adjustable timer give you more flexibility than a basic heated blanket. It’s a practical option for someone who favors convenience and customizable warmth.
Pros
- Fastest to heat in my test (2 minutes)
- 6 heat levels and an adjustable timer
- Even warmth
Cons
- Not as plush as the Beautyrest
- Wires easier to feel by touch
2. Eastsora Heated Blanket: Best for a lightweight blanket that looks like regular home décor
Check price at AmazonOne thing I immediately noticed about the Eastsora Heated Blanket is that it looks more like an ordinary throw blanket than an electric blanket. It has a textured pattern on one side, with the same color on both sides, which makes it an attractive option to leave out on a couch or bed.
It’s also lightweight and slightly thinner than the other blankets I tested. That could be a drawback if you want something especially thick and plush, but it may be a benefit if you like layering blankets.
What I liked
- A decorative look: It doesn’t have the obvious look of a traditional electric blanket, so it can blend in with your other home décor.
- Lots of temperature options: It offers 12 heat settings, giving you plenty of flexibility.
- Adjustable timer: The timer can be set from one to 12 hours.
- Preheat function: This is a feature I hadn’t come across before. It gives you another way to get the blanket ready.
- Barely noticeable wires: The wires were hard to feel inside the fabric unless I was specifically looking for them.
What could be better
- Takes a little longer to heat up: It took four minutes to warm up in my test, the longest of the three.
- Lightweight construction: The thinner feel may not appeal to someone who prefers a heavier, more substantial blanket.
- Slightly more involved controls: There are more settings to navigate, although I found the controls easy to figure out.
Product details
- Size: Full, 74 x 84 inches, light gray (also sold in Single 50 x 60, Queen and King)
- Fabric: double-sided sherpa fleece with a waffle texture
- Heat: 12 levels
- Timer: 1 to 12 hours, then automatic shutoff
- Controller: LED display with a preheat button
- Safety: ETL and FCC certified
- Care: machine washable with the controller removed
A nice option if you want a lightweight heated blanket that looks like a regular blanket. It offers the most heat settings of the three, a wide timer range and a preheat function. It isn’t the fastest or plushest option I tested, but its decorative look and barely noticeable wires make it a good choice for everyday use.
Pros
- 12 heat settings and a 1 to 12 hour timer
- Preheat function
- Wires barely noticeable
Cons
- Slowest to heat in my test (4 minutes)
- Thinner than the others
3. Beautyrest Heated Throw: Best for plush comfort and long-term use
Check price at AmazonThe Beautyrest Reversible Heated Throw is my personal favorite of the three, and I have more experience with it than the others: I’ve owned it for three years.
It’s soft on both sides, with a plush sherpa side that looks and feels like a regular cozy blanket. It’s also heavier than the Westinghouse and Eastsora, which gives it a more substantial feel.
The Beautyrest costs more than some other options, but its comfortable construction is a big part of what makes it stand out.
What I liked
- Long-term comfort: After three years, I still love using this blanket. It stays on my couch all year, even when I don’t have it plugged in.
- Soft on both sides: The sherpa side is especially cozy, and the blanket is comfortable even when the heat isn’t on.
- Simple controls: There are just three heat settings: low, medium and high. It’s easy to use.
- Automatic shutoff: The blanket shuts off by itself after two hours.
- Comfortable wiring: I don’t really notice the wires, especially when I’m using the sherpa side.
What could be better
- Fewer heat settings: With only low, medium and high, you don’t get the same level of temperature control as the Westinghouse or Eastsora.
- No adjustable timer: The blanket shuts off after two hours, but you can’t choose a different shutoff time.
- Heat distribution: The heat feels mostly even, although I notice it more on the side without the sherpa.
- Heavier feel: Its plush construction is a plus for comfort, but it may not be ideal if you prefer a lightweight throw.
I haven’t washed it often, so my experience with its upkeep is limited. I usually spot-clean it and occasionally put it in the dryer on a no-heat setting to freshen it up.
Product details
- Size: 60 x 70 inches (throw), beige
- Fabric: plush on one side, sherpa on the other
- Heat: 3 settings (low, medium, high; about 85 to 105°F, per Beautyrest)
- Shutoff: automatic after 2 hours
- Certification: Oeko-Tex
- Care: machine washable once unplugged
My overall favorite, especially if comfort is your top priority. It’s soft, cozy and has held up well through three years of use, and it’s comfortable enough to keep on the couch even when it’s not plugged in. It has fewer adjustable features than the other two, but its plush feel and long-term performance make it worth a look if you want a heated blanket you’ll enjoy for years.
Pros
- Plush and soft on both sides
- Held up through three years of use
- Simple three-setting controls
Cons
- Only 3 heat settings
- Fixed 2-hour shutoff, no timer
- Heavier than the others
What to look for when buying an electric blanket
Before choosing an electric blanket, think about how you plan to use it. A blanket you want to keep on the couch for everyday lounging may have different priorities than one you’ll use for extra warmth in bed. Here are a few features worth considering.
Heat settings
Some electric blankets offer just a few basic temperature settings, while others give you a wider range. More settings can make it easier to find your preferred warmth, but a simple low, medium and high controller may be all you need.
Timer and automatic shutoff
Automatic shutoff is useful if you tend to fall asleep under your blanket or don’t want it running indefinitely. Some models have a fixed shutoff time, while others let you choose how long the blanket stays on. Check the timer range before buying if this matters to you.
Material and weight
Electric blankets come in a variety of materials, including fleece, flannel, sherpa and other plush fabrics. Think about whether you like a lightweight throw or something thicker and heavier. Also consider whether you’ll use the blanket when it’s off: a soft, attractive blanket can be useful year-round. If you’d rather skip the cord altogether, see our faux fur throw pick.
Wire comfort
Electric blankets have heating wires running inside the fabric, and some are more noticeable than others. If you plan to lie directly under your blanket, pay attention to how the wires feel through the material. For more ways to get cozy at night, see our tips to sleep better.
Care and cleaning
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before washing an electric blanket. Many models are machine washable, but handle the controller and electrical connections as the instructions say. Don’t assume every electric blanket has the same cleaning requirements.
Safety features
Look for clearly stated safety certifications and automatic shutoff. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, storage and cleaning, and inspect the blanket for damage before using it.
Final verdict: Which electric blanket should you buy?
All three blankets performed well in my testing, but each offers something different.
- Best overall: Beautyrest (9.5/10). If comfort and long-term use are your priorities, the Beautyrest Reversible Heated Throw is my top pick. It’s plush, cozy and has been my favorite for three years.
- Best for customizable warmth: Westinghouse (9/10). With six heat settings, an adjustable timer and the fastest heating time in my test, the Westinghouse Heated Throw is a great option if you want more control over your blanket.
- Best lightweight option: Eastsora (8.5/10). If you want a heated blanket that looks like a regular blanket and doesn’t feel too heavy, the Eastsora Heated Blanket is worth considering. It also offers 12 heat settings and a preheat function.
Ultimately, the best electric blanket depends on what matters most to you. If you want something plush and cozy, I’d go with the Beautyrest. If you prefer more control over the temperature and timer, the Westinghouse is a strong alternative. If you want a lightweight, decorative blanket, the Eastsora is a nice choice.
Who tested it
Sources and further reading
- Westinghouse Heated Throw, 50 x 60 in, Charcoal, Amazon listing, size, fabric, heat levels, timer, certifications and care
- Eastsora Heated Blanket, Full 74 x 84 in, Light Gray, Amazon listing, size, fabric, heat levels, timer, controller, certifications and care
- Beautyrest Reversible Heated Throw, 60 x 70 in, Beige, Amazon listing, size, fabric, heat range, shutoff, certification and care
Changelog
- Published.
What we could not test
- These are observations from home use, not a lab test. I did not wash the Westinghouse or Eastsora during testing.
Questions
What is the best electric blanket?
The Beautyrest Reversible Heated Throw was my favorite overall. It’s plush on both sides and has held up through three years of use, though it has only three heat settings and a fixed two-hour shutoff.
Which electric blanket heats up the fastest?
The Westinghouse Heated Throw. It warmed up in about two minutes in my test, compared with three minutes for the Beautyrest and four for the Eastsora.
Which electric blanket has the most heat settings?
The Eastsora, with 12 heat levels, a timer from one to 12 hours and a preheat function.
Can you feel the wires in an electric blanket?
It depends on the blanket. I could barely feel the wires in the Eastsora, didn’t notice them in the Beautyrest, and could feel them by hand, but not while lying under it, in the Westinghouse.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Check the care instructions first. All three listings say the blanket can go in the washing machine once the controller is unplugged or removed.