Most electric blankets on the market feature auto shut-off, meaning they will automatically turn off after 2 to 12 hours. The wires warm up to heat the entire blanket - quite quickly too! They feature insulated wires that are safely kept in place between the fabric layers of the blanket. Heated blankets plug into an electrical socket (or use a battery pack) to use electricity to heat the blanket. It can range anywhere from 2 to 12 hours, so consider whether you truly need a blanket that will stay warm through the entire night. Automatic Shutdown Timer: Electric blankets often have an automatic timer for safety reasons that will shut off the blanket after a predetermined amount of time.Some larger blankets provide dual heating so you and your partner can opt for different levels of warmth. Size: Many electric blankets are throw-blanket size, but some options come in Queen and King sizes, so decide whether you're looking for something to snuggle up with on the couch or something that will cover your entire bed.Testers didn’t tend to feel the wires through the acrylic blankets.

In our tests, we found that consumers preferred the softness of microfiber over acrylic but could often feel the wiring through the microfiber fabrics.

Fabric: Most electric blankets are either made of microfiber (a type of polyester) or acrylic.

Here are a few tips for deciding which electric blanket is worth the purchase. What to keep in mind when shopping for electric blankets Here, a textiles analyst uses a thermal camera to gauge the heat distribution and approximate temperature of an electric blanket. In all, we analyzed 240 data points to make our picks. We worked with consumer testers to gauge the ease of use, softness and appearance of each blanket. We also evaluated the durability of each blanket, including how it fared in our wash tests. In Lab tests for electric blankets, we focused on evaluating the performance of each blanket using our climatology chamber in the Lab to gauge factors such as the time needed for each blanket to reach 70 degrees, the time needed to cool down, the efficiency of its electricity use and more. To determine the best electric blankets, we tested top products from popular brands in our Lab and with consumer testers, and our most recent test took place this year. Just keep in mind that some reviewers have found that the controller can get hot after continuous use.

Plus, it's available with a faux fur or sherpa top in five different colors and patterns. We love the luxe look of this pick and we can't wait to test it out in the Lab.

There are three heat settings, so you can find the perfect one for you, and the power cord is over 6 feet long for added convenience. It's made of 100% polyester for a cozy feel that some online reviewers rave is the softest they've felt on an electric blanket. Super luxe faux fur covers this ultra-soft electric blanket. Plus, we were impressed by how well Sunbeam blankets have performed in our Lab's wash testing - yes, it's machine washable. While not as feature-rich as other electric blankets out there, consumer testers of a similar Sunbeam blanket raved about how soft and cozy the plush fabric felt and how easy the controls were to use. Just keep in mind that it won’t stay on all night. It has a 4-hour automatic shut-off function that makes this blanket perfect for snuggling up on the couch or drifting off to sleep. With four different heat settings to choose from, you can customize your blanket to whatever temperature suits you best. O n one side it features a silky-smooth mink fabric while on the other you’ll find soft, warm sherpa.

We like this Royal Mink Sherpa model in particular for its super comfy, luxurious feel and reversible design. Not only do heated blankets from Sunbeam tend to be top performers in our evaluations, but they’re crowd favorites among our testers. Curl up in this cozy blanket that’s available in six rich colors to match your room’s décor.

King plush blanket