Do you find that in the depths of winter even a heavy doona just won’t cut it? Time for you to invest in a good quality electric blanket.
Electric blankets have come a very long way since they were first invented, and are one of the best options out there for keeping you toasty warm during the cooler months.
However, finding a good electric blanket that works well, is durable, and is high quality can be quite difficult.
Below we take a look at the top 5 electric blankets on the market today in Australia, followed by tips on how to choose a product that best meets your specific needs.
1. Giselle Bedding Fleecy Electric Blanket
The Fleecy Electric Blanket is a favourite amongst Australian families thanks to the warm and cosy topper that adds an element of luxury to this great value product.
It is reliable, and includes all the features you’d expect from a higher-end product, such as 9 heat settings, 2 detachable controllers, LED display light, timer, and overheat safety mechanism.
This blanket is also machine washable, which means you can care for it without too much hassle.
What We Like:
- Very comfortable with fleece topper
- Machine washable
- 9 heat settings
- Timer control
- 2 Detachable controllers
- Great value
What We Don’t Like:
- Could heat up faster
2. Sunbeam Sleep Express Fitted Heated Blanket
Reliable and efficient, the Sleep Express from Sunbeam uses their patented Boost Technology to heat up 3 times faster than regular electric blankets (Sunbeam claim your bed will be warm in 10 minutes).
It is fully fitted heated so will stay in place throughout the night and a zip storage bag makes storage easy if you want to take it off your bed for the summer months.
Detachable controllers and waterproof elements mean this blanket is fully machine washable, great for busy households.
Safety features on this fitted electric blanket include the Sunbeam Safety Shield with Overheat Protection.
What We Like:
- Heats up in 10 minutes
- Machine washable
- Fully fitted
- Simple remote with 3 heat settings
- Doubles as a mattress protector
What We Don’t Like:
- Less comfortable than options with “plush” topper
3. Bambury Sonar Premium Electric Blanket
Luxurious yet with a reasonable price tag, the Bambury Sonar electric blanket hits the sweet spot for many Australians.
It includes separate feet and body zones, various heat settings, and a nifty preheat function too. It also comes with an automatic shutoff feature in combination with a timer.
Another great thing about the Sonar is the various sizes this blanket comes in, including king, so it can fit almost any bed out there.
The detachable controllers are easy to use and they can be removed for easy washing. The controllers are also illuminated, which can make life a bit easier. It is also made to be very thick so you don’t feel the heating elements.
This electric blanket is also machine washable.
What We Like:
- Comfortable
- Machine washable
- Detachable illuminated controllers
- Preheat function
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t heat as fast as some other options
4. Sunbeam Sleep Perfect Electric Blanket
Sunbeam is a trusted name in household appliances and this electric blanket represents a great option for the whole family.
This blanket heats up quickly and has separate controls for each side of the bed. It also features 9 different temperature settings as well as a timer control so you’ll have no trouble getting your bed to the perfect temperature.
Other positives include the fact this electric blanket can be machine washed and has undergone anti-bacterial treatment to reduce the risk of mould or allergens.
What We Like:
- Trusted and reliable brand
- Machine washable
- 9 heat settings
- Timer control
- Anti-bacterial treatment
- Quick to heat up
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as soft as other options
5. Gainsborough Electric Blanket
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, the Gainsborough electric blanket could be just the ticket.
Featuring a super soft fleece topper, this blanket is one to keep you warm in the depths of winter.
It comes with a range of heat settings and all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a high-quality electric blanket including detachable controls and an overheat safeguard.
What We Like:
- Fleece topper for added comfort and warmth
- Machine washable
- Overheat protection
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than other options
6. Dimplex QB Fitted Electric Blanket
This blanket from household favourite Dimplex represents a great no-fuss option.
Coming in a fitted design, it features a 12-hour timer and detachable control for extra convenience. Its also machine washable, so caring for your new blanket needn’t be a chore.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Overheat protection
- 2 year warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- Queen size only
- May need to use highest setting to get desired heat
7. Giselle Bedding Electric Heated Throw
If you’re looking for a more versatile alternative to an electric blanket then a heated throw might be perfect. Being low on energy consumption, this is also a great alternative to an electric heater.
This cosy electric throw rug from Giselle is perfect for keeping warm on the couch or in bed on cold nights. It has 9 different temperature settings and detachable controller with LED display.
It’s made from super-soft high density coral fleece and can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a great option for cold nights camping.
It also includes overheat protection for extra safety and is machine washable.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Overheat protection and removable cables
- Indoor and outdoor use
- 9 heat settings
What We Don’t Like:
- One size only
Electric Blanket Buying Guide
Given the complexities around using electricity to add a layer of heat in your bed, electric blankets can be a bit finicky, and are an item you should definitely do you research on before purchasing.
Here are some of the most important factors for you to keep in mind:
Safety
Perhaps the largest concern with electric blankets is safety. Yes, there are wires and there is an electric current flowing through them, something which scares many people out there.
For one, no matter what country you live in, the blanket in question absolutely needs to adhere to high safety standards. In Australia, any electric blanket or bedding item needs to meet strict safety standards.
You should also ensure that the electric blanket you get comes with an automatic shutoff feature to prevent overheating and damage.
Cleaning
The electrical components within an electric blanket can make washing and cleaning quite a challenge. Older electrical blankets usually had to be hand washed, or they could not be washed at all.
If you’ve got a blanket that you use on a daily basis, you should definitely wash it regularly. Fortunately many of the newer models can be machine washed which is a massive plus.
Comfort
Your heated blanket needs to be comfortable. If you remember electric blankets from 10 or 20 years ago, you might recall that they were stiff and full of wires, definitely not something you want to spend the night sleeping on.
Fortunately most models these days have mitigated these issues, however it’s still worth shopping around to find something that will suit your comfort requirements.
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Heat Settings
One thing that you absolutely want to look out for before making a purchase is how many heat settings the electric blanket in question has.
The more heat settings it has, the more it will probably cost, so you need to decide how much versatility is enough for you.
Some electric blankets simply turn on and off, some have a few different heat settings, and some actually come with full temperature controls.
Some days you might only need it to be a few degrees warmer than the room you’re in, while on others you may want a significant amount more than that.
Easy Controls
Yet another important aspect to keep in mind is how easy the blanket in question is to control. Does it come with an easy to use control system that is also precise?
On that same note, dual controls are something else you should look out for. If you sleep with a partner, this can be pretty important, as you can choose to have one side warmer than the other.
Tips for Using an Electric Blanket
Electric blankets can be a great cost-effective option for keeping you warm at night. However, there’s a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are using your electric blanket efficiently and safely.
- Don’t run your blanket on a power board or multi-plug and remove the power from the wall when not in use.
- Make sure your blanket fits well on your mattress and doesn’t hang off the sides or ends.
- Don’t turn it on while it is folded, or has things on top of it other than bedding.
- Don’t leave your blanket on overnight or lay on it while it’s on.
- Be careful to not allow liquids to come into contact with the blanket.
- Take care of the blanket when in storage by not placing undue pressure on the electrical components. This means keeping it away from sharp objects, folding gently, and not placing weight on top of it when folded.
- Try to avoid washing your blanket in the washing machine, even if the manual states that it is machine washable.
