We’ve Found The Best Electric Blankets So You Can Stay Cozy This Winter

Stay cozy in your room all year long with these incredible electric blankets.

Trying to keep warm during the colder months can be a major financial strain, especially if you’re trying to save money. But it’s also a huge pain being cold all the time, especially if your dorm feels like a freezer. So, what’s a financially savvy student supposed to do? Two words: electric blanket. Cozy vibes, incoming.

Electric blankets are a very economical solution if you’re feeling a little chilly. We’ve answered all the questions you might have, along with where to buy some of the best electric blankets of 2024.

In this article:

Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

If you’re worried about your electric bill going up when you use your electric blanket, let us assuage your fears. Electric blankets actually use very little electricity! On average, they only use about 4 cents per hour.

Electric blankets are able to be so economical because they heat via built-in carbon wires that are woven inside the blanket itself. This allows the blanket to heat evenly, use as little energy as possible, and still keep you nice and warm. They’re significantly cheaper than space heaters, which can cost around 15 cents per hour.

Based on various studies, electric blankets are the most economical option for keeping yourself warm. It’s the most energy-efficient heating item you can have in your living space!

How much electricity does an electric blanket use?

This will vary from blanket to blanket. However, on average, electric blankets use anywhere from 100 to 150 watts of power. Thankfully, if you’re using an electric blanket, it doesn’t consume very much electricity at all.

But let’s do some simple math to calculate an average cost by using an electric blanket. For example, let’s say you have an electric blanket that uses 150 watts of power. If you use that blanket for 6 hours every night for about 4 months of the year, it would be 108 kWh per year. Based on average energy costs, that only rounds out to about $56 a year!

Are electric heating blankets safe to use?

When used correctly, electric blankets are completely safe to use. There are a few caveats to this rule, however. Most professionals recommend that children, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or circulation issues should not use electric blankets.

Most electric blankets have an automatic shut-off feature, which helps to prevent the risk of fires. But there are some inherent risks when using electric blankets, especially while you sleep since it’s unsupervised.

You should not use electric blankets on the following items:

  • Waterbeds
  • Bunk beds
  • Mechanical beds
  • Sofas

Some studies have shown that high amounts of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are linked to cancer. However, electric blankets use an extremely low frequency, so there is no risk of cancer when using an electric blanket.

Be sure to follow these safety tips when using an electric blanket as well:

  • Turn off the blanket when not in use
  • Turn off the blanket when going to sleep
  • Check the blanket before each use

Where to buy electric blankets

There are plenty of retailers who sell all kinds of sizes of electric blankets. Here are the most popular retailers to buy electric blankets from in 2024:

Heated blankets at Bed Bath & Beyond

Best electric blankets from Bed, Bath & Beyond

The best-selling electric blanket at Bed Bath & Beyond is the Beautyrest Marselle Oversized Faux Fur Heated Throw from $51.29. Available in 50×70 for super snuggly vibes.

Other popular electric blanket options from Bed Bath & Beyond are:

Target heated blanket

The top-rated electric blanket at Target is the Costway Heated Blanket Electric Throw ($54.99). The size is 84″ x 62″. It comes in blue, gray, and red.

Other popular electric blanket options from Target are:

Heated blankets at Walmart

Sunbeam electric blanket

The top-rated heated blanket at Walmart is the Sunbeam Heated Electric Throw Blanket, Cozy Sherpa ($44.98). The size is 50″ x 60″.

Other popular electric blanket options from Walmart are:

Best heated blankets on sale

During the warmer months, heated and electric blankets tend to go on sale. This is the prime time to buy them at a steep discount. These are the best deals you can get on electric blankets of all sizes right now:

Best heated throw blankets

If you’re looking to really indulge and get one of the best heated throws on the market, we’ve rounded up our top picks for 2024. Keep in mind that these are going to be a little more high-end, but we think they’re worth the cost, especially when you remember just how economical having a heated blanket is!

Make your room extra cozy by shopping for decor with the best student discounts on Student Beans

Need more inspo for upgrading your dorm room? Check out our dorm room essentials guide.