6 Best Low Watt Electric Blankets To Buy
AT A GLANCE
Electric blankets are a great way to keep warm during the winter months, and are especially convenient for those who don’t have access to affordable central heating.
They provide a much more personal touch, and are a good alternative to electric heaters for those times when you only want to warm yourself, not the whole room.
Many electric blankets also have built-in timers that will automatically shut off after a number of hours, meaning there’s no risk of forgetting to turn them off before going to sleep.
Their most notable benefit, however, is their energy efficiency. Due to the fact that electric blankets have a small heating area, they’re great for cutting down your heating bills.
Electric blanket wattage: how much electricity does an electric/heated blanket use?
A common question for those considering buying their first heated blanket is: do electric blankets use a lot of electricity? The answer is, no, they don’t.
The average electric blanket uses between 150 – 200 watts per hour, which is a fraction of the amount the average electric heater (1500W) uses.
How much does an electric blanket cost to run?
Assuming that your electricity is billed at $0.20 per kWh, a 150W electric blanket used for a regular 8-hour sleep will use 1200W and cost just $0.24.
If you use your blanket every day of the month for 8 hours, you’ll be adding an extra $7.20 to your monthly electricity bill.
This is by no means a great deal of money, and as already mentioned, you’ll be saving a considerable amount by choosing a blanket over a heater.
Buying a low wattage electric blanket
There are even more savings to be had if you choose a low watt model – a heating blanket that uses less than 150W. A low watt model means you can use your blanket unrestricted, for long periods of time, without worrying about hiking up your electricity bill.
Below you’ll find a list of 6 such electric blankets, all of which are just as good as their higher watt counterparts.
Top 6 Energy-efficient Electric Blankets
WATTAGE: 101 W
SIZE: 62 x 84 inches
MATERIAL: Velvet
The Sunbeam Heated Electric Blanket is the perfect bed partner for cold winter nights!
You can rest assured that you'll never go cold, as this soft, velvet blanket comes fully loaded with 2 heating zones (left and right) for customized warmth.
With an impressive 25 heat settings (10 for body, 15 for feet), you'll be warmed from head to toe!
There's even a 10-hour auto-off safety timer in case you forget to turn off the power before settling into bed. And the preheat option means your bed will be toasty warm when you're ready to snuggle in.
If you happen to spill something while using the blanket? Not a problem – dirt is no match against its machine washable design. The controller disconnects easily, so you won't have to worry about destroying it when washing the blanket.
Pro: Very soft and thick, the cord is long, and retains heat well.
Con: The wires are heavier than those on some of the other models on our list. Also slippery and might occasionally fall off the bed.
WATTAGE: 100W
SIZE: 50 x 60 inches
MATERIAL: Double-sided flannel fleece
As the cold winter months approach, there is nothing more comforting than snuggling up under an electric blanket. With the Vremi Electric Blanket, you can forget about trying to stay warm with old fashioned methods!
This electric blanket by Vremi features 6 heat levels, ranging from 85°F 110°F, so you can set the right temperature for the occasion, as well as 8-time modes that allow your device to run interrupted for 30 minutes – 4 hours. All of this is moderated from the convenient LCD controller.
What's more, the blanket distributes heat evenly and heats up quickly, so you won't have to wait long to get comfortable!
Additionally, the auto shut-off feature and overheat protection ensure that the blanket won't burn out or burn you.
When you're ready to wash the blanket, the 10-foot long power cord conveniently detaches.
Pro: Soft and warms quickly.
Con: Thin. Wires don't go right to the end of the blanket, so your feet might not warm as well as the rest of your body.
WATTAGE: 130W
SIZE: 84 x 90 inches
MATERIAL: Polyester
The Biddeford Electric Blanket offers therapeutic warmth for a temperature range of 81°F through 107°F.
The blanket features 10 personalized heat settings to provide the ideal temperature, as well as a 10-hour auto shut-off timer to prevent overheating or burning.
A unique feature you won't find on many electric blankets is the dual analog controllers on queen and king size models. This is perfect for couples who prefer different heat settings.
For your convenience, the wire on this Biddeford electric blanket is very thin and won't get in the way, while the machine-washable fabric makes it easy to clean in your washer dryer.
To top it all off, this blanket comes in a handy reusable zipper bag.
Pro: Lightweight, doesn't slip off the bed. The dials illuminate, which is perfect for night use.
Con: The higher setting might be too high and could leave you too hot. Also quite thin. Wires are loose.
Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Blanket
$59.99
WATTAGE: 68W
SIZE: 100 x 90 inches
MATERIAL: Micro-fleece
The Perfect Fit SoftHeat Electric Blanket is perfect for those cold winter nights when you don't want to turn on the central heating. Heat is distributed evenly throughout the whole blanket, and the ultra-thin wires won't get in your way.
With 10 different heat settings and easy-to-use knob, you can truly personalize your warmth. What's more, the device comes with dual controllers for snuggling couples have individual temperature control.
The large backlit screen has an automatic dimmer so you can get cozy without being distracted by light while reading or watching TV.
This electric blanket by Perfect Fit includes an auto pre-heat feature, meaning it heats up to the selected temperature before you even get into bed.
The blanket also has an automatic shut-off feature and over-heat protection, so you can rest easy knowing your blanket won't get too hot and burn you.
Pro: Convenient rotary dial that's easy to use in the dark. You won't feel the wires.
Con: Takes a while to heat up. Too light and easy to slip off the bed.
Klarstein Dr. Watson Heating Electric Blanket
WATTAGE: 120W
SIZE: 70 x 50 inches
MATERIAL: Microfiber
The Klarstein Dr. Watson Electric Blanket is a high quality, pain-relieving electric blanket with luxurious micro-plush fabric.
It has 3 power levels that can be adjusted to suit your needs, as well as a timer function for added convenience.
Thanks to the detachable control unit, the blanket itself is super easy to clean by simply throwing it into your washer.
The Klarstein Dr. Watson is unique, in that, unlike most electric blankets, this comes with health benefits for people with muscle pain and back problems. The heat will sooth any aches you have, automatically improving your sleep.
Built into this portable blanket by Klarstein is overheating protection and an automatic shut-off feature that activates after 3 hours of continuous use, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Finally, the indicator lights will always remind you when your device is on.
Pro: Comfy, quality material. Easy controls.
Con: Easily comes unplugged. Very light, so might keep slipping off you.
WATTAGE: 100W
SIZE: 50 x 60 inches
MATERIAL: Polyester
This easy-to-use Serta Heated Electric Throw Blanket is perfect for every type of occasion. It's lightweight and reversible so you can change it up any time for a different look.
Durable microfiber threads ensure it's super soft on your skin, while the 5 heat settings give you the opportunity to set the perfect temperature for your needs.
The over heating protection and 4-hour automatic shut off features were designed to prevent accidents.
The indicator light lets you know that you're blanket is on. This is convenient, as it's often difficult to tell just by looking if electric blankets are on or not.
This Serta Electric Blanket is machine-washable, so you never have to worry about keeping it clean.
Pro: Soft, lightweight, long 8-foot power cord.
Con: Doesn't get as hot as some others on our list, so won't be good in freezing temperatures. Awkward control positioning.
Electric blanket vs heater: which one should you buy?
As mentioned above, electric blankets are great for cutting down on heating bills. In general, if you’re just concerned about keeping yourself warm while curled up at night, then an electric blanket would work perfectly.
However, there are a few situations where it might be better to choose an electric heater instead:
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if you need to heat up your whole room
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when you’re not going to be in one place for long
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if you have guests
(Check out our list of low watt electric fan heaters and energy efficient infrared heaters.)
That said, for most people, an electric blanket will suffice for their personal needs.
