Best-Rated Electric Blankets

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How we rate electric blankets

Our review compares electric blankets on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which electric blanket they think is best!

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.

1. Sunbeam

Ratings result

Sunbeam was rated five stars for performance, features & functionality, ease of use and overall satisfaction, with four stars for design and three stars for value for money.

Editor’s notes

The brand Sunbeam began in Australia in 1902, selling a range of consumer appliances with the main focus on kitchen products, including coffee machines. In terms of electric blankets, Sunbeam offers multiple options to choose from, including multiple sizes and fabrics such as polycotton and Australian wool fleece.

The Sunbeam Sleep Perfect Wool Fleece blanket features ‘Quick Heat Up’, allowing you to get toasty in five minutes, while the Sleep Perfect Technology adjusts your blanket heat to changes in your body and room temperature. Featuring left and right controllers to help you personalise your side of the bed, it also includes six heat levels and automatic switch off after one, three or nine hours.

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2. Target

Ratings result

Target was rated five stars for features & functionality and value for money, with four stars for design, ease of use, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Target’s homewares department features a wide range of essentials, from pillows to bed sheets, as well as a line of electric blankets. Similarly to stablemate Kmart, Target’s electric blankets are seasonal purchases, so you may not find them in-store all year round. The department store offers multiple electric blankets, with sizes covering the full spectrum, including Single, King Single, Double, Queen, and King beds. You can expect traditional features such as a controller to help set which temperature you want, along with automatic switch-off.

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3. Jason

Ratings result

Jason was rated five stars for design along with features & functionality, with four stars for ease of use, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Founded in 1948, Jason is an Australian-owned brand offering a number of bedroom needs, from traditional quilts and protectors through to pillows and electric blankets. Its range currently only consists of the Fully Fitted Washable Electric Blanket, but is available in multiple sizes, and features multiple heat settings that can be changed via the controller, with the blanket machine washable, allowing you to stay toasty and fresh at the same time.

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4. Breville

Ratings result

Breville was rated four stars for design, features & functionality and overall satisfaction, with three stars for ease of use, value for money and performance.

Editor’s notes

Another Australian manufacturer Breville, founded back in 1932, offers a number of small home appliances including microwaves, blenders, and heated blankets. It has a modest range, with many of the blankets including Breville’s BodyZone heat technology, which aims to provide individual heat settings for both your upper and lower body. Select ‘Connect’ models also feature Voice Control and the ability to control the electric blanket via the Breville Home Connect app, allowing you to turn on the electric blanket before you get home so that it’s waiting for you as soon as you step in the door.

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5. Kmart

Ratings result

Kmart was rated four stars for ease of use, value for money, features & functionality and performance, with three stars for design and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

The cheap and cheerful department store specialising in cheap homewares also offers electric blankets for Aussie consumers, although primarily only offers electric blankets as a seasonal purchase, so you’ll have to get in quick! Its Fitted Electric Blanket features three heat settings, a dual controller, auto shut off, over-heat protection and is available in multiple sizes.

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6. Other electric blanket brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

How do electric blankets work?

Electric blankets are placed between your mattress and your sheets and heat up to keep you warm at night. They work by heating an integrated heating device that’s designed to spread warmth throughout the blanket, with the heat distributed by carbon wires spread out in the fabric. For those with Double or Queen-sized beds, there are some electric blankets that come with dual controllers, to allow those on both sides of the bed to set their preferred temperatures.

Most above-average-quality electric blankets will have a number of different heat settings you can choose from, ranging anywhere from one to three or one to 10. The heat setting is adjusted by using the controller, which can either hang loose or be attached to the mattress itself. 

What sizes do electric blankets come in?

Electric blankets come in different forms depending on what size bed you have. There are single options, dual options for those who sleep in the same bed, and even children’s electric blankets (which also happen to be waterproof). According to Appliances Online, the sizes of electric blankets include:

• King size electric blanket – 183x203cm
• Queen size electric blanket – 152x203cm
• Double bed electric blanket – 138x188cm
• Single bed electric blanket  – 92x188cm

So, if you’re tall, you might want to make sure you’re getting one on the larger end of the scale!

Types of electric blankets

There are three main types of electric blankets:

• Heated throw blanket: This type of blanket is similar to a blanket or throw used on the end of a bed or on the couch. You can use it to heat your bed, or you can wrap yourself in it on the couch or anywhere else around the house. 
• Electric fitted blanket: This is also known as a bottom sheet that can stretch over your mattress like a fitted sheet. They remain flat during the night and are generally not as noticeable as non-fitted blankets as they feel the same as the mattress beneath them. It evenly heats your bed from underneath which can be helpful in holding more heat under the duvet or blanket.  
• Electric non-fitted blanket: This is also referred to as a ‘tie-down’ blanket that has ties on the corners to secure the blanket to your mattress. Non-fitted blankets have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to put on but don’t give the same level of comfort.

Can you wash an electric blanket?

Electric blankets and heated throws can be washed either by hand or in a washing machine, but this will depend on individual brands. Always make sure you read the instructions for the individual brand before attempting to wash so you can avoid shrinking, damage or hazards. Here are some simple steps to clean washable electric blankets in a washing machine:

How to clean an electric blanket using a washing machine

1. Remove the controller(s) and any cables.
2. Pre-soak the blanket for 15 minutes with mild soap and cold water.
3. Use the delicate or gentle wash cycle for two minutes, before rinsing the blanket in cold water.
4. Run the spin dry function on the washing machine for two minutes. If using a dryer, choose the low temperature setting.
5. Gently reshape the blanket.
6. Without using pegs, place the blanket over a clothesline or shower rod to fully dry.

Are electric blankets safe?

Generally, yes, electric blankets are safe – so long as you take care of them and use them properly. Within Australia, all electric blanket manufacturers must meet strict regulations to guarantee that they are safe to use as long as all instructions are followed. New electric blankets pose little to no risks, however worn and aged blankets can cause electrical fires if not used and taken care of correctly. Always check the blanket body and wiring before plugging them in and switching them on if using an older blanket. 

It is recommended that you replace your electric blanket every five years or have it checked by the manufacturer. It’s also important to check for frayed fabric, burn marks, exposed elements or damaged cords. 

Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

Unlike other heating appliances, electric blankets use significantly less electricity consuming approximately 200W per hour and cost around four cents per hour. A space heater can cost up to 15 cents an hour in comparison, and an air conditioner can cost 25 cents to three dollars per hour, making it a potentially cheaper way to stay warm during the cooler months.  

How much do electric blankets cost?

Electric blankets in Australia can cost as little as $30, with the majority priced around the $150 mark. These are for the cheaper models of electric blankets, while the more advanced ones can cost as much as $600. These expensive blankets generally come with more advanced features and higher quality materials such as wool or cotton, but you’d have to determine for yourself if the difference in money is worth the difference in experience.

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Electric blanket features to look for

If you’re thinking of buying an electric blanket that’s a little fancier, you’ll find some that come with a variety of different features. We’ve already mentioned blankets with dual controls, temperature settings and overheat settings, but there are plenty more that could make your sleep a much better experience.

• Extra-warm foot zone: Who doesn’t like their feet being toasty warm? Some blankets come with these warm foot zones that focus more of their heat into the bottom of the blanket, to keep those tootsies nice and comfortable. 
• Illuminated screens: If you forget to turn your blanket off before going to sleep, it can be awkward fumbling around in the dark trying to find the controls. That’s why certain models come with controls that have an LCD screen that makes it easy to see in the dark, but remains dim enough to not keep you awake.
• Timers: While there are some who feel that it isn’t a good idea to have an electric blanket that can turn on when you’re not home, there shouldn’t be any danger as long as you put it on a low temperature. Timers can be extremely convenient, as you can set them to come on just before you’re ready to go to bed, so you don’t have to do it yourself. Who even likes using their hands anyway?
• Removable controls: Separating the controls from the electric blanket itself means you can safely wash it like you would any other blanket. However, you need to check the instructions that came with your purchase to see if your blanket is machine washable.

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Picture credits: MPIX/shutterstock.com, Agenturfotografin/shutterstock.com, Yuganov Konstantin/shutterstock.com

About our consumer experts

Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

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Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

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