The best heated blankets – buying tips & advice

Everything about the advantages and disadvantages of heated blankets. These models and manufacturers have particularly impressed me in comparison.

There are many good reasons to use a heated blanket:

  • You can save on heating costs, you always have a preheated bed and heat can also work wonders for back or shoulder pain after sleeping .
  • If you have not yet dealt with the subject of heated blankets, it will certainly not be easy for you to find a model that is right for you.

In this post I have summarized what you should look out for when buying heated blankets.

You will also find some specific product recommendations for every use and every budget.

Among other things, this post deals with the following topics:

As you can see, this is a very extensive topic.

If you don’t want to read that much, but are rather looking for a quick recommendation, I would like to introduce you to my favorites among the currently available electric blankets:

A lot of further information and details can be found in the text.

How does a heated blanket work?

The idea of ​​the heated blanket is very simple.

Positioned between the sheets and the mattress, the electrically operated heated underblankets ensure a comfortably warm bed.

You can use a temperature switch to set which temperature you prefer.

 

Small heating wires are incorporated into the heated blanket, which often ensure a comfortable temperature in bed within a few minutes.

In order to enable the heating function, the heated blankets have a power cable. So it is important that there is an electrical outlet nearby.

Advantages of a heated blanket

A clear advantage of a heated blanket becomes apparent when ambient temperatures drop.

Sleep experts have not recommended an environment that is too warm for the sleep phase for a long time .

With a heated blanket, you can ensure that the bed is comfortably warm without having to heat the whole room. You sleep better and save energy at the same time.

Warmth for pain

It is not just the elderly who suffer from ailments that warmth can relieve.

Regardless of whether you have back problems, muscular tension or rheumatism or osteoarthritis, a warm bed helps you to find a painless sleep in all of these and many other cases.

Functions of a heated blanket

Depending on the model and quality, a heated blanket can have different functions.

Which functions are really important and which you can neglect can be found in the following descriptions of the functions:

Temperature controller

With very simple models you will often only find an on / off switch on the heated blanket.

Higher quality models, on the other hand, offer either different temperatures that you can select (usually between two and six) or a rotary knob with which you can continuously adjust the temperature between specified limits.

 

If you are new to using electric blankets, be careful here.

  • I would always recommend buying a heated blanket first, where you can vary the temperature as widely as possible.
  • This is the only way you can adjust the heated blanket to your favorite temperature, relatively independent of the outside temperature.

On the other hand, it is fatal to buy a heated blanket, which turns out to be consistently too warm. Instead of improving sleep behavior, you will otherwise achieve exactly the opposite effect.

Tip : Try to try a heated blanket before buying to find out what temperature in bed is comfortable for you.

Switch-off protection

The switch-off protection ensures that accidents with a heated blanket are prevented. The electronics measure the existing temperature at any time via a temperature sensor.

Should this exceed a specified limit, the heated blanket will automatically turn itself off.

 

The switch-off protection prevents fires from occurring due to excessively high temperatures.

Tip : Do not buy a heated blanket that does not have a switch-off protection.

Fast heating function

Some electric blankets offer a quick heating function that ensures that your bed warms up faster than conventional models.

In general, always pay attention to the heating power of the heated blankets, this can be between 60 and 120 watts. The higher the heating power, the faster the warm underblankets.

Heating programs

You can use the heating programs to regulate when and for how long the heated blanket gives off which heat.

For example, if you like to get into a warm bed, but prefer it to be cooler when you sleep, you can use a programming function to schedule the heated blanket according to your needs.

Note : With heating programs you can use your heated blanket in a much more targeted and energy-efficient manner.

Display

High quality electric blankets have a display that helps you to choose the right temperature or to set the right programs.

Depending on where and how you want to use your heated blanket, it is helpful to pay attention to the functions and usability of the display. Illuminated displays are particularly practical at night.

Tip : If your heated blanket has an illuminated display, you don’t have to switch on the light to change settings.

Material

The heating wires of the heated blankets can be surrounded by different materials.

 

Polyester is used very often because it is very easy to care for. But there are also heated blankets made of cotton or fleece.

Choose the material that you like best. Cotton or fleece often offer a more cozy and therefore more comfortable lying surface than polyester.

Proven Quality

When buying a heated blanket, make sure that it has one of the common security seals.

Products approved in Europe always have the CE seal.

Other reliable security seals come from TÜV, Öko-Tex, the VDE or have a GS certificate for “tested safety”.

TIP: Don’t buy a heated blanket without an established security seal .

maintenance

Modern heated blankets should always be washable. With many models you can remove the electronic parts and then wash the blanket in the washing machine.

By washing regularly, you will prevent bacteria from adhering. Freshly washed blankets are hygienic, clean and smell good.

 

Warning : heated blankets are delicate and you have to wash them gently. Under no circumstances should you spin them in the machine. Pay attention to the information in the instructions for use.

Be careful with older electric blankets

Electric mattress heaters have been around for over a century. With Grandma’s aged blanket, you should remember that older models in particular could be missing many comfort and safety functions.

If in doubt, replace heirlooms with a more modern brand. You have probably read about electric blankets as a cause of fire in the media. With modern models you minimize the risk and get even more functions at the same time.

Almost all of the mattresses I recommend have overheating protection and an automatic switch-off, for example.

This has two big advantages: on the one hand, you don’t have to worry about not accidentally turning off the electric blanket and, on the other hand, sleeping without additional heat is definitely healthier and more relaxing for you.

 

Thermal blankets – current model recommendations

After testing and looking at a large number of different heated blankets and electric blankets for you in the past few weeks , I can present you with some recommended models here.

You are sure to find a heated blanket in this list that meets your needs.

Recommendation: Beurer heated blanket UB75

The Beurer brand is very well established in the electric underblanket market. You will find many models and different sizes in stores. The Beurer heated blanket UB75 is my recommendation for you today.

With six temperature settings, the patented Beurer safety system, a heating output of 60 watts and a cozy cotton mattress base, this model offers everything you could want from a heated blanket.

You can machine wash this heated blanket at 30 degrees.

Many users have given this heated blanket a 5 star rating.

Versatile: Deuba heated blanket

The Deuba heated blanket proves that you can also get a high quality heated blanket without spending a lot of money. In addition to the tested safety technology, this Deuba model offers three temperature settings.

In the product description, the versatility of the Deuba heated blanket is surprising. In addition to using it under the fitted sheet, you can also use the model as a blanket on the sofa or as a heat source for your pet. The heated blanket is machine washable up to 40 degrees.

Cozy: Medisana HDW cozy heated blanket

With the two-color design and the cozy surface, this electric blanket is suitable both as a cover and as a heated blanket. Medisana is a very well established brand for heated blankets.

Medisana relies on quality for its heated underblankets and electric blankets, but the various models available from the brand remain affordable.

The HDW blanket has 4 temperature settings, warms up very quickly thanks to 120 watts of heating power and offers all imaginable security seals. The materials meet the Oeko-Tex 100 standard and the blanket was the test winner at Haus & Garten as a heated under-bed.

Inexpensive: Sanitas SWB 20 thermal blanket

This thermal blanket made of fleece from the Sanitas brand surprises with good features and a very affordable price. It offers three temperature settings and is machine washable at 30 degrees.

You can change the temperature using a hand switch with lighting. Sanitas has all the safety systems recommended for electric blankets and this model is available in 150 x 80 cm. It has a heating output of 60 watts.

For 2: Sinnlein heated blanket for 2 people

With a size of 140 x 160 cm, this heated blanket is perfect for double beds with a continuous mattress. Since you should always avoid the head area of ​​the heated blanket, the size is suitable for many mattresses.

With six heat settings and a heat output of 60 watts, this heated blanket is my tip for double beds. You can even control the two sides of the bed separately from one another using two handheld devices.

Heat dispenser 2.0 – “Smart” electric blankets with app

App-supported products are becoming increasingly popular. Nevertheless, I am always amazed at what can now be controlled with a smartphone During my research, however, I only found two “smart” lower beds from Beurer .

The UB 200 CosyNight is basically a heated fitted sheet, the regular version UB 190 CosyNight * is simply placed between the sheet and the mattress.

You can control both remotely with an app or even via Amazon Alexa voice commands.

However, voice control seems to be very complicated and in some reviews buyers describe that the app simply doesn’t work for them.

Both lower beds have all possible test seals and functionalities, but with only 55 watts they are energy-saving but somewhat weak.

In addition, simpler models with a similar range of functions but without smartphone control are much cheaper.

The descriptions read great, but all in all I cannot give you a clear purchase recommendation.

Another option is also available at a similar price.

Purely electric mattress heaters are not the only way to preheat your bed and make it more comfortable.

Hot water bottle XXL – electric hot water mattress topper

First of all: The warm water mattresses presented here are all shipped from China and have correspondingly long delivery times of two to five weeks.

In addition, there are no customer reviews on Amazon yet, as the products are relatively new.

I found it super interesting because you can regulate the temperature steplessly. You can set the timer for up to twelve hours.

There are two different versions: With the first, the ceiling is already filled with water ex works, with the other, you have to fill a small boiler with water. This heats the water and circulates it through the hoses sewn into the material.

The great advantage of using water is its high heat capacity. Your body absorbs heat from water faster than from heating wires.

A disadvantage is that the hot water mattress heaters do not have different zones. However, they are available in very large sizes (up to 200 x 180 cm).

So if you and your partner have similar warmth needs, it is definitely worth taking a closer look at these products.

If not, you can of course buy two under-beds or an XXL under-bed.

Buy heated blankets cheaply

In addition to specialist retailers and the well-known Internet dealers, there are also always heated blankets in supermarket chains or at sales events.

  • Well-known are, for example, Aldi underblankets or the Silvercrest underblankets from Lidl.
  • In addition, there are heated blankets with imaginary names and from completely unknown manufacturers.

When buying heated blankets, always pay attention to the security seals on the products.

After all, you want to sleep without fear. If you have the slightest doubt, I would always recommend that you turn to a trusted and well-known brand.

The models presented in this article are definitely recommendable.

Alternatives

While heated blankets are specially designed for use in bed, electric blankets, for example, also provide adjustable cozy warmth in other places.

 

In this post you will find a detailed product test and guide on the subject of electric blankets .

As a rule of thumb : you can cover yourself with electric blankets, you can lie down on heated blankets.

However, manufacturers often use both terms synonymously.

As an alternative to the electric blanket and heated blanket, smaller heating pads are also recommended. Here you will find an overview of many current heating pad models .

Other known alternatives are, for example, hot water bottles, which are much more cumbersome to use and also only give off heat at one point.

Automatic shutdown – please not too long and too hot

The automatic switch-off functions are twofold, because your body usually regulates its temperature by itself during the night.

As pleasant as it is on your heat dispenser: Too much heat is not good for you and the restfulness of your sleep is negatively affected. There is also the risk of exposing yourself to excessively high temperatures for too long.

Time control

The time-controlled automatic switch-off is therefore one of the most important equipment features of a modern under-bed.

So you can fall asleep on the heating mat with peace of mind and are not unintentionally exposed to the artificial heat all night.

However, many models only reduce the heat after about three hours and only switch off completely after 12 hours. Here you should make sure that the timers meet your needs.

Protection against overheating – automatic temperature control

The equally important automatic temperature switch-off protects you from excessively high temperatures.

 

  • This overheating protection is normally part of the basic equipment of every under-bed.
  • If this overheating protection is not available, it can be dangerous – in extreme cases there is even a risk of fire.

Modern models are of course very safe, but you should be careful even when temperatures feel low.

Beware of excessive temperatures

Although we do not all perceive the same temperatures as too hot, minor burns can occur between 43 and 47 ° C.

If you have reddish spots on your skin after using your underbed, it was too hot. These types of burns will go away on their own, but are definitely unhealthy in the long run.

However, if pustules, broom tears or even brownish discoloration remain on your skin, you should definitely consult a dermatologist and leave the warming bed switched off for the time being.

Safety information and precautions

You should pay attention to a few product features in order to make the electrical heat supply absolutely safe with a heated underbed.

All electrical heating products are subject to strict safety regulations in Germany:

“Generally speaking, most of the products have become very safe,” says Andrea Biehler, product specialist at TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH.

However, there are some precautionary measures you can take to be on the safe side.

Be careful when using it

Please be careful never to get your underbed wet, especially when it is in use.

Although the wires are sheathed to protect them from moisture, the blanket is still an electrical device.

  • If you should have spilled a drink, pull the plug out of the socket immediately.
  • Even if almost all electric blankets have an automatic switch-off, you should switch off the electric blanket before you go to sleep.

As a matter of principle, you should not change anything to your underbed, especially not sew or cut anything. If you catch the heating wires, it can have bad consequences.

In addition, you should only use your heated blanket when it is completely unfolded. Please never leave the blanket folded up when you switch it on. It could overheat severely and possibly cause a short circuit or even fire.

Tangled cables and before first use

We all know the problem when the socket is simply too far away from the device. Nevertheless, I advise against connecting several cable extensions in series.

It is very easy to construct trip hazards. Before you switch on your heated blanket for the first time, it is essential that you read the operating instructions.

Pay attention to the test seals: CE, GS, VDE and Oeko-Tex®

There is a huge selection of heated blankets – the market is confusing. Many manufacturers offer models that can hardly be distinguished from one another.

A feature that can help you with your selection are test seals. They help you to decide whether a product is trustworthy for you.

Which test seals are interesting?

The two most important and well-known seals are the CE and GS (tested safety) seals.

With the CE seal, the manufacturer undertakes to comply with EU directives.

  • It is a voluntary commitment that is not controlled. Not as reliable as a quality feature as the GS seal.
  • The GS seal (tested safety), on the other hand, is tested and controlled in Germany.

The VDE mark certifies the electronic security of a product – of course only if it is used properly. The VDE tests in its own institute and the seal is trustworthy when it comes to electronics.

Safe electronics and good for your skin

You have probably heard of the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex® label before. Textiles in particular are certified with it.

Simply put, it is an extensive catalog of criteria for safe substances, far more than the law requires.

There must be no residues of dangerous chemicals, dyes or pesticides in the fabrics. The Oeko-Tex 100 label therefore provides information about the skin compatibility of your underbed but not about its electrical safety.

The Beurer UB 75 heated blanket meets all the criteria I have presented and fits into every bed.

 

More information about healthy sleep

If you are looking for heat sources as pain therapy, you should find out about special therapeutic heat pillows.

You can find a detailed article about the correct room temperature for falling asleep at this link.

You will also find numerous guides and articles on the subject of duvets for all seasons .

Conclusion: heated blankets can have a very positive effect on your sleep

Since there are heated blankets at very affordable prices, they are a great help in creating a cozy, warm sleeping environment.

With high-quality models, you have full control and can save even with regular use, as you no longer have to heat the entire room.

Since even the top recommendations in this test are not too expensive, I would recommend you, if financially possible, to buy a high-quality model directly.

The more flexible the adjustment options of the heated blanket, the more versatile you can use it.

I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.

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