Photography: Louise Roche / Styling: Kylie Jackes
As the temperature drops, the last thing you want is to slip into a chilly bed, but often the biggest challenge of heating your home is the cost. According to Energy Australia, an electric blanket is the cheapest way to keep warm at night.
“If you’re reluctant to run up your power bill with a heater, you can still escape the chill simply by using an electric blanket,” Energy Australia says. “On average, they cost about four cents an hour, while some space heaters can cost much more.”
From snug fleece electric blankets to advanced multizoned heat options, we’ve found the best electric blankets to ward off winter’s chill while keeping your electricity costs in check.
What to look for when buying an electric blanket
When choosing an electric blanket, it’s best to check for safety features first such as auto-off timers and overheat protection for peace for mind. “Make sure the blanket has an overheat protection sensor to switch it off if it gets too hot, plus a control with raised markings for handling in the dark,” says Energy Australia. “Don’t forget to check the energy rating and select one with a high energy efficiency rating.”
For allergy sufferers, hypoallergenic electric blankets like bamboo help reduce asthma and eczema triggers such as dust and mould, thanks to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Then it comes down to cosiness and comfort. Wool and fleece electric blankets up the warmth with their thick pile, while many electric blanket models feature multizone heating, allowing you to tailor the temperature for each area of the bed.
Are electric blankets safe?
Electric blankets are perfectly safe when maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. “Replace your blanket if it has any of the following: bent wiring, scorch marks, frayed fabric, exposed elements, dampness, worn patches, damaged cords or loose connections,” says Energy Australia. Additionally, it’s recommended to never tuck an electric blanket under the mattress, to avoid any wetness when on, and to replace the blanket every 10 years.
Can you wash electric blankets?
Despite their electric wiring, many electric blanket models can be put in the washing machine once the cables and controls are detached. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, but generally, a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water is ideal, followed by air drying on a flat surface.
Shop electric blankets
01
Bamboo quilted electric blanket in White
from $116.96 (usually $129.95), Dreamaker
Best for: Breathability and allergen control
While winter calls for a toasty warm bed, being too warm can quickly become uncomfortable. Luckily, this luxurious bamboo electric blanket is perfect for regulating heat, made with sustainable bamboo fibres to ensure a restful sleep. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, helping to reduce moisture and allergens. All that’s left to do is drift into a blissful slumber!
Sizes: Queen, King and Super King
Colour: White
Materials: Bamboo rayon and polyester
Key features:
- Comes with two controllers
- Machine washable
- 240gsm top fabric
- 3 heat settings and overheating protection element
02
BodyZone fitted heated blanket
from $189.00, Breville
Best for: Multizone heat control
Featuring adjustable upper and lower body heating technology, this electric blanket ensures you’ll never have cold feet again. The user-friendly controls offer six individual heat settings for the upper and lower body, and are easily detachable for cleaning. Pair this with antibacterial fibres and a generous 40cm fitted skirt, and you’ll be eager to catch some Z’s.
Sizes: King Single, Double, Queen and King
Colour: White
Material: Polyester
Key features:
- Machine washable
- 6 heat settings
- Boost rapid warm up
- Safety overheat protection
03
Sleep Perfect fitted antibacterial blanket
from $129, Sunbeam
Best for: Tailored all-over warmth
The Sleep Perfect electric blanket lives up to its name thanks to intuitive technology that senses room and body temperature, adjusting for the right heat. The blanket also boasts six heat levels, a safety auto-off function, and antibacterial fabric that helps minimise bacteria and mould for a cleaner, more restful sleep.
Sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen and King
Colour: White
Material: Polyester
Key features:
- Sleep Perfect Technology™
- Fast heat-up
- 250gsm top layer
04
Luxe 2-in-1 heated mattress topper
from $289.95, Tontine
Best for: Plush versatile comfort
Looking for both a mattress topper and an electric blanket? You can have both with this luxurious 2-in-1 heated mattress topper, featuring a machine-washable quilted top layer, nine heat settings and multizone warmth to keep you cosy all night long. It also includes an automatic shut-off, so you can rest easy without worrying about accidentally leaving the blanket on.
Sizes: Single, Double, Queen and King
Colour: White
Materials: Cotton cover and polyester fill
Key features:
- 1-12 hour automatic shut off
- Removable top layer
- Overheat safety protection
- Three year warranty
05
Multizone woollen electric blanket
from $239.99, Linen House
Best for: Natural warmth and insulation
When it comes to staying warm, wool is one of the best fibres, and this woollen electric blanket is no exception. Made from Australian wool, the blanket features nine heat settings, an LED control display and a 50cm fitted skirt designed to snugly fit over most mattresses. Best of all, the thick wool pile is machine washable, ensuring the blanket stays in tiptop shape.
Sizes: Single, King Single and Super King
Colour: Cream
Material: Wool
Key features:
- Detachable controls
- 4 different heat-zones
- Easy-to-use timer
- Australian-made wool
06
Fleece top multizone electric blanket in Beige
from $134.96 (usually $149.95), Dreamaker
Best for: That ‘just right’ cosy feeling
The fleece multizone electric blanket has all your needs covered, including four heat settings for each body zone, luxurious fluffy fleece and an 11-hour timer with an auto-off function for extra safety. Simply slide into bed and indulge in a deep, restful sleep.
Sizes: Queen, King and Super King
Colour: Beige
Material: Polyester fleece
Key features:
- Naturally insulating and lightweight
- Detachable control
- High-quality fleece material
07
Multizone fitted electric blanket
from $209, Onkaparinga
Best for: Hot and cold sleepers
With dual controllers and independent heating zones, this electric blanket is perfect for both hot and cold sleepers, allowing you to tailor the warmth for each side of the bed. The independent heating zones feature an adjustable timer and overheating protection, while the LED controllers are user-friendly with four heat settings for optimal comfort. You’ll never have to worry about being too hot or cold again.
Sizes: King Single, Double, Queen and King
Colour: White
Material: Polyester
Key features:
- Fully fitted 41cm skirt
- Overheating protection
- Easy to clean
08
Solid electric blanket
from $64.95, Digilex
Best for: Budget-friendly warmth
If you’re after a no-fuss electric blanket that’ll keep you warm all night long, this one from Digilex has all the basics covered. The blanket features detachable controllers, three temperature settings and an ultra-warm polyester underlay. Plus, the cables are removable for easy cleaning.
Sizes: Double, Queen and King
Colour: White
Materials: Polyester
Key features:
- Overheat protection
- Fully fitted blanket
- 1-year product warranty
09
Quilted electric blanket
from $179.99, Linen House
Best for: All seasons and temperatures
This quilted electric blanket effortlessly transitions from winter cold to the warmer months, as well as those chilly days in between. The blanket includes a removable mattress topper and features an 80gsm fill that feels like a warm hug. To wash, simply remove the quilted topper without the cords and pop on a gentle cycle.
Sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King and Super King
Colour: White
Key features:
- Easy-to-use LED display
- Machine washable
- 9 heat settings
- 50cm fitted skirt
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