Stay Warm, Stay Cozy With The Best Electric Throw

Buying Guide

A great way to save on your energy bill while still staying toasty warm during the coldest winter months is to invest in a heated throw. Heated throws transfer electricity through a series of flexible coils that are stitched into the inside of a blanket. The heat radiates out softly, providing warmth from head to toe. Most heated throws are made from soft materials that you would happily cover yourself in while you curl up on the couch to snuggle with your pooch or children as you watch a movie during a cold winter night.

Heated blankets come in a few different fabrics and it is a good idea to think about which one suits you and your needs best. One common design is to have a polyester or flannel fleece fabric on both sides of the blanket. With this system, the blanket is basically reversible and will often have the same look on either side. Polyester fleece is highly water-resistant while still feeling super soft and comfortable on your skin, not to mention it is great for when your pets choose to snuggle up in it as they resist absorbing odors.

Other models have micro plush fabric and extremely comfortable materials like sherpa lining, which resembles something similar to fluffy white wool. Any fabric that you choose, be sure it is machine washable and that the product is designed for safe laundering.

There used to be a potential issue with unattended heated throws overheating, which can lead to scorching the things they are lying atop or even worse, starting a fire. This hazard has been addressed by most companies through the offering of throws that will automatically turn off after a set amount of time, usually two or three hours. This automatic shutoff makes the heated throws much more inherently safe and keeps them from being left on for days at a time while they constantly pump out heat. Be sure to buy a heated blanket that has an automatic shutoff timer for the safest results.

There are many sizes and designs to choose from when you are perusing the selection of heated throws online. Like with any other blanket, think about how many people you might have under it at one time, as you can find a great throw that suits the needs of one person by being a smaller size or you can get much larger ones that will fit a few people underneath comfortably. As for the patterns and designs, have fun while you see what there is and how it will look in your bedroom or living room.

Your heated throw will have a controller built-in to the power cord. This controller does the basics of turning the blanket on and off, but it also gives you an option to select a heat setting. Some simpler models will have low, medium and high settings that are easy to toggle through for those who aren’t terribly picky about the exact amount of heat being produced. For those of you who think you’ll really want the perfect setting for the throw, look for products that have more adjustability like ten varying heat settings and you are sure to find one that is perfect for you.

• Pets frequently fall in love with heated throws and claim them as their own, so be ready to purchase two or three and ensure everyone is happy.
• Even with the automatic shutoff timer, it is always good practice to unplug the heated throw when you are not using it, just to be extra safe.
• Your heated throw will be effective and it might cause you to even sweat while you’re underneath it. Wash your throw regularly and keep it fresh, but be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
• Try not to have the throw folded over itself too much while it’s on. This overlap traps a lot of heat inside and can shorten the life of the blanket as it runs hotter than it is intended to.