Electric Blanket Guide: Everything You Need To Know
As the nights get colder, there’s nothing cosier than slipping into a warm bed, thanks to an electric blanket. An electric blanket provides adjustable heat for optimal snuggly comfort. If you want to know about the best electric blankets, this guide is for you. It covers their features, safety, energy use, and how to use them well.
Why choose an electric blanket?
Electric blankets provide comfort and customisable warmth on cold nights.
They help you maintain a cosy temperature so it’s easier to fall asleep and stay comfy. They are also energy efficient costing little to run, just a fraction of what it would take to heat your whole house. That means you can save some money on your heating bill while still enjoying that snug feeling.
You might be wondering, “Are electric blankets safe?” The answer is yes. They are safe and easy to use as long as you choose a reputable brand, take care of them and use them correctly. All our Silentnight electric blankets are tested to the highest safety standards and come with heat-safe protection and include clear, easy-to-understand instructions.
From electric blanket dual control and single control options to multi-zone and full coverage designs, you will be sure to find the best electric blanket for you.
Popular choices include our bestselling Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket and the Silentnight Yours and Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket. Let’s dive into the details!
How to use your electric blanket
Setting up your blanket is easy, be sure to read your instruction manual and keep it in a safe place for reference. After you take your blanket out of the packaging, unfold it carefully. Lay it flat on your mattress. Use the elastic straps to fit the blanket onto the mattress.
Do you use a top sheet or just a blanket on your bed?
Your blanket should be placed on top of your mattress and underneath your fitted sheet, this is why it is sometimes referred to as an electric underblanket.
You can also use a mattress protector in combination with an electric blanket, just ensure that the mattress protector is compatible with electric blankets. Our Silentnight mattress protectors are suitable for use with electric blankets, including waterproof ones. The same goes for mattress toppers even memory foam mattress toppers.
Using your electric blanket
Simply connect the cables to the blanket and plug it in, making sure the cord is safely tucked away. Cable lengths vary, all our Silentnight electric blanket cables range from 210-220cm in length.
Use the controllers to cycle through the heat settings and set your desired temperature. The first warm-up can be an hour long; following ones usually take just 15-20 minutes to warm up. We recommend pre heating your bed on a higher setting before you get in, then turn the temperature down and you relax in bed. For longer use, set it to low (setting 1) for safety and comfort.
Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?
Electric blankets are energy-efficient and don’t use much power. The amount of power they use depends on the size and settings. A king size electric blanket will use a bit more electricity than a electric blanket double sized for example, simply because it covers more area.
On average, they use between 40 to 120 watts, so they’re a cost-effective way to stay warm. So, when asking how much electricity does an electric blanket use?, the answer is: from as low as 1p per hour, which makes it a great way to keep warm without having to heat your whole house.
Is it safe to sleep with an electric blanket on?
Electric blankets are built with safety in mind, but we still recommend turning off your blanket before you drift off to sleep. The warmth from preheating and your cosy setting will keep you comfortable all night.
How to wash an electric blanket
To wash your electric blanket, make sure your blanket is completely cooled before removing it from the bed. Then detach all the cables and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most are machine washable on a 40 degree wool wash.
Air dry on a clothesline or clothes maiden, and make sure you do not place any pegs on the internal heating element wires.
Make sure the blanket is fully dry and the wires are straight and in place. Hold it up to a window to check for any twists, then lay it flat on your bed and feel for any loops. Looped wires can cause the blanket to stop working.
Storing an electric blanket
Don’t worry storing your blanket properly is easy! Gently fold or roll it up without any sharp creases, and place it in a cool, dry spot. Rest assured, as long as you keep it away from heavy items, your blanket will stay in great shape and ready for use!
Spotlight on the Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket
Our popular Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket is lightweight and easy to use and made from cosy fleece material for comfort.
This blanket comes with 3 heat settings so you can choose the heat that suits you the best. The single controller heats the whole bed.
The blanket features two elasticated straps that wrap under your mattress at each end so it’s really easy to fit. The Silentnight electric blanket sits below your pillows and away from the edge of your mattress to give you warmth where you need it the most.
Its popularity is due to its simple, effective design and affordable running costs. The Silentnight comfort control electric blanket double size is our bestselling electric underblanket, also available in single, and bigger sizes such as king and super king.
Spotlight on the Silentnight Yours and Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket
Perfect for couples who don’t want to compromise on warmth. This Silentnight Yours and Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket is the ultimate solution for personalised temperature control. This dual control electric blanket has a controller at each side of the blanket that work independently to each other. This electric blanket allows both you and your partner to select the heat settings that best suit your individual preferences, ensuring restful sleep for both of you.
Ideal for larger beds, available as a king size electric blanket dual control as well as super king with the smallest size available being a double electric blanket.
Similar to the Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket, this blanket has easy to fit elasticated straps, is made from soft materials and is energy efficient making it a great choice.
Spotlight on the Silentnight Hotel Collection Electric Blanket
For that little bit more luxury opt for the brand new Silentnight Hotel Collection Electric Blanket. This electric blanket covers your mattress from edge to edge. It keeps your whole bed warm and cosy for a truly indulgent feel. The design features super soft pinsonic micro fleece, which makes it ever so cosy, and the navy piping adds to the boutique hotel style.
The slimline LED controllers are easy to use. They have 3 heat settings that warm the blanket in minutes. This luxury choice is a dual control electric blanket so you can heat the separate sides independently.
In summary, electric blankets offer a simple and energy-efficient way to stay warm and comfortable throughout the colder months. With a variety of options to suit different needs there’s a perfect blanket for everyone. By following this guide, you can enjoy all the benefits of a cosy, safe, and energy-efficient night’s sleep.