The Best Electric Blankets for the Perpetually Cold

When the weather outside is frightful, you want to feel warm and delightful. But that can be a bit tricky if you're the type that's chronically cold—unless, of course, you're prepared to wear several layers of sweatpants and sweatshirts or pay even higher utility bills.

Enter: An electric blanket (a.k.a. a heated blanket). Thanks to insulated wires sewn into fabric panels, these fleece, microplush, and sherpa throw blankets take just minutes to wrap your whole body in warmth and coziness, making them the perfect snuggle buddy. You can curl up with one on the couch (preferably, with a scented candle and a seasonal cocktail or mug of hot tea), layer a twin, queen, or king-size one over or under your bedspread, or even take one with you in the car on a mini road trip or camping excursion.

Now, if you’re anything like us, you might be thinking: Wires? Fabric? Isn't that dangerous? The good news is that electric blankets are generally safe—thanks to the fact that most new ones have an auto shut-off feature, meaning they’ll automatically turn off after a few hours so you don't have to worry about accidentally leaving it on all night (which, by the way, you shouldn't do). But to be extra cautious, of course, follow your specific blanket manufacturer's instructions for care and use. Also, keep in mind that experts warn against sleeping with your electric blanket because it could overheat—not to mention that you’ll likely wake up in a pool of sweat. Instead, we recommend using your electric blanket to warm up your bed before you get in.

Ready to turn up the heat? We’ve compiled a list of the best electric blankets on the market, including a budget-friendly Amazon buy, a battery-powered option for camping, one pick that's both heated and weighted, a few throw blankets so large that they'll even cover queen and king-size beds, and plenty of cuddly blankets from trusted brands like Sunbeam and L.L. Bean.