Best Low Cost Electric Blanket
Biddeford and Sunbeam produce low, medium and high cost heated electric
blankets under several different brand names. Perfect Fit (SoftHeat Low Voltage) competes only in the high-end category. We publish our opinions of each producer’s features so that, if you are in the market for a low cost warming blanket, you can pick the one that’s right for you.
For more detailed information on all three major heated blanket producers, refer to our Buyers Guide Heated Blankets Ratings or to our Buyers Guide Heated Blankets Reviews.
Electric Blanket Safety
Without going into several pages of detailed reasoning, we think the Biddeford’s “Sensor Wire Technology” works better than Sunbeam’s “Positive Temperature Coefficient” (PTC) technology for over-temperature protection.
Electric Blanket Comfort
None of the low cost products is truly soft but we give the comfort edge to Biddeford due to their smaller and more flexible heating wires.
Electric Blanket Fabric Quality
Low cost electric blankets have inferior outer fabrics compared to the higher cost ones. Expect some pilling and shedding as well as a nominal amount of shrinkage after washing/drying with the lower cost products. None of these can be dried completely in your dryer and all must be re-stretched to size. We rate this category a tossup.
Electric Blanket Controller Durability
Neither manufacturer has much to brag about in this category. We rate both a tie here too.
Electric Blanket Evenness of Heating (Hot and Cold Spots)
The Biddeford blanket heats more evenly due to their heater wire being held somewhat more precisely in its proper heat distribution pattern.
Electric Blanket Warmth
The Sunbeam electric blanket uses more wattage (rated and actual) and wattage equals heat output. However due to the way in which heat is transmitted to the user, in our minds, an even better indicator of warmth can be obtained by comparative sleep testing. Sunbeam also is warmer in our sleep tests at least during the first year. However the Sunbeam does lose heat over the years (inherent in its PTC technology).
Where to Buy the Biddeford Low Cost Heated Blankets
We believe the Biddeford is the better choice of low cost warming blankets due to superior safety and comfort features. You can find the Biddeford (sometimes branded Sealy or Cannon) low cost blankets at K-Mart.com, DealYard.com, Buy.com, Sears.com.
Where to Buy the Sunbeam Low Cost Heated Blankets
However if you prefer the Sunbeam low cost warming blankets due to some of the features listed above, you can find them (sometimes branded Imperial or Royal) at DealYard.com, Buy.com, and Wal-Mart.com.
Do you have a preference in low cost electric blankets. Tell us about it below.