Best electric heated throw blankets

Top pick: the Ribbed Heated Blanket — it's the one I'd buy. Six heat levels and ten time settings give you real control, an 8-hour auto shut-off means you can fall asleep under it, and the 240 GSM flannel feels plush rather than plasticky. It also has the strongest owner feedback of the bunch.

Who the others suit:

• MaxKare Electric Throw — the value choice if you want a big, soft sherpa throw and don't need fine-grained settings.
• Sunbeam sherpa fleece throw — best if you want a recognizable brand name and a simple fleece feel.
• Beautyrest faux fur oversized throw — for someone who wants a statement, oversized, furry throw; its 2-hour shut-off is short, so it's more for sitting up than all night.
• Beautyrest reversible wrap — a good pick if you want to wear it around your shoulders while reading or working.
• Giselle Bedding fleece throw — a long, plain fleece option for bed use.

What to check before buying: that it's machine washable, that the auto shut-off is long enough for how you'll use it, and that the size (50" x 60" is typical) covers you — go bigger if two people share it.