The purpose of an electric blanket or an infrared heating blanket is the same: to provide comfortable warmth without having to heat the whole room. The differences lie mainly in how they are used, the technology involved and the level of comfort.

But what exactly is the difference between an electric blanket and a heated blanket? And which one is best suited to your situation?

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket is a blanket that contains electric heating elements. You plug this blanket into the mains, which causes the elements to heat up.

Most electric blankets are used in bed. You place the blanket on the mattress and/or under a duvet and use it to pre-heat your bed.

You can often choose how warm you want it to be by using different heat settings.

One key feature is that with a traditional electric blanket, you are dependent on a power socket. This means you are restricted to the spot where the blanket is plugged in.

What is an infrared heating blanket?

An infrared heated blanket falls into a broader category. Although this blanket also contains heating elements, the main difference lies in the way it is used.

A modern infrared heating blanket is designed to provide instant, personalised warmth. Think, for example, of using it on the sofa, on the patio, in an armchair or in bed.

Another difference is that the heater is powered by a rechargeable battery or power bank. This means you don’t need a mains socket when using the blanket, giving you greater freedom of movement. You can therefore easily take the blanket or seat warmer with you into the garden or to the office.

Electric blanket vs infrared blanket

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, the difference lies mainly in their application and mobility. The main differences can be summarised as follows:

Heating: The main difference between electric and infrared heating is that infrared heating warms people directly, whereas electric heating warms the surrounding area. As a result, infrared heating feels more targeted.

Nutrition: An electric blanket is plugged into a socket, whereas an infrared heating blanket is powered by a power bank or battery.

Usage: An electric blanket is generally used in bed. An infrared blanket is more versatile and can be used indoors – on the bed, whilst working from home or on the sofa – as well as outdoors and when out and about.

Heat: An infrared blanket is designed to provide personal warmth, whereas an electric blanket is designed to heat the blanket itself.

Why would you use an electric blanket?

A heated blanket is particularly useful when you personal warmth is looking for.

Imagine you’re sitting on the sofa in the evening and it’s cold outside. You could, of course, turn the thermostat up, but that would heat the whole living room. With an electric blanket, you’re mainly keeping yourself warm.

The same applies to working from home. If you’re sitting still at a desk for long periods, an electric blanket can be a comfortable way to add warmth without raising the temperature of the whole room.

This means that a heated blanket is not only an alternative to a standard electric blanket, but also a way of using heat more consciously.

Which one should you choose?

Which version suits you best depends mainly on how you intend to use the blanket.

Choose a traditional blanket if you:;

is mainly looking for warmth in bed

if you want to use the blanket in one fixed place

you have a power socket nearby

You’ll want to warm your bed up beforehand, above all

Choose a wireless infrared electric blanket if you:;

want to use heat in different places

don’t want to be dependent on a power socket

if you want to use the blanket on a sofa or a chair

considers personal warmth more important than heating the whole room

if you want to use heat outdoors as well

Looking for an infrared blanket for your home, office or elsewhere? Discover our cordless heated blankets here.

Discover our heat blankets