Discover Huge Savings on Electric Heated Throw Blankets at Walmart

Key Features and Styles to Look For During Clearance Sales

When a major retailer like Walmart begins clearing out inventory, it presents a fantastic opportunity for consumers to find high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Electric heated throw blankets, once considered a luxury, have become a household staple for battling the chill. During clearance events, you're likely to find a variety of styles and feature sets. Understanding these options can help you pinpoint the perfect blanket for your needs, ensuring you get both value and comfort.

Instead of focusing on specific brand names that may sell out quickly, it's more effective to look for the types and features of blankets being offered. This approach ensures you know what to look for, regardless of the specific product on the shelf. From ultra-soft materials to advanced safety features, here are the key electric heated throw blankets you'll want to keep an eye out for.

1. Classic Plush and Microfleece Heated Throws

Plush and microfleece are arguably the most common materials you'll encounter when shopping for heated throws, and for good reason. These synthetic fabrics are known for their incredible softness, lightweight feel, and excellent durability. A classic microfleece heated throw is designed for everyday comfort, perfect for draping over your lap while working at a desk or snuggling on the couch to watch a movie. The material itself provides a good amount of warmth even before the heating elements are activated, trapping body heat effectively.

When you find these on clearance, pay attention to the controller features. Most will come with a simple controller offering three to five heat settings (low, medium, high) and a basic auto-shutoff function, typically after two or three hours. This safety feature is crucial, preventing the blanket from overheating if you happen to fall asleep. These blankets are machine washable (with the controller detached), making them a practical and low-maintenance choice for any household.

2. Ultra-Cozy Sherpa and Faux Fur Lined Throws

For those seeking the pinnacle of coziness, heated throws lined with Sherpa or faux fur are the ultimate find. These blankets feature a dual-sided design: one side is typically a smooth microplush or velvet, while the other is a thick, textured material that mimics the feel of sheep's wool (Sherpa) or luxurious fur. This combination provides an exceptional sensory experience, offering both visual appeal and unparalleled softness and warmth. The thick lining is an excellent insulator, meaning the blanket stays warm long after the heating element has turned off.

Due to their premium materials, Sherpa and faux fur throws are often priced higher than standard microfleece models. Finding one during a Walmart clearance sale is a significant score. They usually come with more advanced controllers, sometimes featuring up to 10 different heat settings and a more customizable auto-shutoff timer. Their thickness and plushness make them feel substantial and incredibly comforting on a cold winter night, easily becoming a favorite household accessory.

3. Oversized and "Twin" Sized Heated Blankets

While a standard throw (typically 50x60 inches) is great for one person, an oversized or twin-sized heated blanket offers more versatility. These larger blankets provide enough coverage for two people to share comfortably on a sofa or can be used as an extra heated layer on a twin or full-sized bed. Their generous dimensions ensure you can wrap yourself up completely without worrying about your feet sticking out in the cold. They are perfect for family movie nights or for individuals who simply prefer more fabric to snuggle into.

When evaluating these larger blankets, check the product details for even heat distribution. Quality models are designed with heating elements that run consistently throughout the entire fabric, eliminating cold spots. Because of their size, they may have a slightly longer preheat time but will deliver consistent, enveloping warmth once they reach the desired temperature. The controllers are often similar to those found on premium throws, with multiple settings and robust safety features.

4. Throws with Advanced Digital Controllers and Features

Not all heated blankets are created equal, and the controller is often the biggest differentiator. As you browse clearance items, look for throws that boast a digital controller instead of a simple analog switch. Digital controllers provide a much more precise and user-friendly experience. They often feature an LCD screen that clearly displays the current heat level and the remaining time on the auto-shutoff timer. This takes the guesswork out of finding your perfect comfort level.

Beyond the display, these advanced controllers may offer more granular control, with up to 10 or even 20 distinct heat settings. Some premium models even include a pre-heat function that rapidly warms the blanket to its highest setting before dropping to your preferred level for sustained comfort. These technologically advanced options might have been prohibitively expensive at full price, but a clearance event makes them an accessible upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their relaxation experience.

The Technology Behind Modern Heated Blankets

The concept of an electric blanket isn't new, but the technology inside them has evolved dramatically over the years, focusing primarily on safety, efficiency, and comfort. Early models used bulky, stiff wires that were not only uncomfortable but also posed potential safety risks. Today's heated throws use incredibly thin, flexible, and insulated wires that are woven discreetly into the fabric. You can barely feel them, allowing the blanket to drape and fold just like a regular throw.

The most significant advancements have been in safety. Modern heated blankets incorporate sophisticated systems to prevent overheating. Tiny sensors are placed throughout the blanket to monitor the temperature continuously. If any single spot gets too hot, the system will automatically shut off power to that area or to the entire blanket. This is complemented by the mandatory auto-shutoff feature, which turns the blanket off after a preset period (usually 2-10 hours), providing peace of mind for users who might drift off to sleep while using it. These products are rigorously tested and certified by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to ensure they meet strict safety standards.

Common Questions About Electric Heated Throws

Are Electric Blankets Safe to Use?

This is one of the most common concerns for potential buyers, and the answer is a resounding yes, provided they are modern and used correctly. As mentioned, today's heated blankets are equipped with multiple safety features. The internal wiring is insulated and designed to be incredibly durable. The built-in thermostats and sensors constantly monitor for hotspots, and the auto-shutoff timer prevents the blanket from running indefinitely. Following the manufacturer's instructions is key to safe operation.

To ensure safety, you should never fold a heated blanket while it is turned on, as this can trap heat and create hotspots. It's also important to inspect the blanket regularly for any signs of damage, such as frayed cords or scorch marks. Never use a heated blanket on an infant, a person who is unable to operate the controls themselves, or on a waterbed. By adhering to these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of an electric throw without any worries.

How Much Electricity Does a Heated Throw Use?

Many people assume that anything that generates heat must be an energy hog, but electric heated throws are surprisingly efficient. A typical throw blanket uses between 100 and 150 watts of power on its highest setting. In comparison, a common space heater can use 1,500 watts or more. Using a heated throw to warm yourself directly is a perfect example of "personal heating," which is far more energy-efficient than trying to heat an entire room with a space heater or by cranking up your central furnace.

By snuggling under a heated throw, you can often lower your home's thermostat by several degrees and still feel perfectly warm. Over the course of a winter, this can lead to noticeable savings on your heating bill. The cost to run a heated throw for a few hours every evening is minimal, often amounting to just a few cents per use, making it an incredibly economical way to stay cozy.

How Do You Properly Wash and Care for a Heated Blanket?

Proper care is essential to extending the life of your electric heated blanket and ensuring it continues to function safely. Fortunately, most modern heated throws are designed to be machine washable and, in some cases, even machine dryable. The first and most critical step is to always detach the power cord and controller from the blanket itself. This connection point is usually a small plastic port near the edge of the fabric.

Once the cord is removed, you can typically wash the blanket in a washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle using cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. It's best to let the blanket soak for a few minutes before the agitation cycle begins. To dry it, you can either tumble dry on a low-heat setting for a short period (10-15 minutes) and then hang it to air dry the rest of the way, or simply air dry it completely. Never use high heat, and never take your heated blanket to a dry cleaner, as the chemicals used in the process can damage the insulation of the internal wiring.

Final Thoughts on Finding a Great Deal

A clearance event at a store like Walmart is the perfect time to invest in comfort. By focusing on the type of material, size, and controller features, you can easily find an electric heated throw that suits your preferences. Whether you opt for a simple and soft microfleece model or a luxurious Sherpa-lined throw with a digital controller, you'll be getting a product designed for safe, efficient, and cozy warmth at an excellent price.