Cold winter mornings and evenings in your vehicle are no fun, but there is a way that you can combat the chill. A heated car blanket will warm you up and can be useful for camping and tailgate parties as well. When you add an electric blanket to your emergency kit, you know that there will always be a way to keep warm.
An electric car blanket plugs into your vehicle’s 12-volt power socket and warms up quickly using internal wires. Many come with automatic shut-off mechanism for your safety, and some allow you to select a heat level too. There are plenty of electric heated car blankets to choose from, so to help you make your selection, check out our useful guide.
The Best Electric Blanket
Car Cozy Heated Travel Blanket
This heated car blanket is a good companion for a long ride in cooler months. It is big enough (58 inches x 42 inches) to cover you and a companion, but why not keep it all to yourself? It’s made from 100-percent polyester fleece, which gives you both warmth and super-soft comfort even when it is not plugged in. Kids love to cuddle up in it on the rear seat of the car.
It will plug into any 12-volt power outlet and has a seven-foot-long fused cord, so it can be used anywhere in your car or even on a boat. To ensure your safety, there is a 30 or 45-minute timer that will automatically shut off the heat. All you have to do is press the reset button to keep the warmth flowing.
PROS
- Very easy to reset
- Cord is long enough to stretch to the rear seat of a large car
- Very soft and comfortable
CONS
- No way to alter the temperature – it’s either on or off
- No quilting in the middle of the fleece
Stalwart Electric Car Blanket
Available in six attractive colors, this is just what you have been looking for to keep you and your family cozy on a road trip or when camping. It can be used in all sorts of cars, trucks, RVs, and SUVs. The winter chill will be no problem for you with this blanket as part of your cold weather emergency kit.
All you have to do is plug it into your vehicle’s 12-volt electric socket or cigarette lighter. The blanket heats up rapidly and will stay warm until you decide to turn it off. It does not get too hot because it only contains a thin wire. Thanks to the 96-inch cord, you can use the blanket anywhere in the vehicle with ease. When you are not using it, it folds up into its storage case and takes up hardly any room in your trunk. Use it yourself or give it as a gift.
PROS
- Heats up quickly
- Long cable reaches everywhere in the car
- Very useful if other passengers don’t want the car heater on
CONS
- Can feel a bit stiff due to the wires
- No temperature control – just on and off
Roadpro Heated Travel Blanket
This snuggly navy electric blanket is made from a polar fleece fabric that is guaranteed to keep you cozy and warm. You can use it without power or you can plug it into a 12-volt socket (or cigarette lighter) where it will draw 4.6 amps (55 watts) and provide a gentle and constant heat. The LED light on the plug indicates that current is flowing.
It’s big enough to cover you completely but will fold neatly away into the provided storage bag with a zipper when it is not in use. The power cord has plenty of length (eight feet) to reach anywhere inside your vehicle.
PROS
- Begins heating as soon as it is plugged in
- Preset to reach a maximum operating temperature and will not overheat
- Uses very little power
CONS
- No automatic timer
- Cannot be washed
Maxsa Innovations Large Heated Travel Blanket
A highly useful addition to your cold weather emergency kit in your car, truck, or trailer, this blanket is safe, warm and comfortable. It is made from strong polyester fleece that is durable and retains heat so you can use it simply as a normal blanket. It is large enough to fit over two people. It’s available in three attractive colors and patterns: leopard, navy blue and red plaid.
When you need additional warmth, you simply plug it into the 12-volt outlet in your vehicle, which you can reach from the back seat thanks to the seven-foot cable. It only uses 48 watts of power and will not drain your battery, but within 15 minutes it will be warm enough for you to wrap around you. There are a couple of features to keep you safe: a timer automatically switches off the blanket after 30 to 45 minutes, and there is a 10-amp fuse that prevents current overload and excessive heating.
PROS
- Retains heat very well
- Very soft and comfortable
- Cable is very flexible
CONS
- Can’t be used without engine running – will drain battery
- Material holds dust
Sojoy Smart Multifunctional Travel Electric Blanket
With this electric heated blanket you are totally in control. It has a control button on the cable that allows you to choose a high, medium or low heating level to keep you comfortable in all weather conditions and thanks to the thermostat, you will never overheat. You can also choose an automatic shut-off period that can be 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes.
It comes in three lovely colors and is made from polyester fleece that feels lovely and cozy in cold weather. It plugs directly into your car’s 12-volt socket and warms up quickly.
PROS
- Very soft
- Fits securely into 12v socket without falling out
- Heats up quickly
CONS
- Flimsy material
- Feels as if wire inside could break easily
Camco Polar Fleece Heated Blanket for Cars
You won’t fear cold nights camping or long journeys in your car once you purchase this warm and comfortable electric car blanket that won’t break the bank. It will be a valuable addition to your camping kit and your car emergency kit.
It is powered from your car’s power socket via a seven foot cord, and it draws very little amperage so you don’t have to worry about it draining your battery. The blanket is made from polar fleece to make it super soft and comfortable.
PROS
- Low cost
- Simple operation
- Won’t run down the battery
CONS
- Not that big
- Takes 10 minutes to heat up
Schumacher Heated Travel Blanket
There is plenty of room under this 42-inch by 58-inch blanket for two people to snuggle up on cold winter nights or chilly mornings. It is ideal to keep in the trunk of your car, SUV or truck and will be there for any traveling emergency that you encounter.
You can either drape it over yourself or use it as a seat warmer. It’s made out of cozy polar fleece and has a long, eight-foot cord that will reach wherever you are in the vehicle. Just plug it into your 12-volt socket and it starts heating up – it’s as simple as that. Whether you are a professional driver or just someone who hates cold mornings, this is what you need.
PROS
- Heats up quickly
- Reasonable price
- Very comfortable
CONS
- Doesn’t get that warm
- Not that easy to wash/clean
Sojoy Heated Smart Travel Electric Blanket for Car
You can use this blanket with or without an electric power source as it has a removable electric plug that is an extremely useful feature. If you do decide that you want to use it as an electric blanket, it simply plugs into the 12-volt socket of any car, SUV or truck. It folds up neatly and can be stored in your trunk ready for a cold morning, a camping trip or a roadside emergency.
It has a thermostat that can be set to one of three heat levels and an automatic shut-off that can be set to 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes. It’s made of soft polyester and has an attractive camouflage print on both sides, although it is also available in plain grey and navy. When it’s dirty, you can pop it in your washing machine.
PROS
- Machine washable
- Electric plug can be removed
- Very soft
CONS
- Some reliability issues – has to be handled very carefully
- Does not get hot enough for some users
Zone Tech Car Heated Travel Blanket
Soothing heat and comfort are delivered in plenty of style with this pack of two electric blankets. It’s just what you need for cold weather and helps to boost your metabolism and maintain your core temperature. They are made from 100-percent polar fleece and have a non-flammable design for your safety. Because the wires are built into the fabric of the blankets, no lumpy wires can spoil your comfort.
When you need them, simply unfold them and plug into the 12-volt electric socket in your vehicle. There is a control panel that allows you to set the temperature and the 45 minute timer. When not in use, they can be folded up and stored in the trunk or used as a soft pillow.
PROS
- Heats up very quickly
- Reaches an ideal temperature
- Controls are easy to use
CONS
- Some owners found the material scratchy
- Didn’t get hot enough for some consumers
Features to Consider When Buying a Heated Car Blanket
A heated electric blanket for your car may not be the biggest investment that you will ever make, but it is important that you choose the right one because when you need it, you will really rely on it! Here are the main things that you should consider when making your choice.
- Electric blankets come in many sizes. Think about how many people will need to fit under it. Is it for you and a loved one to snuggle up under, for your children on the rear seat or just for you on a winter morning? Make sure that you get one that is big enough for your purposes but not too big and bulky.
- Color and pattern. This may not be a major consideration if the blanket is simply part of your cold weather emergency kit, but it may be important if you want to use it when sat on your tailgate with friends. Many come in several different colors.
- Automatic shut off. This is a safety feature that may appeal to you. It means that your blanket will turn off after a certain period of time and will not overheat. Some blankets allow you to set the shut off period.
- Heat level. Some blankets are simply ‘on’ or ‘off’ but others allow you to choose a heat level. This gives you more control over your comfort.
- Safety features. You may want to choose a blanket that has a fuse that will not allow it to overheat. This can be a useful safety feature. There are also safety standards that apply to this sort of product and you may want to check that the blanket complies. Some are described as non-flammable, which is a sensible safety feature.
- Speed of heating up. Most car owners like their blankets to heat up quickly. If they take an hour to get hot, there is not much point in you having one!
- Blanket care. In general, you will not be able to put an electric blanket in a washing machine. There are some that claim that you can, but the wires inside are very delicate and can easily break. Most can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
- Length of electric cord. Think about where in the vehicle you want to use the blanket and how big your vehicle is. Cords can be up to eight feet or even longer, and you may need this if you have a big SUV and you need it to reach to the back. On the other hand, if you have a small car, you may find that a long cable is a nuisance.
Benefits of a Portable Heated Blanket
There are plenty of reasons for investing in an electric car blanket. They are one of those products that you soon learn to rely on. Here are the top benefits that you will soon learn to value.
- Cold mornings. No one likes to get into a freezing car on a cold morning. If you are tired of your passengers complaining, they can wrap themselves up in one of these blankets and keep nice and warm.
- Tailgate parties and camping. Sometimes, the thought of a get together in the great outdoors is more appealing than reality. When you have a portable heated blanket, you can stay outdoors for longer without getting chilled and uncomfortable.
- Long road trips with kids. Road trips with kids can be very challenging. It helps a lot if they are willing to take a nap and if they have a warm blanket to snuggle under, that is more likely to happen.
- Truckers and couriers. Some people have to drive for a living, but for safety and legal reasons they have to be able to sleep in their vehicles. An electric blanket keeps them nice and warm while they are getting valuable rest.
- For those who like different temperatures. Are you sick of arguments because your passengers like the car to be hotter than you do? Now, you can put all that behind you. Get them an electric car blanket to keep them warm and you can turn the heating down by a few degrees. Everyone will be happy!
- Aches and pains. If you need to ease muscular aches and pains after a strenuous exercise session or if you are feeling under the weather, a portable electric blanket is just what you need.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick, the Car Cozy Heated Travel Blanket, is big enough to cover two people. It’s made from 100-percent polyester fleece for warmth and comfort even when it is not plugged in. Kids love to cuddle up in it on the rear seat of the car.
It plugs into any 12-volt power outlet and has a seven-foot fused cord, so it can be used anywhere in a vehicle or even on a boat. The 30- or 45-minute timer automatically shuts off the heat, and you just press the reset button to keep the warmth flowing.
