Best Heated Car Blankets

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If your car, truck, or RV heater isn’t powerful enough to keep you warm in winter, or your fellow passenger prefers a different cabin temperature on long road trips, a heated blanket might be a great option. These space-saving heated blankets come in a handful of sizes, types, and heating temperatures, all of which are powered by your car’s 12V or USB outlet. But there are a lot of options available to you, and not all of them will work when the mercury drops. So where do you start?

Right here, with The Drive’s buying guide detailing the best heated car blankets around. See our picks for the best-heated car blanket.

Summary List

Our Methodology

With all the heated blankets available, we combed through and tried to separate the wheat from the chaff. We chose blankets that were large enough for back seats or passengers, while also give you the most features with the best warranties and reviews. We also chose those made of fleece, as they’re extra cozy.

Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Roadpro 12-Volt Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket

The Roadpro 12-volt heated car blanket is 100 percent polar fleece and plugs into a cigarette lighter socket. The blanket is 58 inches long by 42.5 inches wide and comes in a zippered storage bag. It includes an eight-foot power cord with an LED indicator and has a 4.6 low amp draw (55 Watts). The blanket is pre-set to reach a max operating temperature of 110 F to 115 F degrees.

The Roadpro starts working as soon as it is plugged into a power source, and even when it’s turned off, the blanket feels nice and warm. One advantage is that the cord stretches far enough to reach passengers in the backseat.

One downside is that the blanket is not machine-washable. Also, it can take a while to warm up to your desired temperature. The blanket does not have an adjustable temperature setting, and there have been a couple of reports that the wiring can catch fire.

Best Value

Heated 12 Volt Fleece Travel Throw for Car and RV by Stalwart

The Stalwart 12-volt electric blanket is 100 percent polyester and features an eight-foot cord that plugs into car, truck and RV cigarette lighters. The blanket is 59 inches long by 43 inches wide and comes in a storage case with handles. It is lightweight and is easily folded for storage.

The blanket is very warm even when it is not plugged in, and it takes 10 minutes or less to reach a comfortable temperature. One benefit is that it does not get too hot to the touch. Also, it does not overheat. The material is durable, and the blanket is a decent size. In addition, it features an indicator on the plug that lets you know when it is on and working.

The blanket does not have an automatic shut-off switch, which may be a deal breaker if you want to keep the heat on for a long period of time without forgetting about it. Also, the blanket is not machine-washable and does not feature a high/low setting. Finally, the built-in heating elements struggle to reach high temperatures.

Honorable Mention

Car Cozy 12-Volt Heated Travel Blanket

If you’re searching for a soft blanket that’ll cover multiple people on long road trips, the Car Cozy 12-Volt Heated Travel Blanket is just what you need. Sized just big enough to blanket two people with its warmth, it measures 58 x 42 inches and is as comfortable to the touch as it is cozy with a little extra heat.

Made with plush polyester-based polar fleece, this heated blanket is designed to work while plugged in or as a typical heat-free blanket. It’s a great road trip companion thanks to its 12-volt plug, which works with any 12-volt outlet (though you will need an adapter if you want to use it at home). And, its 7-foot power cord gives you plenty of room. Additionally, you can trust in its safety thanks to the built-in safety timer with automatic shut-off.

The only significant disadvantage of this heated car blanket is its lack of temperature settings. You don’t have the option to set a custom heating level — the blanket is on when it’s on, and that’s that. This sole heat level may not be warm enough for very cold weather.

Honorable Mention

AJP Distributors 12V Car Heated Blanket

With most heated blankets, you don’t have a lot of customization — but with the AJP Distributors 12V Car Heated Blanket, you get more choices. This soft blanket will literally wrap you up in warmth with extra heat delivered right from your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet. It offers three different heat settings so you can decide whether you want to be totally toasty or gently warmed.

Specifically designed to be used in cars, trucks, RVs, and other kinds of vehicles, this heated blanket is travel-ready. Its 12-volt plug works in any vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power outlet and plugs in directly. It measures 59 x 43 inches in size. When it comes to heat, you’ll be able to choose from three different settings: high, medium, or low. This allows you to adjust based on personal preferences or changing weather.

Although the product describes its material as flannel and wool fabric, it’s important to note that the blanket is actually made out of polar fleece, a polyester blend of fabric. While it’s certainly soft and cozy, it’s also breathable — but it’s nothing like flannel or wool.

Honorable Mention

Zone Tech Sherpa Fleece Travel Blanket

If convenience and handy features are what you want from a heated car blanket, you’ve got to get your hands on the Zone Tech Sherpa Fleece Travel Blanket. Made with premium materials for durability, smooth and reliable performance, and total comfort in the cold, this blanket goes above and beyond. It’s even more convenient, thanks in part to the handy remote control that’s included.

This travel- and car-ready heated blanket measures 60 x 50 inches in size and works with any vehicle’s 12-volt outlet. It features two different material textures, one on either side: a soft sherpa fleece and a velvet-like plush. However, the entire blanket is actually made out of the same polyester material for durability and total comfort as long as you enjoy its warmth.

There’s no denying that convenience is the biggest perk of this car blanket, though. You’ll have a smart remote attached to the blanket’s power cord, which features a power button plus temperature control buttons. A temperature indicator screen allows you to see the blanket’s exact temperature, and you can turn it up or down — it’ll even go as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit!

Best Large Blanket

MAXSA 20014 Large Heated Travel Blanket

The MAXSA Heated Travel Blanket provides gentle heat whenever you connect it to a 12-volt power outlet in your car, boat, or RV. It is warm and comfy and measures 41 by 57 inches. It is big enough to cover two people. The blanket also comes with a seven-foot cord that can extend to the back seat of your car. You can program it to automatically switch off after 30 or 45 minutes. That way, it won’t drain the car’s battery.

This heated car blanket will keep you warm as you camp, commute, or travel in cold weather. It is made of polyester fleece, a fabric with an exceptional ability to retain heat. Polyester fleece is naturally warm, so the blanket will stay warm even when it’s not plugged in. It is available in three different colors: red plaid, leopard, and navy blue.

But here’s something you may not know: Most heated car blankets only use 12 volts. As a result, they don’t get very warm, and that’s the main issue with this blanket. Many people complain that it does not get warm and that they still feel cold when using it. Also, the plastic electrical cord insulation may get frayed after moderate usage, revealing the inner copper wire.

Our Verdict

Our top pick for the best-heated car blanket is the Car Cozy Heated Travel Blanket by Trillium Worldwide. It is large, soft, and warm even when it’s not turned on. If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, consider the Roadpro 12-Volt Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket.

Features To Know Before Buying

Automatic Shut-Off

Some heating blankets for cars include an automatic shut-off feature. An auto shut-off can kick in when the temperature gets too high or after a specified amount of time, i.e., 30 minutes. This allows you to use the blanket and not have to worry about turning it off. Most electric heated blankets do not have this feature.

Number of Temperature Settings

If you like to control a range of heating options, consider purchasing a plug-in car blanket that has at least dual controls for temperature settings (high and low). The more heat settings you have, the easier you will be able to control how hot the electric travel blanket will get. Few 12-volt heated blankets have this feature.

Indicator Light

Some heated travel blankets have an indicator on the cord that lets you know when the product is functioning. The indicator lights up when the blanket is on. The light turns off when the blanket is off. This will allow you to look at the indicator to determine if the blanket is on without having to touch it.

Types of Heated Car Blankets

12-Volt

Cars, trucks, boats and other vehicles have 12-volt sockets, which are also known as 12-volt auxiliary power outlets or cigarette lighters. They deliver power to portable electronics, such as heated car blankets. A plug-in car blanket is powered up through the 12-volt sockets. Some vehicles contain multiple sockets to power several accessory devices at once.

USB

With new cars, most have ditched the 12V accessory port for USB outlets. These can also power some smaller heated car blankets.

Heated Car Blanket Pricing

Heated car blankets aren’t expensive and, typically, they cost between $30-$50.

FAQs

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q: How long does a heated car blanket take to heat up?

A: It depends on the product. Some heated car blankets will start to get warm shortly after you plug them into a power source. Others take several minutes before reaching the desired temperature.

Q: Do heated car blankets retain heat after they’re turned off?

A: Heated blankets can retain heat for a short time after they’re turned off. Some can stay warm for 15 to 30 minutes. Eventually, they will cool off and act as a regular, non-heated blanket.

Q: Are heated car blankets safe?

A: Some heated car blankets have shut-off timers to prevent them from getting too hot, thus ensuring the user’s safety. Electric blankets that stay on indefinitely have the potential to be problematic if they are not monitored during use.

Q: Will a heated car blanket stay on when the vehicle is off?

A: It depends on what type of 12-volt plug you have in your vehicle. Some plugs only function when the vehicle is on or when it is placed in accessory mode. If the 12-volt outlet works without the engine running, the blanket will stay on while the vehicle is turned off.