Electric Blanket or Heated Blanket
Heated blanket, heating pad or heated underblanket compared: differences, buying criteria, electricity costs and our recommendations for every need.
It’s getting cold outside, so it should be cosy inside: electric heat products are the easy way to warm evenings on the sofa, a pre-warmed bed or targeted warmth for your neck and back. But which suits you best – a heated blanket, a heating pad or a heated underblanket? In this guide you’ll find out the differences, what to look for when buying, what it really costs to run – and which medisana models suit which needs.
Heated blanket, heating pad or heated underblanket – the differences
All three product types generate heat via integrated heating wires and can be adjusted across several settings. The main difference lies in where and how you use them.
Heated blanket
Warmth over a large area to wrap yourself in – ideal for the sofa, a reading chair or the home office.
- Warms the whole body
- Can be shared by two (XXL sizes)
- Often designed as a cosy throw
Heating pad
Compact, targeted warmth for individual areas such as the back, neck, stomach or feet.
- Handy and versatile
- Special shapes for neck & back
- Lower wattage, heats up quickly
Heated underblanket
Goes under the bed sheet and pre-warms your bed before you go to sleep.
- No more cold bed in winter
- For one or two people
- Stays invisible in the bed
What to look for when buying
1. Size
For one person on the sofa, heated blankets from approx. 160 × 120 cm are enough. If you want to share the blanket, an XXL size such as 200 × 150 cm is worth it. For heating pads: approx. 30 × 40 cm for targeted use, XL or special shapes for larger areas such as the back and neck.
2. Temperature settings
The more settings, the more finely you can adjust the warmth. Models with 3 to 4 settings are enough for most uses; with 9 settings you can find your ideal temperature even more precisely.
3. Auto shut-off & overheating protection
A must for extra safety: the auto shut-off switches the device off by itself after a set time (with medisana, after 90, 120 or 180 minutes depending on the model). Overheating protection also ensures safe use.
4. Washability
Make sure the controller can be detached and the product is washable. All models in our comparison can be washed once the controller has been removed – you’ll find details in the respective instructions for use.
5. Material & design
Whether fluffy sherpa fleece, a reversible two-tone blanket or a cosy knitted look: a heated blanket is a lovely throw even when it’s switched off. Choose a material and colour that suit your home.
Comparison table: 10 medisana heat products at a glance
| Model | Type | Size (approx.) | Settings | Power | Auto shut-off | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB 415–419 Plush Heated Blanket | Heated blanket | 180 × 130 cm | 9 | 120 W | after 120 min | Sofa, fine temperature control |
| HB 675 XXL Cosy Heated Blanket | Heated blanket | 200 × 150 cm | 4 | 120 W | after 180 min | Sharing for two |
| HB 677 3-in-1 Heated Blanket | Heated blanket | 160 × 130 cm | 3 | 120 W | after 180 min | Entry level, reversible |
| HB 680 Knitted Cosy Heated Blanket | Heated blanket | 160 × 120 cm | 3 | 120 W | after 180 min | Homely knitted design |
| HP 515–519 Heating Pad | Heating pad | 30 × 40 cm | 4 | 80 W | after 90 min | Targeted warmth, 5 colours |
| HP 700 XXL Heating Pad | Heating pad | 60 × 35 cm | 9 | 100 W | after 90 min | Large area, e.g. back |
| HP 460 Neck and Back Heating Pad | Heating pad | 58.5 × 38.5 cm | 3 | 100 W | after 90 min | Neck & back |
| HS 200 Electric Cherry Stone Heating Pad | Heating pad | 30 × 40 cm | 4 | 100 W | after 90 min | Natural cherry stone filling |
| HU 665 Heated Underblanket | Heated underblanket | 150 × 80 cm | 3 | 60 W | after 180 min | Single bed |
| HU 676 King-size Heated Underblanket | Heated underblanket | 150 × 160 cm | 4 | 2 × 100 W | after 180 min | Double bed, 2 people |
All figures are approximate manufacturer specifications. You’ll find current prices and availability on each product page.
Our recommendations by need
How much electricity does a heated blanket use?
Less than many people think. The calculation is simple: power (in kW) × time in use (in hours) × electricity price. Based on the average EU household electricity price of approx. 28 cents per kWh (Eurostat, first half of 2026), the maximum values at full power are:
| Product | Power | Cost per hour (max.) | 1 hr a day, 30 days (max.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated underblanket HU 665 | 60 W | approx. 1.7 cents | approx. €0.50 |
| Heating Pad HP 515–519 | 80 W | approx. 2.2 cents | approx. €0.67 |
| Heating pad HP 700 / HP 460 | 100 W | approx. 2.8 cents | approx. €0.84 |
| Heated blanket (e.g. HB 416) | 120 W | approx. 3.4 cents | approx. €1.01 |
Tips for safe use
- Read the instructions for use before first use and follow the safety notes.
- Do not use the heated blanket or heating pad folded, creased or bunched up.
- Not suitable for small children or for people who are insensitive to heat or unable to react on their own.
- Always detach the controller before washing and let the product dry completely before using it again.
- Check the cable and cover regularly for damage.
Wondering whether heat or cold is better for your aches? Read more in our guide Hot or cold: a simple guide to gel pack therapy.
FAQ: heated blankets & heating pads
Which is better: a heated blanket or a heating pad?
It depends on what you want to use it for. A heated blanket warms the whole body over a large area and is ideal for snuggling up on the sofa. A heating pad delivers targeted warmth to individual areas such as the neck, back or stomach.
How much electricity does a heated blanket use?
A 120-watt heated blanket uses a maximum of 0.12 kWh per hour at full power. At the average EU price of approx. 28 cents per kWh, that’s around 3.4 cents per hour.
Can you wash a heated blanket?
Yes, medisana heated blankets are washable once the controller has been detached. You’ll find the exact washing temperature and care instructions in the instructions for use of each model.
Can I fall asleep with a heated blanket?
All models in this comparison have an auto shut-off that switches the device off automatically after 90 to 180 minutes. To pre-warm your bed, a heated underblanket is the right choice. Please always follow the notes in the instructions for use.
What’s the difference between a heated blanket and a heated underblanket?
You cover yourself with a heated blanket. A heated underblanket, on the other hand, lies under the bed sheet and pre-warms the bed from below.
Ready for cosy warmth?
Discover all medisana heated blankets, heating pads and heat products.
