For more than 100 years, Sunbeam has produced household goods with a focus on everyday convenience—and heated bedding is just one of its core categories. To find out why the brand has become the go-to source for electric blankets, we reviewed the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw. We spent hours on the couch during some of the coldest days of the year, testing this throw to see how quickly it heated and how warm and comfortable it kept us. At around $50, it’s one of the more affordable heated blankets out there, but does it get the job done? Read on to find out.
Material: Soft and comfortable, but low-quality material
This throw is made of 100 percent polyester microplush. Polyester is an affordable synthetic material that’s commonly used in budget-friendly blankets. Though it felt soft and feathery to the touch, the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw isn’t very breathable. It also doesn’t look as high quality in person as it does online. The blanket feels relatively thin and isn’t very warm when used without the heating element. However, we found that this helps to keep the heat from feeling overpowering when the power is on. If this one’s not your style, Sunbeam also makes heated throw blankets in fleece, sherpa, and velvet plush finishes.
Texture: Soft and faux fur-like
Sunbeam calls this throw’s microplush material “ultra-soft,” and although the material looks different than what’s pictured online—it’s more faux fur-like—it definitely feels nice. This blanket is affordable, and frankly, it looks affordable. We could feel the wires used for heating throughout the blanket but didn’t find them uncomfortable. The material is flexible and, in our experience, molds well to your body, whether you’re sitting up, working on your laptop, or lying down watching a movie.
Washing: Good as new after first wash
Although some polyester blankets with a faux fur texture tend to deteriorate when washed, this washer- and dryer-safe throw kept its shape, color, and texture. It was just as soft (and possibly even a bit fluffier) after we gave it a good spin in the dryer. We washed the throw once on the recommended settings—machine wash cold, gentle cycle, then tumble-dry on low, delicate cycle—and there was no pilling, the hem didn’t fray, and the color remained the same. Just note that Sunbeam warns not to dry clean or iron this blanket.
Color: Good selection of colors and patterns
The Microplush Heated Throw comes in several colors and patterns. Garnet, Royal Blue, and Walnut are the richest shades, and there are more muted options such as Sand and Olive. Patterns include a zebra print and a beige and white plaid. We chose a light blue option that doesn’t seem to be available anymore.
Helpful Features: Instant heating with three levels of control
The Microplush Heated Throw warms up faster than many other blankets, getting to high heat almost instantly, and its heat is even throughout the blanket. The throw comes with a controller that lets you choose low, medium, or high heat—the high heat is very intense, and even the low is very warm. Sunbeam claims its ThermoFine warming system “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth,” and we found this to be true. This product automatically turns off after three hours for safety and to save energy. Other blankets we tested didn’t turn off until the 10-hour mark, but they were designed to be used overnight.
Price: More affordable than most
At around $50, this blanket is fairly cheaper than comparable products. We felt like the price was worth what we got. Plus, it’s protected under a five-year limited warranty, but the buyer is responsible for return shipping.
Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw vs. SoftHeat Micro-Fleece Electric Heated Blanket
These blankets satisfy very different needs: With its less conspicuous wiring and long auto-off time, the SoftHeat Micro-Fleece Electric Heated Blanket is ideal for gradual warmth while sleeping in bed overnight. The softer, yet lower quality Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw is quicker and more convenient for instant gratification on the couch. Further, the size and price difference here is huge: The SoftHeat blanket is big enough to share and has a price tag that’s more than double the Sunbeam throw, which is better for individual use. If you’re a regular heated blanket user and looking for warmth on cold winter nights, SoftHeat’s blanket is more of an investment piece. Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best electric blankets. For first-time heated blanket users, the Sunbeam Microplush Heated Throw is worth the price. It’s also a good option if you just want a heated blanket for the sofa on an especially chilly day. However, if you plan on using it overnight or want a blanket you can share, it’s worth it to invest in a more expensive model that will stand the test of time.
