Electric blanket vs. heated throw: running cost
A heated throw is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $11 for an electric blanket at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $6 difference.
| Electric blanket | Heated throw | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 60–200 W | 50–160 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 3 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 62 kWh | 29 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.9¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 7.3¢ | 3.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.23 | $1.04 |
| Cost per year | $11 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $27 | $13 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric blanket: Electric blankets draw 60-200 W depending on size; controllers pulse the heating wire so average draw on a mid setting is about half the rated watts.
- Heated throw: Heated throws are around 50x60 in and draw 50-160 W. They are one of the cheapest ways to stay warm on the couch.
Ways to cut either cost
Keeps you warm while moving around the house at under 20 W.
See options on AmazonHeat rises from beneath you so lower settings feel warmer.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric blanket or a heated throw?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an electric blanket costs about $11 a year versus $5 for a heated throw. That's $6 more, or 2.1× as much.
How many watts do electric blanket and heated throw use?
An electric blanket typically draws 100 W (range 60–200 W). A heated throw draws 100 W (range 50–160 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.