There’s a specific kind of cold that seeps into your bones. It’s not the bracing chill of a winter walk, but the persistent, nagging draft that finds you in what should be your sanctuary—your home. For years, my home office, situated in the oldest part of our house, has been my personal arctic tundra from October to April. I’ve tried space heaters that bake one side of me while the other freezes, and I’ve layered sweaters until I can barely move my arms. The result was always the same: discomfort, distraction, and a constant battle with the thermostat that left the rest of the house sweltering. This struggle for simple, localized warmth is more than an inconvenience; it drains energy, kills productivity, and turns a cozy evening on the sofa into a shivering ordeal. The search for a better solution—one that provides consistent, controllable heat exactly where I need it—led me to explore the world of personal heated throws, and specifically, to the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch.
- 【SOFTNESS & ENHANCED DURABILITY】 The 280 GSM luxury ribbed flannel top and 200 GSM thick sherpa both provide soft touch on each...
- 【SAFETY COMMITMENT】 Westinghouse electric throw are ETL and FCC certified and features a robust overheating protection system that...
What to Consider Before Buying an Electric Blanket
An Electric Blanket is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a personal oasis of warmth and comfort. It’s an investment in better sleep, cozier evenings, and relief from the aches and pains that are often exacerbated by the cold. The main benefits are clear: targeted, energy-efficient heating that warms you without needing to crank up the thermostat for the entire house. This not only saves on energy bills but also provides a level of customizable comfort that central heating can never match. Whether you’re battling a drafty room, seeking relief from muscle tension, or simply want to create the ultimate snuggle-worthy spot on your couch, a quality heated blanket is an indispensable tool.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a constant chill, whether due to an old house, poor insulation, or a medical condition like Raynaud’s that makes them perpetually cold. It’s also perfect for individuals who share a living space but have different temperature preferences, allowing one person to stay toasty without affecting the other. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the weight of multiple heavy quilts, as most electric blankets are designed to be lightweight. It’s also not a replacement for proper home heating in extreme cold. For those who need warmth on the go or in a larger space, alternatives like portable space heaters or whole-room infrared heaters might be more appropriate.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider where you’ll use the blanket most. A 50×60 inch throw size, like this Westinghouse model, is perfect for a single person on a recliner or couch. If you plan to use it on a bed, you’ll need to look at Twin, Queen, or King sizes to ensure proper coverage without pulling or bunching. Measure your intended space to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Capacity/Performance: This refers to the heating capabilities. Look for multiple heat settings (6 is a good number) to fine-tune your comfort level. Features like “fast heating” are a significant plus. Also, examine the timer functions; an auto-shutoff feature with multiple settings (e.g., 2 to 10 hours) is a critical safety and convenience feature you should not overlook.
- Materials & Durability: The fabric is half the experience. A dual-sided design, such as flannel and sherpa, offers textural variety and excellent insulation even when the heat is off. Check the GSM (grams per square meter) for fabric density—higher numbers like 280 GSM flannel indicate a plusher, more durable material. The quality of the internal wiring, especially its flexibility, will determine the blanket’s longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A user-friendly controller with intuitive buttons is essential for frustration-free operation. For long-term care, “machine washable” is a key feature. However, as we discovered, it’s vital to read the fine print on the care label, as the washing instructions can sometimes be more restrictive than the marketing suggests, potentially requiring a very delicate cycle or even hand washing to preserve the heating elements.
Finding the right heated blanket involves balancing these factors to meet your personal comfort needs. While the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: 200gsm flannel + 200gsm sherpa.The fabric is very soft,thicker than normal blankets,and warmer than normal blankets...
- Cozy and Fuzzy Electric Throw Blanket - The ultra-soft and luxurious electric heated blanket is crafted from 100% polyester, offering 5...
- Premium Material: Crafted with two hundred twenty GSM flannel and two hundred GSM sherpa for an ultra-soft heated blanket; features a...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Westinghouse Heated Throw
The Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch arrived in what one user aptly described as a “nice giftable box,” making it easy to wrap and present. Right away, this small detail elevates the experience beyond a simple utility purchase. Upon opening, the first thing we noticed was the texture. The light grey ribbed flannel side (a hefty 280 GSM) has a modern, clean look with a satisfyingly soft hand-feel. Flipping it over revealed the 200 GSM sherpa, a thick, fleecy cloud that promises immediate warmth even before plugging it in. The blanket feels substantial without being overly heavy, a perfect balance for a throw.
The controller feels solid and well-made, confirming a user’s observation that it “doesn’t seem cheap or hollow when pressing the buttons.” It’s simple, with one button to cycle through heat settings and another for the timer. The power cord is reasonably long—we measured just under 6 feet from the wall to the controller—providing adequate reach for most couch or chair setups. There were no chemical odors, though one user reported a slight smell initially. Our initial impression is of a thoughtfully designed product where tactile comfort was a clear priority. You can immediately see why this blanket has garnered so much positive attention; the combination of premium fabrics is a feature that really sets it apart.
What We Like
- Luxuriously soft dual-sided fabric (ribbed flannel and plush sherpa)
- Six distinct heat levels and four auto-shutoff timer settings for customized comfort
- Certified for safety (ETL and FCC) with built-in overheating protection
- Simple, intuitive controls and a solid-feeling controller
Drawbacks
- Heating performance can be inconsistent; some users find it not warm enough
- The controller lacks a power indicator light to show when it’s on
A Deep Dive into the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket’s Performance
A heated throw lives and dies by three things: how it feels, how it heats, and how easy it is to live with. We spent several weeks putting the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch through its paces, from chilly mornings in the office to long movie nights on the couch. Our in-depth analysis breaks down its performance across these critical areas, cross-referencing our findings with real-world user feedback to give you the complete picture.
Material & Comfort: A Tale of Two Textures
The moment you drape this blanket over yourself, the quality of the materials is undeniable. The dual-sided design is the star of the show. The 280 GSM ribbed flannel is modern, soft, and feels great against the skin. It has a slightly cooler touch, making it the perfect side to have up when you’re just starting to warm up. The 200 GSM sherpa, on the other hand, is pure indulgence. It’s thick, fleecy, and provides a significant amount of insulation on its own. We found ourselves constantly flipping between the two sides depending on our mood. Many users echoed this sentiment, calling it “very plush and comfy” and “just as soft as can be.”
However, the internal heating wires are a point of contention. One of the more critical user reviews noted that the material was “extremely thin so that the wires are quite noticeable.” In our testing, we found this to be partially true. If you run your hands over the blanket specifically looking for the wires, you can feel them. They are thin and flexible, but they are present. We didn’t find them intrusive during normal use; they don’t poke or create uncomfortable pressure points when you’re sitting or lying under the blanket. The plushness of the sherpa side does a better job of masking them than the flannel side. For us, this is a common characteristic of nearly all heated blankets in this price segment and not a significant flaw, but it’s a valid point for those who are particularly sensitive to texture. The overall experience remains overwhelmingly positive, with the luxurious feel being a primary reason to check the latest price and availability.
Heating Performance: Customizable Coziness or Tepid Warmth?
This is where the user experience diverges most dramatically, and our testing revealed why. The Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch features 6 heat settings, labeled ‘L’ (Low), 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (High). The “fast heating” technology is legitimate; we found the blanket became noticeably warm within 5-7 minutes on the highest setting. For many, this is more than enough. One user raved that “they ACTUALLY heat up like TOASTY warmth,” and another, who was waking up shaking from the cold, “slept all the way through the night like a baby” after just one use.
However, a significant minority of users reported disappointing performance, with one stating, “I can barely feel it getting warm… even though it’s on setting six.” Another noted it didn’t get as warm as other heated throws they had tried. In our tests, we found the maximum heat output to be a pleasant, enveloping warmth rather than an intense, sweat-inducing heat. It effectively takes the edge off a deep chill and maintains a very comfortable temperature. It won’t feel like a sauna, and this seems to be by design, likely as a safety measure. The perceived heat can also be influenced by ambient room temperature. If your room is already quite cold, the blanket’s warmth might feel more subtle. We concluded that this blanket is perfect for those who run a little cold or want to stay cozy while lounging. For individuals who are chronically cold or seeking very high heat for therapeutic purposes, the output might feel underwhelming. This nuanced performance makes it important for potential buyers to see its full feature set and user reviews to align expectations.
Controls and Safety Features: Set It and Forget It Confidence
A product that combines electricity and bedding demands robust safety features, and Westinghouse delivers here. The ETL and FCC certifications provide a baseline of third-party-verified safety, but the most practical features are the auto-shutoff timer and the overheat protection system. We tested the timer extensively, and it reliably turned the blanket off after the selected 2, 4, 8, or 10-hour interval. This is a crucial peace-of-mind feature, eliminating the worry of accidentally leaving it on all day or overnight. The controller is straightforward, though we agree with the user who pointed out the single-button, “round robin” design for heat settings (L-2-3-4-5-6-L) is slightly less convenient than separate up/down buttons. A minor but noted flaw is the lack of an ‘on’ indicator light on the controller, which one user mentioned. You have to look at the illuminated number on the display to confirm it’s active.
One extremely important piece of feedback came from a user who experienced an electrical burning smell after two months. While alarming, their follow-up is equally telling: “Westinghouse was very responsive and issued me a refund plus a gift card in less than 24 hours.” This highlights two things: the inherent risk of any electrical appliance and the importance of a responsive manufacturer. While the incident is a serious concern, the company’s swift and responsible action is a strong positive signal about their customer service and commitment to their products, adding a layer of confidence for anyone considering this popular heated throw.
Practicality and Maintenance: Living with the Blanket
At 50×60 inches, this throw is the perfect size for one person. As a user commented, it’s “perfect for the single individual cozying up on a recliner, or the corner of the couch.” It completely covered one of our 5’10” testers from shoulders to toes. A small but persistent design critique from users is the large, 9×5 inch Westinghouse label sewn onto the flannel side. We have to agree; it’s distractingly large and detracts from the otherwise clean, modern aesthetic. It’s a strange design choice for an otherwise well-thought-out product.
The “Machine Washable” claim also warrants a closer look. While technically true, a savvy user pointed out the discrepancy between the simple marketing and the highly specific instructions on the care tag. The tag recommends a minimal wash cycle (a few minutes), a cold rinse, and a very short spin, followed by low-temperature drying or air drying. As the user noted, “There is no cycle in existence that would meet the requirements.” To ensure longevity, we recommend following those instructions as closely as possible, using the most delicate cycle your machine offers, or simply hand washing. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s an important clarification for anyone expecting to just toss it in with a regular load of laundry.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from dozens of users reveals a product that is widely loved but has a few notable caveats. The overwhelming majority of praise centers on the blanket’s luxurious softness. Phrases like “super duper soft,” “excellent quality,” and “very plush and comfy” appear constantly. Many users, particularly those who are always cold or live in older, drafty homes, call it a “life-saver” that has dramatically improved their comfort and even their sleep quality.
On the critical side, the most common complaint is the inconsistent heat perception. While many find it perfectly toasty, a vocal minority insists it’s lukewarm at best. This suggests a potential variance in manufacturing or, more likely, a difference in user expectation for what a “hot” blanket should feel like. The other primary critiques are aesthetic and practical: the oversized and “ugly” brand label, the lack of an “on” light, and the restrictive washing instructions. The rare but serious report of an electrical issue is balanced by the company’s excellent customer service response, offering a complete and reassuring narrative for potential buyers weighing the pros and cons of this highly-rated electric throw.
How Does the Westinghouse Heated Throw Compare to the Alternatives?
The Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch excels as a personal throw, but the market offers compelling alternatives for different needs. Whether you need more space, more features, or a different brand, it’s worth exploring the competition.
1. Westinghouse King Heated Blanket Flannel to Sherpa Reversible
- 240gsm Flannel + 180gsm Sherpa
- 【ADJUSTABLE WARMTH】 Featuring fast and stable heating, the king electric blanket has 1-12 hours time settings and 10 heating levels...
For those who love the Westinghouse quality but find the throw size too restrictive, this King-sized version is the logical upgrade. Measuring a massive 90×100 inches, it’s designed to cover an entire bed and is perfect for couples, especially with its dual-zone controls. It also boasts a wider range of settings, with 10 heating levels and a 1-12 hour timer, offering even more precise control over your comfort. You’re getting the same luxurious flannel-to-sherpa experience, just on a much grander scale. This is the ideal choice for upgrading your bedding for the winter, rather than just getting a couch companion.
2. Sealy Heated Electric Throw Blanket
- ★【SAFETY FIRST】Sealy heated throw blanket has ETL and FCC certifications, overheating protection, and 2-10 hour timed automatic...
- ★【PREMIUM MATERIAL】Made of 280gsm flannel + 200gsm sherpa and high-quality heating elements, the electric throw blanket creates a...
Sealy offers a product that is nearly a direct competitor to the Westinghouse throw. It shares the same 50×60 inch dimensions, a similar ribbed flannel to sherpa construction, and identical specs for heat levels (6) and timer settings (2-10 hours). The choice between the Sealy and the Westinghouse may come down to brand preference, current pricing, or slight variations in color and pattern. Sealy, a trusted name in bedding and mattresses, brings a strong reputation for comfort and quality. If you’re a fan of the Sealy brand or find it at a more attractive price point, it’s an excellent and highly comparable alternative.
3. Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket with Foot Pocket
- 【Heated Snuggle Blanket With Sleeves】- Westinghouse wearable Sherpa blanket 70" x 50" with Long Sleeves and foot pockets, can be...
- INTELLIGENT SINGLE CONTROLLER - 2-10 Hours Time Setting, 6 Heating Levels for Individual Needs. Memory heating design and even heat...
This alternative from Westinghouse targets a specific, and common, problem: perpetually cold feet. It takes the standard throw concept and enhances it with two brilliant features: a built-in foot pocket and wearable sleeves. The slightly larger 50×70 inch size provides more coverage, while the foot pocket ensures your toes get concentrated warmth. The sleeves allow you to read a book, use a laptop, or sip tea while remaining completely enveloped in warmth. This model is the ultimate choice for the sedentary user who wants maximum coziness and functionality without being restricted by a simple blanket.
Our Final Verdict on the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Westinghouse Heated Throw Blanket 50×60 Inch as a top-tier choice for personal comfort. Its greatest strengths lie in its exceptional materials—the combination of ribbed flannel and plush sherpa is truly luxurious and provides significant comfort even before the heat is turned on. The customizable heat and timer settings, coupled with certified safety features, offer both versatility and peace of mind. It’s the perfect companion for a drafty office, a chilly evening on the couch, or for anyone looking to add a layer of targeted warmth to their daily routine.
While it’s an outstanding product, it’s not without its minor flaws. The heat output is a gentle, enveloping warmth, which may underwhelm those seeking intense, therapeutic-level heat. The prominent branding label and the lack of a power indicator light are small design quirks that detract slightly from an otherwise polished experience. However, these are minor trade-offs for the incredible comfort and value it provides. If you’re looking for a supremely soft, reliable, and safe heated throw to banish the chill from your personal space, this is an excellent investment in your comfort. You can check the current price and see all available colors right here.
Last update on 2025-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API