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Previous: Safety checklist
Previous: Safety checklist
I have bought several sunbeam electric blankets. I found the controllers stop working within 1-2 years. Sometimes just outside the warranty. I've found the zip ones in the Warehouse much better. Have not had a problem with the controllers. If you buy sunbeam the retailer will only replace if within the warranty period. You should be able to get more than a year out of an electric blanket.
Our Sunbeam safe & sound fleecy eats through the controlers at $74 each.Had 4 replaced in 4 years and today the blanket is now finally not working any more and cannot be repaired $480 down the drain
Stay away from them
One thing not mentioned is how long the blanket takes to heat up - I was caught out with a cheap one - Zip, I think, on sale for $40, which took FOREVER to heat the bed.
In addition to the features discussed in this article (machine washable, dual control, fitting system, number of heat settings) there are a few other things to consider.
Think about how easy the controls are to reset in the dark. Is there a light to show when it's on? Do controls have braille settings so you know if you're turning the heat up or down in the dark?
Look at how the coils are distributed - will you be getting cold patches in the bed? Especially if you're tall, make sure the coils go all the way to the foot of the bed. Also in blankets with dual settings, is there a large gap in the middle between the two sides? Couples who like to snuggle together will end up lying on a cold patch! :(
QAuite simply don't buy anything made by Sunbeam. It will fail very quickly
We have tried 3 sunbeam blankets and one of the controllers on each one has stopped working I would stay well away from sunbeam.The newer more expensive models are not a patch on the older ones.
Like the Gilsons, the second control unit on our Sunbeam electric blanket failed last night. My husband got into bed and said "when did you put your blanket on because it's not very warm?" It had barely heated - the 9-heat setting bit was glowing but the red light to indicate the blanket has been turned on was not. Tried his control on my side this morning and it worked perfectly. The worst thing is, despite them sending two units last time, we can't find the spare! Here's hoping the one they are couriering arrives before the weekend!
My 40yr old heated overblanket died recently, and I found that only heated underblankets are stocked in NZ now. Heated overblankets/duvets/quilts still exist and are popular overseas. Betta Electrical was able to order from Australia and supply me with a Goldair electric quilt - meets NZ standards, wireless controls, 10 heat settings, start and end timers, boost function, washable etc, and most importantly it's designed to be safely left on all night if desired. Was around $300. Why has NZ gone away from heated overblankets/duvets/quilts?