An electric blanket typically uses about 100 watts on high, roughly 50-150 W depending on size and setting. It is a resistive load with no startup surge.
- Running watts
- 100 WTypical; 50–150 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.4 kWh8 h of use, cycling
- Current
- 0.8 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most electric blanket models draw between 50 and 150 W while running; a typical one draws about 100 W. Assumes about 100 W with the controller cycling the heat about half the time over 8 hours.
- Size: twin and full blankets use less than queen and king, which often have two controllers
- Heat setting: lower settings cycle the element off more of the time
- Preheat use versus all-night use
- Heated mattress pads and throws are in a similar wattage range
Running an electric blanket on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 100 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 100 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 8.5 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 17 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 34 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 51 h |
Based on 50 W average draw (running watts × duty cycle) and 85% usable capacity.
- An electric blanket is one of the most efficient ways to stay warm in a winter outage: far less power than a 1,500 W space heater
- A 500 Wh power station can run one through most of a night on a medium setting
- Digital controllers run best on a pure sine wave inverter
- If you use a generator, keep it outdoors and run a CO alarm in the bedroom
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
Can I run an electric blanket on a power station?
Yes. At about 100 W on high and less on lower settings, a 1,000 Wh station can typically run one all night.
Is an electric blanket cheaper than a space heater?
Much cheaper to run: about 100 W versus 1,500 W for a space heater, so roughly one-fifteenth the electricity per hour.