Quick Answer: Costco Canada carries heated blankets from Sunbeam and Beautyrest, typically ranging from $40 to $90 CAD depending on size. The Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket is the most popular option, available in twin, queen/double, and king sizes with multiple heat settings and an auto-shutoff timer. Stock rotates seasonally, with the best selection from September through February.
In This Guide
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Canadian winters make a strong case for heated blankets. When the temperature drops below minus 20 and your furnace is working overtime, climbing into a pre-warmed bed is one of those small comforts that makes January bearable.
Costco Canada is one of the most popular places to buy a heated blanket, and for good reason. Their prices are consistently lower than most retailers, the return policy is generous, and the brands they carry (primarily Sunbeam and Beautyrest) are well-established. But not every heated blanket is worth buying, and there are safety considerations that matter, especially if you plan to sleep with one on.
At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we have been helping families sleep better since 1997. While we do not sell heated blankets directly, we understand how bedding layers work together to create a comfortable sleep environment. This guide covers what Costco offers, what to watch for, and how heated blankets fit into a healthy sleep setup.
Heated Blankets at Costco Canada: What Is Available
Costco Canada's heated blanket selection rotates seasonally. The best stock arrives in September and October and typically sells through by late January or February. Here is what they commonly carry:
| Product | Sizes | Approx. Price (CAD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunbeam Quilted Fleece Heated Blanket | Twin, Queen/Double, King | $40-80 | 10+ heat settings, auto-shutoff (10 hours), machine washable, quilted fleece |
| Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Blanket | Queen, King | $50-90 | Premium LoftTec fabric, softer feel, 12 heat settings, dual controllers (Queen+) |
| Beautyrest Microlight Heated Blanket | Queen, King | $60-90 | Ultra-soft microlight fabric, advanced heat distribution, multiple zones |
| Sunbeam Heated Throw | 50" x 60" | $30-50 | Smaller size for couch use, 3 heat settings, auto-shutoff |
Pricing fluctuates throughout the season. Costco often marks down heated blankets in January and February as winter stock clears. If you are not in a rush, waiting for a late-season deal can save you 20% to 40%.
Keep in mind that Costco's online selection (costco.ca) may differ from what is available in-warehouse. Some products are warehouse-only, and prices can be lower in-store.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "Costco is hard to beat on price for heated blankets. We have customers who buy their mattress from us and their heated blanket from Costco, and that is a perfectly good approach. What matters is that the blanket has proper safety certifications and an auto-shutoff timer."
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Heated Blanket vs. Heated Mattress Pad
Costco Canada also sells heated mattress pads (Sunbeam Premium and Sunbeam Water Resistant models). These are different products with different uses:
| Feature | Heated Blanket | Heated Mattress Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Position | On top of you (like a regular blanket) | Under your fitted sheet (on top of the mattress) |
| Heat direction | Warms from above, radiant heat | Warms from below, rising heat |
| Best for | Quick warmth, couch use, portable | Pre-warming the bed, consistent all-night warmth |
| With a mattress protector | No conflict (blanket goes on top) | Place mattress protector between the pad and mattress |
| Price at Costco (CAD) | $40-90 | $80-150 |
Important: Never use a heated blanket and a heated mattress pad at the same time. The combined heat can cause overheating and is a safety risk. Choose one or the other.
If you already have a mattress protector on your bed (which we always recommend), a heated blanket is the simpler option because it does not interfere with your mattress protection layer.
What to Look For in a Heated Blanket
Must-Have Features
- Auto-shutoff timer. Non-negotiable. Look for a blanket that turns off automatically after 8 to 10 hours. All current Sunbeam and Beautyrest models at Costco include this feature.
- Safety certification. Look for CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification marks. These confirm the blanket has been tested for electrical and fire safety.
- Multiple heat settings. At least 5, ideally 10 or more. This lets you find the right temperature without overheating.
- Machine washable. Most modern heated blankets are machine washable after removing the controller, but confirm before buying.
Nice-to-Have Features
- Dual controllers. Available on queen and king sizes, these let each side of the bed have independent temperature control. Essential for couples who disagree on bedroom temperature.
- Pre-heat function. Lets you warm the bed before you get in, then lower the setting or turn it off for sleep.
- Thin, flexible wires. Higher-end models use thinner wires that are less noticeable under the fabric. Budget models can feel lumpy.
Heated Blanket Safety Considerations
Modern heated blankets are significantly safer than older models, but they still require common-sense precautions. According to UL Solutions (a North American safety testing organization), most heated blanket incidents involve blankets that are old, damaged, or used improperly.
Safety Statistics: Health Canada and the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario both recommend inspecting heated blankets at the start of each season. The most common risks are from frayed wires, damaged controllers, and blankets that are folded or bunched during use. Modern blankets with auto-shutoff timers and overheat protection have dramatically reduced the risk compared to older models.
Do's
- Lay the blanket flat on the bed. Never bunch, fold, or tuck it tightly
- Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power bar
- Inspect the cord, plug, and fabric at the start of each season for any damage
- Use the auto-shutoff timer or turn off before falling asleep
- Replace any heated blanket that is more than 10 years old
Don'ts
- Never use with an infant or young child who cannot operate the controls
- Do not use if you have reduced sensitivity to heat (diabetes, neuropathy, certain medications)
- Do not place heavy objects on top while it is heating (this can trap heat and damage wires)
- Never dry-clean a heated blanket (the chemicals can damage the wiring insulation)
- Do not use a heated blanket and a heated mattress pad simultaneously
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "We recommend using a heated blanket to warm the bed before you get in, then turning it off or setting it to the lowest setting for sleep. Your body temperature naturally drops during sleep, and keeping the bed too warm can actually disrupt your sleep cycle. Use it as a pre-heater, not an all-night solution."
Heated Blankets and Sleep Quality
The relationship between heat and sleep is more nuanced than "warm bed equals good sleep." Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology (2012) found that the optimal sleeping temperature is between 15.5 and 19.5 degrees Celsius. Your body needs to cool down slightly to fall asleep and stay asleep.
This does not mean heated blankets are bad for sleep. It means they work best when used strategically:
- Pre-heat the bed 15-30 minutes before getting in. This eliminates the shock of cold sheets, which can delay sleep onset.
- Lower the setting or turn off once you are warm. Let your natural body heat and bedding take over.
- Use the lowest comfortable setting if you keep it on. A gentle background warmth on setting 2 or 3 is different from blasting on setting 10.
- Consider your mattress. Memory foam retains more body heat than innerspring mattresses. If you have a foam mattress, you may need less heated blanket than you think.
For Canadians in older, drafty homes (common in Brantford's historic neighbourhoods), a heated blanket can genuinely improve sleep quality by making the bed comfortable enough to fall asleep quickly, rather than lying there shivering for 20 minutes waiting for body heat to warm the sheets.
Heated Blanket Sizing Guide
| Bed Size | Blanket Size | Controllers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 62" x 84" | Single | Single sleepers, kids' rooms (age 5+) |
| Full/Double | 72" x 84" | Single or dual | Single sleepers who want extra coverage |
| Queen | 84" x 90" | Dual recommended | Couples (dual controllers essential) |
| King | 100" x 90" | Dual | Couples with king-size beds |
| Throw | 50" x 60" | Single | Couch, reading chair, not for bed use |
If you share a bed, dual controllers are worth the extra cost. One person's "just right" is another person's "too hot," and couples who fight over the thermostat at night know this well.
Care and Maintenance
Washing
- Disconnect and remove the controller completely before washing
- Machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener
- Tumble dry on low heat for 10-15 minutes to fluff, then air dry flat to finish
- Make sure the blanket is completely dry before reconnecting the controller
Storage (Off-Season)
- Fold loosely or roll. Never fold tightly, as this can crimp the internal wires
- Store in a breathable bag or pillowcase, not a sealed plastic bag
- Keep the controller in a safe place where it will not be crushed or damaged
- Store in a cool, dry location
- For more storage tips, see our linen closet organization guide
When to Replace
- Any visible damage to the cord, plug, or fabric
- Hot spots (areas that heat unevenly or get too hot)
- Controller malfunctions (does not turn off, erratic temperature)
- Blanket is more than 10 years old, regardless of condition
Alternatives to Heated Blankets
If you are unsure about sleeping with electrical wiring in your bed, there are effective alternatives for staying warm in a Canadian winter bedroom:
- Hot water bottle. Old-fashioned but effective. Heats the bed before you get in, then cools naturally overnight. No electricity required.
- Flannel sheets. Brushed cotton flannel feels warm immediately on contact, eliminating the cold-sheets shock. A good set costs $40 to $80.
- Wool or cashmere blanket layer. Natural wool insulates better than synthetic fleece and regulates moisture. See our cashmere blanket guide or our guide on cotton blankets in Canada.
- Down duvet. A quality down duvet rated for Canadian winters provides exceptional warmth without any electricity.
- Adjustable thermostat. A programmable thermostat that raises the bedroom temperature slightly before bedtime and lowers it overnight can achieve a similar effect to a heated blanket.
A Layering Strategy for Cold Canadian Bedrooms
The most effective approach for Ontario winters is layering: a mattress protector, then a fitted flannel sheet, then your regular top sheet, then a mid-weight blanket, and a duvet on top. This traps air between layers, which is what actually insulates you. A heated blanket can supplement this system on the coldest nights, but the layering does most of the work.
Using a heated blanket in Ontario winters? Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford recommends checking whether your mattress warranty allows heated blanket use. Some manufacturers void warranties if heat sources are placed on the mattress. A mattress protector adds a barrier layer. Dorothy can check your specific mattress warranty terms and recommend a safe setup. Call (519) 770-0001.
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sleep with a heated blanket on all night?
Modern heated blankets with auto-shutoff timers are designed for overnight use, but most sleep experts recommend using them to pre-heat the bed and then turning them off or setting them to the lowest setting for sleep. Your body temperature naturally drops during sleep, and maintaining high heat all night can disrupt sleep quality. If you do leave it on, use the lowest setting and make sure the blanket is laid flat, not bunched or folded.
Does Costco Canada sell heated blankets year-round?
No. Costco's heated blanket stock is seasonal, typically available from September through February or until sold out. The best selection is in October and November. Clearance deals often appear in January and February. Costco.ca may have some options available online outside the main season, but warehouse stock is seasonal.
Can you use a heated blanket with a mattress protector?
Yes. A heated blanket goes on top of your body, above all your bedding layers. It does not interfere with a mattress protector, which sits on the mattress surface under the fitted sheet. A heated mattress pad is the product that would interact with a protector, and in that case, place the protector between the mattress and the heated pad.
How long do heated blankets from Costco last?
With proper care, a Sunbeam or Beautyrest heated blanket should last 5 to 10 years. Replace sooner if you notice hot spots, damaged wiring, controller malfunctions, or any visible wear on the cord or plug. Safety organizations recommend replacing any heated blanket over 10 years old regardless of apparent condition.
Can you wash a Sunbeam heated blanket?
Yes. Remove the controller first, then machine wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Tumble dry briefly on low heat to fluff, then finish drying flat. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before reconnecting the controller. Check the care label on your specific model for any additional instructions.
Sources
- Okamoto-Mizuno, K. and Mizuno, K., "Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm," Journal of Physiological Anthropology, vol. 31, no. 1, 2012.
- UL Solutions, "Electric Blankets Are Cozy, But Are They Safe?" UL.com, 2024.
- Health Canada, "Electrical Product Safety," Government of Canada, 2024.
- Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario, "Winter Safety Tips," ESAfe.com, 2024.
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Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
A heated blanket is a nice extra, but the right mattress is the foundation of warm, comfortable sleep. Visit us to explore our Restonic and Sleep In collections, plus mattress protectors, pillows, and bedding. We offer white glove delivery across Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener, and the surrounding area.
Related Reading
- Cashmere Blankets: The Complete Canadian Guide
- 100% Cotton Blankets in Canada
- Where to Buy Blankets in Canada
- Heated Mattress Pads at Costco Canada
- Linen Closet Organization Guide
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Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.