Best Heated Throws & Blankets for Australia 2026
Heated throws and electric blankets are among the most energy-efficient personal heating solutions in Australia — they heat the person, not the room, making them approximately 10x more efficient than a fan heater for keeping an individual warm. Australian heated throw usage has grown significantly as energy prices have risen, with many Australians using them to avoid running central heating or split systems while watching TV or reading. All heated throws sold in Australia must carry the RCM mark and comply with AS/NZS 60335.2.17 safety standards.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Heated throws and over-blankets differ from electric under-blankets (fitted to mattress) — throws are designed for sofa/lounge use or laying over you in a chair.
- 2Machine washable heated throws are essential in Australian households — look for fully washable models (not just the cover) from brands like Sunbeam and Breville.
- 3Auto-shutoff after 4–8 hours is a critical safety feature for Australian throws used during TV watching where you might fall asleep — don't buy without this feature.
- 4Microplush and polyester fleece are the most comfortable Australian heated throw materials — they feel warm even before the heating activates.
- 5For Australian couples sharing a throw, look for dual-control versions that allow different heat settings at each end.
- 6RCM certification is mandatory — only buy from Australian retailers to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 60335.2.17.
Top 5 Heating & Warmth Picks for Australia
Sunbeam
Sunbeam Antibacterial Microplush Heated Throw
| Dimensions | 120 x 160cm |
| Settings | 9 heat |
| RCM | Certified |
| Care | Machine washable |
Pros
- Antibacterial yarn treatment — important in Australian humid conditions
- 9 heat settings for personalised Australian winter warmth
- 120 x 160cm — large enough for an Australian adult on the sofa
- Available at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, and Kmart
Cons
- Premium price vs budget alternatives
- Single controller (no dual-zone option on standard model)
Verdict
Australia's most popular heated throw — antibacterial treatment, multiple heat settings, and machine washable from the country's leading heating brand.
Breville
Breville BZB452 Heated Plush Throw
| Material | Super-plush fleece |
| Auto Shutoff | Yes (8 hours) |
| RCM | Certified AU |
| Warranty | 2 years AU |
Pros
- Extra-plush fleece construction for luxurious Australian winter comfort
- Auto-shutoff timer prevents accidental overnight use
- Detachable controller for machine washing
- Breville's strong Australian warranty and service
Cons
- Expensive vs Kmart alternatives
- Short cord may not reach all Australian sofa configurations
Verdict
Premium Australian heated throw from Breville — super-plush feel with auto-shutoff timer and Breville's strong Australian warranty.
Kambrook
Kambrook Sherpa Heated Throw
| Material | Microplush + sherpa |
| Settings | 5 heat |
| RCM | Certified |
| Availability | Kmart, Target AU |
Pros
- Sherpa wool-like lining adds texture for Australian winter cosiness
- Kambrook Australian brand with local warranty support
- Available at Kmart and Target AU across Australia
- Machine washable with removable controller
Cons
- Basic feature set vs Sunbeam
- 5 heat settings vs 9 on Sunbeam
Verdict
Australian brand budget heated throw with sherpa lining — available at Kmart and Target AU at an accessible price for Australian winter comfort.
Sunbeam
Sunbeam Dual Control Queen Heated Throw
| Control | Dual independent controllers |
| Size | Queen (160 x 180cm) |
| Care | Machine washable (both controllers removable) |
| RCM | Certified |
Pros
- Dual control — each end set to different temperature preferences
- Queen size (160 x 180cm) suits two Australians on the sofa
- Machine washable with two removable controllers
- Sunbeam quality with Australian warranty
Cons
- Most expensive heated throw in Sunbeam's Australian range
- Two controller cords to manage
Verdict
Australian dual-control heated throw for couples — each end independently controlled for different Australian winter temperature preferences.
Mistral
Mistral Soft Heated Throw
| RCM | Certified |
| Availability | Target AU, Kmart |
| Care | Machine washable |
Pros
- Most affordable RCM-compliant heated throw in Australia
- Available at Target AU and Kmart at very accessible price
- Machine washable with removable controller
- Adequate for occasional Australian winter use
Cons
- Fewer heat settings and less comfortable material vs premium brands
- Basic safety features — no auto-shutoff on all models
Verdict
Entry-level heated throw from Australian brand Mistral — basic but RCM compliant for Australian households on the tightest winter budgets.
Editor's Note
Choice Australia's testing of heated throws consistently identifies Sunbeam and Breville as the top performers for temperature consistency and safety feature reliability. Australian consumer advocates note that cheap imported heated throws (particularly from Asian marketplaces without RCM marking) have been the subject of ACCC recalls due to electrical safety risks — always buy from Australian retailers.
Our Take
The Sunbeam Antibacterial Heated Throw is the definitive recommendation for Australian households — it's machine washable, antibacterial-treated (important in Australian humid conditions), and available at Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi with a strong Australian warranty. A heated throw replaces the need for a room heater for individual use and costs less than 5 cents per hour to run.
Honourable Mentions
Maxwell & Williams Heated Throw
Mid-range heated throw available at Myer Australia — better material quality than Kmart alternatives with premium design options.
Adairs Heated Throw Blanket
Adairs bedroom specialist brand heated throw — coordinates with their Australian bedding range and available at Adairs stores nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are heated throws safe in Australia?
Yes, when buying RCM-certified models from Australian retailers. Sunbeam, Breville, and Kambrook heated throws are all RCM certified and comply with AS/NZS 60335.2.17. Auto-shutoff (typically 4–8 hours) is a standard safety feature on quality Australian models. ACCC has issued recalls on non-compliant imported heated throws — never buy without the RCM mark, and buy from Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, or Kmart rather than unverified online marketplaces.
How much does a heated throw cost to run in Australia?
A heated throw typically uses 60–100W, costing 1.7–3.5 cents per hour at Australian electricity rates — significantly cheaper than running a 2,400W room heater. Running for 3 hours per evening over an Australian winter (90 days) costs approximately $4–$9 for the season. The energy saving vs room heating makes heated throws the most cost-effective Australian winter personal comfort solution.
Can you wash a heated throw in Australia?
Most quality Australian heated throws (Sunbeam, Breville) are fully machine washable — check the label for specific instructions. Most require cold or 30°C wash on a gentle cycle. Remove the controller before washing and reconnect only once fully dry. Do not tumble dry on high heat — use a low setting or air dry. Fully dry before using to avoid electrical risk in Australian household humidity.
What is the best heated throw for Australian sofa use?
The Sunbeam Antibacterial Heated Throw is the most popular for Australian sofa use — it's large enough to cover an adult comfortably (120 x 160cm), machine washable, and has multiple heat settings. For Australian couples sharing a throw on the sofa, look for Sunbeam's dual-control option which allows different temperatures at each end. Kambrook's microplush throw is a budget alternative available at Kmart Australia.
Is a heated throw or electric blanket better for Australian winter?
They serve different purposes in Australia: heated throws are for sofa/lounge room warming while watching TV or reading; electric under-blankets are for pre-warming your bed and sleeping in warmth. Both have their place in Australian winter heating. Heated throws are the more energy-efficient daily heating solution — consider using a throw rather than your room heater for evening lounge warmth, and an electric under-blanket for bedroom comfort in southern Australian winter.
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