Power levels
The number of power levels (adjustments) provided in the device.
The more levels provided in the design (with the same maximum power) — the more precisely you can adjust the heating to your preferences. On the other hand, the abundance of adjustments affects the complexity and price of the device, despite the fact that there is not always a need for this. So, for electric sheets (see "Type"),
2 – 3 modes are quite enough — intensive for preheating and one, less often two workers. On the other hand, the opposite situation occurs —
6 or even more power levels.
Fast heating
The presence of a
fast heating mode in the device. In this mode, the heating element operates at increased power, thereby reducing the time required to reach operating temperature. After entering the mode, the heater power usually decreases automatically, but this point needs to be specified separately. Also note that auto switch-off of fast heating and auto-switch of power level are different functions, see below for the last.
Display
The presence of a
display on the heater.
The display is located on the control panel and is usually a simple LCD screen with 2 to 3 icons. However, even such a screen provides additional convenience, it can display various information about the operation: power level, timer settings, activated heating zones (if there are several), warnings about malfunctions, etc. Note that the presence of a display is a sign an advanced heating pad with extensive capabilities — it does not make sense to use this function in simple models.
Operating time
The operating time is the time until the device auto-shutdown. Therefore the time during which a sheet or blanket works on heating. There are models with an adjustable shutdown timer, which allows you to set the required time for the device to automatically turn off.
Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the heater during operation.
Technically, other things being equal, a more powerful device will heat up faster and heat more greatly, but its energy consumption will also be higher. However, in fact, this parameter is of secondary importance: manufacturers select power in such a way as to provide the heating pad with the necessary performance. So paying attention to power makes sense mainly when comparing and only in cases where the differences are significant — for example, if one model consumes 100 W, and another of similar size only 60 W.
Cable length
The length of the cable for connecting to the mains, which is equipped with a heating pad.
On the one hand, the longer the wire, the easier it is to connect the device to the outlet, the lower the chance that an extension cord will be needed for this. On the other hand, a long cable can get tangled and create inconvenience. Thus, in most heating pads, the length of the wire is about 2 – 2.5 m — a longer length is rarely required and in such cases it is usually not a problem to find an extension cord.
