Luxury Micro-Fleece Electric Blanket

I have used electric blankets for longer than I care to remember. I have used Sunbeam products for much of that time and lived through the era of the clicking controls, etc., with and other similar foibles having been corrected over the years.I viewed the introduction of the microwire products as a clever option and left some time pass to allow perfection of the product. It seems that during this time the quality control of the Sunbeam product began to decline and I had to return several for various defects either in the wiring or the controllers; therefore, I decided to try the new technology, and after some research, I decided on this brand.I waited for about 5 months from the time of purchase to write the review so as to get a reasonable impression of reliability. Not only was I not disappointed, I was truly gratified with my decision.The blanket works on a low voltage format with dual step down transformers on the king model.This greatly reduces the risk of burn or fire. For those who want a toasty hot blanket, this is not the blanket for you, but I would argue that this is not really the purpose of this product which is beautifully designed to provide an adjustable scale of even heat throughout the night. I would suggest that if you need a blast of heat quickly when you go to bed, have small electric hair drier handy to use CAREFULLY for a half minute or so under the co era to provide that instant heat infusion and then let this blanket take over.If you turn the blanket on high setting for about an hour before bedtime, you will find the sheets nicely heated when you retire. The blanket control has an auto shutoff feature at about 10 hours post initial setting time, so if you are planning a long night's sleep, and have set up the preheat at an early hour, I suggest that you turn the controller off and then on again before retiring to initiate a new shutoff cycle so as to avoid a cold bed at the end of sleep.The blanket is made of microfiber and is soft without that that slightly rubbery feeling characteristic of some of those products, and it's fit and finish exudes quality. You barely can perceive the wiring. You can tuck the blanket under the mattress but the connector must be face up; however due to the fragile nature of the electrical wires, that bending is not recommended. Best method is to just drape the blanket over the sheet which works in a maximally flexible manner for orienting the length of blanket available according to taste.I have found that the blanket control works best set at 8-9 for ambient temperatures ranging from 40 -70, on high for lower outside temps , and lower controller temps during the summer season. The two controllers work completely independently of each other.The blanket has worked flawlessly since the initial day of service. I am in the process of ordering a second identical blanket so I'll have it at the ready in the future. I'll post a follow-up at one year to give people a better idea on longterm reliability. It stands to reason that because of the more delicate wiring, more care may be necessary on a day to day basis, particularly sitting omit or folding back on itself for prolonged periods when the current is on.. Although the blankets are officially machine washable, it might be wisest to take it to a professional laundry where they exercise respect for delicate fabrics ......yes such places ARE out there.BOTTOM LINE : Highly recommended.