Heating zones
The number of heating zones provided in the device. A heating zone is an area of the heater that can be turned on and off separately from other areas (and on some models even power can be adjusted for each zone separately). The number of such zones is indicated in cases where there are
more than one ; such a design is relevant only for electric sheets and electric blankets (see "Type") — other types of heaters are not so large that it makes sense to divide them into zones.
The presence of several areas gives additional options for controlling the heater and allows you to more accurately adjust it to the current situation. For example, some people only get cold feet in bed, and only the lower part of the electric sheet is enough to warm up — there is no need to spend energy on the entire area of the heater. As for the specific quantity, most often in "multi-zone" models there are two heating areas — this is quite enough for most cases. Only some double sheets/blankets may have 4 zones — 2 for each sleeper.
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.
Auto switch-off
The ability
to automatically turn off the heater after a certain time.
Auto switch-off performs three main functions. Firstly, it provides safety: even if the user forgets to turn off the heating pad, it will not overheat and cause a fire. Secondly, the overheating of the user himself is thus prevented; this is especially convenient if the heating pad is used during sleep. Thirdly, auto switch-off allows you to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Note that the response time and features of its adjustment may be different. So, in the simplest models, only one option is provided (for example, after 90 minutes), more advanced devices may have
several time settings or even the ability to set it yourself within a certain range.
Washing
Washing method allowed for the product.
Modern heating pads can be designed for both
manual and
machine wash. Note that both of these terms are rather conditional. So, “manual” washing can be carried out both manually and in an activator-type machine (semi-automatic) and even in an automatic “washer” if it has a special manual/delicate washing programme. Machine washable items can also be washed by hand.
Note that both options may provide specific requirements for washing conditions — in particular, a temperature limit. Therefore, before washing the heating pad, you must carefully study the corresponding section of the instructions anyway.
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.
