8 hours ago
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Aside from hugging a fluffy hot-water bottle, sipping whisky and ramping up the thermostat, an electric blanket or heated throw is the best way to ward off the winter chill.
When you consider that more than half of a typical household’s fuel bills goes on heating and hot water, finding alternative ways to keep warm – and heating the person, rather than the whole home – seems like a good idea. Many of the best electric blankets and heated throws cost about 2p to 4p an hour to run, so it’s hard to ignore their potential energy- and money-saving benefits.
Electric blankets are ideal for using on your mattress, with the most convenient examples arriving with timers and auto-shut-off features for peace of mind, and dual control panels to keep both sides of the bed happy. Heated throws are better for snuggling on the sofa – they’re practical but also look good, with tactile finishes in materials such as bamboo and pure cotton.
I was tasked with sleeping on the job to discover the best of both, testing the most popular electric blankets and heated throws from well-known homeware brands such as Silentnight, Slumberdown and Dreamland. Here are my top picks.
At a glance
4/6
Why you should trust me
I’ve been a lifestyle journalist for more than two decades. Over the years, I’ve tested just about everything from breadmakers and bedding to beehives and biscuits – thankfully, not all at the same time.
Lately, my focus has been bedding, testing numerous mattresses, pillows, weighted blankets and bed linen – so I know what makes for a decent night’s sleep. Testing electric blankets was the logical next step.
Whatever I’m testing, I’ll find practical and useful ways to rigorously measure the value of the product and dig deep to go beyond the marketing jargon.
How I tested
Without a Cern-grade laboratory at my disposal, I tested 24 of the most popular electric blankets and throws at home. In bed. In my pyjamas. I wanted to assess how each blanket and throw felt while sleeping or resting, and judge its quality and durability.
Alongside measuring the maximum temperature each blanket hit, I timed how long it took to get there – I have zero patience when cold, so quick and efficient heating is crucial. Using an infrared thermometer, I measured the temperatures on the highest settings at 10 minutes, 30 minutes and an hour after being switched on. Since the weight of your duvet and room temperature can affect the temperature of electric blankets, I kept things fair by using all the electric blankets on the same bed, and all the heated throws on the same sofa, with a consistent room temperature of 18C.
No one wants a hot back and frosty feet, so I considered how evenly each blanket heated up by taking temperature readings at three different points after an hour on full power. I also used a plug-in power consumption meter to determine each blanket’s hourly running cost based on the Ofgem price cap as of 1 January 2026, which is 27.69p a kWh.
Below you’ll find the 17 best of the 24 models I tested. Those blankets and throws that brands didn’t want returned will be donated to Hope for Food – a Bournemouth-based charity supporting local families in need.
The best electric blankets and heated throws in 2026
Best electric blanket overall:
Carmen C81190 fitted electric blanket
Carmen
C81190 fitted electric blanket (king)
£49
What we love
It’s easy to fit on to the bed and heats quickly
What we don’t love
It doesn’t have a timer
This electric blanket includes two controllers so you can operate each side of the bed independently – always a good thing when you’re sharing. It comes in single, double and king-size versions, and is made from polyester with a cosy fleece finish.
Why we love it
The Carmen feels great, heats up effectively and is great value. It’s one of the easiest blankets to fit on to your bed, with a generous elastic skirt sewn on to it rather than the usual, clumsier straps. The skirt ensures the blanket secures neatly under each side of the mattress and stays in place.
It heats up quickly, reaching an impressive 28.1C in its centre after just 10 minutes – and this was without a duvet on top. I measured the heat at the sides a little cooler, but the temperature increased steadily over an hour, reaching 30.2C in its centre after 30 minutes and up to 33C after an hour. As soon as a duvet was placed on top, it got even warmer and retained its heat long after I had turned off the blanket.
While it’s machine washable, the manufacturer recommends doing this only a total of three times in its lifespan, so it will mostly be a spot clean.
It’s a shame that … there’s no timer. But for peace of mind, it does have overheat protection that will automatically shut it down if the built-in thermal fuse detects a hotspot or fault in the heated cables.
Sizes available: single, double, king size
Dimensions (double): L193 x W137cm
Number of heat settings: three
Timer included: no, but it does have auto-shut off
Running cost on maximum: 4p/hour (0.078kWh each side)
Temperature after an hour: 33.2C
Guarantee: three years
Machine washable: yes
Carmen
C81190 fitted electric blanket (king)
£49
What we love
It’s easy to fit on to the bed and heats quickly
What we don’t love
It doesn’t have a timer
Best budget electric blanket:
Slumberdown Sleepy Nights
Slumberdown
Sleepy Nights (double)
£15.74
What we love
Generous straps make it easy to fit on the bed
What we don’t love
It doesn’t include a timer
Generous straps for easy positioning and three adjustable heat settings make this electric blanket a good budget buy. It comes in six sizes, can be machine washed for easy maintenance, and arrives with a two-year guarantee.
Why we love it
Feeling super soft against the skin, this microfibre blanket was simple to set up, with bonus points awarded for the long cord.
The lengthy, elasticated straps meant I didn’t have to wrestle too much with the corners of my thick Sealy mattress to position the blanket securely, plus it stayed in place nicely.
The blanket heated up to 22.1C in just 10 minutes and 25C in 30 minutes. After an hour on its highest setting, it reached a comfortable 29.5C – more than enough heat for me.
When I measured the temperature across the blanket, I found it was hotter in the middle than on the sides. However, I didn’t notice any cold spots when my duvet was on top, trapping in the heat.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t have a timer. The manufacturer suggests leaving this blanket on its lowest setting if you want to keep it on all night.
Sizes available: small single, single, small double, double, king, super king
Dimensions (king size): L150 x W142cm
Number of heat settings: three
Timer included: no
Running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.094kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 29.5C
Guarantee: two years
Machine washable: yes
Slumberdown
Sleepy Nights (double)
£15.74
What we love
Generous straps make it easy to fit on the bed
What we don’t love
It doesn’t include a timer
Best heated throw overall:
Duux Yentl Cuddle heated overblanket
Duux
Yentl Cuddle heated overblanket striped grey
from £99.99
What we love
It’s fluffy, thick and comforting
What we don’t love
It can feel a little too hot on the highest setting
With a soft faux-fur finish, this Yentl Cuddle overblanket is large enough to fit a king-size bed or three-seater sofa and comes in two neutral colours, beige and grey. The timer goes up to nine hours.
Why we love it
The word cuddle seems fitting for this Duux heated throw, which is one of the most comforting heated blankets I’ve tried. Even when turned off, it felt warm and cosy due to its thickness and fluffy finish. At £99.99, it costs more than your average heated blanket, but for its size and the warmth it offers, it’s well worth the spend.
It was quick to heat in my tests, and the thick material retains heat well. After 10 minutes on the highest setting, it measured a toasty 28C, and after 1hr 20mins it had reached an overly warm 40C. Of course, the temperature of the room and body heat will affect how hot it gets, but I’d recommend using the lower setting 3 and setting the timer to switch off after an hour – this feels just right.
I really enjoyed using this blanket, whether it was on or off. I’ve been laying it over my duvet and turning it on at night to warm my bed before I get in. I then turn it off and sleep with it on top of the duvet to benefit from that extra layer of warmth. It works well, and the weight of it on my bed has also helped improve my sleep.
It’s a shame that … it may feel too thick and heavy for some.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: L200 x W200cm
Number of heat settings: nine
Timer included: 1-9 hours
Running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.086kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 39.2C
Guarantee: two years
Machine washable: remove the controller and wash at 30C
Duux
Yentl Cuddle heated overblanket striped grey
from £99.99
What we love
It’s fluffy, thick and comforting
What we don’t love
It can feel a little too hot on the highest setting
Best budget heated throw:
Dunelm Lenon fur electric throw
Dunelm
Lenon fur electric throw
£40
What we love
Its attractive burgundy faux fur finish that feels very soft to touch
What we don’t love
There’s no timer included
Dunelm sells a range of heated blankets, and its stock changes regularly (including several times throughout the writing of this article), so you’ll have to be quick. This one comes in a beautifully soft faux fur polyester fabric in either white or burgundy.
Why we love it
I always opt for deeper colours for blankets and soft furnishings to hide the wear and tear better over time. I love the luxurious look of this blanket’s jewel-like burgundy finish, and I think it will age well.
Like many Dunelm heated blankets I’ve tested, this throw feels good draped over my lap: it’s so smooth and tactile. It’s not too bulky either, so it’s easy to move around without its control cable getting in the way. It was the perfect size for one person or two sharing, if you don’t mind getting close – it worked well when my 11-year-old daughter was keen to snuggle up with me. It’s one of the thinner heated blankets I’ve tried – it does well to disguise the wiring inside, but it’s still noticeable.
It didn’t retain the heat as well as some of the thicker blankets, but it did heat up effectively. It comes with a basic control panel with six heat settings and was quick to heat. It reached 27.5C after just 10 minutes on level six and 39.9C after an hour, which is impressive for such a slim blanket – and very welcome during recent cold snaps. It’s fairly efficient to heat, too – while the small print on the website states that it costs 3p an hour to use, my readings came out as 2p an hour.
It’s a shame that … it has no timer, although it does automatically shut off after four hours.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: L160 x W130cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: no, but has automatic shut-off after four hours
Running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.088kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 39.9C
Guarantee: one year
Machine washable: yes
Dunelm
Lenon fur electric throw
£40
What we love
Its attractive burgundy faux fur finish that feels very soft to touch
What we don’t love
There’s no timer included
Best quilted electric blanket:
Dreamland Pure Comfort bamboo underblanket
Dreamland
Pure Comfort bamboo underblanket (king)
from £99.99
What we love
It includes breathable bamboo material
What we don’t love
It costs more than your average blanket
The king-size version of this underblanket has dual control panels for operating each side independently. There are six heat settings to choose from, and three timer options for one, three or nine hours.
Why we love it
This blanket reached 22C at its centre after just 10 minutes, and within an hour, temperatures had risen to a snuggly 32C. I found that the middle and end of the blanket heated well, but the top section remained cool to the touch, working well for under your head.
It costs more than your average electric blanket, but is worth it for the quilted, breathable bamboo finish. The filling, like many other electric blankets, is polyester. The control panels on either side were easy to navigate, even when I was sleepy-eyed.
It’s a shame that … there are no timer options between three and nine hours.
Sizes available: single, double, king, super king
Dimensions (king size): L200 x W150cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: yes, one, three or nine hours
Running cost on maximum: 4p/hour (0.129kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 32.2C
Guarantee: three years
Machine washable: yes
Dreamland
Pure Comfort bamboo underblanket (king)
from £99.99
What we love
It includes breathable bamboo material
What we don’t love
It costs more than your average blanket
Best luxury-feeling heated throw
Beurer HD150 heated snuggle blanket
Beurer
HD150 heated snuggle blanket
from £62.46
What we love
It feels very smooth and snuggly against your skin
What we don’t love
It can be awkward to fold and a little cumbersome to store
Ideal for the sofa, this Beurer blanket has a very soft and sumptuous fleece finish. Its six heat settings are all adjustable via the central control panel. I tried the XXL design – a little oversized on my three-seater sofa, but ideal for sharing comfortably with another person. It also comes in a smaller 180 x 130cm size.
Why we love it
The soft-to-touch surface of this heated blanket proved just the right level of cosy for a night on the sofa watching TV. Plus, it feels padded enough to disguise the heating elements inside the blanket – not something that can be said of all heated blankets.
It heated up fast – reaching temperatures in the low 20s in just 10 minutes – yet it used surprisingly little energy. After an hour, it felt very hot, so I turned it down to setting two, which was more comfortable. Its three-hour automatic switch-off timer means that you can just set and forget about it.
It’s a shame that … it didn’t heat up evenly. While the middle was warm, sections around the edges didn’t feel it at all – which might be a problem if you’re sharing it with a blanket hog.
Sizes available: small, large
Dimensions (large): L200 x W150cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: three-hour automatic switch-off
Running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.055kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 32.2C
Guarantee: three years
Machine washable: yes
Beurer
HD150 heated snuggle blanket
from £62.46
What we love
It feels very smooth and snuggly against your skin
What we don’t love
It can be awkward to fold and a little cumbersome to store
Best heated fleece throw:
Russell Hobbs microfleece heated throw
Russell Hobbs
Microfleece heated throw
from £38.99
What we love
The microfleece finish feels so soft
What we don’t love
Its darker shades might look harsh in some colour schemes
With its soft microfleece finish, this heated blanket is large enough to cover one person comfortably and also works well for two. It features one digital control panel with multiple heat and timer functions, and an automatic switch-off function for peace of mind. If you intend to sleep with it, Russell Hobbs recommends using it on a lower heat mode, up to setting three.
Why we love it
The first thing I noticed about this heated blanket, aside from its soft feel, was its generous 250cm cable. It meant I could drape the blanket over me comfortably on the sofa without accidentally tugging the plug out of the wall socket.
The blanket’s microfleece finish felt tactile and comforting, and it was thicker than some of the standard fleece throws I tested, such as the Dunelm fleece electric throw (above). While I could feel the wiring lines inside this blanket, they’re well hidden in the blanket’s sumptuous design.
The white digital control panel here is a little bulkier than some others on test, and stands out against the jet-black finish of the blanket I tested. Nevertheless, it was easy to use, with heat settings ranging from one to nine. If you want to use the blanket for more than an hour, the timer function lets you go up in one-hour increments up to nine hours and then jumps to a single 12-hour setting. On its highest heat setting, it reached 29C in 30 minutes and a toasty 41.9C after an hour. In addition, the heat seemed to distribute well across the blanket’s surface.
It’s a shame that … the throw doesn’t come in pastel colours; the darker shades (such as the black I tested) could look harsh against some softer interior schemes.
Sizes available: one size
Dimensions: L180 x W130cm
Number of heat settings: nine
Timer included: yes, one-nine or 12 hours
Running cost on maximum: 4p/hour (0.134kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 41.9C
Guarantee: two years
Machine washable: yes, under 40C
Russell Hobbs
Microfleece heated throw
from £38.99
What we love
The microfleece finish feels so soft
What we don’t love
Its darker shades might look harsh in some colour schemes
Best fluffy heated throw:
Glamhaus heated throw
Glamhaus
Heated throw
from £24.99
What we love
It heats up quickly and feels great against skin
What we don’t love
No storage bag included
Available in jewel-like colours, including deep pink, “scuba” blue and green, this electric over-blanket is reasonably priced at less than £50 (£24.99 at the time of writing). The blanket is made from polyester and has a white, fluffy trim that contrasts nicely against the vibrant hue of its main body.
Why we love it
It may be standard polyester, but the velvety fleece-like finish of this blanket feels luxurious to touch. Its white trim instantly made my sofa look festive, but it will look great throughout spring, too, adding an extra layer of cosiness to your living room.
It’s thick and feels more substantial than some other budget heated blankets I’ve tried, so it feels warming even when it’s not switched on. It heated up quickly, too, and within a minute, there was a satisfying amount of heat from its centre. The heat felt comfortable rather than scorching, with the heated wires nicely disguised within the throw. The heat also radiates out to the sides effectively, providing an even warmth across the surface. After 10 minutes, I measured the centre of the blanket at 27.2C on its highest setting, and it reached 34.2C after 30 minutes and a sleep-inducing 40.3C after an hour.
The control panel is easy to use and doesn’t give you a bewildering number of heat and timer options – there are six heat settings and a three-hour timer, which feels plenty. It comes with the safety of an auto-shut-off feature and can be conveniently machine-washed at 30C too – both features I’d expect to find in a good-quality heated blanket.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t come with a storage bag, which would make it neater to store while not in use. It’s hard to fault this blanket, though, as it’s such good value.
Sizes available: one size
Dimensions: L160 x W130cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: yes, three hours
Running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.096kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 40.3C
Guarantee: one year
Machine washable: yes, at 30C
Glamhaus
Heated throw
from £24.99
What we love
It heats up quickly and feels great against skin
What we don’t love
No storage bag included
Best quick-to-heat blanket:
Bedsure heated blanket electric throw
Bedsure
Heated blanket electric throw
from £35.97
What we love
It feels soft and heats up quickly
What we don’t love
Due to its white sherpa lining, it may need regular washing
This Bedsure heated blanket comes in a soft dual-sided sherpa fabric, with 14 colours to choose from. The timer goes up to a generous 10 hours, and there are six heat settings and a preheat feature.
Why we love it
This blanket’s smart memory function is a nice extra. Every time you turn on the blanket, it will heat up to the last used setting. Unlike other blankets I’ve tested, it also has a preheat button on its controller that sped up the heating process. Within two minutes of turning it on, the blanket became noticeably warm – a welcome feature when the room was particularly cold. When on the highest setting, I was surprised to see how efficient it is too – costing just 2p an hour to run.
I found the blanket beautifully soft to touch on both sides, with a nice weight and thickness to it. It took about 30 minutes for the blanket to reach 29.8C, and after an hour, it was measuring a satisfying 35.6C. This kept me warm but didn’t feel too hot to touch. The heat was distributed evenly, and the blanket retained the heat effectively right up to the edges of the blanket, too.
It’s a shame that … the underside of the blanket is finished in white, which I can imagine will look a little grubby over time and need regular washing.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: L130 x W160cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: up to 10 hours
Running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.076kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 36.6C
Guarantee: 30-day return policy; no warranty period specified
Machine washable: yes, remove the controller and wash at 30C
Bedsure
Heated blanket electric throw
from £35.97
What we love
It feels soft and heats up quickly
What we don’t love
Due to its white sherpa lining, it may need regular washing
Best heated duvet:
Dreamland Love Mornings heated duvet
Dreamland
Heated duvet (king)
from £199.99
What we love
It offers soothing heat from above, which works well
What we don’t love
Cables will hang out of the end of the duvet cover
Dreamland offers a wide range of heated bedding products – I also have my eye on the brand’s electric heat pads for specific areas, including your feet, neck, back and hands.
Having tried the underblanket (reviewed above), I was keen to see how this heated duvet would compare. Like the underblanket, the duvet is machine washable with the controller removed, and can be tumble-dried, too.
Why we love it
I was instantly impressed by the tidy stitching and smooth finish of this heated duvet, which is filled with polyester and has a 100% cotton cover. With an October chill in the air, I set up the duvet on my bed, under a breathable cotton Nectar duvet cover.
The dual controls lead out at the end of the duvet, so you can run them up the side of the bed to plug them in. This means you’ll be able to use it with a buttoned cover, but not one that has a zip.
Dreamland states the heat-up time as five minutes, and while it was slightly warm after a few minutes, I did have to go hunting for the warmer spots during my tests. After 10 minutes on the highest setting, I measured the temperature at 26.6C at the centre, and after an hour it was 36.3C, which felt comfortable – although this probably isn’t a heat level I’d like to sleep in all night.
The duvet’s dual controls worked well for my partner and me: I could blast the heat on my side while he, who prefers cooler climes, didn’t need to have it on at all.
It’s a shame that … it doesn’t come with a cover. Also, while having the heat filter down from the duvet above me felt cosy on a really cold night, I prefer the heat from an electric blanket underneath.
Sizes available: single, double, king size
Dimensions (king size): L225 x W220cm
Number of heat settings: six
Timer included: yes, one, three and nine hours
Running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.101kWh a side)
Temperature after an hour: 36.3C
Guarantee: two years
Machine washable: yes
Dreamland
Heated duvet (king)
from £199.99
What we love
It offers soothing heat from above, which works well
What we don’t love
Cables will hang out of the end of the duvet cover
Vonhaus
Grey electric foot warmer
from £27.99
What we love
It’s fast to heat and versatile to use
What we don’t love
The grey design is uninspiring and there’s no timer
The Vonhaus grey electric foot warmer comes with a microfleece lining, three heat settings, an auto-shutoff and overcurrent protection – so the power will stop if the electrical current exceeds a safe limit.
There are a few grey heated foot warmers available online that all look similar – Silentnight and Logik sell a design that looks close to this model, for example. Having never tried a heated foot warmer before, I was pleasantly surprised at how comforting the Vonhaus could be.
Why we love it
The grey and white warmer looks basic in design, but I found it effective and spacious for my feet. It took a couple of minutes to heat, but I then enjoyed the sensation of sitting at my desk and having the extra warmth for my feet. With deadlines to meet, I found it stress-relieving too.
It fits up to a UK size 12.5, and my size six feet sat neatly inside with plenty of room to wiggle my toes around. My partner has size 11 feet and found he had more than enough room, too. Body heat, of course, influences how hot it becomes, but after 10 minutes on full power, it reached an impressive 28C in my tests. The small print on the website states that it can get up to 65C, but after an hour, I measured it at 36.2C, which was plenty.
It’s a shame that … I found the removable lining inside the warmer annoying – it’s flimsy and can get creased, which makes it harder to put your foot inside it.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: W30 x H24 x D30cm
Number of heat settings: three
Timer included: no
Running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.096kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 36.2C
Warranty: two-year warranty (not guarantee)
Machine washable: yes, foot warmer and cover at 30C; controller is non-washable
Vonhaus
Grey electric foot warmer
from £27.99
What we love
It’s fast to heat and versatile to use
What we don’t love
The grey design is uninspiring and there’s no timer
Best heated throw for one person:
Vonhaus pink heated throw blanket
Vonhaus
Pink heated throw blanket
from £37.99
What we love
Its silky finish and pretty pink hue
What we don’t love
It could be thicker
With nine temperature settings, this soft and silky pink blanket offers a good range of heat options up to a maximum of 43C. It has a one-hour default timer, plus one that can be set for up to nine hours in total. If you’re going to sleep with it or are using it for extended periods, Vonhaus recommends setting the heat to level 1 for the duration.
Why we love it
Measuring 160 x 130cm, I found this heated blanket just the right size for one. While its vibrant pink finish might not go down so well with some, personally, I didn’t mind it. It’s machine washable at 30C (with the control panel removed) on a gentle cycle and low spin, and the 2.15m cord length should be long enough to reach a nearby socket.
The blanket felt smooth underhand with an almost silk-like finish, but I could feel the wiring inside. Nevertheless, it was subtle, and the blanket’s layers of fabric are well structured to make it easy to fold or lay flat on the sofa or bed. It heated up evenly, but not as quickly or as hot as others on test, reaching 25.5C within 30 minutes and 34C after an hour.
It’s a shame that … the pink colourway may not be to everyone’s taste.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: L160 x W130cm
Number of heat settings: nine
Timer included: yes, up to nine hours
Running cost on maximum: 4p/hour (0.156kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 34C
Guarantee: two years
Machine washable: yes, up to 30C
Vonhaus
Pink heated throw blanket
from £37.99
What we love
Its silky finish and pretty pink hue
What we don’t love
It could be thicker
Best heated cushion:
Beurer HK48 cosy heated cushion
Beurer
HK48 cosy heated cushion
from £34.99
What we love
That it both props you up and heats you up
What we don’t love
The control panel is very basic
This heated cushion, made by German brand Beurer, would make an excellent gift.
Of its two sides, it’s the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fleecy fabric that warms up for a soothing effect; the other side is a breathable cotton with a removable pad inside. The cover is removable and machine washable on a gentle wool cycle at 30C, but it can only be cleaned up to 10 times in its lifespan. For an extra £9.99, replacement covers are available in five attractive colours, including green, red and orange.
Why we love it
An alternative option to your standard heated throw, this cushion provides a more targeted approach to warming and could work well for general pain relief. It comes with three heat settings, and felt great positioned near the lower back and under the neck, upper legs, knees and ankles.
The cushion was super-quick to heat, reaching 34C in 10 minutes, and a very warm 43.4C after an hour. It never really felt too hot, and the heat seemed to radiate to the sides nicely. The three heat settings are useful, but a timer alongside would have enhanced the design. That said, it does come with a 90-minute auto-shut-off feature.
It’s a shame that … the control panel isn’t a little more hi-tech, but it does the job effectively.
Sizes available: one
Dimensions: H40 x W30cm
Number of heat settings: three
Timer included: no, but it has 90-minute auto-switch off
Running cost on maximum: 0.6p/hour – less than 1p (0.023kWh)
Temperature after an hour: 43.4C
Guarantee: three years
Machine washable: the cover is machine washable at 30C wool cycle; the inner pad is not washable
Beurer
HK48 cosy heated cushion
from £34.99
What we love
That it both props you up and heats you up
What we don’t love
The control panel is very basic
The best of the rest
Slumberdown Elegantly Warm luxury heated throw
Slumberdown
Elegantly Warm luxury heated throw
from £27
What we love
It gets satisfyingly hot
What we don’t love
Its heat settings aren’t as intuitive as we’d like
Best for: those looking for a stylish, neutral colour
This heated throw looks elegant and feels luxurious – just as the name suggests. My review sample arrived in the Mole colourway, which will suit both modern and traditional interiors.
The blanket’s 10 heat settings allow for good control, although I found it difficult to “feel” a difference past heat setting six. The blanket reached a hot 31.9C after 10 minutes of being turned on; and while the borders didn’t get as warm, the heat did seem evenly distributed across the surface.
Made from polyester, the blanket is washable at 40C on a wool cycle, but it can only be air-dried.
It didn’t make the final cut because … when you turn it on, it starts at setting five. It would make more sense if it started at setting one.
Sizes available: one; dimensions: L160 x W130cm; number of heat settings: 10; timer included: yes, up to ten hours; running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.104kWh); temperature after an hour: 42.5C; guarantee: two years; machine washable: yes, up to 40C
Slumberdown
Elegantly Warm luxury heated throw
from £27
What we love
It gets satisfyingly hot
What we don’t love
Its heat settings aren’t as intuitive as we’d like
Snuggledown Intelligent Warmth
Snuggledown
Intelligent Warmth (king)
from £87.50
What we love
Each side can be controlled independently
What we don’t love
Its filling is polyester, which is less breathable
Best for: couples who share a bed and can’t agree on temperature
With a sustainable 180-thread-count pure cotton cover, the surface of this electric blanket is luxuriously soft and breathable, while the quilted finish adds extra padding and warmth to the mattress before the blanket is even turned on. The fastening straps for the corners and the blanket’s base material ensure a secure fit to the mattress.
Two control panels let you tailor each quarter of the mattress to suit your upper and lower body, so it’s a great option for bed sharers or those who like to keep their feet at a different temperature from the top half of their body. On the highest setting, the blanket radiated an even temperature that felt even warmer once I added my duvet.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it may have a pure cotton cover, but its filling is made from polyester.
Sizes available: single, double, king, super king; dimensions (king size): L200 x W150cm; number of heat settings: nine; timer included: yes, up to nine hours; running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.062kWh); temperature after an hour: 27.6C; guarantee: two years; machine washable: yes
Snuggledown
Intelligent Warmth (king)
from £87.50
What we love
Each side can be controlled independently
What we don’t love
Its filling is polyester, which is less breathable
Silentnight luxury heated throw
Silentnight
Luxury heated throw
from £41
What we love
It’s lightweight and heats evenly
What we don’t love
It’s not as thick as some of the throws we’ve tried
Best for: smaller sofas and people who don’t want to share
A simple control panel with nine heat settings adjust the temperature of this heated throw, which reached just over 33C after an hour of being plugged in. There’s no timer, but it turns off automatically after two hours, which should be more than long enough to warm you up.
The throw is thin and light, so it would be good for transitional seasons when the weather is a little warmer and you don’t want anything too heavy. The box says it costs 1p an hour to run on the lowest setting, which sounds about right – I measured it as 3p an hour on maximum.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s quite thin, meaning you can feel the wiring inside.
Sizes available: one; dimensions: L160 x W120cm; number of heat settings: nine; timer included: no, but two-hour automatic shut-off; running cost on maximum: 3p/hour (0.102kWh); temperature after an hour: 33.6C; guarantee: three years; machine washable: yes
Silentnight
Luxury heated throw
from £41
What we love
It’s lightweight and heats evenly
What we don’t love
It’s not as thick as some of the throws we’ve tried
Opera Flexi adjustable bed electric blanket
Opera
Flexi adjustable bed electric blanket (small double)
£354
What we love
It’s energy efficient and a good alternative to traditional wires
What we don’t love
It only comes in two sizes
Best for: heating an adjustable bed
Designed for use on all bed types, the Opera Flexi is a good shout for adjustable beds as it can move freely with the mattress. Unlike a standard electric blanket, there are no metal wires inside, which makes it a potentially safer and more flexible solution. Instead, it uses graphene technology to conduct heat, which is enhanced by body heat when in contact with the blanket. The heated graphene also emits far-infrared radiation (FIR), which claims to offer therapeutic warmth to benefit muscles, ease joints and promote restful sleep.
I don’t have an adjustable bed, but I tested a single version of this blanket on my standard pocket-sprung mattress to see how effective it was at heating. While I can’t prove it had any positive effect on my body or sleep, I did find the gentle warmth it emitted comforting. On the downside, it felt a little thicker and rustled more than other electric blankets I’ve tried: I could tell I was sleeping with something underneath me. I like that I couldn’t feel any wires through the sheets, though.
There are a lot of buttons on the control panel, but it allows you to heat the upper and lower parts of the blanket independently. It also comes with a flexible 12-hour timer for each section.
I found the blanket heated up slowly, but got warmer as the night went on and my body temperature rose. After 10 minutes, I didn’t notice much difference in heat, but after 30 minutes, it was measuring 25C, and rose to 29C after an hour. I like this slow and steady pace as I never felt as if I was overheating.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s pricey and only comes in a small single and small double. Its smart app is still in development.
Sizes available: small single, small double dimensions: L200cm x W75cm; number of heat settings: six; timer included: yes, up to 12 hours; running cost on maximum: 2p/hour (0.060kWh); temperature after an hour: 29C; warranty: three years; machine washable: no, top surface can be wiped clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth when disconnected from mains supply
Opera
Flexi adjustable bed electric blanket (small double)
£354
What we love
It’s energy efficient and a good alternative to traditional wires
What we don’t love
It only comes in two sizes
What you need to know
How much do electric blankets cost to run?
In my tests, the average king-size electric blanket costs 3p an hour to run. This shows that even if used for a few hours a day, it could cut down on your heating use and save you money over the year – depending on how much you spend on the blanket in the first place, of course.
“There are factors to consider when calculating the costs, as not all electric blankets are the same,” says John-Paul Drake, energy expert at Love Energy Savings. “Some come with timers, different heat settings and various efficiency ratings. But it could be wise to take advantage of both an electric blanket and a lower thermostat setting as an optimal way to save money on energy bills this winter.”
How much should you spend on an electric blanket?
Prices for an electric blanket range from about £30 to £140, depending on the size. Expect to pay anything from £20 to £150 for a heated throw.
Are electric blankets safe?
Electric blankets should be used with caution, and never by young babies and toddlers. Most manufacturers do not recommend use by young children, unless they’re supervised by an adult and have a clear understanding of how to use them safely. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use. Not always obvious on the box, but the latest electric blankets should have passed electrical safety checks. Look for safety marks such as “BEAB approved” (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) or “KEMA-KEUR safety tested” for peace of mind. For more advice on electric blanket safety, read this advice from London Fire Brigade.
Consider safety features such as an automatic switch-off timer that will turn off the blanket after a set time, or overheat protection, which switches off the device if it senses it’s getting too hot.
An electric blanket should fit securely on your mattress, starting just below the area beneath your pillow to stop your head from overheating. It shouldn’t be folded or creased, as this can damage the wiring inside. The safest place to leave your blanket when it’s not needed is flat on your bed.
Is my electric blanket compatible with my mattress?
Electric blankets are compatible with most mattresses, but can potentially cause damage to some mattresses made from memory foam or latex. “Memory foam mattresses are heat-sensitive, and there has been a concern in the past that they could soften too much when heated by an electric blanket, damaging the foam’s structure and reducing support,” says Chelsea Brown, lead product adviser at Opera Beds.
“Most modern electric blankets shouldn’t reach high enough temperatures for this to be an issue, but you should use them with caution. Memory foam is designed to mould to your body, so directly placing an electric blanket on top can also prevent the mattress from fitting your body snugly. Consider using a mattress topper under the electric blanket or keeping it on a low heat to prevent damage to your mattress.”
For more, read the best weighted blankets and the best electric heaters
Emily Peck is a lifestyle journalist who’s been writing and editing for more than two decades. She covers design and interiors, gardens, technology, wellbeing and fitness for various magazines and newspapers. She recently relocated from London to Dorset
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