Aaspect from hugging a fluffy hot-water bottle, sipping the Christmas whisky and ramping up the thermostat, an electrical blanket or heated throw is one of the simplest ways to keep off the winter chill. Greater than half of a typical family’s gasoline payments goes on heating and scorching water, so discovering alternative routes to maintain heat – and heating the particular person, somewhat than the entire residence – is all the time a good suggestion.
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Most of the greatest electrical blankets and heated throws price about 2p to 3p an hour to run, so it’s laborious to disregard their potential energy- and money-saving advantages.
Whereas electrical blankets are perfect for utilizing in your mattress, heated throws are higher for snuggling on the couch. They’re sensible but additionally look good, with tactile finishes in supplies equivalent to bamboo and pure cotton. Essentially the most handy electrical blankets even have timers and auto-shut-off options for peace of thoughts, and twin management panels to maintain each side of the mattress comfortable.
I used to be tasked with sleeping on the job to seek out out which was greatest, testing the most well-liked electrical blankets and heated throws from well-known homeware manufacturers equivalent to Silentnight, Slumberdown, Fogarty and Goals. Listed here are my prime 9 picks.
At a look
Why you need to belief me
I’ve been a way of life journalist for magazines and newspapers for greater than 20 years. Through the years, I’ve completely examined every part from breadmakers and bedding to beehives and biscuits – fortunately not all on the similar time.
Recently, I’ve specialised in bedding, testing quite a few mattresses, pillows, weighted blankets and mattress linen, so I do know what makes for an honest night time’s sleep. Testing electrical blankets was the logical subsequent step.
No matter I’m testing, I’ll discover sensible and helpful methods to scrupulously measure the worth of the product and dig deep to transcend the advertising jargon.
How I examined
With no Cern-grade laboratory at my disposal, I examined 13 of the most well-liked electrical blankets and throws at residence. In mattress. In my pyjamas. I wished to evaluate how luxurious every blanket and throw felt whereas sleeping or resting, and the way sturdy and well-made they have been. In spite of everything, you need a blanket to really feel snug and tender to the contact, which you’ll solely actually check by utilizing them in actual life.
I measured how scorching every blanket received and the way rapidly – I’ve zero endurance when chilly, so fast and environment friendly heating is essential. Utilizing an infrared thermometer, I examined the temperatures on the best settings at 10 minutes, half-hour and an hour after being switched on. The load of your quilt and room temperature can have an effect on the temperature of electrical blankets, so I stored issues truthful by utilizing all the electrical blankets on the identical mattress, and all of the heated throws on the identical couch, with a constant room temperature of 18C.
Nobody needs a scorching again and frosty ft, so I measured how evenly every blanket heated up by taking temperature readings at three totally different factors after an hour on full energy. I additionally used a plug-in energy consumption meter to find out every blanket’s hourly working price based mostly on the Ofgem value cap of 26.35p a kWh.
Though I examined 13 electrical blankets and heated throws, I’ve included solely the best-performing designs right here. Some manufacturers didn’t need the merchandise I had examined returned, so these might be donated to Hope for Meals – a Bournemouth-based charity supporting native households in want.
The perfect electrical blankets and heated throws in 2025
Greatest electrical blanket general:Fogarty Splendidly Heat
This Fogarty blanket has a beneficiant 9 warmth settings and a one- to nine-hour timer. The tender fleece cowl has a thermally bonded fibre wadding filling, giving it an opulent really feel, and its cushioned floor provides an additional layer of consolation.
Why we love itDual controls imply it’s straightforward to regulate the temperature on both sides of the mattress independently. You may have each side on the identical setting, one aspect on and the opposite off, or each side set at totally different temperatures – in order that’s one much less factor to argue about along with your different half.
Heating up the king-size I used to be testing left that is as that is what she examined and all of the timings and many others took just a little longer than anticipated, however my mattress felt comfortably heat after an hour. The utmost setting was greater than scorching sufficient, so I opted for a cooler setting for an hour earlier than mattress. I like that this blanket has a nine-hour timer in an effort to set and overlook it.
It’s a disgrace that … the edges of the blanket don’t warmth up as successfully as the center.
Sizes out there: single, double, king (at present unavailable) Dimensions (double): L150cm x W120cmNumber of warmth settings: nineTimer included: sure, one to 9 hoursRunning price on most (king measurement): 2p/hour (0.056kWh) Temperature after an hour: 27.1CGuarantee: two yearsMachine washable: sure
Greatest funds electrical blanket: Slumberdown Sleepy Nights
Beneficiant straps for straightforward positioning and three adjustable warmth settings make this electrical blanket a great funds purchase. It is available in six sizes, may be machine-washed for straightforward upkeep and has a two-year assure.
Why we love itThis microfibre blanket feels tender in opposition to the pores and skin and was easy to arrange – bonus factors have been awarded for the lengthy wire that might simply attain the closest plug socket.
The blanket’s fitted straps are prolonged and elasticated, so I didn’t should wrestle an excessive amount of with the corners of my thick Sealy mattress to place it securely, plus it stayed in place properly.
The blanket is highly effective, too, heating as much as 22.1C in simply 10 minutes and 25C in half-hour. After an hour on its highest setting, it reached a snug 29.5C – greater than sufficient warmth for me.
After I measured the temperature throughout the blanket, I discovered it was hotter within the center than on the edges. Nonetheless, I didn’t discover any chilly spots when my quilt was on prime, trapping within the warmth.
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t have a timer. The producer suggests leaving this blanket on its lowest setting if you wish to preserve it on all night time.
Sizes out there: small single, single, small double, double, king, tremendous kingDimensions (king measurement): L150 x W142cmNumber of warmth settings: three Timer included: noRunning price on most: 3p/hour (0.094kWh)Temperature after an hour: 29.5C Assure: two yearsMachine washable: sure
Greatest quilted electrical blanket: Dreamland Pure Consolation bamboo underblanket
The king-size model of this underblanket has twin management panels for working both sides independently. There are six warmth settings to select from, and three timer choices for one, three or 9 hours.
Why we love itThe blanket heated up surprisingly rapidly, reaching 22C in its centre after simply 10 minutes. Inside an hour, temperatures had risen to a snuggly 32C. The center and finish of the blanket get scorching, however the prime part stays cool to the contact, working properly for underneath your head.
It prices just a little greater than your common electrical blanket, however I really like the high-end quilted bamboo end. It has a polyester filling (as with many different electrical blankets), however the bamboo material feels tender and has the pure good thing about being breathable. The management panels on both aspect have been straightforward to navigate, too, even after I was sleepy-eyed.
It’s a disgrace that … there aren’t any timer choices between three and 9 hours.
Sizes out there: single, double, king, tremendous kingDimensions (king measurement): L200 x W150cmNumber of warmth settings: sixTimer included: sure, one, three or 9 hoursRunning price on most: 3p/hour (0.129kWh)Temperature after an hour: 32.2CGuarantee: three yearsMachine washable: sure
Greatest heated throw general: Beurer heated snuggle blanket
Ultimate for the couch, this Beurer blanket has a really tender and opulent fleece end. Its six warmth settings are all adjustable through the central management panel. I attempted the XXL design – just a little outsized on my three-seater couch, however supreme for sharing comfortably with one other particular person. It additionally is available in a smaller 180 x 130cm measurement.
Why we love itThe floor of this heated blanket is splendidly tender to the touch, so it was straightforward to get cosy beneath it whereas on the couch watching Strictly. Its construction feels padded sufficient to disguise the heating parts contained in the blanket – not one thing that may be stated of all heated blankets.
The blanket heated up quick: it reached temperatures within the low 20s in simply 10 minutes, but it used surprisingly little vitality. After an hour, it felt extremely popular, so I turned it right down to setting two, which was a extra snug warmth. I like that you may change on this blanket and overlook about it, due to its three-hour automated switch-off timer.
It’s a disgrace that … it didn’t warmth up as evenly as I might have preferred. Whereas the center was heat, sections across the edges didn’t really feel it in any respect. Which will create an issue if the particular person beside you on the couch is making an attempt to hog the blanket.
Sizes out there: small, largeDimensions (massive): L200 x W150cm Variety of warmth settings: sixTimer included: three-hour automated switch-offRunning price on most: 2p/hour (0.055kWh)Temperature after an hour: 32.2CGuarantee: three yearsMachine washable: sure
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Greatest funds heated throw:Dunelm fleece electrical throw
This clean fleece blanket is available in three engaging colors – taupe, charcoal and navy – to match most impartial decor schemes. A handheld digital LED controller means that you can flick between its six warmth ranges.
Why we love itFor lower than £35, this heated throw is sweet worth – and at this value, you may even purchase it as a present for buddies or household. The deep navy color appears nice on my couch, and the blanket feels pretty to the touch. Whereas it’s not the fluffiest heated throw I’ve examined, I like that it’s not too thick or heavy. Its measurement is ideal for one particular person – and can nearly squeeze two individuals when you’re prepared to snuggle up shut.
The blanket warmed up steadily, and the temperature it reached was snug. After 10 minutes on its full warmth setting, I measured it at 19.7C in its centre. After an hour on full energy, the blanket rose to 40.3C. The warmth wasn’t notably evenly distributed, however that didn’t make a lot distinction to the general feeling of heat the blanket supplied.
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t have a timer, aside from a four-hour automated shut-off, however you’ll have to be sure to change it off utilizing the controller and on the plug after use.
Sizes out there: oneDimensions: L130 x W160cm Variety of warmth settings: sixTimer included: no, however automated shut-off after 4 hoursRunning price on most: 3p/hour (0.1kWh)Temperature after an hour: 40.3CGuarantee: one yearMachine washable: sure
Greatest heated quilt: Dreamland Love Mornings heated quilt
Dreamland has such a variety of heated bedding merchandise out there that it’s laborious to decide on which one to go for (I even have my eye on the model’s electrical warmth pads for particular areas, together with your ft, neck, again and fingers).
Having tried the underblanket (as reviewed above), I used to be eager to see how this heated quilt compares. Just like the underblanket, the quilt is machine cleanable as soon as the controller has been eliminated, so it’s straightforward to maintain clear, and it can be tumble dried.
Why we love itI was immediately impressed by the tidy stitching and clean end of this heated quilt, which is full of polyester and has a 100% cotton cowl. With an October chill within the air, I arrange the quilt on my mattress underneath a breathable cotton Nectar quilt cowl.
The twin controls lead out the tip of the quilt in an effort to run them up the aspect of the mattress to plug in. This implies your quilt cowl may be buttoned up, however you received’t have the ability to use one with a zipper.
The quilt is supposed to warmth up in 5 minutes, and whereas it was barely heat after a couple of minutes, I did should go trying to find the hotter spots throughout my assessments. I like that it doesn’t get scorching scorching too rapidly, although. After 10 minutes on the best setting, I measured the temperature within the center at 26.6C, and after an hour it was 36.3C, which felt snug however in all probability isn’t a warmth I’d wish to sleep with all night time (as with all electrical bedding, it’s advisable to show it off on the plug when you’ve used it anyway).
Both sides may be heated independently, due to the twin controls. This labored properly for my associate and me, that means I might blast the warmth on my aspect whereas he, who prefers cooler climes, didn’t have to have it on in any respect. The quilt has a timer for as much as 9 hours, however I’d be inclined to place it on for an hour, simply to take off the winter chill, after which flip it off all through the night time.
It’s a disgrace that … it doesn’t include a canopy included within the pack. Additionally, whereas having the warmth filter down from the quilt above me felt cosy, on a very chilly night time, I favor the warmth from an electrical blanket beneath.
Sizes out there: single, double, king measurement Dimensions (king measurement): L225 x W220cmNumber of warmth settings: six Timer included: sure, one, three and 9 hoursRunning price on most: 5p/hour (0.101kWh a aspect)Temperature after an hour: 36.3CGuarantee: two years Mechanically cleanable: sure
The perfect of the remainder
Snuggledown Clever Heat
Greatest for: {couples} who share a mattress and may’t agree on temperature
With a sustainable 180-thread-count pure cotton cowl, the floor of this electrical blanket is luxuriously tender and breathable, wicking away moisture to maintain it feeling contemporary.
The quilted end added further padding and heat to my mattress earlier than the blanket was even turned on. It has fastening straps for the corners, and the blanket’s base materials sat securely with out sliding round an excessive amount of.
The 2 management panels allow you to tailor every quarter of the mattress to fit your higher and decrease physique, so it’s an important choice for mattress sharers or those that wish to preserve their ft at a distinct temperature from the highest half of their physique. On the best setting, the blanket produced a properly even temperature that felt even hotter as soon as I added my quilt.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it could have a pure cotton cowl, however its filling is comprised of polyester.
Sizes out there: single, double, king, tremendous king; dimensions (king measurement): L200 x W150cm; variety of warmth settings: 9; timer included: sure, as much as 9 hours; working price on most: 2p/hour (0.062kWh); temperature after an hour: 27.6C; assure: two years; machine cleanable: sure
Goals Luxurious quilted heated blanket
Greatest for: these with allergy symptoms
There’s a lot to love about this electrical blanket, from its pure cotton, clean quilted end to its unbiased twin management panels. What units it aside from the remainder is that it comes with an anti-allergy coating, which is reassuring as a result of I’m allergic to mud mites.
Every management panel has a timer that may be set to change off after as much as 9 hours, nevertheless it heats up extremely rapidly, so I discovered that one hour of warmth was greater than sufficient at bedtime. You may management every quarter of the blanket independently, as with the Snuggledown above.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it didn’t warmth up as evenly as I’d like, though it felt nice with my quilt on prime.
Sizes out there: double, king; dimensions (king measurement): L200 x W150cm; variety of warmth settings: 9; timer included: sure, as much as 9 hours; working price on most: 2p/hour (0.064kWh); temperature after an hour: 29.3C; assure: one 12 months; machine cleanable: sure
Silentnight luxurious heated throw
Greatest for: smaller sofas and individuals who don’t wish to share
A easy management panel adjusts this heated throw, which has 9 warmth settings. It additionally heats up rapidly and reached simply over 33C after an hour. There’s no timer, nevertheless it turns off mechanically after two hours, which must be greater than sufficient to heat you up.
The throw is sort of skinny and lightweight, so it might be good for transitional seasons when the climate is just a little hotter and also you don’t need something too heavy. The field says it prices 1p an hour to run on the bottom setting, which sounds about proper – I measured it as 3p an hour on most.
It didn’t make the ultimate lower as a result of … it’s fairly skinny, that means you may really feel the wiring inside.
Sizes out there: one; dimensions: L160 x W120cm; variety of warmth settings: 9; timer included: no, however two-hour automated shut-off; working price on most: 3p/hour (0.102kWh); temperature after an hour: 33.6C; assure: three years; machine cleanable: sure
What you could know
How a lot do electrical blankets price to run?
The typical king-size electrical blanket price 3p an hour to run in my assessments. If used for just a few hours a day, it might lower down in your heating use and prevent cash over the 12 months – relying on how a lot you spend on the blanket within the first place, in fact.
“There are elements to contemplate when calculating the prices, as not all electrical blankets are the identical,” says John-Paul Drake, vitality skilled at Love Power Financial savings. “Some include timers, totally different warmth settings and numerous effectivity scores. But it surely may very well be smart to make the most of each an electrical blanket and a decrease thermostat setting as an optimum means to economize on vitality payments this winter.”
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