Home appliance expert Zoe Griffin has tested 10 electric blankets and heated throws to find the best options for staying warm without relying on central heating. The review covers everything from budget buys to luxury faux fur designs, with prices ranging from £19 to £150.
With temperatures dropping and household bills rising, electric blankets offer a way to keep warm for pennies. Griffin, who works from home, tested each blanket for two weeks, assessing comfort, heat-up time, value for money, and temperature settings.
How the blankets were tested
Griffin used each blanket while working from home and in the evenings, noting how warm it kept her without switching on the central heating. She assessed comfort, how quickly each design warmed up, and the spread of heat. She also checked the softness of fabrics, whether heating wires were noticeable, and whether the blankets were large enough to tuck around her feet. Washing instructions, removable controllers, and practicality were also considered.
Top picks from the test
The Dreamland Cafe Collection heated blanket was named best overall, earning five stars for its super-soft fabric, five-minute heat-up time, and economical running costs. At £69.99, it uses 0.15 kW, working out to around 1p per hour.
The OHS extra long heated hoodie blanket was the best budget buy at £19, with a wearable design ideal for working from home. However, only the middle section heats up, and a separate power bank is required.
The Silentnight luxury heated throw was praised for its soft fleece and nine heat settings, while the Beurer HD75 was highlighted for its eco-friendly design, made from 100 per cent recycled fabric. The Bedsure bubble throw was the best oversized option at 180 x 200cm, and the VonHaus heated throw was the quickest to heat up, working in just two minutes.
Safety and running costs
Heated blankets work by passing electricity through insulated heating wires sewn into the fabric. Most modern models have timers and overheating protection. According to Electrical Safety First, users should never use a heated blanket with exposed wires, scorch marks, or a damaged power cable, and should avoid using one while folded or heavily creased.
Many heated blankets use around 100–160W of electricity at maximum power, considerably less than a typical portable electric heater. Actual running costs depend on the wattage, heat setting, and electricity tariff.
