As a bitter cold snap grips the nation, Britons are battling freezing temperatures with a surprisingly affordable solution: a microwavable 'hottie' that costs just 15p a week to run. With thermometers plunging to a staggering -12°C in parts of Scotland, the highest November chill in 15 years, and energy bills remaining high, households are urgently seeking ways to 'heat the human, not the home'.
Affordable Warmth Takes Centre Stage
The Online Home Shop (OHS) reports that its range of charming, microwavable warmers is 'flying off the virtual shelves'. Priced from as little as £5.50, these products offer a cost-effective alternative to cranking up the central heating, especially after Ofgem's October price cap hike. The brand's 'really cute' croissant-shaped hottie retails for £8.50, while the festive gingerbread man and a coffee cup version are available for just £5.50 each.
One delighted customer described the soft, teddy-textured gingerbread hottie as perfect for adding 'festive charm to your cosy moments'. The product description highlights its practicality: simply warm it in the microwave for gentle, soothing heat that helps ease tension and keeps you snug during the winter months.
More Winter Warmers Flying Off Shelves
The trend extends beyond personal warmers. OHS has also seen a surge in demand for other winter essentials. Following money-saving expert Martin Lewis's advice to use 'tactical curtains' to trap heat, the retailer's Thermal Blackout Curtains have been heavily discounted from £15 to just £6. One shopper praised their quality, stating they were 'better black out curtains than my last ones (which cost 4 times the price)'.
Furthermore, the brand has witnessed a 25% uplift in sales of fleece bedding. The £8 Teddy Fleece Reversible Duvet Cover Set has been hailed as life-changing, with one user claiming it is 'like having central heated bedding'. Another popular item, the Supersoft Hoodie Blanket, reduced to £9.50 from £19, is described as feeling like a 'fab cuddle' and a 'game changer' in the cold.
A Strategic Response to the Cost of Living
Ashley Furness, a trend expert at Online Home Shop, explained the company's strategy: 'We’ve expanded our Winter Warmers range because we know how important it is to give families the option to heat themselves, not their whole home. With heating bills on the rise, we’re slashing our prices to make our Winter Warmers accessible to as many people as possible.'
This approach directly addresses the financial pressures forcing many to reduce their energy consumption. With record-low temperatures recorded in Tomintoul, Scotland, as well as Swyddffynnon, Wales (-7.2°C) and Shap, Cumbria (-6.7°C), these affordable innovations are providing much-needed relief and warmth during an exceptionally harsh start to winter.
