With a sharp drop in temperatures across the UK, many households are facing a familiar dilemma: how to stay warm without facing astronomical energy bills. As thermostats remain off for fear of the cost, one affordable solution is gaining significant attention.
The 1p Per Hour Solution
Senior Lifestyle Reporter Angela Patrone decided to put the hype to the test, forgoing her central heating to trial the Morphy Richards EverCosy Large Fleece Electric Heated Throw. Priced at £89.99, this large 200cm x 180cm blanket promises warmth for less than 1p an hour to run.
This represents a staggering saving compared to central heating. According to consumer watchdog Which?, heating an entire home costs approximately £1.68 per hour. Over an eight-hour day, that could total around £13, meaning the heated blanket could pay for itself relatively quickly if used regularly instead of the main heating system.
Putting the Cosy Claim to the Test
The blanket itself is a dual-sided teddy fleece throw, with one side featuring a plush material and the other a soft, velvety flannel fleece. Even without being switched on, the material provides substantial warmth, making it a cosy item in its own right.
Operation is simple via a detachable remote control. It features a dial to adjust between nine temperature settings and a nine-hour timer. For safety, it includes overheat protection, which will automatically switch the blanket off if necessary.
In a real-world test after a cold, wet morning walk, the reporter cranked the blanket to its highest setting. The result? She reported feeling genuinely warm within just 10 minutes. Even the lowest heat setting provided a subtle but noticeable boost in warmth.
How It Stacks Up Against The Competition
The Morphy Richards blanket is not the only option on the market. For those seeking a smaller, cheaper alternative, the Silentnight Luxury Super Cosy Heated Throw is available for £60. Dunelm also offers an Electric Throw for £75, though its running cost is slightly higher at 3p per hour.
A potential drawback of the Morphy Richards model is its limited colour palette, which is currently restricted to green, mocha, and navy. The blanket is, however, machine washable once the remote control is detached.
For Britons keen to keep a lid on energy costs while staying warm during the winter chill, a heated electric blanket could be a game-changing investment, offering targeted warmth for a fraction of the price of central heating.
