B&M is selling a heated throw that costs about 2p per hour to run, offering an affordable way to keep your entire body warm at home without switching on the central heating. The price cap increased at the start of October, pushing up energy bills for the average UK household, and with colder weather and darker evenings arriving, many people are looking for cost-effective ways to stay warm indoors.
Affordable warmth with the Cosy Shop Waffle Heated Throw
B&M is offering the Cosy Shop Waffle Heated Throw for £35 in mink, brown or charcoal. The product description reads: "There's nothing like a cosy night in. This Waffle Heated Throw is the perfect snuggle companion for cold, winter nights. Heat yourself, not your home."
Key features include a digital remote control, nine heat settings, therapeutic warmth, a two-hour auto shut off, ultra thin wire for added comfort, an extra long power cord, and it is machine washable and thermal. The throw measures 120 x 160cm and typically operates between 60 and 100 watts at maximum output. Under the standard UK electricity price cap, this translates to mere pennies for localised warmth.
Cost comparison: heated throw vs central heating
Because it costs about 2p an hour to run, using it for six hours a day would cost only 12p. In comparison, running a standard gas central heating system costs around £1.40 to £1.60 an hour if the boiler runs continuously at maximum output, which adds up to nearly £9 for the same six-hour period. Switching to a heated blanket while sitting on the sofa or working at a desk can slash daily heating costs by over 90%.
Martin Lewis and his MoneySavingExpert website recommend using an electric blanket or heated throw as part of their "heat the person, not the home" strategy, noting that it costs only a few pence an hour to run compared to central heating.
Potential downsides of relying on a heated blanket
While the financial savings are significant, relying entirely on a heated blanket without ever using central heating does have downsides. The warmth is trapped under the blanket, so the rest of the house will feel cold when you get up to go to the kitchen or bathroom. Leaving a house completely unheated during winter can also harm the building itself, as moisture can settle on walls without warm air to dry the property, leading to damp and mould. If the indoor temperature drops too low, there is also a risk of water pipes freezing and bursting.
