Best electric blankets to keep you cosy this winter

Save on your heating bill while still being warm and cosy this winter.

best electric blankets

by Rosie Floyd |
Updated on

We can all agree that there’s nothing worse than feeling cold in your own home, which is why the think the best electric blankets will be your best friends this season. You can snuggle up underneath them on the sofa and put them on your bed with all the bed linen and pillows to make your night’s sleep as toasty as possible.

With the rising cost of living, many of us are turning to alternative ways to stay warm during winter to reduce on the amount we’re spending on energy, such as wearing hooded blankets around the house and popping a fleece bedding set on for extra warmth at night. However, getting cosy underneath the best electric blankets can work out cheaper than sticking the heating on for the same period of time, helping you to cut back on heating bills.

Best electric blankets at a glance:

• Best electric blanket overall: Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric Blanket – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best heated over-blanket: OHS Electric Heated Fleece Over Blanket – Buy now on Online Home Shop
• Best value for money king-size electric blanket: Vonhaus King Size Electric Blanket – Buy now on Vonhaus

As well as being an energy-efficient way of keeping warm, the best electric blankets also offer customisable heat levels so you can tailor the temperature to your preference. This level of customisation means you can crank up the heat when you’re feeling the chill compared to other people in your home, so you’re only heating up the area where you need extra warmth. These great blankets can also offer pain relief as the gentle warmth can help to relieve muscle tension and soothe any aches and pains you may have.

Whether you need a helping hand to stay warm at night, want to avoid switching the heating on, need some gentle pain relief or simply want to get cosy as you relax in the evenings, we’ve rounded up all the best electric blankets that will keep you warm and cosy throughout the cold spells.

Plus, if you're looking for a bargain, check out our guide on the best electric blanket deals.

Best electric blankets

Best electric blanket overall

Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric BlanketSlumberdown

This Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric Blanket has nine different heat settings to warm you up. We particularly love this blanket because you can choose to heat your toes only, which is one of the reasons why it's taken the top spot in our best electric blanket list. Also, if you share a bed, you and your partner can adjust each side separately—ideal if you're next to a hot sleeper!

The electric blanket securely fits the mattress and is suitable for all-night use. It also has an automatic shut-off and timer feature. It's machine washable and tumble dryer safe. Additionally, it costs just 1p an hour to run and claims to be 10x more cost-effective than central heating.

Customers highly praise this electric blanket, saying it was worth the money. It has large coverage, compared to cheaper alternatives, and the straps hold it in place very well. So comment that they would have liked a longer cable to the control switch, but this is minor. Several customers use a smart plug to turn their blanket on and off, which means they can pre-heat their bed and don't have to reach outside the bed to switch it off.

Pros

  • Foot zone heating function, specifically heats your toes
  • Nine heat settings offers customisable warmth
  • Dual controls to heat each side of the bed separately
  • Costs just 1p an hour to run, making it more cost effective than central heating

Cons

  • Some customers found the control switch cable too short
Sizes available:Single, Double, King Size, Super King

Tested

Best heated over-blanket

Natalie Knowles/OHS

This flannel fleece over blanket looks great and provides cosy warmth; perfect for watching TV or working from home. This ultra-soft fleece is available in four stylish colours and costs less than £45. With 85W power, it's a much more energy-efficient way to keep warm than central heating.

Reviewed by Commercial Content Writer Natalie Knowles: "This heated fleece has been a game-changer for keeping warm and managing my chronic neck and shoulder pain that's from a long-standing injury. This wonderfully soft blanket provides a gentle heat, and the blanket can be wrapped snuggly around the body. It's just the right size for one person and heats more of the body than a hot water bottle.

"It's not just me that thinks it's great; other customers have commented that they use their heated blanket as a therapeutic aid for relieving their osteoarthritis. It's the kind of heat that soothes aching joints and tight muscles.

"The plastic controller and power cable may be a little conspicuous at first, but you quickly get used to them, and the blanket becomes an indispensable winter warmer. I can't recommend it enough for warming the body and pain relief.

"I'm so pleased with it that I'm going to buy another one for my elderly father, who spends his afternoons reading in his armchair."

Pros

  • Single controller with 9 heat settings and a timer between 1-9 hours
  • Safety overheat protection
  • Detachable cord for easy washing
  • Quick heat-up time and provides a gentle, therapeutic heat

Cons

  • The controller and power cable can feel a little conspicuous at first
Size:130 x 160cm
  • Detachable power cord and controller
  • Machine wash at 30°C and air dry
  • 100% polyester

Tested

Best value for money king-size electric blanket

Vonhaus
Price: $42.99 (was £44.99)

www.vonhaus.com

At less than £50, the Vonhaus King Size Electric Blanket offers dual heat controls, three heat settings and an easy-to-wash fleecy material. Additionally, it has overheat protection so it automatically switches off if it gets too hot.

Reviewed by Commercial Content Writer, Natalie Knowles: "Compared to previous electric blankets I've had, this is really fleecy and soft. It heats up fast and has three temperature settings. I can't feel the wires at all. It has dual controls so that the temperature can be adjusted from each side of the bed. You can choose the ideal heat level for your side of the bed.

"The electric blanket is a doddle to use, and it fits securely on the bed with elasticated bands. The only quibble is that some people find the plastic power connector is close to their face, and they come into contact with it. I've turned my blanket the other way up so the connectors are at the foot of the bed, and I operate it with my phone and a smart plug.

"I have fallen asleep with my electric blanket turned on before, and knowing how dangerous this is, I've now set this one up with a timer using a smart plug. It's easy to create a routine in the Alexa app."

Pros

  • Great value for money, under £50 for a king-size electric blanket
  • Separate heat controls for each side of the bed
  • Heats up fast and has three heat settings
  • Cosy fleece material is comfortable and easy to wash
  • Secure fit and stays in place with elasticated bands

Cons

  • No timer, so use a smart plug if you want to set a routine
  • The plastic power connector can be uncomfortably close to the face for some users
Size:200cm x 150cm
  • Machine washable at 30°C and air dry
  • Overheat protection so it automatically turns off
  • Easy to secure corner ties that keep it in place

Tested

Best luxury heated throw

Natalie Knowles/Dreamland
Price: $89.99 (was £109.99)

Create your own blissful microclimate of warmth with the Dreamland Hygge Days Alaskan Husky Throw. It is sumptuously thick faux fur that is luxurious to the touch. Whether you're snuggling or cocooning, this deluxe electric throw is the perfect touch of decadence and comfort. It takes just five minutes to heat up and has six heating functions.

Intelliheat gives you just the right amount of warmth. It has five layers of ultra-thin heating sensor wire built into the blanket, detecting the temperature 25 times per second and automatically regulating warmth. This is also a safety feature, stopping the blanket from overheating. In addition, this constant monitoring means it consumes energy efficiently and doesn't cost much to run.

Reviewed by Commercial Content Writer, Natalie Knowles: "I instantly fell in love with this heated throw. It is incredibly soft and tactile, not to mention warm without even switching it on! The fur has a golden hue to it; it's equally decorative and functional. It's reassuringly heavy, like a weighted blanket, perfect for snuggling up with a book.

"The power cable is long, so you can use it around the home to keep you cosy when you're reading in an armchair or to use it as a throw on your bed.

"The control is easy to use, with a large power button and smaller buttons for temperature and timer. It's the most intuitive control I've used, and I like that the timer can be set for 1 hour, 3 hours, or 9 hours, and it auto shuts off.

"When you detach the power cable, the connector is stiff. I'm reasonably strong, but I did struggle to press the release buttons to disconnect it. The only reason you would need to detach it was if you would wash the throw."

"All-in-all, I highly recommend this Dreamland heated throw for its warmth, ease-of-use and luxurious feel."

Pros

  • Luxury faux fur that feels incredibly warming and has a golden hue – decadent and cosy
  • Takes just five minutes to heat with six temperature settings to choose
  • Very easy to use controls to set the temperature and timer
  • Low energy consumption, making it cost-effective to run
  • It has a reassuringly heavy, weighted blanket feel, perfect for snuggling
  • Long power cable offers flexibility to use around the home

Cons

  • Stiff power cable connector: The release buttons can be difficult to press when detaching the cable
  • While cosy for most, the weight might be too much for some users
Sizes available:Large 120 x 160cm
  • Two-year guarantee
  • Machine washable at 30°C and tumble dryer-safe
  • Intelliheat technology monitors and regulates the temperature 25 times per second for safety and efficiency

Best budget electric blanket

Silentnight Comfort Control Electric BlanketSilentnight

If you get cold while you sleep, the Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket will help you stay warm. It's designed to work like a mattress topper. You attach it to your mattress using the straps and heat it using the easy remote with three heat settings. You can also easily switch it off via the remote or a smart plug when you feel toasty enough.

This Amazon's Choice recommended electric blanket is great value for money and is a simple, no-fuss way to evenly heat a bed. Customers praise this Silentnight electric blanket for its short heat-up time, effective heat and ease of running. The only negative that some customers have commented on is that it doesn't reach the foot of the bed, so if you are tall, your feet may still be cold.

Pros

  • Heats up fast and has three heat settings for customisable warmth
  • Amazon's Choice recommended, value for money and cheap running cost
  • Good quality and simple to use remote control
  • The mattress topper design attaches securely with straps for a snug fit an evenly distributes heat across the bed

Cons

  • Doesn't reach the foot of the bed, which may leave taller users with cold feet
  • Fewer advanced options than other blankets with more heat settings or advanced controls
Sizes available:Single, Double, King, Super King

Best electric blanket for couples

Ideal for couples who can't agree on how warm or cold they are, the Silentnight Dual Control Electric Blanket can be controlled using individual remotes, so each side suits your personal comfort level. It has three heat settings on each side, and the blanket itself is warm and soft to the touch, so you can both enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. It is also washing machine safe at a low temperature.

Reviews across the web praise this electric blanket for its dual controls, which is ideal if you sleep next to someone with a different body temperature. It has a running cost of just 1p per hour, so it's an effective way to keep warm without racking up the heating bills.

Additionally, this Silentnight electric blanket has overheat protection, easy-fit straps and three heat settings.

Pros

  • Dual control to set the temperature for each side of the bed
  • Super snug fleecy feel to enhance your comfort
  • Super low running cost to stay warm at night during winter, reducing heating bills
  • Three heat settings per side allows for customisable warmth on each side of the bed

Cons

  • Slightly higher price-point than others
Sizes available:Double, King, Super King
  • Overheat protection ensures safety by automatically shutting off if the blanket gets too hot
  • Machine washable at low temperatures

Easiest to use electric blanket

Dreamcatcher Electric Heated BlanketDreamcatcher
Price: $20.95

This Cozytek Single Electric Blanket is straightforward to use. It features a simple-to-use LED controller with a switch to turn it on and off and set the three temperature levels. It has a fast heat-up time and comes complete with secure ties. You can securely fasten it to your bed. Once the controller has been detached, it can be popped into the washing machine on a 40°C cycle. It costs just 1p per hour to run and is available in single, double and king-size.

Customer reviews indicate that it takes about 20 minutes to fully warm a bed on the highest setting. It attaches to the bed with ribbons rather than elasticated straps. While it's an easy-to-use and value for money electric blanket, the reviews suggest that it doesn't have the best longevity.

Pros

  • Easy to use LED controller with easy on/off switch and three heat settings
  • Affordable and costs just 1p per hour to run
  • Warms the bed quickly, with full warmth in about 20 minutes on the highest setting

Cons

  • May not be as secure or easy to fasten as blankets with elasticated straps
  • Some customer reviews mention long-term durability issues
Sizes available:Single, Double, King, Super King
  • Machine wash up to 40°C

Best electric blanket for softness

Monogram by Beurer Komfort Heated Mattress CoverBeurer Komfort

This Monogram by Beurer Komfort Heated Mattress Cover has a soft and cosy fleece fabric and six electronically regulated temperature settings, so you should reach your ideal warmth level in around eight minutes. It's available in single, double single, double dual, king, and super king dual sizes, which means there are sizes to fit many bed types and the option to choose whether you would like a single or dual temperature control. The deep, elastic skirt for a non-slip fit and fits a standard UK mattress like a glove. The soft fleece finish that's Oeko-Tex 100 standard and kind on sensitive skin.

Customer reviews praise this electric blanket for being warm and cosy. They like that the heating element is largely undetectable. It heats up fast, and the dual controls are ideal if you sleep next to a partner who prefers a different temperature. Importantly, the elasticated skirt is deep and securely fits onto a mattress. In short, while it is expensive, customers say it's worth the price point.

Pros

  • Deep elastic skirt provides a secure, non-slip fit, covering the mattress snugly
  • Undetectable heating elements comfortable is lie on without feeling the wires
  • Warm and cosy in just eight minutes
  • Dual control option is ideal for couples, allowing each person to set their preferred temperature
  • High customer satisfaction: Praised for warmth, comfort, and secure fit

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to other electric blankets
Sizes available:Single, Double Single, Double Dual, King, Super King Dual
  • BSS overheat protection system
  • Machine washable at 30°C
  • Oeko-Tex 100 standard material, making it safe for sensitive skin

Best electric underblanket

Double Dual Control Dreamland Scandi Heated Sherpa Underblanket Full BedLakeland

This Dreamland Hunker Down Scandi Sherpa Warmer covers the entire mattress, even covering over the edges, making it ideal if your feet often poke out the edge. It's double-sided, super snug and warms up in just five minutes. Intelliheat+ technology responds to temperature changes as you sleep, so as you warm up, it cools down and vice versa. It also has dual control, so it's perfect for couples; plus, there are six temperature settings to customise the heat. In addition, this luxurious under blanket costs 5p per hour to run.

Customer reviews praise its softness and fast heat-up. One review compares its thickness to having a whole new mattress. The Sherpa material is warm, and the blanket is not switched on. It is a higher price-point than other under blankets, but the quality and comfort are worth it.

Pros

  • Intelliheat+ automatically adjusts the temperature based on your body heat for optimal comfort
  • Dual control allows each side of the bed to be independently controlled, perfect for couples
  • Double-sided Sherpa material is super soft and snug even when the blanket isn’t switched on
  • Warms up in just five minutes
  • Covers the entire mattress, including the edges, making it ideal for those whose feet poke out

Cons

  • More expensive compared to other electric blankets
Sizes available:190 x 137cm
  • Machine washable and tumble dryer safe

Tested

Best cosy heated throw

Dreamland Velvety Electric Heated ThrowDreamland
Price: $84.99 (was £109.99)

www.lakeland.co.uk

Measuring 135 x 180cm, this stylish throw in grey and red check combines aesthetics with functionality. The sumptuous velvety fabric provides a luxurious feel, while the electric heating ensures cosy warmth on demand. With multiple heat settings and a user-friendly controller, it's perfect for snuggling up during colder evenings. The elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to your space, making this heated throw a must-have.

Reviewed by Features and Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert: "The look of this heated throw adds a real country vibe to your home. It's roomy enough for my whole family and the soft and fleecy side is so snuggly you won't want to leave it!"

Pros

  • Sumptuous velvety material provides a soft, cosy feel and stylish design adds a country vibe
  • Measuring 135 x 180cm, it's spacious enough for snuggling with family or spreading across a couch or bed
  • Multiple heat settings allow for customisable warmth levels

Cons

  • Only one size and style is available
Sizes available:135 x 180cm
vonhaus-electric-blanket
©Vonhaus

Best electric blanket FAQs

Ways to save money with an electric blanket

It might be clear to see how cheap it is to run an electric blanket, but there are some important things to keep in mind if you do decide to get one.

• Consider your heat settings - the higher the temperature setting, the more energy you consume. If your blanket comes with the option to have different heat settings, be sure to use just enough heat to stay warm without overdoing it and decrease when needed. It's also a good idea to start it on the lowest heat setting when you first use it. It could surprise you how little heat you need.
• Use your timer - some blankets come with a timer. This allows you to run it for an hour when you go to bed for the time you fall asleep so you're not running it all night.
• Spot heat - if your blanket is a double blanket or can be heated in certain parts only, it's a good idea to use this feature. This way, you're only using energy to heat up the part of the blanket you need rather than wasting energy on the whole thing.

How do you take care of an electric blanket?

Hayley Thistleton, sleep expert at SleepSeeker has shared her top tips for keeping your electric blanket in perfect condition.

Wash semi-regularly: You should wash your electric blanket approximately every few weeks - once a month or whenever the blanket gets dirty. Firstly, you should check the tag to see the manufacturer's cleaning advice and follow this. If the washing machine safe symbol is listed, you should ensure the blanket is unplugged and wash on a gentle cycle in cool to warm water using a mild detergent. Let the machine run for a few minutes before turning it off and leaving the electric blanket to soak in the soapy water for about 15 minutes, and then skip to the rise and spin cycle. 

Dry gently: Just like weighted blankets, most electric blankets can be machine dried, but again check the tag for advice. Set the dryer to a low heat setting for around 10-15 minutes before taking out and evenly hanging on a drying rack to finish drying. If your dryer does not have a low heat setting, skip this step and simply air dry the blanket from the start as high temperatures can damage the electric wiring inside the blanket. Additionally, you should never dry clean an electric blanket as the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process can damage the blankets wiring and heating system. 

How to store: During the summer months, electric blankets are usually stored away till the weather gets cold again. Before storing, wash and dry the blanket, ensuring it is completely dry before storing. You should then roll, not fold, the blanket, making sure there are no harsh folds as this can damage the inner wires. Pack away in a cool, dry place with the controls and cords unplugged. 

How to remove stains: To spot clean an electric blanket, unplug before blotting with a damp cloth and using a butter knife or anything with a thin blunt edge to carefully scrape and remove any food or drink from the fabric. For a more stubborn stain, rub a mild laundry detergent on the area to lift it, before removing with a damp cloth. Air dry before use. 

Safety: Electric blankets are designed to create a warm and cosy environment when getting into bed, however, they are not recommended for overnight use and should be turned off when getting into bed or set on a timer to turn off within a short while. Make sure to also use your electric blanket as the top layer, above any other blankets or duvets and do not lie or sit on it.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us