The best electric blankets for beating the winter chill

It's getting seriously cold out there. And it's going to stay that way for months. Which means it's time to get warm and snuggly. But here’s the problem: Nothing is getting any cheaper. On the contrary, in fact. We're all being hit by energy prices. Now everyone’s thinking twice about even putting the central heating on to stay warm. Never mind keeping it on all through the night.

There is a solution, however: Get yourself an old-school electric blanket. Actually, there’s nothing old-school about the tech being used to heat electric blankets in this day and age. Modern electric blankets have all kinds of features, such as dual controls, targeted areas for warming, and multiple heat settings. And all for just a fraction of the price of blasting the central heating all night.

But which electric blanket should you choose? There are so many out there it’s hard to know which products are the hottest. Luckily, we’ve hunkered down and done the research. But before you buy, here’s some handy information. 

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket plugs into the mains and warms up via heating elements within the fabric itself. Most electric blankets are actually “toppers” or under blankets, which mean you secure them on top of your mattress and lie on them. They fix onto the mattress with corner straps or elasticated skirting. The heat is managed by a remote control that’s attached to the blanket. This can usually be detached so you can put the blanket in the washing machine. Also available are electric throws to wrap around yourself on the sofa.

Are electric blankets safe to use?

While safety experts recommend that no heated appliance should be left on unattended, or while you sleep, electric blankets have safety measures such as timers which switch the heat off at a designated time, or an automatic shut-off that prevents them from overheating. 

Are electric blankets expensive to run?

This, of course, is the most crucial question as the price of energy soars and the general cost of living increases. The cost of running an electric blanket varies, depending on which heat setting you use (some blankets have up to nine different heat settings).

Most of the blankets in this roundup claim to cost from 1p per night (on their lowest setting), based on a runtime of eight hours. Real-world tests have found the figure to be slightly higher, from 3p to 9p. Either way, it’s significantly cheaper than central heating, which can currently cost between 4.6p and £1.20 per hour.

What is the best electric blanket?

That all depends on what features you need to keep you warm, and which blanket suits you best. That’s why we’ve researched all the best brands and available options and pulled together a wide selection of options to consider. All you need to do is make your bed, and lie in it. Well, and switch it on, of course.

These are the best electric blankets in 2023.