As the winter cold sets in, an electric blanket could just be the friend you need. Unlike the heavy covers your grandmother used to inflict on you, the best electric blankets these days are soft and light, with wires you’ll barely notice – and thankfully much safer and affordable, too. The top brands like Silentnight, Dreamland and Slumberdown are just as comforting as a weighted blanket (the currently popular sleeping aid), but they keep you warm and, some say, can also alleviate muscle aches and joint pains.
But perhaps the biggest incentive is the high cost of electricity. At the time of writing, a typical 2000W electric heater in your bedroom could cost 60p an hour to run. By contrast, a 100W electric blanket would cost less than 4p.
There are several types on the market – under-blankets, over-blankets, throws and duvets – but we’re going to focus on under-blankets, which fit between your mattress and bed sheet. This is because the experts we spoke to agreed they were the best option, and said a high tog duvet and a warm pillow should be sufficient to keep you snug at night. Here’s a quick glance at our top six. Scroll down for the reviews in full, and for advice on how best to use electric blankets.
First, you need to decide whether you want an electric blanket, which sits between your mattress and bedsheet, or an electric throw, which can be used for sleeping under or snuggling under on the sofa. That’s the first way to narrow down your search. Other things to consider are material, which could be fleece, polyester or velvet, for example, and size – meaning single, double or king.
If you sleep with a partner, look into dual controls so you can each control your own side of the bed. You might also want the option of a timer to help with energy saving (though electric blankets are pretty low cost to run).
If you’re interested in sleeping better, check out our recent guides to the best pregnancy pillows and the best pocket sprung mattresses.