When the temperature drops, there are few things more inviting than climbing into a properly warm bed or curling up on the sofa under something deliciously cosy. And while cranking up the central heating will certainly do the job, the best electric blanket or heated throw lets you warm yourself rather than the whole house – often for just a few pence an hour.
These days, there’s so much more choice than you might expect. Traditional electric underblankets are brilliant for taking the chill off a cold mattress, while heated throws can take you from desk to sofa to bed. I even tested a heated duvet that creates a cocoon of warmth from above, plus a wire-free graphene blanket designed for adjustable beds. My advice after testing over two dozen electric blankets and throws? Look out for useful extras such as timers, auto shut-off, dual controls for couples and plenty of heat settings.
Wondering whether they’re cheap to run? Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch has some welcome news: “Electric blankets and heated throws are one of the cheapest ways to keep warm in the winter. Three in ten homes in the UK use a heated electric blanket to stay warm in the colder months, and the good news is that these gadgets cost very little to run.” More on that in our FAQs below.
So just how warm do electric blankets and throws actually get? To find out, I tested electric blankets and throws from brands including Dreamland, Silentnight, Morphy Richards, Lakeland and Bedsure at home. I measured running costs with an energy monitor and got my thermal imaging camera out to see exactly how hot each one became and, importantly, whether that warmth reached the whole blanket. From super-soft sofa companions to underblankets that transformed my bed into a cosy retreat, my top ten picks will keep you snug as a bug in a rug this winter.
Read more: 12 best winter duvets, tested
The best electric blankets in 2026 are:
- Best overall – Dreamland hunker down scandi sherpa underblanket: £77.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget option – Bedsure ribbed heated blanket electric throw: £45.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best luxury option – Lakeland stay snug bubble faux fur heated throw: £69.99, Lakeland.co.uk
- Best heated duvet – Dreamland love mornings all season pure cotton heated duvet: £169.99, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: Best heated clothes airers, tested
Dreamland hunker down scandi sherpa underblanket
Best: electric blanket overall
Why we love it
- Independent controls for each side of the bed
- Thick, wonderfully soft sherpa finish
- Generous coverage across a double bed
- Fast heating
Take note
- Only three timer options
- Needs a little extra care after washing
If I had to choose the best electric blanket to see me through the chilly winter months, it would be the hunker down from Dreamland. The dual controls are a real relationship saver, allowing you and your sleeping partner to adjust your side of the bed independently. I found level six perfect for getting the bed nice and toasty (it can warm up in as little as five minutes), before dropping down to three or four once I was tucked in. My partner, meanwhile, was perfectly happy at a steady two or three.
Comfort is another big win. The thick sherpa fabric is soft and plush enough to sleep directly on, and I couldn't feel the heating wires at all underneath me. It's generously sized too, covering my double bed almost completely, which isn't something I could say about every underblanket I tested. After an hour on the highest setting, my thermal imaging camera recorded a cosy 34C.
Each side has six heat settings and a choice of one, three or nine-hour timers, although Dreamland recommends using no higher than level three for overnight use. It's machine washable too, but there's a little extra faff involved after washing, as Dreamland recommends stretching it out several times before it's completely dry.
At around 1p an hour to run, it's remarkably economical considering its generous size and dual controls. For couples who can never agree on how warm the bed should be, this one's hard to beat.
Key specifications
Buy now £77.99, Amazon.co.uk
Silentnight luxury super cosy heated throw
Best: electric throw overall
Why we love it
- Impressively even heat distribution
- Super-soft fabric with an attractive finish
- Can barely feel the wires
Take note
- No timer function
- Best suited to one rather than sharing
If you're after a good value heated throw that still feels luxurious, this Silentnight model punches well above its price tag. The super-soft polyester fabric has a lovely drape, while the undulating pattern cleverly disguises the heating wires, making them barely noticeable during use.
It’s powerful when it comes to pumping out heat too - reaching a maximum temperature of around 36C after an hour and, more importantly, delivering impressively even warmth across the entire throw, with no obvious cold patches.
Measuring 120cm x 160cm, it's best suited to curling up on the sofa or adding extra warmth across the lower half of a bed, rather than replacing a full-size electric blanket. The detachable controller is straightforward to use, offering nine heat settings, although there's no timer function. Instead, it automatically switches off after two hours, which adds welcome peace of mind if you happen to doze off while relaxing (although heated throws aren't designed to be slept under). Running costs came in at just 1p an hour on the highest setting, making this an excellent value buy.
Key specifications
Buy now £59.99, Amazon.co.uk
Bedsure ribbed heated blanket electric throw
Best: budget heated throw
Why we love it
- Wonderfully soft with a premium feel
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Excellent value for money
Take note
- Heated area doesn't reach outer edges
If you like your heated throws to feel as luxurious as they are cosy, this Bedsure model is an excellent, budget-friendly buy. It combines a velvety ribbed flannel outer with a plush, hypoallergenic inner, giving it a lovely weight and drape that's perfect for curling up on the sofa. The heating wires are so well concealed that I could barely feel them during use, and my thermal imaging showed it warming up surprisingly quickly, reaching 27C within just 10 minutes despite the recommended 15-30 minute preheat.
There are six heat settings and a generous 1-10 hour timer, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you're settling in for an evening on the sofa or just taking the chill off before bed. I also like that it automatically drops to heat level 2 after two hours, helping maintain a comfortable temperature without becoming too warm, before switching off completely after eight hours.
One thing to bear in mind is that the heated area doesn't extend right to the edges, leaving a generous unheated border around the blanket. That makes it better suited to wrapping around yourself than covering an entire bed, although the cooler edge could actually be welcome if you like to keep your head or shoulders out of the warmth.
Key specifications
Buy now £45.99, Amazon.co.uk
Lakeland stay snug faux fur heated throw
Best: faux fur heated throw
Why we love it
- Beautifully soft, luxurious finish
- Retains heat exceptionally well
- Easy-to-use LED controller
Take note
- Costs a little more to run than some rivals
- Fairly weighty if you prefer a lighter throw
I tested two of Lakeland’s stay snug faux fur heated throws, but if you’d prefer a little more warmth, this version edges it on heating performance. In my thermal imaging tests, it reached a cosy 32C after an hour on its highest setting, making it noticeably warmer than its bubble-effect sibling while retaining heat exceptionally well.
It has the same wonderfully luxurious feel, with thick faux fur on one side, a silky fleece backing on the other and a reassuringly weighty drape that feels perfect for laying under on the sofa or layering over the bed on chilly nights. Heat is distributed evenly across the entire throw, while the simple LED controller offers nine heat settings and a handy one- to nine-hour timer. Like the bubble model, it's also machine washable, making it as practical as it is indulgent.
At around 4p an hour to run, it's a little pricier than some heated throws in this guide, but if warmth is your priority, I think it's the better choice of the two stay snug models.
Key specifications
Buy now £84.99, Lakeland.co.uk
Morphy Richards evercosy king size premium fleece heated electric under blanket
Best: electric blanket for comfort
Why we love it
- Heating wires are virtually impossible to feel
- Excellent heat coverage
- Secure, easy-to-fit full-width straps
If you're after an electric blanket that feels almost as luxurious as your mattress topper, this Morphy Richards model is a fantastic choice. The soft teddy fleece adds an extra layer of comfort, and the generous padding meant I couldn't feel the heating wires at all during testing – something that certainly wasn't true of every blanket I tried.
Heat coverage is excellent, with the heating elements extending close to the edges to keep almost the entire sleeping area warm. In my tests, it reached a comfortable 29C after an hour on its highest setting, while the nine heat settings make it easy to tailor the warmth, whether you just want to take the chill off the bed before getting in or create a properly cosy retreat on a cold winter's night.
I was also impressed by the controller, which clearly displays both the selected heat level and timer at a glance. Instead of fiddly elastic ties, the blanket secures to your mattress using full-width straps, making it quick to fit and far less likely to bunch during the night. Better still, it's machine washable at up to 40C, so you can keep that super-soft fleece feeling fresh for years to come.
Key specifications
Buy now £50.99, Amazon.co.uk
Lakeland stay snug bubble faux fur heated throw
Best: luxury heated throw
Why we love it
- Exceptionally soft, luxurious faux fur
- Beautifully weighted with an elegant drape
- Even heat distribution across almost the entire throw
- Easy-to-use LED controller
Take note
- Lower heat settings feel fairly gentle
- Controller buttons click quite loudly
If you're looking for a heated throw that feels every bit as luxurious as it looks, Lakeland’s stay snug heated throw is hard to beat. The sumptuous bubble-effect faux fur gives it a premium look, while the silky fleece backing makes it irresistibly cosy to curl up under. It's one of the heaviest throws I've tested, but it still drapes beautifully whether you're wrapping it around yourself on the sofa or laying it across the bed to take the chill off before climbing in.
Despite its thick, plush construction, warmth is distributed impressively evenly across almost the entire blanket, with only a narrow border around the edges left unheated. It offers nine heat settings and a handy one- to nine-hour timer, while the detachable controller is easy to find and operate, even in the dark. It's also machine washable, making it practical as well as indulgent.
My only real criticism is that the lower heat settings felt a little too subtle for my liking, so I found myself using the higher settings most of the time. The controller buttons also make an audible click when pressed, which could be noticeable if you're sharing a room with a light sleeper. It's a touch more expensive to run than some rivals at around 4p an hour on the highest setting, but for the luxurious finish and exceptional comfort, I think it's well worth it.
Key specifications
Buy now £69.99, Lakeland.co.uk
Dreamland deluxe velvet warming throw
Best: fast-heating throw
Why we love it
- One of the fastest-heating throws I tested
- Soft velvet finish with a beautiful herringbone design
- Tumble dryer safe
- Cosy, weighty feel
Take note
- Heat isn't quite as evenly distributed as some rivals
- Only available in mustard
- Limited timer options
If you're someone who wants warmth quickly rather than waiting around for your blanket to heat up, the Dreamland deluxe velvet warming throw is one of the quickest I tested. My thermal imaging camera showed it heating up in just five minutes, eventually reaching a cosy 36C after an hour on its highest setting.
The herringbone design and sumptuous velvet fabric give it a premium feel, while the reassuringly weighty drape makes it ideal for throwing over your legs on the sofa or laying across the foot of the bed while it warms up. It's wonderfully tactile too - one of those blankets you'll find yourself absent-mindedly stroking while watching TV.
Heat distribution wasn't quite as even as some of the best-performing throws in this guide, with my thermal imaging revealing a few cooler patches across the blanket. At 150W, it's also a little hungrier for electricity than some rivals, although running costs still worked out at only around 4p an hour. The timer is straightforward to use, but I did find myself wishing for a few more options, as it jumps from three hours straight to nine. On the plus side, it's also machine washable and tumble dryer safe, making it easy to keep fresh and clean.
Key specifications
Buy now £59.99, Dreamlanduk.co.uk
Dreamland hygge days luxury faux fur warming throw
Best: statement heated throw
Why we love it
- Beautiful faux fur with a striking fallow deer design
- Soft velvet backing
- Tumble dryer safe
Take note
- Stiffer drape than some rival throws
- Limited timer options
If you want your heated throw to look every bit as good as it feels, the Dreamland hygge days is a real showstopper. The beautifully textured faux fur, complete with an eye-catching fallow deer print, makes it feel more like a stylish home accessory than a practical winter warmer. You can also choose from other prints, including Alaskan husky or zebra print. Draped across the back of a sofa or folded at the end of the bed, it brings instant Scandi-inspired charm to a room.
I found the faux fur to be wonderfully soft and paired with a velvety underside that felt lovely against my skin. In my testing, it reached a cosy 34C after an hour on its highest setting, providing plenty of warmth for chilly evenings. The fabric is slightly stiffer than some of the more flexible throws I tested, though, so I preferred using it over my legs or across the bed rather than wrapping it tightly around my shoulders.
Like the Dreamland deluxe velvet throw, it offers six heat settings, three timer options and the added bonus of being both machine washable and tumble dryer safe, making it surprisingly easy to care for.
Key specifications
Buy now £129.99, Amazon.co.uk
Opera flexi adjustable bed electric blanket
Best: electric blanket for adjustable beds
Why we love it
- Specifically designed for adjustable beds
- Independent head and foot heating zones
- Comfortable wire-free graphene heating technology
Take note
- Expensive compared with standard electric blankets
- Spot clean only
- Slightly firmer feel than fleece alternatives
If you have an adjustable bed, finding the best electric blanket that can cope with repeated bending isn't always easy. While the Opera flexi is specifically designed for adjustable beds, you don't need one to use it - it'll work just as well on a standard mattress. Rather than traditional heating wires, it uses a graphene heating fabric that's designed to flex with the bed while delivering consistent warmth across the mattress. Opera says this technology mimics the feeling of gentle radiant warmth and reduces the risk of damage (and, importantly, fire) caused by repeatedly bending metal wires.
In use, this blanket feels impressive even in terms of warmth, and my thermal imaging camera backed that up, showing heat spread evenly across wide panels. Apart from a slim border around the edges, there were no obvious cold spots, making it one of the most evenly heated blankets I tested. It’s a powerful heat too: I recorded 39C after just one hour on its highest setting.
But the biggest advantage for me was the independently controlled head and foot zones. I much prefer keeping my feet warm without feeling overheated around my shoulders, so being able to tailor each area separately made a noticeable difference to my cosiness.
It's fitted using four corner straps, which is just as straightforward as a standard electric blanket, while the 12-hour timer can be set separately for each zone. The controller is a good bit larger than most, but that's understandable given the extra functions. My only real criticism is that the quilted blanket feels a little stiffer than traditional fleece underblankets, so I found it more comfortable beneath a mattress topper. It's also by far the most expensive blanket I tested, but if you own an adjustable bed, the specialist design helps justify the premium.
Key specifications
Buy now £295, Operabeds.com
Dreamland love mornings all season pure cotton heated duvet
Best: heated duvet
Why we love it
- Warmth surrounds you rather than coming from underneath
- Dual controls are ideal for couples
- Thickly padded so you can't feel the heating wires
- Tumble dryer safe
Take note
- Only three timer options
- Less versatile than a heated throw
Having never come across a heated duvet before, I was intrigued to see how it would compare with a traditional electric blanket. The biggest difference I found was the way the warmth surrounds you from above, rather than primarily heating the mattress underneath. I could poke my feet out when I got too warm or snuggle right down and create my own little heated cocoon when I wanted maximum cosiness. That said, a duvet isn’t exactly something you’ll want to lug around the house, so this is definitely one for the bedroom. If you want something you can carry from bed to sofa, a heated throw is the more flexible choice.
Nonetheless, if maximum cosiness is what you’re after, this one delivered. After an hour on its highest setting, I recorded a very toasty 40C in bed - the warmest temperature of any of the products I tested.
Dreamland has also given each side of the double duvet its own controller, so you and your sleeping partner can choose completely different temperatures. There are six heat settings and one, three and nine-hour timers, and despite all that heating technology tucked inside, the generous padding meant I couldn't feel the wires at all.
The pure cotton outer feels soft and breathable, while the polyester filling gives it the familiar plumpness of a regular duvet. Perhaps most impressively, you can machine wash and tumble dry the whole thing once the controllers are removed, so there's no waiting days for your duvet to air dry before you can get your cosy bed back. At around 1p an hour to run, it's economical, too.
Key specifications
Buy now £169.99, Amazon.co.uk
Your questions on electric blankets answered
What is the best electric blanket?
My top pick is the Dreamland hunker down scandi sherpa underblanket. I loved how quickly it transformed my bed into a warm, cosy retreat, while the thick sherpa felt soft enough to sleep directly on without any noticeable wires. The dual controls were the real clincher for me, as my partner and I could choose completely different temperatures without compromise. For curling up on the sofa, I’d choose the Silentnight luxury super cosy heated throw, which felt wonderfully soft and delivered some of the most even warmth I measured. The Bedsure ribbed heated blanket is my budget runner-up: it feels far more luxurious than its price suggests and warmed up impressively quickly.
How I tested electric blankets
I tested every electric blanket and heated throw in the same room and on the same bed to keep conditions as consistent as possible. I took all my temperature readings before climbing in myself, so body heat didn’t skew the results. Many electric blankets and throws take longer to warm up on first use, so I allowed for that in my testing.
I used a thermal imaging camera to see how quickly each blanket heated up and how evenly warmth spread across the surface. I also plugged each one into an energy monitor to work out its electricity consumption and estimate running costs using the latest Ofgem electricity prices (as of August 2026). Then came the toughest part of the testing process: climbing into a freshly warmed bed or curling up on the sofa to see how cosy each one actually felt. It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.
During testing, I looked at:
How much do electric blankets and heated throws cost to run?
One of the biggest benefits of an electric blanket or heated throw is just how cheap it can be to run. The cheapest I tested used roughly 1p of electricity per hour, while even the more power-hungry heated throws came in at around 4p an hour.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, says: “Electric blankets typically use 100W of power on average and cost about 2.5p an hour to run based on current standard variable energy prices. A heated throw that uses 75W is even cheaper at just under 2p an hour to use.”
Actual running costs will vary depending on the model, heat setting and how long you use it for. I also found that power consumption can fluctuate as the blanket reaches temperature and the heating elements switch on and off, so the wattage shown on the label doesn't necessarily reflect what it will draw continuously, or what you see on your energy monitoring plug.
Higher settings generally use more power, but that doesn’t always mean keeping the blanket low for longer is the cheapest approach. “Putting it on high to pre-warm the bed for 30 minutes instead of running it all night on a lower setting may be more cost-effective,” says Gallizzi.
If energy use is a priority, he recommends choosing a lower-wattage model. It should cost less to run, although it may take longer to warm up. Either way, because you’re warming yourself rather than the entire room, an electric blanket or heated throw can be much cheaper than turning up the central heating, especially when you’re working from home or settling in for an evening on the sofa.
What should I look for when buying an electric blanket?
Look for practical features that suit how you’ll actually use it, as well as built-in safety features. Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at Electrical Safety First, says: “Electric blankets are a cost-effective way to keep warm and are safe when used and cared for properly. Look for electric blankets that have built-in safety features, like automatic shut-off and overheat protection.”
In my testing, plenty of heat settings made it much easier to find a comfortable temperature. I’d also suggest that if you share your bed with someone, look for a product with dual controls so each side can be heated independently, especially if one of you runs particularly hot or cold. A good fit is important for underblankets too, as some I tested offered noticeably better mattress coverage than others. Comfort matters as well: thicker fleece models did a much better job of disguising the heating wires.
I also found that the material made a big difference. Some of the heavier electric throws, such as faux-fur models, were harder to wrap and snuggle around me. They were better suited to draping across my knees or the foot of the bed. If you want a wraparound blanket to curl up in, it’s worth checking how flexible the material is and how well it drapes.
Finally, pay close attention to where you buy it. “Safety starts with where you shop, so always buy your electric blanket from a reputable high-street retailer you know and trust, rather than a third-party seller via an online marketplace,” says Capanna. “Don’t buy an electric blanket second hand, as you won’t know its history.”
Can you leave an electric blanket on overnight?
Many electric blankets are designed for overnight use, but not all, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Heated throws, in particular, shouldn't automatically be treated like electric underblankets that are designed for sleeping on through the night.
“We recommend switching off and unplugging your electric blanket before going to sleep,” says Capanna. “If you do use one overnight, make sure it has safety features, such as automatic shut-off and overheat protection, to prevent accidents.”
It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s guidance, if they offer it. For example, Dreamland recommends using no higher than level three for overnight use on the hunker down electric blanket.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Many modern electric blankets and heated throws are machine washable once the detachable controller has been removed, but care instructions can vary. Some of the models I tested could be washed at 30C or 40C and air dried, while Dreamland's heated blankets could even go in the tumble dryer. At the other extreme, the Opera flexi was spot clean only. Whatever care instructions your new blanket or throw comes with, always remember to remove the controller first.
“Always check the care label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning, as not all electric blankets are machine washable,” says Capanna. “Remove the power cable and control before washing, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended washing cycle and temperature. Always allow the blanket to air dry fully before using it again.”
Storage matters too. “Avoid folding the blanket while it’s switched on, as this can damage the wiring, so store it flat or loosely rolled,” advises Gallizzi.
Are there any common mistakes people make when using or looking after electric blankets?
One of the most common mistakes, according to Capanna, is using an electric blanket while it’s folded or bunched up, as this can cause it to overheat.
You should also check your blanket carefully before plugging it in, particularly if it has been stored away over the summer. “Signs like rodent damage, frayed wires or scorch marks mean it needs replacing immediately,” says Capanna.
You should also stop using it immediately if the control makes a buzzing sound when switched on, gives off an unusual smell, or if the connector attached to the blanket is damaged or overheating. If you have any doubts about its condition, don’t attempt to repair it yourself. Replace it with a new blanket and dispose of your old or damaged blanket at an electronic waste recycling centre. Never put it in your household waste.
Another important rule is never to use an electric blanket with a hot water bottle. Capanna explains that you could be at risk of electric shock if the blanket comes into contact with water. You shouldn’t touch it with wet hands or feet either, and should make sure you’re completely dry after a bath or shower before switching it on.
And remember, electric blankets don’t last forever, even if damage isn’t immediately visible. Gallizzi advises replacing them every 10 years, as the internal wiring can become worn over time.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s dedicated shopping section, IndyBest is committed to providing unbiased reviews and expert advice. Our team of editors and writers have years of experience in testing products and trialling them within their own homes.
Joanne Lewsley is an expert product reviewer with specialising in home appliances, having found everything from the best dehumidifiers to the best air purifiers, best cordless vacuum cleaners and more for IndyBest. She knows what to look for when buying the right appliance for your home and has consulted industry experts to corroborate details like running costs and the technology behind them.
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