Which is the best type of electric blanket?
The best style for you will depend on what you want to use the blanket for. If you need cosiness overnight only, an under blanket is best. But if you’re looking to keep warm during the day too, a heated throw is a more versatile option. If you have a memory foam mattress, the best electric blanket will be a heated over blanket or throw, as they won’t interfere with how the foam shapes to your body.
Under blanket: A flat blanket that fits under your bed sheets and warms your bed up from below for an extra layer of comfort.
Heated mattress protector: Similar to an under blanket, but designed like a fitted sheet for a more secure fit.
Heated throw: Looks and works like a throw and can be plugged in and used in any room, including the living room.
Over blanket: Similar to a heated throw, an over blanket is designed to be a layer between you and your duvet.
How to use an electric blanket
Electric blankets emit heat via coil wires that provide a steady source of warmth when plugged into an electrical outlet. Each electric blanket has a controller, a built-in timer, and a temperature control gauge. That means it will only go as warm as you want it to. The timer means the heat will be cut off after a specified time of your choice, so you don't need to worry if you fall asleep while snuggled up on top of it.
Are electric blankets safe to use?
Yes, although earlier versions of electric blankets were sometimes a fire hazard, modern electric blankets typically have safety features like overheat protection and auto-off timers that track the surface temperature of the blanket and will switch it off if it gets dangerously hot. However, most electric under blankets aren’t suitable for a memory foam mattress as the direct heat interferes with how the foam moulds to your body. The safest electric blankets will have a UK safety standard mark, so for peace of mind, only buy those.
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?
Electric blankets are a much cheaper option than having your central heating on at night. However, there is a big difference between keeping a throw blanket on a high setting all day and a pre-sleep bed blast on the lowest setting.
Wattage indicates how much an electric blanket will cost to run. Remember, the lower the heat setting, the more money you will save. This energy cost calculator is a quick way to discover how much money keeping toasty warm at home will cost – just input the watts of your electric blanket and the duration of use for an estimate.