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These are the best cost effective electric blankets for cosier nights
While spring might be underway, the warm weather is yet to kick in, so heating our homes remains at the forefront of our minds. But with energy bills rising during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, finding ways to stay warm without turning up the thermostat has become a hot topic.
The traditional electric blanket – those that lie on your bed, warming it up – might evoke images of your nana in her nightgown, but, actually, they’re a very savvy choice that have been brought bang up to date and cost as little as 1p an hour to run.
All electric blankets and throws should come with an auto shut-off feature. This stops the blanket from getting dangerously hot. Most are on a timer, but some sense when they’re getting close to overheating and cut out at that point.
Often, you’ll also have the option of setting how long the electric blanket will stay on before it shuts off. If you share a bed with someone who doesn’t like to sleep at the same temperature as you, go for a blanket with dual controls, so you can make sure your side of the bed is perfect for you.
As well as traditional electric blankets, there are electric throws. These plug into the mains more often than not (although there are some battery-operated ones) and warm you up as you lie under them. Electric throws are often fleecy, soft and cosy. They’re perfect for snuggling up on the sofa or draping across your lap during the day whether you’re working from home or relaxing.
Cosiness was the name of the game. We wanted throws to be soft and snuggly, and the underblankets to be comfortable. Any blankets where the wires were too bulky or the fabric too itchy were discounted from this round-up.
Ease of use and durability were also important, as was easy care – could we machine wash them if spillages occurred? We also considered price, both in terms of purchasing, as well as how much they cost to run. This review proves you don’t need to always splurge to get a great product. Here are the ones that left us with a warm glow.
Energy efficiency is built into most electric blankets, with some costing just a few pence to run per night. Therefore, they offer a useful alternative to turning on your central heating overnight, so you can avoid feeling cold while saving on your electricity bills.
Modern electric blankets are designed with safety systems such as auto shut-off after a set period of use, which means you don’t have to worry about fire hazards if you leave them unattended. Although to be extra safe, it’s always advisable to exercise caution and not leave them turned on for longer than you need.
Most electric blankets are machine washable but always check the label. Avoid using a full cycle like you would with the rest of your laundry. Instead, opt for a delicate or gentle cycle, rinse and spin. This will avoid damaging the blanket, while still keeping it clean in between uses.
There are a few factors that need to be taken into account to make sure you find the right blanket for your individual needs. First, would you rather have a blanket that you layer underneath your bedsheets or one you throw on top like a regular blanket? You’ll also want to look at what materials and sizes you’d prefer. Timers are also a great feature to look out for, to make sure you save money and don’t overheat. If you have a partner who runs at a different temperature from you, an electric blanket with dual controls might be essential for harmonious sleeping.
According to the London Fire Brigade, it’s safe to leave your electric blanket on all night as long as it comes with a thermostat, which will keep the temperature at a safe level throughout the night. Otherwise, make sure you remember to unplug the electric blanket before you go to sleep. It’s also important to consider the condition of the blanket, to check for any kind of damage to the material, such as frayed fabric, or signs of faults with the blanket, such as buzzing sounds or strange odours.
Yes, you certainly can. If the electric blanket you are using is suitable for lying on (not all will be), you can place the electric blanket on top of your mattress topper, underneath your sheets. However, bear in mind you may not feel the benefits of the mattress topper to the same extent while there’s an electric blanket over the top of it.
With 10 heat settings and 10 timing options, plus easy-to-use controls, the Slumberdown elegantly warm luxury heated throw was a no-brainer when it came to picking the best overall for this review. The throw is as soft as you like and doesn’t feel like it’s weighing you down when you’re under it. Plus, it’s relatively well-priced. If you’re after a mattress-protector-style electric blanket, the Dreamland snowed in could be ideal – it’s well-made, comes with dual controls and is easy to use.
Looking for a better quality sleep? Check out the cheap mattress deals to pick up in the sales