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The 11 best electric blankets for a toasty bed this winter
Our expert tester loved these warmers – and you will, too
Tested by Blossom BoothroydSenior Homes Tester
The autumnal chill has set in and winter is officially the next stop on the seasonal train. One product it pays to get in now so you can whip it out when the nights get cold? An electric blanket. Warm your sheets up with one of these before you head to bed and create your own luxurious duvet palace.
From heated ponchos (yes, really!) to warming under-blankets, the Women's Health Lab has the low-down on the best, cosiest and most energy-efficient buys out there.
What type of electric blanket should I buy?
Traditionally, there are two types of electric blanket: those you wrap around yourself like a normal throw, and those that fit under the fitted sheet on your bed.
However, some now come with additional buttons, meaning you can transform them into clever wearable electric blankets – ideal for those WFH days.
Before you take the plunge, though, consider what you want your blanket for. If you're always boiling in bed, skip the heated mattress pad and opt for a throw to curl up with on the sofa instead.
If you freeze at night, however, opt for an under-blanket. And there’s no need to worry about fights with your partner, as some options come with dual controls so you can each set the ideal temperature for your side of the bed.
Can you wash an electric blanket?
Yes, all the electric blankets featured in our round-up are machine washable for minimum faff. We tested this too, to make sure they emerged from the machine looking as good as new.
Are electric blankets safe?
Yes, unlike older electric blankets, all new models have auto shut-off functions, so they're not left on for hours at a time, meaning there's minimal risk of an accident happening. Typically, under-blankets can run for up to eight hours, while throws power off after three.
Pregnant women can be at risk of overheating with extended use, however, so we wouldn't recommend using one while you're expecting.
How we test electric blankets
Every blanket on this list has been put through its paces at the WH Lab by our expert homes testers.
We carried out a series of rigorous checks, assessing whether blankets maintained a stable temperature and how evenly heat was distributed. We also checked how effective any heat zones were.
We timed how quickly it took for each blanket to reach its first set temperature, and how much energy its lowest setting consumed over its maximum running time (8 hours for under-blankets and 3 for throws).
Finally, each blanket was sent for a spin in our lab washing machine to see how well they cleaned up.
Below are our best electric blankets to invest in for a seriously snuggly winter. Enjoy!
All electricity costs are calculated using the current price of 27p/kwh and blanket prices are for standard UK doubles.
Bringing you six warmth settings wrapped up in a fleecy fabric, this under-blanket is a star bit of bedding. It cost us 3.9p to run for one night’s beauty sleep and heated up in a rapid five minutes.
Heat was evenly distributed, with a built-in automatic foot warmth setting, although the control is a little tricky to read at night. Easy to wash, we’d share a bed with this blanket any day.
This velvety number will fit right in with chic interiors and keep you oh-so warm. It’s the perfect size for sofa snuggling, feels soft against skin and has an impressive six settings to choose from.
It heats up in seven minutes and kept its temperature stable. But for the best heat distribution, use its lowest setting, which only cost 5.4p for three hours of continuous use. It also emerged from the washing machine looking pristine.
This furry warmer has swooped right to the top of our winter wish list thanks to its good looks and impressive performance on test. It scored full marks for the way it evenly warmed up and for maintaining a steady temperature.
Not to mention, it has nine temperature settings, an array of timers (although it can only be used for a maximum of three hours at once) and it emerged from our wash tests in perfect condition. It’s an investment, but it had low running costs – 4p for three hours on the lowest setting in our lab. Just what’s needed for warming up after a winter hike or run!
Cute, cosy and cost-effective, this was the cheapest throw to run on test (3.5p for three hours). The soft, velvety fabric drapes comfortably across the body and it has outstanding temperature distribution.
Its controls are clear too, while it also washes nicely. In fact, it’s hard to fault. Add this one to cart, pronto.
Simple, snuggly and one that won’t dent your savings too much, this is a real box-ticker of an under blanket. It has three temperature settings, which produced an even warmth in the lab (although the temperature took a little while to stabilise) and it fitted our test mattress perfectly.
It has a soft fluffy top layer, which washed well, although it did emerge somewhat flattened. However, you wouldn’t notice this much if it’s under a bed sheet and given it cost 4p for a full night’s slumber, this is a great value all-rounder.
Dreamland Cosy Up Silk Soft Faux Fur Warming Electric Throw
If you don’t fancy having an under blanket permanently in your bed but want some nighttime warmth from time to time, then we’d suggest treating yourself to this throw, which really is as silky soft as it claims. It can be used for up to nine hours (although you’re probably better setting it to turn off after a couple of hours, so you don’t wake up too warm!) and it’s lightweight, meaning it won’t weigh your duvet down too much.
It heated up in five minutes, has clear instructions and warmed evenly. You have six settings to choose from and it was economical too – nine hours on the lowest setting cost us 11 pence in the lab. Available in three chic colourways, it would also look dreamy on the sofa. Toasty nights, incoming!
Silentnight Yours and Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket
The best dual-control under-blanket we tried, opt for this one if you and your partner run at different temperatures during the night. You’ll each have a choice of three settings, and both sides of the blanket stay at a steady temperature even when set differently.
The controls are easily reachable too, and it washed well. Its 30-minute heat-up time is longer than most, but overall, it’s well worth the wait.
Note: as both controls must be plugged in, it does use more electricity (41p for eight hours).
We’re obsessed with this electric poncho. Firm poppers keep it wrapped around you at all times, while a two-metre cable lets you move around your living room with ease (it needs to be plugged in to work).
It has nine heat and timer settings and maintains a stable temperature. It was a bit smaller around the neck after washing, but still felt premium.
Ditch your bed socks the next time you’re trying to thaw icy feet and opt for this electric under-blanket instead. It heats up in 10 minutes and its extra foot warmth setting scored full marks in our tests, reaching a warm temperature even when the rest of the blanket was set on low.
Heat distribution was impressive too, but the temperature fluctuated a tad. It’s a quality investment, though, and costs just over 3.5p to run at night.
This premium electric under-blanket will seriously elevate your sleep set-up. Coming with nine settings – including foot warmth – and well-designed dual controls, it also adds extra cushioning to your bed.
It takes 15 minutes to heat up and costs 3.7p a night to run. However, we found the left side was slightly more effective than the right when it came to even heat distribution.
Bigger is better in the world of electric blankets and this heated throw is LARGE! It feels lightweight despite its size though, and the luxe fleecy fabric is perfect for snuggling under (and washes well).
It scored full marks for ease of use, due to simple controls, nine heat settings and a timer you can set in 20-minute increments, and it spread warmth evenly. Netflix and chill anyone?
Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.
Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.
Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.
Blossom is our Senior Homes Tester. Passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for our readers, she has tested everything from blenders to pizza ovens. Blossom enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols for hundreds of items. Innovative items like robot vacuum cleaners and wine coolers are among her favourite tests to date, and her most notable accomplishment is toasting 360 slices of bread in a determined bid to find the best toaster. In her free time, Blossom openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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