Best heated throw: energy-efficient blankets tried and tested

The best heated throw blanket is always a hot topic on the Mumsnet forums when cold weather comes around. These snuggly spreads are much loved as they could be the key to keeping warm this winter while saving money on your heating bill. They're a little similar to the best electric blankets, but while those are predominantly used as bedding, heated throws are more decorative and you can cosy up under them on the sofa.

Last year, energy prices surged dramatically, and with the cost of living crisis, everyone’s bills went through the roof. This winter, many people are looking for ways to stay warm while keeping the heating off, and Mumsnet users swear by the best heated throws as a potential solution. Along with other ideas like using the best hot water bottle and wearing the cosiest women's slippers, these electric throws focus on heating the person and not the room to stave off the cold. And while they can be pricey initially, some throws cost from as little as 1p a night to run.

How we tested the best heated throw

We've been on a hunt to find the best heated throw for every type of home. Our first stop was the Mumsnet forums – the largest network of parents in the UK – where we gathered tried-and-tested recommendations from our trusted users to find the throws they love. After that, we cross-referenced our analysis with extensive research into expert opinions and authentic consumer reviews to ensure our round-up only features the very best.

We then conducted our own rigorous testing, focusing on these key areas:

• Fabric quality and cosiness

• Temperature controls

• How they washed

• Value for money

How do heated throw blankets work?

Heated throw blankets emit heat via coil wires that provide a steady source of warmth when plugged into an electrical outlet. Each heated throw 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 should cut off after a specified time of your choice, so you don't need to worry if you fall asleep while snuggled up in it.

Related: The best men's dressing gowns for your DH

How much does it cost to run a heated throw?

This depends on how long you use it for and which setting you opt for. As a general rule, you can expect running a heated throw to cost somewhere between 4p and 8p an hour.

The best way to check is using the Sust-It Energy Calculator. Simply add in the watts of the throw and the time you will use it for, and it will give you an estimate running cost.

What to consider when choosing the best heated throw

• Temperature settings: Look for adjustable heat settings so you can get the most out of your blanket – some options have as many as 10 different settings! Bear in mind that it does often cost more to run a blanket on the higher settings, so it's a good idea to opt for one with good range.

• Size and coverage: Make sure the throw is large enough to cover you comfortably. If you want one you can snuggle up under with your other half or kids, make sure you go for a large size so there's space for everyone.

• Safety features: Look for blankets with an automatic shut-off feature. It's a must-have in case you accidentally drift off while it's on, and you can usually choose between different time settings up to nine hours. Overheat protection is also a good safety feature to have too.

• Fabric: The fabric should be soft and snuggly, something you'd love to wrap up in for hours. This will depend on personal taste; while some will love a thick faux fur option, others will prefer a lightweight fleece.

• Cost: Heated throws can work out quite pricey, but they can be cost-effective long-term as they're often cheaper to run than turning on the central heating. It's worth checking the guarantee too so you can get a sense of longevity.

What's the difference between a heated throw and an electric blanket?

There's often some confusion between heated throws and heated blankets. Whilst electric blankets are predominantly used as bedding, heated throws are used in other parts of the home.

A heated throw should be decorative and practical, whereas an electric blanket has a distinctly utilitarian look. Heated throws are also more versatile, as they can be used wherever they are within reach of a power socket.

Are heated throws safe for kids?

If you're worrying about your children staying well this winter, then it's understandable that you might be considering allowing them to get under your heated throw. These blankets are perfectly safe for children to use under supervision, but they're not recommended for under fives. They're also not safe for children to sleep with, as they should always be supervised when using a heated throw.

How we chose the best heated throw

Recommendations from real people

To help us select the best heated throws, we first checked what products our trusted Mumsnet users were raving about on our forums. We focused on the blankets they loved, noting the pros and cons of each one. We also looked for the throws our Mumsnet users didn't rate so we could whittle down our shortlist and only focus on the very best.

Expert guidance

Our team then ensured our article represented the latest recommendations from industry experts that you can rely on. We used a variety of sources to compile considered product selections, including independent consumer reviews from reputable sources and retailers like Amazon, resulting in a trustworthy and in-depth set of product reviews.

In-depth testing

With the help of Mumsnetters from our Voices panel, MNHQ editors then ensured every recommendation on this page had been tried and tested by real people. Using our expertise and first-hand experiences, we then carefully analysed selected products after extensive use, scoring their performance on warmth, design, temperature settings, ease of use, and value for money.

Celebrated products

Finally, we cross-reference all of the above information to present you with a carefully curated selection of high-quality products.

For this guide, we looked at the throws that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you the top ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone.

About the author

Natasha Gregson is an Affiliate Content Editor at Mumsnet, with an expertise in home and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. With numerous years of editorial experience under her belt, her work has also been featured in prestigious national publications like The i Paper and Stylist Magazine, and she's written on a wide range of topics.

Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, Natasha has been on a mission to unearth the top products that can help Mumsnetters save money on their energy bills this year – including everything from the best heated gilets to the warmest blanket hoodies. Her thorough research into this topic and experience testing products for Mumsnet helps to inform her in-depth assessments of the buys we think Mumsnetters will love.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

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