Types of heated blankets
Heated blankets now come in a few different styles, designed for how and where you want to use them. All work in broadly the same way, with built-in heating wires providing warmth, but they’re made for slightly different situations.
Electric blankets are designed to be fitted to your mattress under your bedsheets, and they warm the bed before you get in. They often feature multiple heat zones, and are a popular choice if you’re cold at night or want to cut down on overnight heating costs.
Heated throws are a more flexible type of electric blanket. They’re smaller, lighter, and designed for use on the sofa or while working from home. Because they heat up quickly and use relatively little energy, they’re often one of the most economical ways to stay warm.
Are heated throws and electric blankets safe?
Heated throw blankets are generally safe to use, provided they meet current UK safety standards (which all the heated throws and electric blankets on this list do) and are used as directed. Modern electric throws typically include built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off timers, overheat protection and low-voltage controllers, which significantly reduce the risk of overheating.
For everyday use on sofas or armchairs, it’s important to avoid folding the throw while it’s switched on and to check cables regularly for signs of wear. Most manufacturers advise against using heated throws while sleeping or on infants and very young children, and people with reduced mobility or sensitivity to heat should choose models with clear, simple controls and shorter auto-off settings. Always follow the care instructions carefully, especially when washing, to ensure the safety features continue to work properly.
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.
Matt Harvey of YES Energy explains: "It is generally not recommended to use heated throws with for babies or young children as they may not be able to recognise or communicate that they are getting too hot," he says. "They should also not be used with children who still wet the bed, as the combination of electricity and moisture can create a safety risk."
How much does it cost to run a heated throw or electric blanket?
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.
Related: Best quiet dehumidifiers
What's the best heated throw and electric blanket to buy?
Our pick for the best heated throw blanket in the UK is the Dreamland Alaskan Husky Faux Fur Heated Blanket for its super soft faux fur and efficient heating. If the price tag is a barrier, our favourite cheap heated throw is the Mia & Coco Electric Heated Blanket.
If you're looking for an electric underblanket, we recommend the Dreamland Pure Comfort Bamboo Electric Blanket - it has dual controls and is made from temperature regulating bamboo, so you can be cosy without feeling stifled or sweaty.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on laundry essentials like steam irons, clothes steamers and washing lines.
From a highly recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.