Trying to stay warm without cranking up the heating? The best electric blanket or heated throw can make a big difference. Instead of heating a whole room, you’ll get toasty by snuggling up underneath or on top of one. This’ll help to keep your energy use down. And you’ll still feel nice and cosy too!
So, whether you’re curling up on the sofa, working from home or warming up a cold bed before you hit the hay, here are a few of our favourites from 2026.
How to choose the best electric blanket or heated throw
Before you buy anything, have a quick think about how and where you’ll use one…
Choose the right type – Heated throws sit on top of you and are perfect for sofas, home offices and movie nights. Electric blankets fit onto your mattress (underneath your fitted sheet) and warm up the bed before you get in.
Check running costs – Most blankets and throws use between 60W and 150W, making them a lot cheaper to run than central heating.
Look for safety features – Auto shut-off timers, overheat protection and smart temperature controls mean you don’t have to worry about them getting too hot.
Pick the right size – You can get single, double and king-size models. Make sure you find one that fits your bed or is big enough for a few people to sit underneath it.
Consider dual controls – Allows each side of the bed (or sofa) to have its own temperature setting, which is perfect for couples. No more arguments if it’s too hot or cold!
Heat-up speed – Lots of premium models can heat up in as little as five minutes. So, it won’t take long for you to get warm again.
Easy cleaning – Detachable controllers and machine washable fabrics make them easy to take apart and chuck in a washing machine.
Top heated blankets and throws compared
Not sure what’s right for you? Check out our quick comparison table down below…
| Model | Best for | Type & size | Wattage output | Estimated running cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamland Hygge Days Faux Fur Heated Throw | Anyone looking for a premium heated throw | Heated throw, 160 x 120 cm | 150W | Approx. 4p-5p per hour |
| Dreamland Snuggle Up Velvet Heated Throw | Budget-savvy shoppers | Heated throw, 160 x 120 cm | 150W | Approx. 4p-5p per hour |
| Russell Hobbs RHEDB8002 Electric Underblanket | Extra comfort at bedtime | King-size electric underblanket | 120W | Approx. 3p-4p per hour |
| Status SEB-40W1PKB Electric Underblanket | Shoppers on a tight budget | Single electric underblanket | 40W | Approx. 1p-2p per hour |
| Duux Snooze Bamboo Heated Underblanket | Couples | King-size heated underblanket | 120W | Approx. 3p-4p per hour |
| Beurer Indulgence 30086 Heating Underblanket | Older people | Double heated underblanket | 60W | Approx. 2p per hour |
*Running costs are estimated using a typical UK electricity tariff of around 25-30p per kWh. Actual costs will vary depending on your tariff and chosen heat setting.
Best heated throw
Model: Dreamland Hygge Days Faux Fur Heated Throw
Why we love it: This throw is easily the smartest of the bunch. It automatically adjusts the heat to match the surrounding temperature. So, you don’t have to keep constantly turning the warmth up and down to find the right level. And if it gets a bit mucky, it’s simple to clean. Pop it in the washing machine, then dry it in the tumble dryer without any issue.
Best budget heated throw
Model: Dreamland Snuggle Up Velvet Heated Throw
Why we love it: Just come in from the cold? Hit the 5-minute fast heat up and you’ll be able to get warm quick. And when you’re chilling, and don’t want to move a muscle, you don’t have to. It’s got a controller that lets you tweak the heat without shifting from your favourite spot on the sofa.
Best electric blanket
Model: Russell Hobbs RHEDB8002 Electric Underblanket
Why we love it: It’s only going to get colder from now till February. The ultra-soft sherpa fleece here will keep you cosy on those chilly winter nights though. And you can turn up the toastiness further with 6 unique heat settings. If things start getting way too warm though, overheat protection will switch the blanket off without you having to lift a finger.
Best budget electric blanket
Model: Status SEB-40W1PKB Electric Underblanket
Why we love it: Electric blankets don’t have to cost a ton. This Beurer model comes in at well under 30 quid. And you get plenty of warmth for your wonga. There are three different heat settings to pick from, letting you dial in a setting that suits you. And with a pre-heat feature, it’s easy to heat up your bed before you start to drift off.
Best electric blanket for couples
Why we love it: Because of its whopping king size spread, it’ll easily cover the whole bed. So, you won’t be jostling with your partner to find the prime warm spot while it’s on. Plus, the bamboo-blend top layer makes things extra comfy, as the material is fresher and more breathable than other kinds of blankets. Those 8 hours of shut eye are going to feel great!
Best electric blanket for the elderly
Model: Beurer Indulgence 30086 Heating Underblanket
Why we love it: If you’re at all on the forgetful side, this Beurer blanket has you covered. It’s got a handy automatic switch-off feature. Meaning if you forget to turn it off manually, it’ll shut itself down after a certain amount of time’s passed. Throw in a safety thermostat, and things are never going to get too hot and potentially unsafe either.
FAQs
How much does an electric blanket cost to run?
Electric blankets are generally very cheap to run because they use relatively low power. Most modern models cost just a few pence to use per night, making them a lot cheaper than heating a whole room or house.
Can you leave an electric blanket on all night?
Some electric blankets are made to be used overnight, but on a low setting. Others are only meant for pre-heating your bed before you get some quality zzzzs. We’d suggest using one with an auto shut-off mode. Pick how long you want it to stay on for, and it’ll turn itself off once that time’s up.
How long does a heated blanket take to warm up?
It’ll warm up surprisingly fast. The more premium models will reach a comfy temperature in around five minutes. If you’re chilly, you’ll be toasty in no time!
Can you sleep on top of an electric blanket?
Yes, you can. They’re designed to fit underneath your fitted sheet and mattress protector. Just remember to switch it on before you nod off.
Need more advice?
Like any blanket or sheet, you’ll need to clean your electric blanket every now and then. Here’s how to wash an electric blanket safely and get it clean as can be!
