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Always cold? These are the 6 best electric blankets and heated throws to buy now

They're the only way we're getting through winter.

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best electric blankets
Getty Images/ Alina Storozhenko /Silentnight

If you've started swaddling yourself in a wind-shielding trench coat or thick leather jacket, the next thing on your to-do list should be to take that electric blanket out of storage. Wait… you don’t have one? Yikes. An electric blanket or heated throw is literally an essential when evening temps start to dip below 15 degrees – how else are we supposed to keep those heating bills down and our body temps up?

Shop the best electric blankets in 2025

The best electric blankets will see you through winter after winter (and tbf this is the UK, it can still get pretty cold in spring) without a fault. For those of us prone to frozen extremities, even indoors, most electric blankets and heated throws cost just pennies per hour to run – they’re a cosy, cost-efficient cocoon that will save you serious money (and any heating disputes).

Scroll on to shop the best electric blankets on the internet RN…

Comfort Control Washable Electric Blanket

Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket Super King

 Comfort Control Electric Blanket Super King

Pros

  • Ultra-fast heat up
  • Single control
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Not very pretty

“While it’s definitely not the prettiest, this handy heated underblanket reminds me never to judge a book by its cover. The hypoallergenic fleece fabric is cosy against my skin and doesn’t make me overheat like I was worried it might. I also love that the controller was detachable, so I could pop it straight in the washing machine with the rest of my bedding on laundry day.

Aesthetics aside, it’s a must-have for your bedroom in the winter. I switch it on as I'm settling into bed with my book and evening tea and switch it off just before I start to drift into sleep – I really feel like a toasty pig in a blanket!”

Shadé Owomoyela, Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer

Features at a Glance

MaterialFleece - hypoallergenic
Machine washableYes
Number of settings3
SizesSingle, double, king, super-king
CostApprox 1p per night
Best heated throw

Silentnight Silentnight Luxury Faux Fur Ribbed Heated Throw

Silentnight Luxury Faux Fur Ribbed Heated Throw

Pros

  • High number of heat and timer choices
  • Really soft fabric
  • Can be used on bed/sofa/desk
  • Versatile neutral colour

Cons

  • Easy to accidentally set off timer

“I'm already an electric blanket devotee, so I was really keen to try out a heated throw to see if I could elevate my sofa experience to the same extreme cosiness as my bed. It was pretty intuitive to use but you do have to pay attention to both the timer and the heat setting. It's big enough to keep two of us cosy on the sofa and has become my ultimate desk companion, wrapping myself up in it, over my lap in my chair like an old lady. Overall, I'm a big fan.”

Elena Chabo, former Beauty Writer

Features at a Glance

MaterialFaux fur
Machine washableYes
Number of settings9
Sizes120 x 160cm
Best Throw Electric Blanket

Dreamland Cosy Up Silk Soft Faux Fur Warming Electric Throw, Cream

Cosy Up Silk Soft Faux Fur Warming Electric Throw, Cream
Now 36% Off

Pros

  • Multiple different heat and time settings
  • Super cosy soft material
  • Warms up in five minutes

Cons

  • Only one size
  • Have to plug it into a wall, so can't wear it around the house

"I don't know if it's dramatic to call an electric blanket life changing, but it really is. I feel like a warm raccoon when using it and it's turning my ice block of a room into a cosy cocoon.

"It's made of a super soft, thick fur material with a velvet underside and has six heat settings as well as three time settings, making it adaptable for each user. It's also machine washable and as sad as it sounds, I look forward to using it in bed every night."

Furvah Shah, former Junior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer

MaterialFaux fur and velvet
Machine washableYes
Number of settingsSix heat settings, three time settings
SizesOne - 120 x 160cm
CostApprox 1p per night
Best Faux Fur Throw Electric Blanket

Lakeland StaySnug Faux Fur Heated Throw

On Sale
StaySnug Faux Fur Heated Throw

Pros

  • Aesthetic addition to the home
  • Super soft material

Cons

  • Bulky controller can sometimes get in the way
  • On the smaller side, making it difficult to share

"Get ready to snuggle up in the StaySnug Heated Throw! It's like wrapping yourself in a warm hug on a chilly night. Made with super-soft faux fur, this throw not only feels amazing but also adds a touch of chic to your home decor.

"The best feature is that you can just toss it in the washing machine at 30°C for easy cleaning – no fuss needed! Plus, it has nine heat settings, so you can find your perfect level of cosy in no time. I love using it as a bed runner in my home, however the controller is a bit bulky and can get in the way sometimes. But I loved that it had an auto shut-off feature, which is a lifesaver for forgetful people, like me.

"I wish the throw was slightly bigger, so I had some more snuggle space or I could share it with my boyfriend. It does take a bit longer to heat up compared to some other throws out there, but overall, if you want something cosy and stylish for your home, this throw is a winner."

Jaime Lee, Art Editor

MaterialFaux fur
Machine washableYes
Number of settingsNine heat settings and nine temperature settings
Size160 x 120cm
CostApprox 5p on 160W
Best Budget Throw Blanket

Lakeland StaySnug Sherpa Electric Heated Throw Grey

StaySnug Sherpa Electric Heated Throw Grey

Pros

  • Super easy-to-use
  • Reversible uber-soft sherpa material

Cons

  • Limited colour ways
  • Bleeps when you click the buttons (my cat doesn’t like the noise)

"To my mum’s dismay, I have been a fan heater girl ever since I stepped foot into my second-year uni residency (IYKYK). And while the leccy blanket hype grew (and still continues to boom), I wasn’t convinced – that was, when I ignorantly thought they would cost an arm and a leg… ironic, I know.

"However, this sherpa number is the life-long companion I never knew I needed and now, my ride or die (not to mention that it’s actually saving me money in comparison to my bill-exhausting fan).

"It’s undoubtedly cosy, heats up super quickly and will always automatically turn off with its timer setting – so, no need to fret that you’ve left it on all night. All in all, I would *highly* recommend this affordable heated blanket as it does and has everything you could ever want from one! Though, to note: If you do want to size up, the cost does increase but that’s to be expected, right?"

Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer

MaterialSherpa
Machine washableYes
Number of settings9 heat settings and 9 timer settings
Sizes120 x 160cm and 200 x 160cm
Best Dual Control Electric Blanket

Dreamland King Size Sleep Tight Deluxe Fleecy Mattress Warmer

King Size Sleep Tight Deluxe Fleecy Mattress Warmer

Pros

  • Dual controls
  • Easy to attach

Cons

  • Polyester material doesn't match up to luxurious name

"I’m a card-carrying electric blanket fan and Dreamland has always been my go-to brand for their easy to use, affordable offerings. This one comes in at a not unreasonable £71.91 (compare this with the painful thought of forking out for the central heating) and sits comfortably atop your mattress, under your bottom sheet.

"It’s easy to attach with fool proof elasticated corner straps and even easier to use, with clear controls offering four settings, from an all-night low heat (that shuts off automatically after nine hours) to toastier pre-heat settings, all warming up in just five mins. I was all about the fast pre-heat option, popping it on while I brushed my teeth and returning to a cosier than cosy bed warmed to the perfect temperature, but on cooler nights, I did wake up and switch it on setting one for a low-level warmth.

"The real selling point of this blanket is its ingenious couple-minded dual controls (any woman who sleeps next to a man knows the struggle of the male/female temperature battles!). The blanket comes with two controls, so you and your SO don’t have to argue over the perfect temperature – you can both sleep comfortably in your respective ideal climes.

"Downsides: the blanket is made from polyester so it’s not the most luxurious feeling, despite the name. Though it is by no means uncomfortable and its minimalistic style is a low-key addition to your bed."

Harriet Hall, Features Director

MaterialPolyester
Machine washableYes
Number of settings4 temperature settings
SizesTwo - king (150 x 160cm) and double (150x137cm)
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How do electric blankets work?

Electric blankets work by integrated electrical heating wires which have been woven into the fabric of your blanket. Electric blankets range in temperature, starting at around 18 degrees on the lowest temperature setting, rising to 56 degrees in some electric blankets.

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What are the types of electric blankets?

There are two types to choose from: those you wrap around yourself like a normal throw, and those that fit under your bed sheet, which warm up your bed. Tend to run super-hot in bed? Invest in a blanket to snuggle up in. Always wake up freezing at 3 AM? Then an under blanket will be your new best friend.

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Can you leave an electric blanket on overnight?

Generally, it's always safe to switch an electric blanket off before you fall asleep, unless your electric blanket has a specifically designed time control that will auto-switch off at a certain time. In all cases, it's best to check your instruction manual when you buy your electric blanket.

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How we test our favourite electric blankets

Getting cosy is a team investment, and in order to find you the best of the best, we tried and tested a variety of electric blankets. We each tried out a blanket of our choosing, depending on what our cosy needs were (some wanted a throw to use for movie night, while others wanted it to warm up their beds). After weeks of trying out the blankets, we then shared what we liked and what could have been improved for each blanket.

Headshot of Shadé Owomoyela
Shadé Owomoyela
Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer

Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.   
 

Headshot of Lydia Venn
Lydia Venn
Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer

 Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.