THE average energy bill is set to rise by 10% this winter, but there are ways to cut costs – and a heated throw is a cosy and effective way to do just that.
Curl up under one on the sofa and these cold weather companions will help keep you toasty, so you don’t have to rely on the heating.
Many of them only cost around 1p an hour to run so using one will help make some great savings on those bills.
There are many different styles available. But to help you find the right one for you that is both cosy and value for money, we’ve been busy testing a range.
Here Lynsey Hope reveals which ones are hot stuff:
Dreamland Hygge Days Luxury Faux Fur Warming Throw
- £89.99, dreamlanduk.co.uk
- Cost to run: 4p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “A very strokeable and luxurious faux fur throw. Not only is it soft and fluffy and highly inviting, but it also looked gorgeous draped over the corner of a sofa.
“It has six heat settings and a timer which allows you to set it for one, three or nine hours and it automatically switches off when the time is up.
“Not only is it machine washable at 30C but it is one of the only ones we tested that can also go in the tumble dryer.
“It’s a little smaller than some throws so you won’t want to share.
“The only downside is the price.
“At nearly £90 it is quite an investment – but I don’t think it is one you’ll regret.”
SCORE: 9/10
Argos Home Grey Heated Throw
- £50, argos.co.uk
- Cost to run: 3p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “For the price, I thought this polyester blanket looks really snug and it felt beautifully soft.
“It has six heat settings which go from about 29 to 42C and a nine hour timer.
“It says there is a five minute heat up time but you could feel the warmth coming through almost instantly.
“It’s versatile, light to transport around and comes in a reusable storage bag.
“This throw can also be tumble dried. It has tons of five star reviews on the Argos site – and I wholeheartedly agree. Comfy, cost efficient and great value.”
SCORE: 10/10
OHS Heated Fluffy Electric Blanket
- £32, onlinehomeshop.com
- Cost to run: 2p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “When you turn this up to the top temperature of nine, this fluffy blanket instantly feels warm.
“For a cheaper option, it’s definitely one of the fastest to warm up. The outer layer has a fluffy 3cm pile while the reverse is a soft, cosy fleece material.
“It has a removable remote, and the cord was easy to remove for washing.
“It has a timer for between one and nine hours.
“A lovely, cosy, affordable option that will keep you toasty and warm through the winter.”
SCORE: 8/10
Bauer Luxury Softtouch Heated Throw
- £49.99, robertdyas.co.uk
- Cost to run: 4p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “A fleecy heated blanket with 10 heat settings – one of the biggest ranges we tried – as well as a one to nine hour timer function.
“It also has a safety shut off when the time is up and overheat protection, so it is safe as well as warm.
“It wasn’t as snuggly as some of the more luxury ones and not quite as stylish, but the value is good.
“No complaints.”
SCORE: 6/10
Dunelm Teddy Electric Throw
- £40, dunelm.com
- Cost to run: 2p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “A comfy throw designed with a plush teddy bear texture which gives it an irresistibly soft and cosy feel.
“It boasts adjustable heat settings so you can get the perfect temperature for you.
“It was a little tricky to detach the power cord for washing, and the remote control looked a bit cheap compared to others, but this is stylish and snuggly, perfect for chilly evenings. Cheap to run, too.”
SCORE: 7/10
Silentnight Luxury Heated Throw
- £35, onlinehomeshop.com
- Cost to run: From 1p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “A soft, fluffy blanket that won’t break the bank.
“This was easy to move from your bed to the sofa and it boasted a quick eight-minute warm up time and the temperature distribution was even.
“It has nine heat settings, the controls were easy to use though the touch screen buttons were sometimes a little slow to respond.
“It does time out after two hours so not the best option if you want it on over you during the night.
“Whilst soft, I thought the dotted design looked a bit old fashioned.
“You also need to take care when washing.
“Removing the controls were fiddly and it was hard to lie it out flat after it had been in the wash.”
SCORE: 5/10
Vonhaus Pink Heated Throw
- £39.99, vonhaus.com
- Cost to run:
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “The instructions recommend preheating this throw for 30 to 60 minutes before use, which I didn’t like.
“But once on, it kept me pretty toasty.
“There are nine heat settings and a timer that you can adjust for one to nine hours before it switches itself off.
“It’s made with double flannel and fleece lining and was very soft and snuggly.
“Also available in grey, though I liked the pink which could add a pop of colour to any room.
“It’s both practical and pretty.”
SCORE: 7/10
Lakeland StaySnug Bubble Faux Fur Heated Throw
- £89.99, lakeland.co.uk
- Cost to run: 3p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “You won’t find anything much cosier than this. I could sit under this, stroking the soft faux fur, all day.
“It feels amazing and looks great thrown off a sofa or a chair too. It has a choice of ten heat settings and 10 time settings, plus an auto shut-off function for peace of mind.
“The heat distribution wasn’t perfect, this blanket was definitely warmer towards the centre but it warmed up quickly and kept me toasty for hours – not sure how I ever lived without it.”
SCORE: 9/10
Carmen Luxury Heated Throw
- £49.99, carmen-products.co.uk
- Cost to run: 2p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “A fleecy blanket, which was one of the fastest to warm up in our test.
“The material is super soft and it has nine heat settings allowing you control over how warm it gets.
“It only costs 2-3p per hour to run and has over heat protection for added safety and peace of mind.
“It looks quality, and is good value. So many of these blankets are grey so nice that this is available in a range of colours.”
SCORE: 7/10
Mia&Coco Electric Blanket
- £38.24, amazon.co.uk
- Cost to run: 4p per hour
- Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “Comes vacuum packed and takes a while to fluff it out, but it’s very cosy once you get it out.
“It’s made with a mix of flannel and sherpa and is very soft and comfortable.
“It has ten heat settings, a timer, and is quality material. It’s a generous size too, big enough to share.
“For the price – it is one of the most affordable – I thought it was good value.
“I’m not sure it’s as durable as others, the handset is easy to navigate but it looks pretty flimsy.
“My one worry would be that it wouldn’t last very long, only time will tell.”
SCORE: 6/10