With more of us working from home, only going into the office a few days every week, we have to worry about increased heating bills this winter. If you're looking for a way to keep warm that doesn't involve extortionate heating bills, the best heated throws could be the answer.
Searches for 'heated throw' and 'heated blanket' have risen hugely over the past year. Thousands of us are turning to electric blankets after Martin Lewis and his money-saving experts conducted some work around 'heat the human, not the home' and urged people to stay warm using thermal clothes, the best bedding as well as electric blankets and throws to save money and energy.
Grazia's Best Heated Throws, At A Glance
Best Heated Throw Overall: Lakeland Faux Fur Heated Throw, £74.99, was £119.99 on Lakeland
Best Heated Throw On Amazon: GlamHaus Heated Throw Blanket, £64.99 on Amazon
Best Budget Heated Throw: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket, £23+ was £30+ on Very
Launching the guide, Lewis wrote: 'This is a guide I really wish we needn't be publishing. The reason I asked Sarah and the team to put this together is due to my overflowing email bag of desperation from people who can't afford their energy bills. So don't see this as an 'MSE or Martin says you should do this'. It's more that we're trying to help provide some options and information for those who may need to drastically cut down on energy usage due to financial desperation and some help for others who may want to do it out of a commitment to green issues.'
His guide found that using single electric blankets could keep you warm at a cost of just 3p per hour. So, if you want to get ahead of the inevitable cold snap before winter, here are the best heated throws and blankets available to buy now.
Shop: Best Heated Throws And Blankets 2024
Best Heated Throw Overall
www.lakeland.co.uk
Finished with cosy faux fur, Lakeland's heated throw has nine heat settings, which you can switch between using the easy-to-use controller. There are also nine time settings, should you wish to ensure it turns off after a certain time but there's also auto shut-off for extra peace of mind. Reviewers state that it's a lovely quality blanket with a soft, cosy inner lining that warms up quickly. Even better? It's machine washable.
Pros
- A choice of nine heat settings and nine time settings
- Is machine washable with a detachable control
- Auto shut-off for peace of mind
Cons
- One reviewer said they would have preferred a larger size
Dimensions: | Approx. 160 x 120cm. 160W |
Care instructions: | Fully explored in the user manual on-site. Machine wash at 30C after allowing it to cool and checking for signs of damage beforehand. Air dry on a drying rack without the use of clothes pegs. Avoid folding during storage. |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Heated Throw On Amazon
The GlamHaus Heated Throw Blanket is created with Shu Cotton Velvet 280gsm and Sherpa Fleece 220gsm, knitted together with an overlock edging stitch system to offer extra supreme durability. It's also available on Prime, so you could have it by tomorrow if you're really feeling the cold. Reviews recommend this heated throw, as it looks inviting on your sofa and provides a soft, fluffy feel.
Pros
- A choice of 9 heat settings and 9 time settings
- Fitted with overheat protection and current overload protection
- Is machine washable with a detachable control
Cons
- Some reviews state the temperature provided could be warmer
Dimensions: | 160 x 130cm |
Care instructions: | Machine washable |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Budget Heated Throw
www.very.co.uk
The Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket is an energy-efficient and affordable way to stay warm for less. One customer even commented it heats up really quickly. Pre-heating your bed for two hours on a low heat setting costs as little as 1p, so you can afford to feel cosy every night.
Pros
- A choice of single, double, king and super king sizes
- Features overheat protection for total peace of mind
- Is machine washable with a detachable control
Cons
- Only includes three heat settings
Dimensions: | Not listed |
Care instructions: | Machine washable |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Heated Throw For Colour Choice
Available in a variety of colours if you love matching to your décor, the Dreamcatcher Electric Throw from Amazon has a fast heat-up time and nine heat settings for greater control. The fluffy blanket is just big enough to fit as an over-blanket for a double bed, with one reviewer claiming it's become an essential part of their relaxation routine.
Pros
- A choice of 9 different colours and 9 heat settings
- Is machine washable with a detachable control
- Auto shut-off for peace of mind
Cons
- Some reviewers said the wires can be felt at times
Dimensions: | 160 x 120 x 3 cm; 1.4 kg |
Care instructions: | Machine washable |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Dual-Control Heated Throw
Ideal if you and your partner are always bickering about body temperature, Silentnight's Dual Control Electric Blanket allows you both to spot-heat, meaning that you can heat separate areas of the blanket, allowing you both to relax without cold feet being an issue. Reviewers are raving about this product, with thousands flocking to comment on how much they appreciated that you can regulate both sides of the bed individually.
Pros
- A choice of three independently controlled heat settings
- Features overheat protection for total peace of mind
- Is machine washable with a detachable control
Cons
- Requires power from two separate plug sockets
Dimensions: | 137 cm x 150 cm |
Care instructions: | Machine washable. Simply disconnect the controls and follow the care label for instructions. |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Highly-Rated Heated Throw
Dreamland’s Alaskan Husky faux fur heated throw will keep you warm as you watch Netflix or could be thrown over your bed for extra snug winter nights. It has an auto shut-off function that can be set for one, three or nine hours. Coming in with a respectable 4.8-star rating at John Lewis, reviewers are raving about the quality, feel and functionality of this heated throw.
Pros
- A choice of six heat settings
- Intelliheat+ Technology cleverly responds to temperature changes while you relax
- Auto shut-off for peace of mind
Cons
- May not look as luxurious as pictures suggest, more brown than mink as advertised
Dimensions: | 2.33kg |
Care instructions: | Machine washable. Use only as a throw, draped over your body. Do not sit on the throw when heated or tuck under the body. Do not use when folded. |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Highest Quality Heated Throw
www.thewhitecompany.com
The White Company's heated blanket comes presented in a gift box with an included drawstring bag, making it ideal for gifting opportunities and storage alike. Made from recycled fibres, it creates a 'super soft' faux fur feel, perfect for cosying up with. A reviewer commented that you can tell the quality from other blankets on the market, hailing it as their top drawer product that they reach for again and again.
Pros
- A choice of six heat settings
- Looks and feels expensive and high quality
- Beautifully presented in a gift box with co-ordinating drawstring bag
Cons
- One reviewer commented that the cable length of the controller is on the short side
Dimensions: | W130cm x L160cm |
Care instructions: | Machine-washable, follow the instruction manual for directions on how to remove the detachable control before washing |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Double Heated Throw
Reviewers love the separate functions and quick heat-up time of the Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric Blanket. They confirm that the fast heat technology means a super quick heat-up time. Allowing you to spot-heat with zone control, you can target just your feet or your whole body. This is also a useful method if you're wanting to save money and energy instead of heating the whole blanket when you don't feel it's necessary.
Pros
- A choice of single, double, king and super king sizes
- Spot-heating function that has independently controlled heat settings
- Features overheat protection for total peace of mind
Cons
- One reviewer commented that the cable length of the controller is on the short side
Dimensions: | 150 x 120 |
Care instructions: | Machine wash at 40C |
Detachable controller: | Yes |
Best Printed Heated Throw
Are Heated Throws Safe?
Like heated airers, heated throws are safe given that you follow product guidelines when in use. They aren't recommended for overnight use, so always turn off your heated throw when you're about to go to sleep, or, set a timer so it shuts off after a short while. Be sure to also use it as a top layer, above any other blankets or duvets and avoid lying or sitting on top of it.
How To Save Money With A Heated Throw?
Yes, heated throws and blankets allow us to save money on heating bills, but in order to take full advantage of these savings, why not consider the recommendations below?
Use your timer: Some electric blankets and heated throws come with a timer function. Utilising this function means you will be able to run it for a selected amount of time so that you're cutting down on costs.
Consider your heat settings: The higher the temperature setting, the more energy you'll use. If your blanket comes with the option to have different heat settings, use enough heat to stay warm without cranking up the dial to full power.
Spot-heat: If your blanket is a double blanket or can be heated in certain parts, this feature can also be used to save money. This method means that you're only using energy to heat up certain parts of the throw, rather than wasting energy on the whole blanket.
Rhiannon Evans is Senior Editor at Grazia, and was previously Acting Digital Director, Features Director, Commissioning Editor and Special Projects Editor.