The 13 best electric blankets for peak at-home cosiness
Arm yourself with one the best electric blankets, and bask in the warm glow. From Silentnight to Dreamland, these are our favourite electric blankets and heated throws.
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If you're looking for one of the best electric blankets to keep your toes toasty at night, we have you covered. For the times when a standard blanket just isn’t enough and you can’t seem to warm your bed up, even as the days get warmer, the electric blanket is a godsend.
By no means a new invention, electric blankets have been around for a long time, helping to heat up your bed sheets or your sofa in the living room before you tuck yourself in. Turn it on while you brush your teeth, set a time limit, and by the time you’re under the covers it’ll be nice and warm for you with no need for an extra electric heater by your bedside or your heating bills skyrocketing.
Unlike old electric blankets from the past, they are now safe and secure, incorporating measures like automatic switch-off settings to ensure you don’t have a fire issue on your hands. Their bad reputation has long been squashed, but just make sure you’re using the blankets for a healthy amount of time (most will advise you on this), and setting it up safely.
The best electric blankets have plenty of features to choose from, and we’d recommend looking for one that has multiple heat settings, timer settings, and good safety features. You’ll also notice that some - electric underblankets - are designed to go under your fitted sheet to heat you from below, while others are more multi-purpose and can be used as a throw blanket on top of your bed and on the sofa.
Both have their perks, so just have a think about what’s right for you, and where you want to be using the blanket. Our top picks of the best electric blankets are a mix of different styles, designs and price points to get you started.
Skip to: What are the best electric blankets to buy in 2024? | What are the benefits of electric blankets? | Will an electric blanket increase your energy bill? | Is there anything else to know before buying a heated blanket? | How we selected the best electric blankets: GQ’s review process | Shop GQ’s pick of the best electric blankets…
What are the best electric blankets to buy in 2024?
The Glamhaus electric blanket offers luxurious comfort with dual controls for personalised warmth, nine heat settings and 10 timer settings.
Designed specifically for couples, this electric blanket is split into two sides, each of which can has its own unique temperature and is controlled by a separate remote. Say goodbye to nights spent arguing about whether or not it's too hot or too cold.
Far more than just an electric blanket, the Eight Sleep Pod is designed to give your sleep a complete overhaul. From temperature regulation to tracking your sleep and even an in-built alarm, it's a whole new level of electric blanket bliss.
While we've included plenty of detail about our favourite electric blankets below, here's a quickfire guide to the best electric blankets.
- Best overall electric blanket: GlamHaus Double Size Electric Blanket, £88 at amazon.co.uk
- Best electric blanket for couples: Silentnight Dual Control Electric Blanket, £45 at amazon.co.uk
- Best luxury electric blanket: Eight Sleep Pod, £2,295 at eightsleep.com
- Best affordable electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control, £30 at amazon.co.uk
- Best heated throw: Lakeland Sherpa, £70 at amazon.co.uk
What are the benefits of electric blankets?
There are two types of electric blanket to choose from – an under blanket that sits on your mattress but under your fitted sheet, a bit like a mattress cover, and then there’s a classic comfy electric blanket that can either be used as a fleecy eiderdown on top of your duvet, or just for indulgent loafing on the sofa.
The average minimum temperature of an electric blanket is typically around 25°C, while the maximum it'll generally warm up to on its highest setting is roughly around 45-50°C. It doesn’t sound very hot, but once you’re under a duvet and the blanket is running at full steam, you’ll be seriously toasty.
If you’re looking for a heated blanket for the bed, you have a choice of either a classic heat pad that fastens to the mattress with elasticated straps or ties, or a more modern design that is integrated into a fitted sheet. They can often double as mattress protectors, too – the ones we’ve tested have a generous amount of cushioning to add to your overall comfort.
Available in all bed sizes, from double beds right up to king size and super kings, but one of the key considerations is if you’re sleeping with a partner. Single control heat options keep the whole bed at one temperature, which is great if you both have the same internal thermostat, but if one of you has a body temperature that runs hot and the other cold, you need to invest in a dual heat zone design that can disperse different temperatures to each side of the bed. It’s also worth spending extra on electric blankets with multiple heat zones and temperature control so that you can choose only extra foot warmth, for instance.
Most electric blankets are suitable for a machine wash at 40 degrees and they are also tumble dryer safe, but obviously you need to disconnect the power cables first.
Will an electric blanket increase your energy bill?
Every electric blanket will have a rating in wattage. If you then know what your electricity costs (usually on average around 29p per kWh), you can do the maths. So a 100W electric blanket would cost 3p to run at full power for an hour. Some use more, and it greatly depends on how long you have the blanket on for, but the best designs have an off-timer or automatic shut-off for peace of mind and have reduced power to help make them more energy efficient.
Is there anything else to know before buying a heated blanket?
As well as keeping you warm, electric blankets can also aid recovery from exercise, relieve muscle tension and reduce stiffness thanks to an increase in blood circulation. It’s worth noting also that if you have a memory foam mattress, it is recommended to use an electric over blanket, not a traditional heated under blanket, as a heated blanket will compromise how the foam moulds to your body, somewhat defeating the point of it.
How we selected the best electric blankets: GQ’s review process
Our decision about which electric blankets deserved a spot in our guide was based on a few key criteria. To start with, we looked at the types of electric blankets available, in order to make sure we had a range which included both under blankets (the more traditional form of electric blanket) and the electric blankets which you lie under (a better option if you want something for the sofa or if you have a memory foam mattress). We then looked at the range of temperature options, the sizes available, and whether or not they benefited from any additional features or heating elements like zoned temperatures.
Shop GQ’s pick of the best electric blankets…
GlamHaus Double Size Electric Blanket
1/13GlamHaus Double Size Electric Blanket
- Reasons to buy: Multiple safety factors | Quilted fabric | Zoned settings
- Type: Cotton underblanket
- Controls: Dual controls with 9 temperature settings and 10 timer options
The Glamhaus Premium Electric Blanket offers a luxuriously soft, diamond-quilted cotton fabric to add a touch of elegance to your bed while keeping you warm and cosy. Dual controls with nine heat settings and 10 timer options allow you and your partner to personalise your experience, while individual body and feet settings provide targeted warmth.
The deep-fitted elastic skirt secures the blanket to your mattress for a comfortable, undisturbed sleep and when it comes to safety, this electric blanket has all the tricks. It is CE-certified, RoHS compliant, and features an overheat protection system with automatic shut-off. £88. At amazon.co.uk
Beurer Monogram Komfort Heated Mattress Cover
2/13Beurer Monogram Komfort Heated Mattress Cover
- Reasons to buy: Several heat settings | Soft | Good safety features
- Type: Fleece underblanket
- Controls: 6 temperature settings
Made from thick Teddy fleece, the Beurer Monogram Komfort Heated Mattress Cover is designed to sit on top of your mattress, with a deep elastic skirt to keep it in place. There are six temperature settings to find your perfect level of cozy and heat-up time sits at around eight minutes, which is just enough time to sort out your pearly whites and wash your face.
Built-in sensor technology prevents overheating and automatically shuts down if needed, while Oeko-Tex certified materials are breathable and gentle on even the most sensitive skin. This option is also machine washable for easy care.
Dreamland Heated Sherpa Underblanket
3/13Dreamland Heated Sherpa Underblanket
- Reasons to buy: Dual controls | Soft
- Type: Sherpa underblanket
- Controls: Dual controls with six temperature settings
Having slept on a Dreamland electric blanket ourselves for a good year now, we can confirm that they are everything your cold, shivery self is after and more. Designed with dual controls, which mean you and your partner can each set their own temperature preferences (or if you have the bed to yourself you can keep one side cooler and one side warmer), it’s not only super fast heating (we’d say it pre-heats in the amount of time it takes to brush your teeth), but has six different heat settings and three different time options.
The sherpa cover helps hide the feel of the wires through your sheets, although you can still just about feel them which can be a bit annoying, while also adding a bit of extra softness and helping to keep the bed warm after you turn off the heat.
£115£92. At lakeland.co.ukSilentnight Heat Genie Mattress Topper
4/13Silentnight Heat Genie Mattress Topper
- Reasons to buy: Saves you on electricity | Warm without wires
- Type: Non-electric self-heating mattress topper
- Controls: None
It’s hard to find fault with a blanket that will warm you up in a mere matter of minutes, but electric blankets can actually be a bit uncomfortable sometimes if you can feel the wires underneath your sheets. Thankfully, Silentnight has the solution for this, managing to heat you without the need for any plugs or wires, while instead focusing on the kind of comfort you’d expect from the best mattress toppers.
The key here is that rather than using electricity to heat you up, the Heat Genie is designed to trap body heat, using a heat reflecting foil layer, as well as a 7.5 tog construction, to keep you warm without the need for any wires. This also means you’re bound to be more comfortable, with the softness of the material and the extra cushioning helping you drift off to sleep without any interruptions or annoyances. Think of it as an electric blanket, just without the actually electric part. £40. At lakeland.co.uk
Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric Blanket
5/13Slumberdown Wonderfully Warm Electric Blanket
- Reasons to buy: Affordable | Low energy consumption | Auto-shut off | Foot warmth setting
- Type: Underblanket
- Controls: Nine heat settings
For an affordable heated blanket that still has many of the settings you'd find in the more premium models, Slumberdown's Wonderfully Warm electric blanket is one of the best for anyone who isn't too bothered about smart controls. Easy to fit onto your mattress, it works as an under-blanket, with nine heat settings that allow you to adjust the temperature, as well as one which focuses entirely on your feet.
To give you some extra piece of mind as well, auto shut-off helps make things safer alongside a timer that you can set to prevent anything from going awry. Better still, the fleece quilted cover can also be removed and popped in the washing machine to help you keep everything as hygienic as possible.
£70£47. At amazon.co.ukDreamland Deluxe Velvet Heated Throw
6/13Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Heated Throw
- Reasons to buy: Adjusts to maintain temperature | Multiple heat settings | Herringbone design
- Type: Throw
- Controls: Six heat settings
For the ultimate comfort and luxurious warming feeling, the Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw is a fabulous choice. This plush navy throw boasts a lovely herringbone pattern, perfect for curling up on the sofa solo or cuddling up and when warmth isn't needed, it's a stylish living room accent.
Innovative Intelliheat technology provides customised warmth, cleverly adjusting to maintain your desired temperature, while a five-minute heat-up time and six heat settings mean you'll be cosy in no time. The auto-shut-off timer and overheat protection ensure peace of mind, and it's machine-washable too. £95. At habitat.co.uk
Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket
7/13Silentnight Comfort Control
- Reasons to buy: Affordable | Incorporates multiple heat settings | Relaxing fleece material
- Type: Underblanket
- Controls: Three heat settings
When we think of affordable homeware, the first brand that comes to mind is Silentnight. So who better to look to for an electric blanket that won't set your bank balance too out of whack? Especially given that electric blankets are all about saving you a bit of money this winter with their 1p costs, it makes perfect sense that you wouldn't want to invest a fortune in them.
Keeping things nice and simple in design, the ‘Comfort Control’ is the brand's staple electric blanket, with three heat settings that mean you can personalise the temperature to your preferences and a fluffy fleece design that feels warming and soft underneath your sheets, even when the blanket isn't turned on. And as far as hygiene goes, it's also machine washable so you can keep it feeling clean and fresh, and hypoallergenic for people with allergies. £30. At amazon.co.uk
Cosi Home Microfleece Electric Blanket
8/13Cosi Home Microfleece Electric Blanket
- Reasons to buy: Affordable | Straps for securing to mattress | 10 heat levels
- Type: Underblanket
- Controls: Three heat settings
This rather affordable offering might not have the soft fleece-like finish of some of its more expensive competitors, but that's fine by us. Rather than being designed to lounge around on the couch, it has convenient straps to help keep it in place on top of your mattress, letting you take advantage of its three heat settings to pre-warm your bed on those cold winter nights.
It's also 100 per cent washable, with its remote control and cable fully detachable, letting you keep your slumber sanctuary clean and pristine.
£35£30. At amazon.co.ukSilentnight Dual Control Electric Blanket
9/13Silentnight Dual Control Electric Blanket
- Reasons to buy: Affordable | Dual-controlled
- Type: Underblanket
- Controls: Two separate controls (one for each side), three heat settings on each
Another bargain, this time with you and your partner in mind, this dual control heated sleeping blanket has three heat settings and two controllers so nobody needs to overheat (or freeze) during the night.
At less than £50 it is, unsurprisingly, not loaded with features, and unlike the more expensive designs doesn’t come built into a fitted sheet, so you’ll need to attach it using the corner straps provided. It is cheap to run (around 1p per night depending on your energy tariff, according to the brand) though, is very soft, machine washable, and boasts more versatility than most at this price.
£65£45. At amazon.co.ukLakeland StaySnug Electric Heated Throw
10/13Lakeland Sherpa Electric Throw
- Reasons to buy: Good for using on the sofa | Nine heat settings
- Type: Heated throw
- Controls: Nine heat settings
Thick, soft and ridiculously snuggly, this 160W heated throw (120 x 160cm) is ideal for cuddling up on the sofa with, while knocking the thermostat down a few degrees, or lying over the bed on cold nights to keep you comfortable. In truth, the sherpa style fleece will be too hot for some people before they’ve even switched it on, but if you or your partner love it toasty, you’re in for a treat.
It comes with nine heat settings, it will switch off automatically (there are nine time options to choose from via the hand controller) and it also has overheat protection. It can also be slung in a 30-degree wash without issue.
£70£49. At amazon.co.uk
Eight Sleep Pod
11/13Eight Sleep Pod
- Reasons to buy: Heating and cooling | App-controlled | Involves sensors to track your sleep
- Type: Mattress topper
- Controls: App-controlled, dual-zone design that can both heat and cool you
Taking sleep comfort to the next level, this app-controlled dual-zone fitted sheet design can heat and cool you as you slumber at any temperature between 12°C to 43°C. You can schedule times and temperatures for each sleeper from the app, but unlike the rest, the separate water pump pushes warm or cold water through a layer in the mattress topper to adjust the temperature.
What’s more, it’s loaded with ambient sensors on each side enabling you to track sleep stages, sleep time, nighttime movements, plus offer analysis of respiratory rate, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability. There are even two vibration and temperature alarms for individual wake-ups.
£2,345£2,295. At eightsleep.comMia & Coco
12/13Mia&Coco
- Reasons to buy: Soft and comfortable | Washable | 10 heat levels
- Type: Heated overblanket design
- Controls: 10 heat levels
Made from flannel and sherpa material, this electric blanket delivers on its promise of a soft and luxurious feel, while keeping you warm even before you switch the heat on. Once it is powered on, you've got 10 levels of heat to choose form, letting you dial in your perfect amount of toastiness.
There's also a nine-hour -auto-off timer to avoid wasting any power, and it's even machine washable to help keep things fresh and soft. Available in a range of colours for a rather attractive price when on offer, it's a deal you won't want to miss out on.
£90£45. At amazon.co.ukDreamland Heated Throw
13/13Dreamland Heated Throw
- Reasons to buy: A good overblanket | Incorporates a pre-heat button | Auto shut-off feature
- Type: Heated throw
- Controls: Six heat settings and three time settings, including an auto-shut off
Yes, the idea of even artificial dog fur is a bit dubious, but we’re happy to look past this indiscretion because fake huskies make exceptionally soft, decidedly luxurious blankets. Most overblankets – while considerably cheaper – have a bit less of a vibe about them, but this one manages to be considerably more Scandi hygge, so you can snuggle up in some style.
It measures a couple cuddling L120 x W160cm, is machine washable and there are six heat settings, a pre-heat button and an auto shut-off feature that can be set from one to nine hours.
£130£104. At lakeland.comNOW READ
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