We compare the UK’s favourite low-cost heating heroes to help you stay warm without touching the thermostat.
🛋️ Cosy Season Is Calling — But What’s the Smarter Choice?
As the clocks go back and the chill creeps into every corner of the house, the annual debate begins: do you brave the heating bill or find smarter ways to stay warm? For many UK households, the answer lies in energy-efficient electric blankets and heated throws — but which one actually saves more energy?
Both promise warmth for pennies per hour, but they serve slightly different purposes. Whether you’re curling up on the sofa or trying to warm a chilly bed, choosing the right one can make a noticeable difference to your comfort and your energy bills.
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and real-world energy use of each — and help you find the best option for your lifestyle.
✍️ Author Insight
I’ll admit, when the cold sets in here in the UK, I used to just crank up the heating and hope for the best. But with bills climbing and older houses never quite holding the warmth, I started looking for smaller fixes that actually made a difference. Adding a heated blanket to the bedroom meant I could turn the radiator down and still sleep comfortably, while a throw on the sofa kept me cosy during those early dark evenings. It’s funny how such simple swaps can change your routine — I’ve found myself reaching for these more than the thermostat, and the savings have been noticeable.
🔌 Heated Blankets vs Electric Throws: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Heated Blanket (Underblanket) | Electric Throw (Overblanket) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it’s used | On the bed, under your sheet or mattress protector | On top of you — sofa, bed, armchair |
| Primary purpose | Pre-warming and maintaining bed warmth | Direct body warmth while lounging or relaxing |
| Energy usage | ~1–3p per hour (lower wattage, focused use) | ~3–6p per hour (higher wattage, more surface area) |
| Heat-up time | 10–20 minutes | 5–10 minutes |
| Portability | Fixed to bed, not portable | Highly portable — great for sofa, office, or travel |
| Best for | Overnight warmth, cold sleepers, reducing bedroom heating | Daytime use, working from home, quick warmth without heating whole room |
🧺 Product Picks: Best Heated Blankets & Electric Throws (Amazon UK, 2025)
🛏️ Electric Blanket Heated Underblanket – Single Size, 3 Heat Settings
Energy-efficient underblanket for cosy nights without central heating.
- 3 heat settings with fast heat-up
- Soft flannel fabric for comfort
- Overheat protection and fitted straps
💬 What users say: “Heats up quickly and stays warm all night. I’ve barely touched the thermostat since buying it.”
🛏️ Snug Snuggle Up Electric Blanket – Double Size, 3 Heat Settings
Simple, affordable heated underblanket for cold sleepers.
- Elasticated corner straps for easy fit
- Overheat protection for safe overnight use
- 3 heat settings
💬 What users say: “Perfect for pre-warming the bed. I sleep better and use less heating.”
🛋️ LIVIVO Electric Heated Throw – 160x130cm, 9 Heat Settings, Timer
Soft fleece throw with full-body coverage and smart controls.
- 9 heat settings and auto shut-off
- Timer function for safe use
- Machine washable with detachable controller
💬 What users say: “Perfect for working from home — I use it instead of heating the whole room.”
🛋️ Electric Heated Throw Blanket – Large Sofa Size, Adjustable Heat
Plush heated throw for sofa lounging or bed layering.
- Soft flannel fabric with multiple heat settings
- Ideal for daytime warmth
💬 What users say: “Super warm and soft. Great for movie nights and chilly mornings.”
💡 Energy Use: Which One Saves More?
According to recent testing and consumer reports:
- Heated blankets are the clear winner for overnight savings. Using just 40–60 watts, they cost around 1–3p per hour — perfect for keeping warm all night without touching the radiator. Electric throws, on the other hand, draw more power (100–150 watts) but heat up in minutes, making them ideal for short bursts of daytime comfort. The choice comes down to lifestyle: if you want steady, low-cost warmth while you sleep, go for a blanket. If you’re working from home or lounging on the sofa, a throw gives instant heat without firing up the boiler.
- Electric throws use more power (often 100–150 watts) but heat up faster and are better for short bursts of warmth during the day.
If you’re trying to cut heating bills, a heated blanket is the better long-term saver, especially if you turn down your bedroom radiator. But if you’re home during the day and want to avoid heating the whole house, a heated throw is a smart sofa companion.
Personal warmth is just one part of a larger heat-saving approach — see our how to heat your home room by room guide for the full strategy.
🛏️ Stay Warm, Spend Less
Heated blankets cut heating bills when combined with Oil-Filled Radiators or Thermal Curtains to keep heat locked in. Add a Door Draught Stopper for an extra layer of comfort and efficiency. Keep cosy anywhere with Rechargeable Hand Warmers — a portable heat boost for chilly commutes or outdoor work
🧠 Who Should Choose What?
| Household Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Cold sleepers | Snug Snuggle Up Electric Blanket |
| Remote workers | LIVIVO Heated Throw |
| Elderly or mobility-limited | Heated blanket with auto shut-off for safe overnight use |
| Renters or students | Portable heated throw — no installation needed |
| Budget-conscious households | Heated blanket for lowest running cost |
🔍 Reader Questions Answered
Are heated blankets and throws safe to use overnight? Yes — modern models include overheat protection and auto shut-off. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid folding them while in use.
Can you wash them? Most are machine washable once the controller is detached. Check the label for care instructions.
Do they work with smart plugs? Some do — but only if they return to the “on” setting after power is restored. Always test first before relying on automation.
Can I use both together? Yes — many people use a heated blanket at night and a throw during the day. Just be mindful of total energy use.
🧺 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Heated Blanket or Throw
- Pre-warm, don’t overheat: Switch your blanket on 20 minutes before bed, then drop to a lower setting once you’re cosy.
- Layer smartly: Combine with a duvet or fleece to trap heat, so you don’t need the highest setting.
- Automate comfort: Use a timer or smart plug to shut off automatically — safer and cheaper.
- Store with care: Roll or lay flat when not in use to protect the heating wires.
- Know your mattress: Avoid using with memory foam unless the manufacturer confirms it’s safe.
🛡️ Safety & Longevity: Making Your Blanket Last
Safety is a big concern for UK households, especially with overnight use. Modern heated blankets and throws include overheat protection and auto shut-off, but a few habits make them even safer:
- Always check the wattage matches your plug socket capacity.
- Don’t use extension leads with high-powered throws.
- Wash only as instructed — most are machine washable once the controller is detached.
- Replace after 8–10 years or if you notice wear in the fabric or wiring.
💡 Tip: Treat your heated blanket like any other appliance — regular checks and proper storage mean it’ll last longer and stay safe.
✅ Final Thoughts
When it comes to energy-efficient heating, both electric blankets and heated throws have their place — it really depends on how and when you use them. For overnight warmth and the lowest running cost, a heated underblanket like the Snug Snuggle Up Electric Blanket is hard to beat. But if you’re working from home or want flexible warmth during the day, the LIVIVO Heated Throw offers comfort without cranking up the boiler.
Stay warm for less this winter with the full Smart Heating & Home Warmth Hub — explore smart thermostats, radiator valves, and insulation tricks that help cut UK energy bills fast.
For government-backed guidance on home energy efficiency, heating, and insulation, the GOV.UK energy section shares reliable, up-to-date information.
https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services/household-energy
Written by Andy M. — exploring energy-saving gadgets and home hacks that actually work in real UK homes.
Related options if you’re heating yourself rather than the whole house:
Electric blankets and throws are just part of the picture — these guides look at other low-energy ways to stay warm without heating the entire home: