The Best Electric Blankets in the UK for 2026

No, they're one of the cheapest ways to stay warm. Most underblankets and throws draw somewhere between roughly 50 and 150 watts, so on a typical 2026 UK electricity rate you're usually looking at only a few pence per hour on a mid setting, far less than heating a room. Pre-warming the bed for 30 minutes before you get in and then switching off is the most economical approach, and models with an energy display make it easier to see what each setting costs.

An underblanket sits on the mattress beneath your fitted sheet and warms the bed from below, which is the most efficient way to feel warm as you get in. An overblanket or heated throw goes on top of you and warms your body directly, which makes it ideal for the sofa as well as the bed. Heated mattress protectors are a quilted type of underblanket you can usually sleep on all night. Many people use an underblanket in bed and a heated throw in the living room.

Start with where you want the warmth. For a warm bed at the lowest running cost, choose an underblanket: a tie-down model like the Silentnight is fine for pre-warming, while an Intelliheat-style blanket adds even heat and energy monitoring. If you want to stay cosy on the sofa, pick a heated throw or overblanket such as the Beurer. If you like heat right through the night, only a low-voltage heated mattress protector is designed for that. Couples who disagree on temperature should prioritise a double or larger with dual controls, which lets each side be set independently.

Only if it's specifically designed for it. Standard underblankets and most throws are made to warm the bed and then be switched off before you sleep, and should never be left running unattended. Low-voltage heated mattress protectors, such as Dreamland's Deep Sleep, are built for all-night use. Whatever you buy, look for overheat protection and auto shut-off, keep the blanket flat and unfolded when in use, and replace any blanket that's more than around ten years old or showing scorch marks, frayed cabling or damaged connections. They aren't recommended for anyone who can't sense heat or move freely, or for very young children.

Check the manufacturer's guidance, because it varies. A standard electric underblanket goes between the mattress and your fitted sheet, so with a memory foam or latex topper it should sit on top of the topper, directly under the sheet, rather than beneath it, otherwise the foam traps the heat and the warmth never reaches you. Some brands advise against using their underblankets with memory foam at all, as the foam can insulate the wires and make them run hotter. A low-voltage heated mattress protector like Dreamland's Deep Sleep is generally the safer choice over foam, but always follow the instructions for your specific model.

Most modern electric blankets are machine washable once you detach the controller and cable, typically on a gentle, low-temperature cycle, but you must check the specific model's instructions first. Never immerse the controller, and make sure the blanket is completely dry before plugging it back in. Dry it flat or over a rail rather than tumble drying unless the manufacturer says otherwise, and never use it while damp.