7 expert-approved electric blankets that will keep you toasty and warm all winter

When I started research for this round up of the best electric blankets of 2024, the first thing that struck me is how popular electric blankets are with the HELLO! Online team - it seems everyone either owns one, has gifted one or has one on their wish list! 

It's no wonder - when the temperatures really drop (and each winter seems more frosty than the last these days), layers of blankets don't exactly do the trick.

And it appears we're not alone - Tesco made headlines when it slashed the price of a popular electric blanket, with chilly shoppers rushing to buy it; as I'm writing this, there isn't a single electric blanket to be found on the site.

“Electric blankets and heated throws are the ideal product for heating yourself and not your home, providing a cost-effective alternative to turning on your heating," says Sally Bonser of Silentnight. “Compared to using a regular blanket, an electric option ensures your bed is toasty as soon as you get in. Simply turn on the blanket up to an hour before bedtime for guaranteed warmth."

"I absolutely love my electric blanket and it’s a must-have product with energy bills being so expensive," says HELLO! Homes Editor Rachel Avery. "I pop it on when I’m getting into my PJs so it’s nice and toasty when I climb in. Another top tip is to buy a single size if your partner (like mine) gets too hot at night."

Modern electric blankets are machine washable and fire-safe, with automatic switch off and remote controls to give you a selection of heat levels - they're a plug-and-go instant source of heat.

What are the benefits of an electric blanket?

An electric blanket - you can choose between an underblanket, which fastens directly to your mattress with straps, or a heated throw, to be used similarly to a traditional blanket -  provides more heat and warmth than the standard blanket. Basically a major cosiness upgrade! 

Not only do electric blankets keep you extra warm, but they have also can help to relieve pain, help you sleep and boost your mood. They are super simple to use and can be money- and energy-savers if you turn down the heat in your home, electric blankets can cost as little as 1p per hour.

If you have an electric underblanket for your mattress, you can set it to a timer and have full control over when to warm up your bed. They've also modernised these days and you can get electric blankets that will heat only one side of the mattress - perfect if you're in a couple and one partner prefers to be cold.

"You haven't felt joy quite like getting into bed on a cold night with a toasty electric blanket dialled up," concurs electric blanket enthusiast and HELLO! Director of Lifestyle & Commerce Leanne Bayley. "It's like getting a lovely big hug in the comfort of your own bed. This is peak cosy living and I'm all for that."

How I chose the best electric blankets

There are a whole host of electric blankets available to shop online now, so knowing what brands are the best to whittle down your selection can be difficult. Among our recommendations you'll find popular brands like Silentnight and Dreamland, plus more top-rated heated throws and underblankets from retailers like Dunelm.

When putting together this edit of the best heated blankets, I took into consideration:

• Personal experience: While we haven’t been able to personally test all of the electric blankets on this list, I’ve included the best that have been bought - and loved - by HELLO! Editors.

• Brand: I’ve included the most popular and reputable brands and retailers to ensure that both the product and customer experience will not disappoint.

• Verified reviews and ratings: In the case that we haven’t been able to try out the blanket ourselves, I’ve scoured hundreds of reviews from verified shoppers, and have not included any electric blankets that do not have consistent positive ratings.

Shop the best electric blankets 2024