Want to cosy your home up for autumn? You may have already come across electric blankets.

Staying warm is one of the main elements that keeps your home feeling cosy and inviting.

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Despite the myths, electric blankets are a great option if you want to stay warm without racking up heating bills.

Here’s all you need to know when it comes to heated blankets and our top picks…

What are electric blankets and are they safe?

An electric blanket is a blanket that has heated wires running through it.

It can either be an underblanket, overblanket, throw or duvet to provide extra warmth in the colder months.

You may have heard stories of safety issues, but they’re relatively safe and won’t usually pose a safety risk – however there are certain things to be mindful of.

For example, if your blanket is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider purchasing a replacement.

According to experts at Healthline, the older the blanket, and the more wear it has, can increase safety risks – but, it’s also worth noting that newer technology means manufacturers are increasingly able to create electric blankets with enhance safety features, to reduce risks.

It should also be noted that it’s not advisable to sleep with an electric blanket switched on all night – a thermostatic control or a timer should be used if it’s not turned off manually. 

Are electric blankets expensive to run?

This totally depends on what blanket you choose to buy and how long you have it running for. 

According to energy comparison site Uswitch, an average electric blanket (for a double-sized bed) uses around 100 watts of energy in the warming stage, costing between 2p and 4p to run at full power for an hour.

However, most people tend to then turn their electric blankets down to a lower setting once warm, using around 25 watts – and lowering the cost per hour further – before switching off before they fall asleep.

But, it is worth noting that the above is just an estimation – different electric blankets have different energy settings which means some can cost more to run than others.

Who are electric blankets for?

Electric blankets are great for anyone who wants so stay cosy, or who feels the cold.

They’re also a great item to have for those suffer from certain ailments, that require a gentle heat to soothe.

Arguably, an electric blanket can also be useful for those who want to save money on their electric bill, especially people who feel the cold and like to stay warm in the evenings.

However, it’s recommended that certain populations avoid using electric blankets, including children, pregnant people, and those with diabetes or circulation issues. 

Where can I buy an electric blanket?

If you’re looking for options, Wilko has a wide range of heated blankets, in various colours and sizes as do retailers such as Wayfair and Dunelm.

Here are a few of our electric blanket top picks:

Silentnight fleecy electric blanket

Image: Wayfair

Known traditionally as an underblanket, this fleece blanket attaches to your mattress and features an ultra-fast heat up setting so you’ll be nice and toasty in no time.

It’s available in single, double and king size.

• Silentnight fleecy electric blanket, £33.99, Wayfair – buy here

Leopard print faux fur heated throw

Image: Lakeland

Not just for the bedroom, this blanket would look amazing thrown over a sofa.

Costing as little as a penny for a 7-hour warming session, this super-soft throw has an auto shut-off setting which switches the heat off automatically after one or nine hours.

• Leopard print faux fur heated throw, £119.90, Lakeland – buy here

Luxury fleece fitted electric blanket

Image: Lakeland 

With a handy dual control, this fully fitted blanket heats within 10 minutes and has a graduated foot warmth setting.

It’s also fairly cheap to run at less than 5p a night and is machine washable.

• Luxury fleece fitted heated blanket, £89.99, Lakeland – buy here

Cosi Home luxury over blanket

Image: Amazon

Available in both brown and grey, you can choose the colour of this blanket to best suit your home.

Suitable for both cool summer days and freezing cold winter nights, an advanced overheat protection system is also integrated into this throw.

• Cosi Home luxury over blanket, £49.99, Amazon – buy here

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