Hot water bottles: a buyer’s guide
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Hot water bottles are an autumn/winter essential. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you decide which one would suit you best.
Want to cosy your home up for autumn? Staying warm is one of the main elements that keeps your home feeling cosy and inviting. Hot water bottles are a great option if you want to stay warm without racking up heating bills.
What is the best material for a hot water bottle?
As they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made from many different materials, so it’s best to find the material that will suit your needs best before selecting one.
Rubber is a popular material as it is durable and provides insulation, reducing the risks of burns when filling it up and using it to keep you warm.
Another option is thermoplastic, which is more expensive, but in the long run will keep the water hotter for longer so will save you keep going back and forth to boil the kettle and refill it.
How long do hot water bottles last?
This depends entirely on the material it is made from and how well you look after it. The usual rules apply in the sense that often if you invest in a good quality hot water bottle, it will likely outlast a cheaper alternative.
Rubber versions can last for several years if properly cared for and emptied regularly, although some manufacturers recommend only keeping them for a maximum of two years regardless.
In fact, many actually have a little-known expiry date which is indicated on the twelve petal flower, with a number stating the year it was made.
We would recommend making a note of this date, and getting rid and purchasing a new one after two years of use.
How do you fill up a hot water bottle?
- Unscrew the plug from the hot water bottle, it will likely already be in its cover and have a plug that prevents the hot water from spilling out. Make sure to pour out any water left in there to make sure you get the most heat out of it.
- Hot water from the tap isn’t hot enough, but boiling water straight from the kettle is too hot which will decrease the life of your hot water bottle. We recommend pouring boiling kettle water into a jug and leaving it to cool for a few minutes before pouring it into the vessel. Fill it to about 2/3 full.
- Remove your bottle from the water source and squeeze any air from the water bottle, then screw the plug back on to seal it.
- Don’t forget to remove the water when you’re finished using it.
Can you use a hot water bottle whilst pregnant?
The NHS says it is perfectly safe to use one during pregnancy. In fact its recommended as a form of relief for back aches, pain below the bump or between your thighs.
Just be mindful not to place the hot water bottle directly on the skin, and to make sure there is always a layer of clothing between it and your skin.
Good Homes’ top hot water bottle picks
All this hot water bottle talk got you craving a cosy night with the warmth of a new one to snuggle up with?
We’ve got you covered with some of the best picks on the market right now, for every style, budget and aesthetic.
Teddy vibes
Partner still saying no to a furry friend to keep you company at night?
We have the next best thing. This teddy material offering is super snuggly and just as warm as a dog or cat to cuddle of an evening, only less messy and not as affectionate as the former.
Walk on the wild side
We’re a sucker for a bit of animal print at Good Homes HQ.
Whether it’s a scatter cushion, rug or hot water bottle, we love to get a bit of the wild into our homes.
This wild tiger design has perfect autumnal colours and is super soft for ultimate cosy evenings.
- Wild tiger hot water bottle, £40 – buy here
Going green
One of our favourite colours of this season is khaki green. So this gorgeous quilted option from Next is the exact colour we’re loving for our interiors.
It’s less than £20, and the reversible design means you can get the best of both worlds with a soft teddy material on the other side.
- Khaki green quilted hot water bottle, £18 – buy here
Cute and quirky
Fancy something a bit different? These blue ditzy covers are super soft and could be disguised as a cushion.
The covers fit the standard size but you can purchase a the rubber hot water bottles alongside these unique covers for £10.
Little bit of luxury
Indulge in a taste of luxury this season with these sleek alpaca wool. Beautifully handmade with silky soft 100% alpaca yarn, they are a treat for the season. Choose from three pastel colours.
- Alpaca wool bottle, £69.50 – buy now
Happy heart
This cute, pink design with heart applique is super soft and perfect for keeping you warm on the chilly winter nights and frosty mornings.
It’s crafted from the cosiest borg and will definitely keep you toasty and warm.
- Pink/red heart borg hot water bottle, £28 – buy now
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