It depends on how you'll use them. If you're after something versatile for cosy nights on the sofa, a heated throw is your best bet. It's compact, portable, and perfect for solo use. For those who want a luxurious, toasty bed every night—especially couples—an electric blanket is the way to go.
Many of the best electric blankets and heated throws boast running costs of about 1p to 3p an hour, so it's hard to ignore their potential energy- and money-saving benefits. While electric blankets are ideal for using on your mattress, heated throws are better for snuggling on the sofa.
Are heated throws and blankets energy efficient? Yes they are, but there are factors that will affect how energy-efficient they are. The better insulated your house is, the lower the setting you'll need to use on your heated blanket or throw to stay warm.
Follow our 6 top tips. Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use. Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams. Never use a hot water bottle at the same time as using your electric blanket.
Heated blankets may get too hot or might cause burns if kept on one area of the body for too long. Heated blankets are regular blankets that contain wires within that heat them up. They may pose a risk for fires and burns.
Using your electric blanket all night long may also make it harder to stay asleep, given that excess heat reduces both Stage 3 (slow-wave) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Additionally, if you find you're restless because you're feeling too hot, your sleep quality may be affected.
Make sure that you don't cover the throw with any other blankets or cushions whilst the heat is on. Laying it out in full on the top of your sofa is the best and safest way to enjoy your heated throw.
Electric blankets account for thousands of fires a year in homes and you can prevent these by taking some simple steps. Read more on the Electrical Safety First website.
On average, a blanket and duvet cover should last about 3-5 years.
Electric Blankets should be replaced every 10 years and tested every 2 years by a qualified electrician. Always check your blanket for scorch marks, water damage, mould or exposed wires. If you see any of these on your blanket do not use it, replace it.
Cordless electric blankets, ideal for those who prefer mobility, are easily portable and don't require a wall outlet. Some cordless variants are even waterproof, allowing outdoor use. On the other hand, wall-plugged electric heating blankets are perfect for individuals who want temperature control.
We would not recommend you to sit on top of the heated throw as this may damage the heating elements. This can be placed over the top of you when you are seated for additional warmth.
A typical heated throw will use 50-100w of energy per hour or 2.5 - 5c . So a 90-95% saving. I use them like a cover on the sofa or you can sit with them over your legs and body. Soon i realised i dont need to have the house heating on at all .
Never tuck an electric blanket around the mattress either. Upgrade to one with auto-shutoff. If your blanket doesn't have a timer, turn it off before going to sleep. Electric blanks are not safe to leave on all night while sleeping.
The difference between a heated blanket and throw
While the multi-purpose heated throws are designed to complement and room as a decorative throw with a cosy purpose, heated blankets fulfil a different role. Heated blankets are specifically designed for a comfy night's sleep and sit underneath your sheets and bedding.
Overheating and Fire Safety
A common concern is the blanket overheating or worse, catching fire. While older electric blankets (those made before the 2000s) may carry some risks, today's electric blankets are designed with advanced safety features, such as overheat protection and temperature control.
You can machine-wash your electric blanket as long as the care tag indicates that it is safe. Washing an electric blanket may require a gentle, short cycle on a low-speed spin with minimum agitation and specific water temperature that differs from a normal wash.
A: Hi, yes that's fine it is a throw and not an electric blanket for a bed so wrapping it round yourself would be fine.
Whether you realized it before or not, many newer electric blankets can go right into the washing machine without harming the electrical components; however, you should always air-dry the heated blanket laying flat and avoid using the dryer to protect the electrical elements.
Skin Dryness and Irritation: Prolonged exposure to dry heat from electric blankets can lead to skin dehydration, making the skin dry and itchy. In sensitive individuals, this can also lead to rashes or exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema.
Erythema ab igne, or toasted skin syndrome, is a condition that can occur when your skin is chronically exposed to low-level, infrared heat sources. In addition to electric blankets and space heaters, these can also include heated car seats and heating pads.
Your body temperature and blood flow naturally increase during the night to keep you warm. This rise in heat against the surface of the skin can cause you to feel itchy.