Electric blanket vs heated throw
Side by side, with running costs at the current price cap.
Both cost pennies an hour: an electric blanket about 1–3p and a heated throw about 3–4p at 26.3p/kWh. Electric blankets go under you in bed and pre-warm it. Heated throws go over you on the sofa. If you're cold in the evenings get a throw; if you're cold getting into bed get a blanket.
Electric blanket vs Heated throw at a glance
| Electric blanket | Heated throw | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Under you, in bed | Over you, on the sofa |
| Typical power | 60–120W (double) | 100–160W |
| Cost per hour | About 1–3p | About 3–4p |
| Best feature | Pre-warms the bed | Portable warmth anywhere |
| Dual control | Available on doubles/kings | No |
Choose electric blanket if…
- You're cold getting into bed
- You want to keep the bedroom heating off
- Two people want different settings
Choose heated throw if…
- You're cold on the sofa in the evening
- You want one to move round the house
- It's a gift for someone who feels the cold
Our picks: electric blanket
Silentnight Comfort Control electric blanket (double)
An under-blanket that pre-warms the bed, then drops to a low setting. One of the cheapest ways to a warm bedroom.
£40
Dreamcatcher king-size electric blanket, dual control
A fitted king-size under-blanket with separate controls for each side.
£49.99£38.22–£49.99 since 7 Sep
Silentnight multi-zone electric mattress topper (double)
A quilted heated topper with separate zones and dual controls, so each side of the bed can have a different setting.
£66.29Our picks: heated throw
Silentnight Comfort Control heated throw
A soft fleece heated throw with multiple heat settings and auto shut-off, costing a few pence an hour.
£44.99
Dreamland Snuggle Up heated throw
A 160 × 120cm electric throw that heats in about five minutes, with a timer and heat settings. Costs a few pence an hour.
£49.99Frequently asked questions
Is a heated throw cheaper than the heating?
Far cheaper. A throw costs a few pence an hour, against tens of pence for a room heater and more for whole-house central heating.
Can I use a heated throw as an electric blanket?
Only if the manufacturer says it's suitable for bed use. Most throws are designed to go over you, not under you.
Related
How we choose: we don’t lab-test products. Picks are based on published specifications, wattage and running-cost maths, brand track record and UK availability. Running costs use the Ofgem price cap for October–December 2026 (26.3p/kWh, electricity VAT removed). Prices on the buttons update hourly from Amazon UK. About Winter Ready.