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Faced with high energy bills, staying warm at home this winter is a concern for many of us. However, there's a whole range of heated wearables and winter warmers on the market that promise to keep you snug for just a few pennies of electricity.
So the Good Housekeeping Institute set about finding out which of these innovations actually work, and which are just a lot of hot air…
We’ve split our guide into four categories of heated products – hot water bottles, heating pads, electric blankets and heated clothing – and shared the pros and cons of each.
What to read next
Crucially, we’ve also measured the energy efficiency of each product, so you can weigh up which is the most cost-effective winter warmer for you. We’ve also included advice on how to use them alongside your central heating.
All the energy prices below have been calculated using the current price of electricity (0.2635p/kWh).
Electric blankets: are they worth investing in?
Whether you want help staying warm at night or when you're snuggled on the sofa, an electric blanket offers customisable warmth. We found them energy efficient, too; one night's use only costs a few pence. Plus, with helpful timers and auto shut-off settings, there are more safety features on offer these days.
To learn all about the different types available, read our round-up of the best electric blankets. Otherwise, if you’re ready to buy, these are our tried and tested top picks:
Pros
- Cosy faux fur is ideal for warmth in the living room or draped over your lap while working
- Scored full marks for even warmth distribution and its stable temperatures
- Nine temperature settings and timers for maximum versatility
Cons
- Fairly expensive and, while it washed well, it may be too bulky for some machines
Energy consumption: 0.051kWh = 1.3p an hour
Monogram by Beurer Komfort 2 in 1 Fleecy Heated Mattress Topper and Electric Blanket
Pros
- This fleecy underblanket is cosy and comfortable
- It consistently distributes heat evenly on every setting, even when used for a full eight hours
- It heats up quickly – in five minutes on test – so you don’t need to remember to switch it on before going to bed
Cons
- It only has one control (although dual control is available) and it’s not that easy to read at night
Energy consumption: 0.018kWh = 0.5p an hour
Pros
- Lightweight
- Heats up in five minutes
- Six settings plus Intelliheat technology which monitors body and room temperature and adjusts accordingly
Cons
- Some of the colour bled when washed
Energy consumption: 0.049kWh = 1p an hour
Pros
- The velvety-soft design covers the body easily
- It has outstandingly even temperature distribution, making it one of the top-performing electric blankets we tested
- It's well-designed with simple controls and a fabric that washes well
Cons
- It’s not as energy efficient as an under-blanket; it can only be used for three hours at a time and, in that period, it nearly used as much electricity as our winning under-blanket did over eight hours
Energy consumption: 0.043kWh = 1.1p an hour
Heat pads: what are they and should you buy one?
If you’d like more customisable warmth than a hot water bottle can provide, consider heat pads as an alternative. Often used to ease stomach cramps or help with muscle and back aches, these flat rectangular pads can be placed over your body (or you can hug them on the sofa) to provide targeted warmth.
Like electric blankets, they need to be plugged into mains electricity, but they’re more compact, which makes them easier to move from room to room and store away. Here are our top recommendations:
Pros
- Has a five-minute heat-up time and can be used for up to three hours
- Fairly even heat distribution with five warmth settings
- Provides ample coverage without getting in the way, while its soft material didn’t shrink in the wash and felt just as pleasant afterwards
Cons
- There were some cool spots at the corners on test
Energy consumption: 0.03 kWh = 0.7p an hour
Pros
- Evenly distributes heat, particularly on its low and medium settings
- Any fluctuations in temperature were unnoticeable to the touch
- Despite mimicking the design of a traditional hot water bottle, it’s bigger than most and comfortably covers the stomach
- It’s simple to use with clear instructions and controls
Cons
- On the highest setting there were a few noticeable cold spots, but moving the pad around helped heat distribution
Energy consumption: 0.026 kWh = 0.7p an hour
Cosi Home Heat Pad
Pros
- It distributed heat evenly – performing best on its middle settings – with no temperature fluctuations
- Intuitive controls make finding the right level of warmth simple
- It feels soft and premium
Cons
- It takes 10 minutes to warm up
Energy consumption: 0.046 kWh = 1.2p an hour
Heated wearables: do they really keep you warm?
We've also tested some heated wearables. Overall, our findings were positive – the products were indeed warming, without draining too much electricity.
We used our heat probes to test slippers and foot warmers, assessing how quickly they heated up and kept their warmth with our feet inside them. Then, of course, our experts also considered their comfort.
Warmies Heatable Slippers with French Lavender
Pros
- A quick fix for cold feet, these slippers reached a toastie 41 degrees after the recommended one-and-a-half minutes in the microwave
- Our temperature probes found they retained heat for an hour on test before returning to room temperature (22 degrees)
- They feel soft against skin and are comfortable to wear, with a beanbag-like filling that sits snugly across the top of the foot and around the ankle
- Testers liked their noticeable lavender scent
Cons
- The only way you can customise their warmth is by heating for a shorter period than recommended
- Only available in one size
Energy consumption: Doesn't directly consume energy but based on the heating instructions (90 seconds at 800W), our microwave used less than 1p of electricity
Beurer Cosy Foot Warmer FW20UK
Pros
- Designed for both your feet, this warmer is ideal for keeping your toes toasty while sat at a desk or on the sofa
- The teddy fleece lining feels comfortable and cosy and the warmer retained its shape well in general
- It heats up in just six minutes and distributes warmth evenly with the middle setting proving the most consistent
Cons
- The one-size-fits-all design means that it can feel roomy for smaller feet, but a thick pair of socks would help improve the fit
Energy consumption: 0.026kWh = 0.7p an hour
Dreamland Revive Me Comfy Foot Warmer
Pros
- Like one giant sock, this design is less bulky than other foot warmers, so you can slip your feet in and out easily and it takes up little storage space
- Heated up in five minutes and maintained a stable temperature over longer periods of time
- Controls are easy to use and it’s straightforward to wash, too
Cons
- Fastenings felt tight around the ankles for some testers, and wires were a little more noticeable after washing
Energy consumption: 0.02 kWh = 0.5p an hour
Hot water bottles: How much do they cost to fill?
Every household will pay a different price to fill up their hot water bottle, based on the wattage of your kettle and the size of your hot water bottle. But to give you a rough idea, we measured how much electricity the kettle in our lab used to boil at full and half full.
When half full (850ml), the kettle cost 2p to bring to the boil, while boiling a full kettle’s worth of water (1700ml) cost us 4p of electricity.
This assumes you'll only fill up your hot water bottle once, so multiply by the number of times you plan to refill it. Even if you plan on doing this regularly, though, this is undoubtedly one of the cheaper ways to stay warm in winter, especially if you already have a kettle and a hot water bottle at home.
How we test heated products
Reviewing heated products provides a fun challenge for our experts because they’re all so different. But for everything that has a plug, we measure energy consumption and temperature distribution.
For wearables, our experts try them on, assessing comfort and fit, as well as how the warmth spreads throughout.
Whatever the product, ultimately, we want to know that they’re snuggly, effective and efficient.
FAQs
When to use heated products at home
Whether you’re considering an electric blanket for your bed or some foot warmers while working at your desk, it’s important to use them in the most effective way. We asked the Energy Saving Trust’s Knowledge Manager, Joanna O’Loan, for her advice.
“We’re all looking for ways to save money on our heating bills but relying on heated products entirely, instead of heating our homes, can increase the risk of condensation,” she says.
“Cooking, washing and breathing all add moisture to the air that could condense onto cold surfaces, including walls. This may lead to damp, which could damage the structure of your home or cause mould. It’s therefore advisable to put some heating on more frequently in the colder months, to keep your walls warm and prevent condensation.
“Using heated products from time to time, to help take the chill off the coldest days, isn’t a problem, however.”
If you have a gas boiler, the best way to keep your heating bill down is to only have it on when you need it, rather than always keeping it on a low temperature. “If you leave the house for a few hours, you will save money by turning the heating off,” Joanna explains. “The average house will then take about 30 minutes to warm up once the heating has been switched back on.
“An important exception is if freezing temperatures are forecast. In this case, it’s advisable to keep the heating on and set your thermostat to around 5°C to prevent pipes from freezing. Modern boilers also often have in-built frost protection to stop them dropping below freezing.”
When it comes to which heated products are best, Joanna says it’s all down to personal preference, and the Good Housekeeping Institute is here help you make an informed decision. Keep scrolling to discover the pros and cons of each.
Nearly all products will have auto shut-off features or timers, which means they won’t accidentally remain on after extended use. However, always check the health and safety information before using any heated device.
Are there any other ways to stay warm at home?
You don't have to rely on heated products; there are plenty of other simple changes you can make to keep warm, without turning up the heating.
“Reducing heat loss throughout your home is one of the best ways to keep warm while using less heating,” says Joanna. “Quick and easy actions include adding rugs (especially where there are gaps in floorboards), keeping internal doors closed and using draught excluders.” If you have an open chimney, a chimney draught excluder may also help.
If you feel the cold at night, closing curtains will also help keep in the heat, as long as they aren’t blocking any radiators. Pick up one of our tried and tested best winter duvets, too – with higher togs, they're designed to keep you cosy on cold nights.
Then of course, there are good old fashioned blankets, which are great for layering up. These are the best ones we’ve tried in the lab for under £40:
Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket
Pros
- One of the largest, cosiest blankets we tested
- Goes in the washing machine and cleans well
- Weighty and warm
Cons
- Heavy and cumbersome to carry around
Bedsure Fleece Blanket
Pros
- Available in 25 colours and in single, double, king or queen size
- Soft, snuggly medium-weight design
- Affordably priced
Cons
- We tested the 270 x 230 cm size, which was too big to carry easily around the house
Dunelm Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm
Pros
- Easy to clean and good quality
- Available in four classic shades
- Good for layering on beds and sofas
Cons
- Best washed in a laundry bag to avoid snagging
Next Plush Fleece Throw
Pros
- Comes in a rainbow of colours
- Lightweight, so easy to move about the house
- Available in three sizes
Cons
- Was warming but testers found others more effective
Lastly, remember to check your thermostat. “Make sure it's set to the lowest comfortable temperature – the World Health Organisation advises this is usually between 18°C and 21°C,” says Joanna.
Installing a full set of heating controls should also help. “They allow you to heat only the rooms you’re using for the time you’re using them, reducing waste and saving you money,” she adds.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We take testing heated products very seriously at the Good Housekeeping Institute – whether that’s finding the best electric blankets or best electric heaters. Our team, headed up by homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd, checks exactly how much each product costs to run, as well as making sure their warmth is evenly distributed and that it reaches every last corner.
Megan Geall, our senior homes and lifestyle writer has written about hundreds of products. She looks out for the best new launches to try, ensuring we rigorously review each one to help you in your quest for a cosier home. She also translates the test results into clear, informative reviews.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
