Exactly how much electric blankets cost to run this winter following Ofgem price cap

Following cold weather across the UK, searches for electric blankets have soared online by 46 per cent in the past month. Many Brits hope that the energy powered blankets are more cost-effective compared to central heating.

Experts at Opera Beds have delved into the data to find out, and they've also weighed in on the difference between electric blankets and heated throws.

Chelsea Brown, lead product advisor, said: "An electric blanket generates heat by running electricity through wires in the fabric. "Each electric blanket has different power ratings, and the overall cost will depend on the rating on your blanket's label and its size and setting."

READ MORE: Amazon selling 'reliable' £20 Silentnight electric blanket that 'heats bed for as little as 1p'

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As of October 2024, the Ofgem cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity will be on average 24.5p. Using the most common power for an electric blanket of 100W, the experts have calculated that running this for one hour would cost 2.5p, meaning an eight-hour night would cost 20p.

They estimate someone with an average boiler will pay about £1.50 an hour for central heating, making electric blankets 60 times cheaper. This applies to heated throws too, The Mirror reports.

Chelsea continued: "An electric blanket is specifically made to be laid on a bed and used while sleeping. It is typically placed over a mattress and under the sheets to provide consistent warmth throughout the night.

"In contrast, a heated throw is a versatile, smaller blanket designed for relaxing on a sofa or chair. Heated throws are generally more portable and are not necessarily intended for overnight use."

"Electric blankets can improve your overall sleep quality by helping maintain body temperature between sleep cycles," said Chelsea. "They have varied shut-off times ranging from 6 to 12 hours and by finding your preferred timing you can keep your body warm and stay in a deep sleep cycle for longer. The heat will stay in the bed even after the blanket has been turned off."

Heated throws are ideal for providing direct warmth without the need to turn on central heating and waste energy heating entire rooms. Electric blankets can be laid on top of or under your bed sheets and helps pre-warm the bed before you sleep, or it can be kept on at a low setting throughout the night to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Chelsea said: "It's not recommended to sleep on a heated throw, as they are not designed for that purpose. Heated throws are generally meant for draping over yourself while you relax and may not have the same safety features or heat distribution capabilities as electric blankets, which are specifically designed for prolonged use in bed. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe usage."

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1. End the two-child benefit cap
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5. Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
6. Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
7. Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
8. Provide free public travel for young people

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