Electric Blanket vs Heated Throw UK [2026]: Which Is Cheaper to Run?

It's 8pm, you're the only one in the lounge, and you're debating whether to put the heating on for one person. Warming yourself instead of the room is one of the cheapest ways to stay comfortable on a cold evening.

I've compared these using manufacturer and retailer specifications and UK safety guidance. I haven't tested them in my own home.

Get a heated throw for the sofa and an electric blanket (an underblanket) for warming the bed. Both cost a few pence an hour. Neither replaces heating your home to a safe temperature when it's very cold.

A heated throw goes over you on the sofa. An electric underblanket sits under your sheet and is usually used to warm the bed before you get in; some have low all-night settings. Throws are portable; blankets stay on the bed.

At 26.32p per kWh (the Ofgem price cap average for electricity paid by Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026):

• 100W throw: about 2.6p an hour

• 150W throw: about 3.9p an hour

Compare that with a 2kW heater at about 53p an hour. Lower heat settings use less than the maximum.

Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw — most features

John Lewis lists the Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw at 150W, with 6 temperature settings, an auto shut-off timer of 1, 3 or 9 hours and a 2-year guarantee.

Choose it if: you want fine control and a longer timer. Check current price of the Dreamland heated throw

Silentnight Luxury Heated Throw — lowest power

Silentnight's throw is listed at 100W, with auto shut-off after 2 hours, stitched channels to prevent hot spots and a 3-year guarantee.

Choose it if: you want the lowest running cost and a longer guarantee. Check current price of the Silentnight heated throw

*At 26.32p per kWh.

Electrical Safety First advises checking electric blankets for wear, scorch marks and damaged wires, storing them loosely rolled rather than folded, and replacing them at least every 10 years. Look for a UK plug, an overheat protection or timer feature, and never use one that's damp. In my 30 years in electrical engineering, damaged flex and folded heating wires are the faults I'd worry about most.

• John Lewis: Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw

• TradePoint: Silentnight Luxury Heated Throw

• Electrical Safety First: Electric blankets

*Researched October 2026 from manufacturer specifications, official guidance and independent UK sources; we do not test products in our own home. Prices change often — always check the current price before buying. This article contains affiliate links — see our disclosure.*