Better blankets have elastic skirting but cheaper models use straps, which can be fiddly. More timing options and heat settings can also make a difference. The best electric blankets let you set different temperatures for your upper and lower body (since feet tend to get colder). If you sleep with a partner, look out for the dual control function, which allows one side of the bed to heat up independently to another. Its fleecy cover accomplishes what many don’t – comfort – while being easy to zip off and regularly launder, without worrying about electrics. Plus, as it’s available in four sizes (single, double, king and the super-king on test), finding the right one for your bed is easy. Each of its controls is just 60W, meaning that running both at maximum for an hour (based on a 34p per kWh), will cost just over 4p. Design and features If you sleep with a partner, look into dual controls so you can each control your own side of the bed. You might also want the option of a timer to help with energy saving (though electric blankets are pretty low cost to run all night anyway). This soft touch electric blanket is easy to use. It comes with a host of benefits such as: full length re-in forced elasticated straps. The blanket also offers an auto shut-off timer with 4 options to choose from – 1, 5, 8 and 12 hours – so you can drift off without having to worry about turning off the blanket first if you don't want it running all night, and making for more economical use of energy. And, last but not least, is the blanket's quilted fleece upper layer, which adds an extra layer of comfort and can be unzipped and washed separately for easier regular washing.

This blanket is attached to the mattress with wide elastic straps that slip easily over each corner, but sadly, unlike the top two options in this edit, it does scrimp on size a little, with the blanket not fully covering the whole mattress. That means the heat is concentrated in the centre of the mattress rather than the edges, so it may be best for a single sleeper. I found that some cheaper blankets had a tendency to come lose or crease up when I moved around at night; this one was fine. I liked the feature that adds extra heat to the area around your feet: in all honesty, I found in general keeping my feet snug and warm quite nice, whereas too much heat on my body made me feel stuffy and affected my sleep.Then, via the control pad (or your smart phone) you switch it on, and choose between heat settings and – on the better models – select a time. How safe is an electric blanket?

Dual-controls–speaking of that elusive 'just right' temperature, if you’re going to be using an electric blanket on a shared double or king-size bed then we’d highly recommend paying a little more for a dual-controlled option. It's well worth it to avoid any arguments with your other half over temperature settings!Given the current economic climate, it’s understandable that you may be looking for more cost-effective ways to stay warm and save on your heating bill. Electric blankets can come in handy here, as they're becoming increasingly more energy efficient.

Dreamland's 'Boutique Heated Underblanket' scores highly with us because it's one of the few electric blankets that offers full mattress coverage, plus, its wide range of temperature settings, auto-shut off timer and dual-controls allow you to maximise energy and cost efficiency. Most of the heated blankets on our list (except for one), feature auto-shut off settings to avoid any nasty accidents. The setting means the blanket will turn off after a certain amount of time - so you can forget about worrying if you've left it on after leaving the house.

How much electricity do electric blankets use?

First, you need to decide whether you want an electric blanket, which sits between your mattress and bedsheet, or an electric throw, which can be used for sleeping under or snuggling under on the sofa. That’s the first way to narrow down your search. Other things to consider are material, which could be fleece, polyester or velvet, for example, and size meaning single, double or king. As well as the obvious benefits of warming up your bed on a cold winter’s night, electric blankets can also be really useful for those with health conditions affected by heat. Symptoms of arthritis as well as many other chronic illnesses can be helped by warmth, and the relaxing effect of a heated blanket can also help to ease sore muscles after exercise. Are electric blankets safe?

Compared to Dreamland's 'Boutique Heated Underblanket' at the top of this list, this cheaper dual-operated electric blanket does feel a lot more basic, with no quilted padding and far fewer control options, however, it's also a lot less money. But perhaps the biggest incentive is the high cost of electricity. At the time of writing, a typical 2000W electric heater in your bedroom could cost 68p an hour to run. By contrast, a 100W electric blanket would cost less than 4p. Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Make sure that the electric blanket you buy has the BEAB safety mark and be sure to read the manufacturer's guidance before you use the blanket and follow any safety precautions. Rather than strapping onto the mattress like most heated under blankets (and being sized far smaller than the mattress surface area) this option works like a fitted sheet, with a skirt that attaches to your mattress and a quilted upper that covers the whole of the mattress surface, whether you opt for the single, double, king, or super king. Although often harder to find, an overblanket is the ideal solution if you have an adjustable bed where an underblanket's wires could get compressed, a heat-sensitive memory foam mattress that's designed to react to your body temperature and mould to your body shape – the electric blanket's extra heat will confuse things here – or you struggle to do the heavy lifting that strapping an under blanket on to your mattress can require.The size is perfect to cover a single person on the sofa, or for wrapping around you while you work from home and are trying to save on your heating bill, although we would like to see a larger version that fits two on the couch. Costing just pennies to run, it's a great solution for keeping out the chill whilst keeping heating costs low. Plus, on the off chance that all that warmth might make you drowsy, it also comes with 9 timer settings, and overheating protection for peace of mind.