The controls are simple to use: the on/off switch is on the side of the handset and you simply slide it up for on and down for off. Currently available in grey or brown with a choice between two sizes, the blanket is also made with a "deluxe soft touch" plush material. It's not just the initial cost where this blanket offers good value; it can even save you on heating bills in the long run.

Upping the temperature to seven and then nine improved this and the heat distribution was better across the throw, but it was too hot in the middle. As with many electric throws, the main downside is the cost, though it does come in slightly cheaper than our best overall pick and is cheap to run – our tester reported that she'd recommended it to many friends who work from home as a replacement for having the heating on during the day.Available in four sizes ranging from single to super king, Slumberdown electric blanket comes with elasticated straps to help keep it in place on your mattress, and is topped with a "super-soft comfort layer" to ensure a comfortable surface to sleep on. The top and bottom of the blanket have separate settings for your body and feet, and the bigger blankets in the range (double, king and super king) also come with dual control for couples to be able to adjust the heat on their side of the bed independently.

Invest in one of these best electric throws, and you’ll be able to turn your heating down, or even off, and stop your energy bills spiralling.

I found it took a while for the throw to heat up fully, but 30 minutes later on maximum setting, it was toasty, but not too hot. Electric blankets have insulated wires or heating elements inserted into the fabric, which heat up when plugged in. Read more about the condition New with tags: A brand-new, unused, unworn and undamaged item in the original packaging (such as the original box or bag) and/or with the original tags attached. If you’re using this throw continuously for nine hours, the manufacturer recommends sticking with levels 1 – 4, though you can start with level 8 or 9 to heat the blanket quickly when you first switch it on. One great feature about all the throws tested is they’re all washable – once you remove the electrical cable obviously – on a gentle cycle at 30° or 40°C, so will stay looking good for multiple uses.