Finally, each blanket was sent for a spin in our lab washing machine to see how well they cleaned up. Before you take the plunge, though, consider what you want your blanket for. If you're always boiling in bed, skip the heated mattress pad and opt for a throw to curl up with on the sofa instead. 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. Note that dual control under blankets are plugged in on both sides, meaning they can use double the electricity versus those with a single control. How we test electric blankets Yes, unlike older electric blankets, all new models have auto shut-off functions, so they're not left on for hours at a time, meaning there's minimal risk of an accident happening. Typically, under-blankets can run for up to eight hours, while throws power off after three.

In contrast, over blankets are meant for curling up under; they’re a more versatile choice as you can use them on the sofa or even at your desk if you work from home. Some even resemble a fleecy blanket, which not only feels extra soft against the skin, but will look good in your living room if you want to leave it out. Throws tend to have shorter operating times though – most we tried time out after three hours. Wearable electric blankets or heated ponchos Under blankets, for example, can run for up to eight hours, so you could opt for this at night instead of central heating, while a throw can keep you warm while working from home. With three temperature settings to choose from, you can crank up the heat to create your own little cocoon of warmth, then turn it down once you’re all cosy to stop you from getting too hot. The controller is detachable so you can pop the throw in the wash when it needs freshening up and it has a three hour auto shut-off function so you don’t need to worry about it overheating if you end up drifting off for a nap whilst you’re wearing it. Whether you’re looking for something to curl up in on the sofa or an insulating layer while working from home or crafting, this cosy piece is like your favourite hoodie, blanket and dressing gown rolled into one. For fans of camping, it's also a great addition to your kit if you have trips planned in cooler months.Every blanket on this list has been put through its paces at the WH Lab by our expert homes testers. Where the blankets had dual controls, we also looked at how accurate the settings were on each side and if there was any temperature crossover when the settings were different.

However, some now come with additional buttons, meaning you can transform them into clever wearable electric blankets – ideal for those WFH days. Under blankets operate a bit like mattress toppers and tend to come with elasticated straps or as a fitted sheet, so you can secure them to your bed and drift off on top of them. Many can run for up to eight hours at a time, so you stay warm all night long. Over blankets and throws Often unisex, you can also get kid-sized blanket hoodies, which are great if you want a matching family set. Traditionally, there are two types of electric blanket: those you wrap around yourself like a normal throw, and those that fit under the fitted sheet on your bed.All the heated blankets on our list have auto-shut off settings, which turn them off after a certain amount of time, minimising the risk of any accidents. Some even let you decide how long they run for, thanks to nifty in-built timers. We also tested an electric blanket, which buttons up, allowing you to wear it like a poncho to retain heat. Aside from the extra design features that make them wearable, these ponchos operate in an almost identical manner to electric throws, with a range of temperatures and a timer. Electric blanket features