After a hotwater bottle burst on my back,vthere was a small hole and i didnt notice it because hot water bottle was in a cover.
I invested in a heated throw, no regrets and i feel safer.
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Are heated throws worth buying?
(68 Posts)I’ve read that these are a good way to keep warm during the day whilst reading or watching tv, but wonder are they any more effective than a blanket and hot water bottle?
The reviews I’ve read are mixed, ie, some say they are great, others that they only partially heat up/ are slow to heat up, or stop working altogether after a few months.
As they are not particularly cheap, I wonder if they are really worth having?
I’ve got a blanket and bottles that I use when it’s chilly, but wonder are these heated blankets any better and worth considering, or is it just hype?
If any of you have one, what are your thoughts?
A five year old heated throw from Lakeland keeps me cozy sitting reading, tv watching, telephone chatting or iPad browsing. I find it relaxes me in the evening if I’ve had a stressful day. Wouldn't be without it. Every year I pick out its replacement should it refuse to work, so far no replacement needed 🤞.
Five years ago I bought a velvet Dreamland heated throw and wouldn’t be without it. I use it most evenings and some afternoons when sitting on the sofa . My daughter liked it so much she bought one to keep her legs warm when working from home so the central heating can be kept on low and I bought my granddaughter one for Christmas. They cost very little to run.
I love my heated throw. It's meant to be washable, but I am not comfortable with washing anything that runs on electricity, so I buy a new one as needed.
The modern polyester throws generate heat anyway, so I don't see the need to use electricity to do so. I have an electric blanket on the bed and use an extra throw when it's really cold. I use one of those hooded blankets in the evenings. They are very warm without the need for electricity.
My DH and I both have them and think they are fantastic. Certainly can manage with a lot less central heating on so decrease bills as well.
I havent got one, but have thought about it and thanks to all your posts I might investigate the prices etc round here. It would probably help me especially when I struggle getting up in the morning and sitting reading later on.
fancyflowers
I love my heated throw. It's meant to be washable, but I am not comfortable with washing anything that runs on electricity, so I buy a new one as needed.
I have washed mine with no issues.
A very beautiful throw aggie 
Lovely throw there!
I have one that I can actually lie on in bed when its icy out there, otherwise for warming the bed up.
During the day I wear the following: medium thick fleece trousers (or PJ's, they look day-wearable.
And an M n S heatgen top, and on top of that, and extra layer if it's really cold, and then
....one of those large fleece garments...(called hoodies or "onesies" - like the picture, but prettier and shorter for moving around
and thick socks -
and yes most presentable to open the door as they are in fashion atm, if you get the right one they are easy to move around in, and I can keep my thermostat on 16.5 or 17 degrees all day till it gets really cold in the evening for an hour or so.
PS if you want a onesie, amazon have loads.
PS they also have onesies for blokes, ie in a dark colour or a tartan, would that help DH's who are seat bound too?
I have a Dreamland heated throw, large, soft and cosy.
I bought each of my AC one a couple of years ago for Christmas. When DD comes back freezing from the DC's football matches she says it's a godsend.
One of the best inventions ever, especially if one person in the household feels the cold and others don’t.
Another question. Can they be used with an extension cable as the socket is too far away without the use of a lead?
I love mine, wouldn’t be without it.
Maybe of help to some of you ..... Several UK energy suppliers and local councils are offering free electric blankets and heated throws to eligible households in 2026 to help with high heating costs, particularly for vulnerable, elderly, or low-income residents.
Here are the primary ways to secure a free or tested heated throw/blanket in early 2026:
1. Energy Supplier Support Schemes (Winter 2025-2026)
Major energy providers are running "extra support" packages that include free energy-efficient appliances, such as heated throws and electric blankets, which cost roughly 2-4p per hour to run.
Octopus Energy: Through the Octo Assist fund, Octopus is offering another 10,000 free electric blankets this winter to customers with specific vulnerabilities, such as medical needs, mobility issues, or those struggling with bills.
OVO Energy: Offering free electric throws and efficiency kits as part of a £56 million support package for customers in need.
British Gas Energy Trust: Their Extra Assistance Portal, launched in October 2024, remains a key avenue for vulnerable households to receive, or get reimbursed for, essential warming items like blankets and heated clothes airers.
EDF & E.ON: These suppliers are also participating in offering free electric blankets to eligible customers on low incomes or with, or, in some cases, providing grants for heating items.
How to Apply: You must be a customer of the supplier and usually apply via their online "extra support" or "vulnerability" portals.
2. Local Council and Safety Checks
Nottinghamshire County Council (March 2026): Trading Standards is holding a free electric blanket testing event on 16 March 2026 at Worksop Library. If your current blanket fails the safety test, you will be provided with a new one for free.
Norfolk County Council (Oct 2025-2026): Similar testing events have been held, often replacing failed items.
3. Other Support Channels
Charity Partners: Organisations like Citizens Advice, Groundwork, and Act on Energy are distributing blankets through a new £1 million "Warm Fund".
Charity/Age UK: Often provide information on accessing these resources, particularly for pensioners.
Eligibility
These schemes are not universal. Priority is given to:
Elderly residents (pensioners).
Those with medical conditions or mobility issues.
Low-income households struggling to pay energy bills.
Customers with prepayment meters.
On another note my daughter and myself both have one from here ..... www.vonhaus.com/vh_en/grey-heated-blanket
My daughter uses hers far more than me as she works from home and has it on her lap, all of her working hours in the colder months.
I love mine. I feel the cold because of health issues. Other family members don't want the room too hot. My husband indeed likes quite a cold room and turns the heating down. This way I can get really warm and feel comfy whatever room I am sitting in.
i have one less than £20 it cost and is soft; it can be machine washed too. its simple with 3 settings and is so cosy. as my partner does not feel cold and i am a chilly mortal its a good way of insuring we are comfortable. on our bed we have an underblanket which seems perfect for us and so i keep my throw for the sofa
I got one as a present last year..and I have to say it is a nice gentle warmth not so over powering that you will get overheated..you can pull out the flex and walk around with it on your shoulders if you need to get up to make a coffee say..or toilet break..
I love my heated throw. A friend bought one about 5 years ago and waxed lyrical over it for ages. I thought, like the OP that a hot water bottle and blanket would be just as good. How wrong I was. I was given one as a gift last year and haven't looked back since.
The main advantage is that the heat is constant, another is there is no risk as far as filling or leaking. Mine has a timer option and 9 heat settings, it's kept my nice and warm during the various cold spells we've had.
I am currently completely wrapped in my hot throw and am blissfully warm. I’d definitely recommend one to cold mortals as I am.
I love mine. It’s by Dreamland. I don’t always plug it in it’s so cosy. The cats love it too. It is washable
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