On average it took around 15 minutes for the blanket to feel pleasantly warm to the touch and about 40 minutes to be very toasty on the highest setting. The controls were easy to adjust: being able to toggle feet and body settings is one of the most appealing features, as is the timer: there’s no worrying about switching the blanket on and forgetting about it, or wasting unnecessary heat.

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. Just when you thought the world couldn't get smart enough, it just got a whole lot smarter. Never come home to a chilly bed again with the Monogram Konnect which is WiFi enabled and controlled via an app. 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? 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. Here’s what I found after several nights testing the best electric blankets, starting with my favourite. (And if you’re looking for other ways to improve your sleep this winter, you could consider upgrading your pillow next). How does an electric blanket work?

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We've listed the wattage of each of the electric blankets in this guide in the specifications, with most averaging around 70 watts at full temperature. If you run your electric blanket at a lower temperature than the maximum setting available then you'll use fewer watts.

Number of temperature settings–budget models tend to offer 3 temperature settings, and in our experience it can be hard to settle on one that's just right. More heat settings mean more chance of finding your ideal temperature, plus, having the option to use your blanket on a lower heat setting is also a good way to save energy and heating costs.Excludes post codes starting with BFPO, BT, FK, G83, GG, GY, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW, PA(20-78), PH(18-42), ZE Whilst the cheapest electric blanket will generally do the job of heating up the bed before you get in, spending a little more money generally means you get a more comfortable sleep and greater control over temperatures and shut-off times. Here are our top tips for what to look out for before you shop. Some of the blankets even allow you to choose how long you’d like your blanket to run for, thanks to handy in-built timers. How much electricity do electric blankets use? 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 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