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Sleep like a baby with this toasty extra layer

To make your bed the snuggly haven you deserve this winter, there’s one bit of bedding you should invest in: an electric blanket.

That's right, they aren't the drab, old-fashioned scratchers of old. These days they're safe, soft and – dare we say it – stylish.

Most importantly though, they can save you money as they cost just pennies to run per night. That means this winter you can lower your heating bill while still staying toasty warm. Ideal.

If you're new to heated blankets, there are two main designs you should know about. Under blankets are like heated mattress toppers, attaching to your bed to give you warmth.

Over blankets, on the other hand, are closer to throws; you can curl up on the sofa, pop them in your duvet cover or lie under them at night for a more versatile heater. Which is right for you depends on where you tend to feel the chill the most.

All the blankets we’ve included have auto shut-off timers too, so they can’t be left running for too long. And, helpfully, all our picks are machine-washable.

When it comes to the actual heat offerings, look for a good range of temperature settings and extra foot warmth if your feet are often found in multiple pairs of socks.

Also consider heat zones – this tends to come down to size, with double blankets and beyond boasting left and right zones so couples can set their own preferences. Dual control will help limit any sleep disruption too, giving you one each to use.

To find the best electric blankets, our expert tester put leading brands to work, making up a double bed and measuring how evenly different settings distributed heat and whether they fluctuated over time.

Dual controls were also assessed, as was the accuracy of each heat zone to see if warmth leaked over from one side to the other when set to different temperatures.

Lastly, washing machine claims were checked out to see if cleaning them caused any shrinkage or damage.

Snuggle up, these are the best heated blankets to buy now:

Cosy beauty sleep awaits with this soft polar fleece under blanket. It will make your bed evenly warm on all but the highest of its eight settings (where it fluctuated slightly) and additional foot warmth settings and heat zones means you can slumber with settings perfect for you. The two controls have light-up screens, too.

Key specifications Type: Under blanket Sizes: Double Dual control: Yes Number of heat settings: 8 Fabric: Fleece Guarantee: 3 years

Treat yourself to this luxe design. Its temperatures were consistent, its LED-lit controls were intuitive to use and the fleece cover zips off easily for washing. Plus, there are nine heat settings, including for your feet, and the under blanket design fitted securely to our test mattress. Sweet dreams.

Key specifications Type: Under blanket Sizes: Single, double, king, super king Dual control: Yes Number of heat settings: 9 Fabric: Cotton Guarantee: None

We’ll be snuggling under this one on work from home days and in front of the TV. The over blanket's satin trim feels soft against the face and it’s a speedy heater too – the quickest we tested – reaching its lowest setting in only six minutes. 

It also claims to respond to temperature changes at night and while its six heat and foot warmth settings weren’t entirely consistent on test, the dual controls were a breeze to use. Be careful when washing it though, as its edges bunched a little, but you can tumble dry it.  

Key specifications Type: Over blanket Sizes: Single, double, king Dual control: Yes Number of heat settings: 6 Fabric: Polyester and satin Guarantee: 3 years

This heated blanket doubles up as both an over and under blanket, while its nine temperature settings and multiple heat zones provide toasty, even temperature distribution. The gently backlit dual controls shouldn’t be too disruptive at night either, but a bit of patience is needed when securing it to your mattress, as the long cable is a little fiddly. If you’re after one that does it all though, this soft blanket is a must-buy. 

Key specifications Type: Over and under blanket Sizes: Double, king Dual control: Yes Number of heat settings: 9 Fabric: Fleece Guarantee: None

If warm feet is the stuff dreams are made of, then you’ll be delighted with this blanket that has nine dedicated heat settings just for feet. There are nine for your body too, and nearly all warmed evenly. The heat zones weren’t as well-defined as others tested but the soft blanket fitted our mattress well, although the edges did start to curl a little after washing. Overall, it’s a great value buy. 

Key specifications Type: Under blanket Sizes: Single, double, king Dual control: Yes Number of heat settings: 9 Fabric: Polyester Guarantee: 2 years when registered

This under blanket’s accompanying app means you can turn it on while you’re out, leaving you with a warm bed by the time you’re back. It took us a few tries to connect, but the app itself is intuitive to use. There’s also an additional controller if you don’t want to use the app, while nine heat settings and nine foot warmth settings will keep things toasty. Yes, it’s expensive but it spreads warmth well, has an anti-allergy feature and tracks its own energy usage.   

Key specifications Type: Under blanket Sizes: Double Dual control: One plus app control Number of heat settings: 9 Fabric: Cotton Guarantee: None