The best electric blankets to keep you warm on cold nights

Start by deciding whether you want an underblanket or mattress topper, which go underneath your bedsheets, or a heated throw, which lies on top of you on the sofa.

Then, the main points to consider are the electric blanket’s comfort, ease of use, energy efficiency and safety features. Look for soft, thick fabrics which cushion the wires. Anything too thin can be uncomfortable or feel too hot to touch.

If you and your partner prefer different temperatures, an electric underblanket or mattress topper with dual controls will stop arguments by enabling you to heat each side of the bed separately. Some have separate controls for warming the feet and body differently, too.

“Look for electric blankets that have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection and don’t buy them second hand as you won’t know the history of the blanket,” says Capanna.

Generally, it’s not advisable to wash electric blankets too often. But, it is worth reading the washing instructions carefully too, as while most electric blankets today are “machine washable”, some tolerate it better than others.

Finally, check the guarantee period as this will indicate the quality and durability of the product.