Electric Blankets Are Trending Again: What They Really Cost to Run in the UK

Electric blankets are back on Britain's winter shopping radar. A UK search-interest tracker reported a 48.2% week-on-week rise in searches for the term 'electric blanket' in the seven days to 29 October 2026, although much of that jump came from a single day.

Search interest is not the same thing as sales, but the question behind it is easy to understand: can a heated blanket keep you comfortable without the cost of warming an entire room? The answer depends on its wattage, your electricity tariff and how you use it.

How much does an electric blanket cost per hour?

Ofgem's average electricity unit rate for households on a standard variable tariff paying by Direct Debit in England, Scotland and Wales is 26.32p per kilowatt-hour for October to December 2026. Your own rate may be different, particularly if you have a fixed tariff or live in a region with different charges.

To estimate a blanket's cost, divide its wattage by 1,000, multiply by the hours used and then multiply by your unit price. At Ofgem's average rate, a 100-watt blanket running continuously at full power uses 0.1 kWh in an hour, costing about 2.6p. A 150-watt model would cost about 3.9p for the same hour.

What about an evening on the sofa?

Take a 100-watt heated throw used for three hours at full rated power. That is 0.3 kWh, or roughly 7.9p at the current average unit rate. Used for three hours every night over 30 days, the theoretical maximum would be around £2.37 in energy consumption.

Many products cycle their heating elements on and off once they reach the chosen temperature, so actual usage can be lower. The figures are illustrations rather than guarantees, and they do not include the standing charge you pay for having an electricity connection.

Can it replace central heating?

A heated throw warms the person beneath it, not the air, walls or pipes in the home. That makes it potentially useful for short periods of personal comfort, but it should not be treated as a complete substitute for appropriate room heating, especially where damp, condensation or vulnerable household members are a concern.

Think of it as a targeted comfort tool. Layering clothing, using draught-proofing and heating occupied rooms sensibly can all play a part in a wider winter plan.

Safety checks before plugging it in

Fire and rescue services recommend buying from a reputable retailer, following the instructions and checking blankets regularly for wear. Stop using one if you notice exposed wires, fraying, scorch marks, a damaged cable, unusual smells or a buzzing controller.

Never use an electric blanket while folded or creased, never combine it with a hot-water bottle and keep it away from water. Only leave it on while sleeping if the manufacturer explicitly states it is designed for safe overnight use. Do not buy a second-hand blanket of uncertain condition.

What should you look for when choosing one?

Check whether the product is an underblanket for a bed or a throw designed to go over you. Look for a clear UKCA or CE marking, an overheat-protection system and straightforward temperature controls. An automatic timer can be useful, but it does not replace following the manufacturer's instructions.

Before buying, read the wattage on the label and calculate the likely cost using your own tariff. A blanket may be inexpensive to run, but safety, suitability and comfort should come before a saving of a few pence.

Image credit: Photo by Yan Berthemy on Unsplash. Illustrative photograph.

Sources and further reading

UK Demand Index, measured 30 October 2026: https://lookinto.co.uk/trending/uk-demand-index-2026-10-29/

Ofgem, October–December 2026 unit rates: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/your-energy-supply/your-energy-bill/energy-price-cap-unit-rates-and-standing-charges

London Fire Brigade safety advice: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/electrical-items/electric-blankets/

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service: https://manchesterfire.gov.uk/your-safety/home-fire-safety/electrical-safety/electric-blankets/