A cosy duvet cover set works just right to trap in all the heat and keep you warm all night. They’re available in a variety of prints, colours, and fabrics to give you exactly what you need for a good night’s sleep. And as the temperature drops, opt for a higher tog like our 15 tog duvet which is the warmest. 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. Quilting or padding–basic electric blankets are formed from two thin polyester layers with electrical wires secured in the middle which can mean you'll feel the wires as you sleep. Look out for options that have quilted or padded upper layers for optimal comfort.

Although often harder to find, an over blanket is the ideal solution if you have an adjustable bed where an under blanket's wires could get compressed, a heat-sensitive memory foam mattress that's designed to react to your body temperature and mould to your body shape – the electric blanket's extra heat will confuse things here – or you struggle to do the heavy lifting that strapping an under blanket on to your mattress can require. The head section of the heated mattress topper isn't wired, but the rest of the cover is, meaning this is one of the few under blankets that heats every inch of your bed, including the very bottom section of the mattress which makes for warmer feet. The full coverage also makes for an even sleeping surface, without the lumps and bumps that can occur with quilted electric blankets that only partially cover the mattress.The price you pay to run an electric blanket will depend on its wattage and your usage. A heated blanket can either be kept on all night on a low setting, used for a short amount of time before you get into bed or you fall asleep, or set to turn off at a specific time if it comes with an auto shut-off timer. Featuring 3 heat settings so that you can control your comfort and choose the warmth that suits you best The size is perfect to cover a single person on the sofa, or for wrapping around you while you work from home and are trying to save on your heating bill, although we would like to see a larger version that fits two on the couch. Costing just pennies to run, it's a great solution for keeping out the chill whilst keeping heating costs low. You can tailor the warmth levels further thanks to dual controls on the double, king, and super king blanket sizes. These allow the temperature of the respective sides of the bed to be adjusted independently of each other –a real boon for couples with different heat preferences! Yes, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Make sure that the electric blanket you buy has the BEAB safety mark and be sure to read the manufacturer's guidance before you use the blanket and follow any safety precautions.

Otherwise, features are limited –there's no auto shut-off timer (so you'll need to remember to switch it off before you drift off to save energy and money), and there are no dual-controls on this model –however, if you're looking for a budget electric blanket, this option will certainly keep out the chill without breaking the bank.

Planning on using an electric blanket to stay warm whilst sitting on the sofa or working from home at your desk? In that case, a heated poncho may fit the bill better, offering all-around warmth without the struggle of keeping a blanket around your shoulders. The good news is that electric blankets have come a long way in recent years, with new smart tech options, dual-controlled double electric blankets that cater to partners who like to slowly roast paired with those who prefer to keep things cool, and under or over blankets that allow you to get the heat exactly where you want it. As well as the obvious benefits of warming up your bed on a cold winter’s night, electric blankets can also be really useful for those with health conditions affected by heat. Symptoms of arthritis as well as many other chronic illnesses can be helped by warmth, and the relaxing effect of a heated blanket can also help to ease sore muscles after exercise. Adding an electric blanket between your body and the mattress top will prevent the memory foam from being able to mould around your body, so it can impact how comfortable you find your mattress. This luxury electric blanket has a lot going for it. Firstly, the simple-to-use digital controllers offer 9 temperature settings that make finding your ideal heat an easier affair, as well as making it easier to manage the blanket's energy consumption.

That said, if warm feet are high on your agenda, then this electric blanket is still well worth considering.

Features two controllers so you can control each half of the blanket independently so that you can both choose a temperature that is just right Compared to Dreamland's 'Boutique Heated Underblanket' at the top of this list, this cheaper dual-operated electric blanket does feel a lot more basic, with no quilted padding and far fewer control options, however, it's also a lot less money. To find the right electric blanket for you it’s well worth understanding the different types of heated blankets available, and how each type works, before you shop.

There’s something calming about having a white scheme. It’s a blank canvas you can add to and change up whether it’s with cushions, plants and flowers' This electric heated poncho from Lakeland is made from super cosy fleece which adds a welcome layer of insulation all by itself, but turn on the heat and you have 9 temperature settings to toggle between to find your perfect warmth setting. The main problem with using an electric blanket on a mattress with a memory foam upper is that memory foam is designed to mould to your body to add cushioning support, and it's partially your body heat that helps it to hug your contours as you sink into the mattress.

If you don't need dual-controls, then Silentnight's 'Comfort Control' electric blanket is one of the most affordable electric blankets on the market, and despite its no-frills design, we found it did the job of eliminating the chill and keeping the bed toasty more than adequately. We wanted everyone to feel really positive' – how a colourful redesign brought this workspace to life