Electric blanket vs heated throw - what's the difference and which one do you need?

Electric blankets and heated throws are easy, cosy, and energy-efficient ways to stay warm over the winter, but what is the difference between the two? And how do you know which one to buy?

If you want the short answer, electric blankets go on your bed and heated throws go on the sofa. More often than not, the best electric blankets will go on or under your base sheet, warming up your mattress and duvet at night. Heated throws are like any other throw that you would snuggle up under, but they have a heated wire running through them.

Both have their pros and cons, which is why I've asked electric blanket and heated throw experts to answer all of your questions, including how much it costs to run an electric blanket. Here's everything you need to know.

Electric blanket vs heated throw: what's the difference?

Before you can choose which one is the right fit for you and what you need, it's a good idea to know what the differences are between an electric blanket vs heated throw. In the same way that mattress protectors and mattress toppers vary, these two heating aids work differently.

"Electric blankets are designed to sit on top of your mattress, warming up your bed, ready for when you want to sleep," explains Laura Honey, our expert tester who has been sleeping on electric blankets for over sixteen years. You wouldn't pick these up or carry them around the house because they often have a felt-like feel and thick wires running through them.

Laura explains, "heated throws are portable and perfect for when you want a bit of extra warmth when you're snuggled up on the sofa, or even working from home. The world of heated throws even stretches to wearable heated throws with sleeves (like the Snuggler from Lakeland). It's important that you can stay warm when you're sipping your coffee, after all."

What does a heated throw do?

Whilst you may not have heard of a heated throw before your hunt for a warming companion, here at Woman & Home we're huge fans. They're even one of our Home Editors' winter home essentials for making a home feel cosy. But what are they and how do they differ from their alternatives?

"A heated throw is designed to provide warmth and comfort while you're sitting or lounging, offering warmth in more casual settings. It functions similarly to a regular blanket but has built-in heating elements that can be controlled to adjust the temperature," says Chelsea Brown, lead product advisor at Opera Beds.

She adds, "It’s typically used while watching TV, reading, or relaxing on a sofa. Heated throws are ideal for providing direct warmth without the need to turn on central heating and waste energy heating entire rooms."

What does an electric blanket do?

While you may already know everything you need to before you buy an electric blanket if you're still deciding between the two here's what they offer.

"An electric blanket is meant to warm your entire bed, providing an even distribution of heat that helps you stay warm while you sleep," explains Hannah Hayden, Junior Buyer at Dreams explains. "They also often come with multiple heat settings, allowing you to preheat your bed or maintain a constant level of warmth throughout the night."

She also points out that some blankets will feature dual controls for different heat preferences in different areas of the bed. Our Homes Eccomerce Editor Laura Honey's favourite is the Dreamland Hunker Down Mattress Warmer, which borrows some of the cosy textures of heated throws and incorporates them into your bedtime set-up.

FAQs

Do you need both an electric blanket and a heated throw?

If you're looking to up your sleep hygiene set-up, buying both an electric blanket and a heated throw might not be the way to do it.

"It’s not necessary to have both, as they serve similar purposes, but it depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle," says Chelsea.

"If you want targeted warmth while lounging in different areas of your home, a heated throw may be ideal, it is also possible to use a heated throw as an overblanket in bed. If you're primarily looking for warmth while sleeping, an electric blanket may suffice," she adds.

You of course can buy both to give yourself the choice and flexibility of having that warmth in bed and out of it. Both options are great for being cost-effective whilst keeping you warm.

Can you sleep on a heated throw?

In short no. Despite making your bedroom feel cosy it's generally not recommended to sleep on a heated throw overnight. Heated throws are designed for short-term use while sitting or reclining, and sleeping on them could be uncomfortable or pose safety risks if not used as intended. For example, when you crease the wires of a heated throw, you risk damaging them. You'll be conscious of this when you're on the sofa, but when you're deep into dreaming, you wouldn't even notice.

Lots of sleep experts also warn against overheating yourself when you sleep, because your bedroom should actually sit around eighteen degrees for a better night's sleep.

Even electric blankets should be used to warm your bed the hour before you go to sleep, rather than during your actual sleep period.

Do I need to wash heated throws like electric blankets?

If you're worried about how to wash an electric blanket, we've got plenty of advice. Generally, the plugs are removable for both heated throws and electric blankets and then the material is washable, but you should always read the manufacturer's advice, since each will require different temperatures and settings.

Should you be looking for a comforting addition to your bed without the warmth investing in one of the best weighted blankets is a good idea. They can keep you warm and relaxed without any panic about electric components or run time.