Updated: 23/09/2022 12:16:37

Rated: Cosy Winter Buys

From portable heaters to microwaveable socks, we look at some of the most popular products to fight off the heat without cranking up the central heating

Autumn has officially started and the temperature has already dropped significantly. After some record breaking weeks of warm weather it can feel especially cold in the evenings and it can be tempting to crank up the heating. But with energy bills on the rise, we are looking at some alternatives to keep you warm at night, without the need to layer up with 12 jumpers and a coat.

It is becoming increasingly important to be aware of rising electricity and energy costs. Some solutions you may have used to stay warm in the past may no longer be viable. Luckily, warmth and cosiness has been a priority for companies, especially during the pandemic where people were spending a lot more time at home. We take a look at couple of options to help get you through the colder months without breaking the bank.

Fleece Hoodie Blankets

Image Source: Oodie

Simply put, these are oversized hoodies with a warm lining that are great for around the house and garden. No more kicking off your blanket when you need to pop to the kitchen, now you can wear it! The great thing about these wearable blankets is that due to increased popularity there is a great selection of designs and brands to choose from. Be wary of choosing the cheaper versions as they tend to be much thinner and may not provide as much warmth.

Top Picks The Oodie | Kudd.ly Blanket

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Pros:

• Easy to use, quick to warm up
• Wide selection of choices in design
• Non invasive, can still perform daily tasks when wearing
• Washable

Cons:

• Cheaper versions don't hold much warmth
• Needs to be paired with warm footwear or socks
• Can be quite bulky
• Doesn't contribute to heating up the house

Our value vs warmth rating

Microwaveable slippers and socks

Image Source: Kudd.ly

The technology in these kinds of products has come a long way in recent years. Now available are slippers with an insert that can be removed and heated in the microwave. Another option is a pair of socks or slippers that are rechargeable. These socks can be worn when out and about but the heating capacity is usually less than that of a slipper. If you're staying at home in the winter, slippers with microwaveable inserts are our best suggestion.

Top Pick Komfies heated slippers

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Pros:

• Heat can also reduce foot pain
• Most heatable inserts can be removed
• Easy to heat up

Cons:

• Electric versions may require constant electricity, meaning you'll have to stay stationary while in use.
• Slipper versions can have a larger short term cost.
• Provides no heat to the house directly

Our value vs warmth rating

Electric blankets

Image Source: Silentnight

When it comes to saving money staying warm at night, an electric blanket could be the answer. These lie under your sheets to provide warmth throughout the night. As of October 2022, using an electric blanket would cost around 42p a night, significantly less than turning on your central heating. How much you enjoy the use of these would probably depend on your initial investment. If you pay slightly more you can get blankets with preheat options, dual controls for larger blankets and even a timer.

Top Pick Silentnight Blankets

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Pros:

• Much cheaper than central heating when trying to sleep
• Temperature can be adjusted
• Can be used to preheat the bed
• Easy to use

Cons:

• You'll need to spend extra money to get a number of desirable features
• Some people find they overheat quite fast when using an electric blanket
• Versions without dual control may not be suitable for couples
• Only heats the bed, not the room

Our value vs warmth rating

Portable electric heaters

Image Source: Currys

These provide an option for those wanting to heat up the house rather than heating up themselves. There are a number of options to choose from here, with fan heaters proving lightweight and portable. There are also convection and oil filled-radiator options but these tend to be more expensive and larger. A small portable heater can work well for heating up a single room but can be pricey to run. The running costs can vary significantly but can range from £1 an hour to £2.72 an hour, which can really eat into your budget. Overall, central heating is cheaper to run than an electric heater. There are a number of affordable options coming onto the market with Amazon recently releasing a plug in heater that's perfect for topping up the home in between central heating cycles for just £15.

Top Pick Amazon cheap plug in heater

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Pros:

• Provides fast heat to a room
• Great for single occupants or small flats
• Easy top of heat between central heating cycles
• Portable

Cons:

• Most models cost more than central heating to run per hour
• Cheaper products don't have a great lifespan
Shouldn't be run when you're not home due to fire hazards

Our value vs warmth rating

So there you have it. If you find yourself struggling most in the evening when trying to sleep, an electric blanket is a fantastic and affordable way to get you through the night. While it is always going to be cheaper to heat yourself rather than the home, there are still some affordable portable heating options available. It's best to check if you can be more savvy with your heating usage too. Make sure you aren't running the heating when you aren't at home and make use of your boilers timer options.

#advice #winter 

Comments

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