This one also avoids a lot of the usual underblanket pitfalls: it’s big enough to cover most of the bed; the deep, elasticated skirt stops it riding up during the night; there’s no cold central zone between the two regions, and any wires are nicely unobtrusive. There’s a super-king size available and you can even wash it at 30˚C. The Homefront is a blanket with a mid-range price tag but one that works and feels like a high-end option. Independent temperature zones –if you're prone to icy toes then look out for blankets that offer the option to increase the temperature of the foot section of the blanket independently of the main sleeping area, like Slumberdown's 'Wonderfully Warm' electric blanket. There are only 3 temperature settings compared to the 6 settings Dreamland's 'Boutique Heated Underblanket' offers, and although we found this blanket to be plenty warm enough on its highest setting, it doesn't achieve the same high temperatures that the Dreamland option can. It also takes longer to heat up, with a 15-20 minute wait before it hit full temperature in our tests. Although, that does make it more cost-effective, with each side of the blanket using a maximum of 60W compared to the Dreamland blanket's 150W per side.

The quilted fleece upper means that your sleep isn't disturbed by uncomfortable wires –as can be the case with cheaper, thinner electric underblankets. Our comparison grid below should help you make up your mind when you’re looking for an electric blanket. The downsides with this one are that it is polyester rather than cotton which is a bit more breathable (the Dreamland electric blankets mentioned earlier are cotton – see #2 and #3). It’s also a bit slower to heat up than theDreamland electric blankets(15 minutes compared to 5 minutes). Firstly, it also acts as a mattress protector because it covers the whole bed, whilst the Silentnight model just covers the middle. It’s got an elasticated edge to stop it sliding around and getting creased. An electric blanket has a plug in that when turned on, the electricity is transformed into heat through the cables that are running through the blanket. They also feature a thermostat which regulates the temperature. how safe are electric blankets?

If simplicity is what you are after, then I would certainly avoid one of the designs with multiple zones and settings. The Silentnight Comfort Control is probably your best bet. Electric blanket All blankets have a range of heat settings, but the number might vary from three to 12. More advanced blankets might even have different settings for different zones, so you can have additional heat for your feet or different heat levels for the two sides of a double bed. What other things should I look out for? Pros:it is much cheaper than most other electric blankets and there are several variations and upgrades available. The blanket is also machine washable and has a three year guarantee. The Slumberland electric blanket is another simple to use model from a brand that you’ve actually heard of.

It’s also worth looking at the material that the electric blanket is made from. Posher ones are made with breathable cotton whilst cheaper ones are manmade polyester. Our selection of electric blankets

Banish the shivers with our pick of the best electric blankets and heated mattress toppers

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.

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