This electric blanket costs 1p to run - is it worth buying?

Mattress warmers and electric blankets can do a lot these days. So, if you just want something super simple, where do you look? I tested Slumberdown’s Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket to see whether it’s worth opting for a less expensive electric blanket. 

When cooler nights set in, there’s nothing quite like tucking yourself up in a pre-warmed bed. It feels like a luxury, but actually, the best electric blankets can be a great way to save money over the winter.

Lots of elaborate models can charge hundreds, if not thousands, to do clever things when they’re heating your bed, but I wanted to take a look at the other end of the spectrum. What do you get when you only spend £37 on an electric blanket? 

Specifications

Unboxing the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket

Slumberdown are brilliant with how they package the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket. It’ll arrive in a plastic bag that protects it, in transit and when you’re storing it over the warmer months. It’s easy to pull out of the bag but also doesn’t take much effort to fold up and pack away again. 

Once it’s out of the bag, this is simple to spread across the bed. There are two elastic straps that slot underneath the mattress to hold this in place and it generously reaches all four corners of the bed. This is designed to sit under the sheets, so you’ll want to put it over your topper to feel the full benefits. 

Who would the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket suit?

If you want an electric blanket, but you don’t want any of the frills, this is a great basic. There aren't dual zones or controls, but it will run some heat across all of your mattress, warming it up ready for you to climb in. 

The biggest appeal of the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket is the price. It retails at under £40 and costs just 1p to run, so it's cheap all-round. So, if you love a bargain, this is widely available and an inexpensive investment.

What is the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket like to use?

The controls span from one up to three. Don’t get confused by the zero on the top; this is just so that you can quickly switch it off if you have it on maximum strength. You just have to push the lever and, if it’s dark, there’s a light that will show you what you’re choosing.

Once I had fitted this on the bed, I set it on the maximum heat (3) to find out how quickly it could get the bed hot. I checked at five minute intervals and it wasn’t until 25 minutes had passed that I felt the bed was warm. It was a little patchy, there were cold spots, and this could definitely get warmer, but it felt cosy enough. 

I tried the lower setting (1) overnight and it’s very subtle — so subtle that it’s almost imperceptible. I would recommend skipping the first couple of heat settings, jump straight into a warmer one. As this is a cheaper model, it doesn’t have an auto shut off, so you’ll need to remember to turn this off before you fall asleep. 

How do you clean the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket?

The Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket sits under your sheets, so it won't need washing as often as heated throws. Luckily, the remote and plug can unclip from the blanket and you can put the material part in the washing machine. Slumberdown recommends washing it at 40 degrees with a gentle Ecover Laundry Detergent or the brand's laundry capsules). 

Don't put this back on the bed unless it's dry. It shouldn't take long, but if you have high humidity in your home, it might be worth using one of the best heated clothes airers to get the blanket dryer quicker.

How does the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket compare?

It doesn’t feel very fair to compare the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket to lots of the other electric blankets that made this into the list of the best models on the market, because it’s so basic. If you like the sound of this and you’re willing to spend a little more, I’d recommend looking at Dreamland’s Organic Cotton Mattress Protector. It’s over double the price, crafted from premium materials, and has dual controls, so you and your partner can set the temperature to whichever you want. 

Alternatively, for a similar price, you could buy Dunelm’s heated blanket. This has a teddy texture, which is naturally warming. You’ll need to sit it on top of your mattress to reap the full benefits — and they’re lovely. Even better, you’ll get dual controls, so you can have different heat zones in the bed for you and your partner. It’s quicker to warm up, which is great if you’re forgetful, but the teddy texture isn’t for everyone. 

Should you buy the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket?

If you’ve never had an electric blanket before and you’re not sure whether or not you’ll like one, the Slumberdown Sleepy Nights Electric Blanket is a safe bet. It’s inexpensive and does the job. Plus, the savvy shoppers amongst us will love the fact that this costs just 1p to run (depending on your energy rates). If you’re willing to spend just a little more money, you’ll get a better blanket, but this is, nonetheless, a brilliant and basic way to make your home cosier. 

How we test

I love testing electric blankets. As someone who’s always cold and deals with Reynaud’s (a circulation issue), I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to stay warm at home without overheating the entire space. Electric blankets and throws have consistently been one of the most effective solutions for me.

I’ve developed a detailed testing routine for every electric blanket I review, and my fellow experts follow the same process. I’m always on the hunt for new products, and when I spot one that looks cozy, innovative, or practical, I bring it in for testing. Once I have it at home, I’ll use it for weeks or even months, evaluating it across multiple factors.

My first assessment is the packaging. I prefer recyclable, eco-friendly boxes that keep the blanket compact during shipping. Ideally, the blanket should be ready to go straight out of the box. If any setup or programming is required, I’ll be sure to note that.

Next, I’ll go through all the heat settings, typically testing them at intervals of five or two and a half minutes. If it’s a wearable throw or poncho, I’ll wear it the entire time, and if it’s a mattress warmer, I’ll stay in bed to test it out. Tough work, right?

I’ll evaluate where the heat is concentrated, whether there are any cold spots, if there’s a cool area for pillows, and how energy-efficient it is. Some blankets have dual controls and separate heating zones, so I’ll make sure those function properly, sometimes with the help of a partner.

After I’ve gotten familiar with how it works, I’ll test the washing instructions. Some blankets need hand-washing, while others are machine-washable, and a few can even be tumble dried. It’s important to know this before buying, especially if a complex cleaning process might be a downside for you.

Throughout the testing period, I compare the blanket to others I’ve tried, looking at performance, value, texture, energy efficiency, and versatility. I’ll give you insight into comparable models, doing the research for you. At the end, I’ll provide my honest opinion on who the blanket is best for and whether it’s worth buying. All of my reviews are completely independent, so if I recommend a product, you can trust it’s my genuine feedback.