As autumn evenings draw in and temperatures dip, many of us are reaching for extra layers indoors. This year, more households are turning to electric throws for that instant cozy boost, without cranking up central heating. In fact, OVO Energy recently announced it would hand out free blankets to help families keep warm this winter.

But for those wanting their own stylish option, the Neo electric heated sherpa throw from Debenhams is a practical way to stay cosy without turning up the thermostat. Priced at £31.15 down from £74.98, it comes in one size and three colours: black, navy and a beige.

It’s a reversible throw, lined with plush sherpa on one side and a smooth, soft fleece on the other. The dual texture means you can choose whether you want fluffy warmth or sleeker comfort on your couch or armchair.

It is generously sized at 160cm long and 130cm wide, meaning you could cover the seating of a standard two-person sofa (which is usually around the 170cm mark) to heat up bums and legs, or tuck around yourself. Its heating system offers 10 temperature heat settings, allowing you to adjust from a gentle warmth to more intense heat depending on your cold tolerance. A detachable control is included, so you can turn it on or off without unplugging the entire throw (or getting up).

Because it’s reversible and machine-washable (after detaching the wiring), and according to reviews, it washes well. One user wrote: “I heavily rely on this blanket throughout winter and on a chilly night and it never fails to warm me up. I’ve also washed it and it has washed well and been fine. It heats up well and I love how it automatically turns off.” Another person added: “Absolutely gorgeous, it’s a different texture on each side, one quite woolly and one quite velvety. Heats up really fast and the top heat is high. I have it over me while I’m resting on the sofa or working on the dining table and don’t need the heating on at all in the house, when usually I’d be so cold I’d have to.” 

One customer noted that although it said it was safe for the tumble dryer, they found it wasn’t. They wrote: “Can’t be tumble dried. The online information says it can be.”

According to Debenhams, it costs approximately 3p an hour to run but those calculations were based on 2022 prices, so it could be higher or lower depending on your energy provider. One consideration: as with all heated textiles, make sure to follow safety instructions. Avoid folding or bunching the throw while in use, and switch it off when leaving the room or going to sleep. It’s also worth testing for any wiring damage before long-term use.