- A 60 W single electric blanket costs 1.6p an hour at full power. Warming the bed for 30 minutes costs 0.8p.
- Prices from the Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026: the average for England, Scotland and Wales is 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit. Your region and tariff change it, so use the calculator below.1
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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How much does an electric blanket cost per hour?
Costs for published single and dual-control double blankets. Electrical Safety First recommends unplugging a blanket when you get into bed unless it is made for all-night use.
| Power | 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 W | 0.7p | 1.3p | 5.3p |
| 60 W | 0.8p | 1.6p | 6.3p |
| 120 W | 1.6p | 3.2p | 12.6p |
How to work out the cost
Multiply the power in kilowatts by the hours it runs, then by your electricity unit rate. If the power is in watts, divide by 1,000 first.
For example: 60 W x 0.5 hours x 26.32p per kWh = 0.8p.1
That is the cost at full rated power. If a thermostat switches the appliance off once the room is warm, it uses less. Standing charges are paid whatever you use, so they are not part of the cost of switching it on.
Typical electric blanket power
Beurer's 2025 catalogue lists single underblankets at 50 W and 60 W, and a dual-control double at 2 x 60 W.2 Models are named only as examples of published ratings, not recommendations.
That is far less power than a room heater: 60 W for an hour is 1.6p, against 52.6p for a 2 kW heater.
Using an electric blanket safely
Electrical Safety First says: “It's recommended to unplug blankets when getting into bed.”3
It also says: “Check regularly for scorching or burn marks and for visible or damaged wires.”, “It is recommended to replace your electric blanket every ten years.” and to “avoid using a hot water bottle when using your electric blanket.”3
Next steps
1. Check the wattage on the blanket's label.
2. Warm the bed before you get in, then switch it off and unplug it, unless it is made for all-night use.
3. Check it for damage each time you get it out.
Electric blanket or central heating?
Beurer says its heated blankets use 100 W to 150 W on their highest setting, depending on size: 150 W for 2 hours costs 7.9p.5
A blanket warms you, not the room. The NHS: “If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.” and “It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.”6
The Home Office: “Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.” “Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.” “Test electric blankets every 3 years.” “Replace your blanket when it is more than 10 years old.”7
Help with energy bills
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Who these figures cover
The prices are from Ofgem's price cap for England, Scotland and Wales, 1 October to 31 December 2026.1 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill in the calculator.
There is no VAT on household electricity in England, Scotland and Wales, and the rates above already reflect this.1 HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.8