All of our old gadgets and gizmos now seem to come in an electrical option such as the electric foot warmer and massager, the electric heated neck and back pad, the electric heating pad and even the electric lice comb!

One of my favourite things is to climb into bed once the sheets have been freshly laundered and still crisp and the only thing that makes this even better is if there is a hot water bottle waiting there(just what did you think I was going to say?????). I have now discovered that there is an even better option in the form of the electric heating blanket, which does have both pros and cons when compares to the traditional water bottle.

Hot water bottles – pros

  • Hot water bottles are inexpensive. The bottle itself usually costs between £1 and £10. The amount of water needed to fill the bottle is relatively small, so it won’t make a significant impact on your water or energy bill. They are considered by some to be the “greenest” means of providing extra warmth on cold nights.
  • Parents can safely use hot water bottles for their babies and children. There are hot water bottles especially made for young children that are plush and look like cute stuffed animals.
  • Hot water bottles have multiple uses besides just keeping you warm. They are good for tense muscles, headaches, and for relieving joint pain.

Hot water bottles – cons

  • If the water bottle is not handled properly, it is possible to get the water in the bottle too hot, causing discomfort or burning.
  • The heat is focused in only one area rather than heating your whole bed or body.
  • The water in the bottle will eventually cool off, requiring replacement of the hot water.
  • There is always the slight possibility that the hot water bottle will leak.

Electric blankets – pros

  • The heat generated by an electric blanket envelopes you, creating heat over your whole body.
  • The heat keeps being generated rather than slowly cooling off.
  • It can be turned on before you get into bed so you don’t have to get between icy sheets. (Then you can turn it off before going to sleep if you wish.)

Electric blankets – cons

  • Electric blankets are more expensive than hot water bottles. They cost anywhere from £20 to £200, depending on the size and style.
  • Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure poses a health concern for electric blanket users. Evidence is inconclusive and controversial, but there are concerns that there is a link between electric blanket use (and the EMF exposure that goes with it) and some kinds of cancer.
  • Other safety concerns are associated with electric blankets, such as electric shock or overheating.
  • The use of electricity to heat the blanket is a concern for some energy-conscious homeowners.

As you can see there are both advantages and disadvantages to both methods and the final choice is up to you and which points you feel strongly about, such as the green factor or the cost of the electric heating blanket.