Silentnight's 'cosy' self-heating blanket keeps shoppers 'warm' and costs nothing to run

As Ofgem's new price cap takes effect, it has been said that energy bills are set to rise by nearly £150 for the average household. With this in mind, consumers are seeking cost-effective ways to stay warm this winter without cranking up the heating.

Silentnight's Heat Genie Self-Heating Giant Blanket is a perfect alternative to an electric blanket - after the initial £37.99 purchase, it costs nothing to run.

Described as 'comfortable and cosy', the blanket features a heat reflecting foil layer that bounces your body heat back onto you, providing an extra layer of warmth without the need for electricity. Available from Amazon or Sleepy People, the plush fabric exterior and sherpa fleece interior ensure you won't feel the foiled layer.

Plus, its super-sized dimensions (180cm x 240cm) make it large enough for more than one person to snuggle into.

Ideal for snuggling on the sofa, keeping warm in bed during cold nights, or draping over your lap while working from home, the Silentnight blanket is fully machine washable, ensuring it stays fresh throughout the season. This feature is particularly handy if you have children or pets in your household, reports Devon Live.

Aptly matching most home decors with its chic dark grey hue, shoppers can't get enough of this blanket. Thrilled customers heap praise on it with one satisfied buyer sharing: "The blanket is good quality, instructions say wash before use and it looks good on my bed. It is comfortable warm to sleep in with nothing else on the bed, as the weather gets colder I may have to put additional sheets on but for now all is good."

Another pleased customer wrote: "Brilliant. I find the plug in blankets too much and a bit heavy. This is huge, but light and so cosy. Keeps you warm but not overheated. I bought one for my mum as well as she was worried about leaving blankets plugged in and tripping over leads. She absolutely loves this blanket and finds it much more cosy and cuddly than the others I have bought for her in the past."

Although not as adjustable as an electric blanket, this triple-layered gem promises to keep you snug. To compare, a Silentnight Electric Blanket available on Amazon for £41.99 heats up at a faster rate and comes with three temperature settings accessible via a dial. 

Alternatively, Silentnight's Heat Genie Self-Heating Mattress Topper is available for £37.99 for a double size at Boots. It operates similarly to the self-heating blanket, with customers praising it for keeping them 'warm as toast all night' and being 'easy to fit' on the bed.

Another option could be wearing a blanket hoodie - Oodie have slashed prices on several of their original styles by £20 in a quick sale ahead of the autumn cold. You can check out the collection here.