- 11 million households – two-fifths of homes (40%) – plan to buy at least one warming gadget this winter, as people contend with higher energy prices[1]
- Three in ten households (30%) own heated slippers, one in eight (13%) have heated jumpers or gilets, and one in ten (10%) use heated gloves[2]
- Three-fifths of Brits (61%) own a hot water bottle, making it the most popular hack for keeping warm in the winter[2]
- Three in ten homes (30%) use a heated electric blanket[2], with the average 100W devices costing only 3p an hour to use[3]
- Electric blankets, weighted or fleece-lined blankets, and thermal clothing are the items most likely to be bought this winter[2]
- Uswitch.com urges households to draught-proof their homes, and to check what energy support they could claim using its eligibility checker.
More than 11 million households plan to buy at least one warming gadget this winter as bill-payers battle with high energy costs[1], reveals new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, ahead of Energy Saving Day tomorrow (21 Oct).
Two-fifths (40%) of Brits will snap up warming clothes and appliances, with one in ten (10%) saying they will buy electric blankets, fleece-lined throws and thermal clothing for this winter[2].
Uswitch research previously revealed that two million households were planning to get through this winter without turning on the central heating[4].
Hot water bottles are the most popular way of staying warm, with three-fifths of households (61%) already owning one. Thermal clothing like leggings, socks and base layers are the next most common items, being owned by nearly half of homes (48%)[2].
Heated slippers are surprisingly popular, with three in ten households (30%) warming their toes with the nifty footwear[2]. The slippers have small heating elements built into the sole or lining that are powered by batteries or USB. Other types have gel inserts that retain their heat after being put in the microwave for a short time.
Three in ten households (30%) use an electric blanket, while nearly two-fifths (38%) rely on a weighted throw for warmth[2]. Electric blankets typically use 100W of power, meaning they cost only 3p an hour to run[3].
Table: Most popular warming gadgets
Heading
| Warming gadget | Own it already | Will buy for winter this year | Total who will own by end of this winter | Power | Cost per hour (p) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot water bottle | 61% | 8% | 70% | - | - |
| Thermal clothing (leggings, socks, base layers) | 48% | 10% | 57% | - | - |
| Draught excluder(s) | 40% | 7% | 48% | - | - |
| Portable plug-in electric heater | 39% | 7% | 47% | 2kW | 53p |
| Weighted or fleece-lined blanket (not electric) | 38% | 10% | 48% | - | - |
| Heated slippers | 30% | 7% | 37% | 5W | 0.13p |
| Thermal curtains | 30% | 8% | 38% | - | - |
| Heated (electric) blanket for your bed | 30% | 10% | 40% | 100W | 2.6p |
| Thermal blanket or mattress cover | 29% | 9% | 38% | - | - |
| Microwaveable heat pack/cushion | 27% | 8% | 35% | 2 mins in 900W microwave | 0.8p |
| Radiator reflector(s) | 26% | 8% | 34% | - | - |
| Heated (electric) throw | 21% | 10% | 31% | 75W | 2p |
| Disposable hand warmers | 17% | 8% | 26% | - | - |
| Hand warmer (electric or rechargeable) | 16% | 9% | 25% | 2W | 0.05p |
| Heated foot warmers / mats (electric or rechargable) | 14% | 9% | 23% | 100W | 2.6p |
| Heated jumper, vest or gilet (electric or rechargeable) | 13% | 8% | 21% | 30W | 0.8p |
| Heated gloves (electric or rechargable) | 10% | 19% | 15W | 0.4p |
Source: Uswitch.com
Devices that keep hands warm are another popular option, with one in six (17%) already owning disposable hand warmers, and another sixth (16%) using an electric or rechargeable hand warmer. Heated gloves are preferred by one in ten (10%) of homes[2].
Other popular options are devices that help keep homes warm. Thermal curtains can be found in three in ten homes (30%), while two-fifths of households (40%) own draught excluders, and another 7% plan to buy one before the winter.
A quarter of households (26%) are using radiator reflectors to keep their homes warm[2]. These are thin sheets of reflective material like foil that are placed behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room. They’re most effective when used on radiators on outside walls, where a lot of warmth can be lost.
Uswitch.com is urging households to use its energy support eligibility checker to check what they might be entitled to this winter, as well as ensuring they’ve taken steps to draught-proof their homes before taking any drastic steps.
Four money-saving steps to take today
- Draught-proof your home to make the most of your central heating.
- Claim your 25 hours of free electricity from Uswitch - deadline 31 October.
- Run a comparison and switch to a fixed energy deal to save.
- Still struggling? Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to your supplier and use our eligibility checker to see if you’re able to access any grants and schemes.
Will Owen, energy expert of Uswitch.com, comments: “For many, staying warm this winter doesn’t have to mean using the central heating continuously, as there are plenty of handy gadgets to keep yourself and your household nice and toasty.
“Electric blankets are a great, cheap way to avoid using the heating at bedtime, and many people are embracing heated slippers and gloves.
“Spending winter in a cold home can be bad for your health, and people are advised to keep their homes between 18°C and 21°C.
“Turning off your heating shouldn’t have to be the answer, so see if you can keep your home warmer by cutting down draughts, opting for thicker curtains and adding insulation if possible.
“You should also make sure you’re not paying more for your energy than you should by seeing what fixed deals are available.
“Run a comparison at Uswitch.com to see available tariffs with personalised costs based on your household consumption.
“If you’re worried about paying your energy bill this winter, please don’t suffer alone. Reach out to your energy supplier, who may be able to offer advice and support.”
Check out the latest energy deals by running an energy comparison at Uswitch.com.
For more information
Rianna York | Energy PR Manager
rianna.york@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Research conducted online by Opinium, 5th to 9th September 2025, among 2,000 UK residents, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked ‘Do you own, or have any intention of buying each of the following ‘keeping warm’ gadgets?’ 40% of households said they planned to buy at least one this winter. 40% of 28.2 million UK households is 11 million.
2. Respondents were asked ‘Do you own, or have any intention of buying each of the following ‘keeping warm’ gadgets?’ Please see table in release for full results.
3. 100W electric blanket cost. 0.1kW x 26.35p/kWh = 2.6p.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to find their energy, broadband and mobile deals than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.