Which? lists eight low-cost warming products as households try to limit heating use this winter

Consumer group Which? has published a roundup of winter products that it says can help households stay warm without relying constantly on central heating, as families continue to watch energy costs closely this season.

What Which? has identified

The list, published on Which?’s website, covers eight items ranging from heated throws to smart thermostats. Among them is the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw, described as having velvet fabric, six heat settings and a timer that switches off automatically after one, three or nine hours.

Also featured is a hot water bottle sold with a faux fur cover, available at John Lewis in four colours. Which? notes that shoppers should use official retailers to avoid counterfeit hot water bottles sold by unverified third-party sellers on marketplace sites, flagging a known safety concern with fake versions of this product.

Bedding and drying included

The roundup also lists the Russell Hobbs RHEDB8002 Electric Underblanket, which has six temperature settings and dual controls allowing two people sharing a bed to set different warmth levels on each side.

For laundry, Which? points to the Black & Decker X Frame Heated Airer, which has 24 heated bars and is said to hold up to 15kg of washing. The group suggests using a heated airer instead of a tumble dryer as one way to manage energy use while still drying clothes indoors during winter.

Heaters and smart controls

Several heating devices appear on the list. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 combines a heater, fan and air purifier in one unit, with smart sensors that Which? says cut power once a room reaches a set temperature. The DeLonghi Dragon 4 Oil Filled Radiator TRDX41025E is programmable between 5°C and 28°C, has four power settings, a timer and an automatic shut-off if it tips over.

The Hive Thermostat V4 is also included. Which? says it is designed for combi boiler systems and is OpenTherm compatible, meaning it can communicate with a boiler to help it reach and hold a set temperature. The group notes that smart thermostats of this kind allow households to monitor energy use and identify where savings might be made.

Rounding off the list is the FootBuddy foot warmer mat, aimed at people working from home or sitting for long periods, which is sold in different sizes depending on whether it is used under a desk or beside a sofa.

What happens next

The products form part of Which?’s ongoing winter coverage as households continue to face pressure from energy costs. Which? has not published separate figures on potential bill savings from using these items instead of central heating, and the roundup is presented as a guide to lower-wattage alternatives rather than a cost comparison. Further seasonal guidance from the consumer group is expected as temperatures continue to fall over the coming months.