Silentnight's self-heating blanket offers 'cosy' warmth with zero running costs amid rising energy bills

As Ofgem's new price cap comes into play, it's been revealed that energy bills are set to rocket by nearly £150 for the average household. With this in mind, consumers are on the hunt for cost-effective methods to keep cosy this winter without cranking up the central heating.

Silentnight's Heat Genie Self-Heating Giant Blanket is a brilliant alternative to an electric blanket - after the first £37.99 outlay, it costs absolutely nothing to run.

Dubbed as 'comfortable and cosy', the blanket boasts a heat-reflecting foil layer that returns your body heat back onto you, providing an extra layer of warmth without needing electricity. Available from Amazon or Sleepy People, the plush fabric exterior and sherpa fleece interior act as a protective layer meaning you won't be able to feel the foil layer.

Moreover, its huge dimensions (180cm x 240cm) make it large enough for the whole family to snuggle into.

READ MORE: Save a small fortune on energy bills with 'fluff cocoon' heated throw that costs 4p per hour to run

READ MORE: ‘I tested 13 electric blankets and this is the one I bought – it saves on heating bills’

Perfect for cuddling on the couch, keeping warm in bed during chilly 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 aspect is convenient if you have children or pets in your household, reports the Express.

Shoppers absolutely love this stylish dark grey blanket, with one happy customer raving: "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 contented buyer praised: "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."

While it doesn't offer the same adjustability as an electric blanket, this triple-layered wonder is sure to keep you toasty. For comparison, a Silentnight Electric Blanket that's up for grabs on Amazon at £41.99 can heat up quicker and features three heat settings controlled by a dial.

On another note, Silentnight's Heat Genie Self-Heating Mattress Topper, which costs £37.99 at Boots, has been lauded by users for keeping them 'warm as toast all night' and being 'easy to fit' onto their beds.

Another alternative could be donning a blanket hoodie - Oodie has cut prices on several of their original styles by £20 in a rapid sale before the autumn chill. You can browse the collection here.