I TESTED HEATED PILLOWS

– I’ll ditch my blanket for the under-the-radar gadget & the cosiest costs nothing to run 

One of the most cost efficient ways to keep costs down this winter is by heating yourself instead of your home.

Heated pillows cost just pennies to run and can be your ultimate cosy companion on chilly nights. Our journo tested five and gave them a score for price and performance.

Sweet Dreams electric heated cushion Effective, but least attractive of the pillows tested. Price: £47.99 from The Range Running cost: 2p for 90 minutes Heat settings: Four Price: 2/5 Performance: 4/5 Overall: 6/10

Cuddle Cushion with Heatable Pad It made me feel really snug and cosy. Price: £35 from Dunelm Running cost: Free Heat settings: Zero Price: 5/5 Performance: 5/5 Overall: 10/10

Lifemax Heated Cushion  Unreliable but pretty handy for travelling. Price: £42.99 from Robert Dyas Running cost: 1p per charge Heat settings: One Price: 3/5 Performance: 2/5 Overall: 5/10

Monhouse Heated Pillow Soft, spongy and works like an electric blanket. Price: £39.99 from Amazon Running cost: 4p for 90 minutes Heat settings: Six Price: 4/5 Performance: 5/5 Overall: 9/10

Ploov by Stoov It's sleek and stylish but comes at a price. Price: £99.99 from Stoov Running cost: 1p per charge Heat settings: Three Price: 1/5 Performance: 6/5 Overall: 7/10