electric blanket info please...

[#1]

Considering buying electric blanket for single bed....  advice/info needed ...
Underblanket? or Overblanket?
How long do you need to run it from switch on, to nice warm bed?
Do you need to unplug before getting into bed?
any other advice or info?

[#2]

A wheat bag would be cheaper, I have one, warm it up 2 and half minutes on full power in Microwave, lasts most of the night.
You can get them from places like Dunelm, and TJ Hughes.

[#3]

I have an underblanket and it will take the chill off in about 5 minutes and pretty toasty in 10.
I've had a chest infection for the past couple of weeks so have had it on the 12 hour simmer at gas mark 1 all night for the past week.
It will depend on the blanket as to whether you should unplug it or not. Spend a few extra £££ and get an all night one which is washable - bung it in the machine and you can stick them on a standard wash.
They are fairly cheap to run as well - I think ours take an average of 30-40 watts once heated up and a fair bit less when it's on the low setting overnight.
Oh and they are well worth the money if you don't like cold beds !

[#4]

Quote from: RichAllen

A wheat bag would be cheaper, I have one, warm it up 2 and half minutes on full power in Microwave, lasts most of the night. You can get them from places like Dunelm, and TJ Hughes.

So what size are these Wheat bags?  Don`t think I can get a duvet in my microwave

[#5]

About the size of a bean bag, quite small but they do get hot.
http://www.armstrongshealth.co.uk/large_pic.php?picture=1254921361_Lav.jpeg
[Moderator's note by Jim (Oldjim)  link doesn't work as image - hot linking is blocked ]

[#6]

So, not much better than a hot water bottle then.... was wanting info on electric blanket to make the whole bed warm... 

[#7]

Meh, it works for me, what is the problem?

[#8]

Read my previous post.....  I am much bigger than a bean bag. 

[#9]

Well Shutter, looks like you've pulled! I think Rich was offering....

[#10]

@Shutter, Make sure you don't get fleeced

[#11]

Is this some form of Snoopy Linux comfort blanket?

[#12]

Quote from: artmo

@Shutter, Make sure you don't get fleeced

Actually, I was wondering about the difference between Polyester, and Fleece versions.... any info?

[#13]

Quote from: doris

Well Shutter, looks like you've pulled! I think Rich was offering....

I`d rather keep my present situation than freeze to death. 

[#14]

Back to the OP's question then.
As a general rule of thumb, under blankets shouldn't be left on all night, over blankets can be if they are described as "all-night" Heating up times? how long is a piece of string, but most modern ones have a fast pre-heat these days.
We have a double heated duvet that is controllable for both sides for heat and time. It can be set for 1 hour or 9 hours, but recommends only the lower heat settings (1 to 4 of 6) for all night use. It alleges to be up to full heat in ten minutes. A heated duvet seems a bit OTT in some ways, but I must admit to it being very pleasant when set for an hour on very cold mornings <I dislike heated bedrooms, so much to Mrs P's disgust the central heating radiator is turned off, I do have a thermostatic valve for it, but have never fitted it>
Whatever you buy, buy a well known reliable brand Dreamland are as good as anybody.

[#15]

Thanks, Petlew.....  Am only intending to have it on, to warm the bed, and then switch off at the wall,... but I see that the Silentnight one in Argos, has a removable mains socket attachment, so it can be machine washed... seems to answer all the questions ... ( and .... only £14.99 for single size )...
Like you  I don`t like heated rooms to sleep in... the CH is turned down overnight and the control is wireless downstairs.  so if it gets too cold down there, it will come on and warm up the rooms a little, but not excessively.