Martin Lewis Suggests Affordable Gadgets Costing Pennies To Heat People

Last week, I nearly turned into a human icicle while working from home. My fingers were so numb I could barely type, and my cat—who normally ignores me—actually sat on my lap for warmth. (That’s how you know it’s serious, right?) I was this close to cranking the central heating, which would have cost me a small fortune. Then a friend sent me a link to a Martin Lewis video, and my whole “freezing” narrative shifted.

The Money-Saving Expert Strikes Again

Martin Lewis, the man who makes personal finance feel like a chat with a clever mate, has been shouting about affordable gadgets that heat people—not the whole house. We’re talking pennies to run, not pounds. I know, I know, it sounds like magic. But his point is brutally logical: why heat an entire empty room when all you need is to warm your own shivering bones?

He’s not suggesting you sell your boiler, by the way. (Unless you’re made of money and love ice-cold bathrooms.) Instead, he’s championing tools that target you directly. And the best part? Most cost less than a takeaway coffee to operate for hours. Your wallet and your toes will thank you.

Gadget #1: The Electric Blanket—Your Coziest Ally

First up: the humble electric blanket. Martin says you can run one for 2p to 5p an hour. Seriously. That’s less than the price of a single Pringle. (And you get more warmth than a whole can of those—trust me, I tested this.)

You just plug it in, wrap yourself up, and suddenly your sofa becomes a personal sauna. The irony is that we all own duvets, but electric blankets cut out the “cold pocket” phase. Game changer. Plus, they’re perfect for Netflix marathons or reading a book while the rest of the house stays a brisk 15°C.

Gadget #2: Heated Throw Blankets—Style Meets Survival

If you want something more portable, a heated throw is your best mate. It’s like a blanket that loves you back. Martin reckons these cost about 3p to 6p per hour. That’s essentially the price of a stale biscuit.

You can drape it over your legs while typing (yes, I’m doing that right now) or wrap it around your shoulders when the draft from the window attacks. It’s almost embarrassingly effective. And because it’s not heating the air, it doesn’t dry out your sinuses like central heating does. Your nose will thank you.

Gadget #3: Heated Mattress Pads—Sleep Like a Luxury Vampire

Now, this one is my personal favourite. A heated mattress pad warms your bed from below before you even get in. Martin says it can run for 4p to 7p a night. That’s less than the cost of a peppermint tea from a café.

Imagine slipping into sheets that are already toasty, like you’ve got a secret robot butler. I felt like a queen on a winter’s night. And because it heats only the mattress surface, you’re not wasting energy on the empty pillow next to you. Efficiency with a side of decadence.

The “Heated Clothing” Option—For the Truly Desperate

If you’re still cold, Martin also nods to battery-powered heated gilets or jackets. These things can keep your core warm for pennies per charge. (Yes, you might look like a tech-startup refugee, but who cares when you’re comfortable?)

The key irony here? We’re all terrified of energy bills, yet we ignore the most targeted solutions. Heated clothing costs about 1p to 2p per hour to run. That’s cheaper than a lot of apps. Your dignity is negotiable; your warmth is not.

Why This Matters (And Why You Should Try It)

The big takeaway from Martin’s advice is simple: heat the person, not the planet (unless you’re trying to save the planet too, which you probably are). Central heating is basically a room-wide space heater that also warms your walls and your dust bunnies. That’s expensive.

These gadgets let you cheat the system. You stay toasty while your meter barely moves. It’s like having a cloak of financial common sense. And let’s be real—if you’re single, working from home, or living in a drafty flat, heating the whole space is just showboating.

A Tiny Confession

I bought an electric blanket two days after watching the video. My electricity bill next month might go up by, oh, £1.50. Meanwhile, my gas bill? Down by at least £30. I feel like I’m getting away with something. And my cat has now claimed the blanket as her throne. (She’s warm, I’m smug—everyone wins.)

So here’s my challenge to you: try one of these pennies-per-hour gadgets for a week. See if you can keep the thermostat lower. You might just discover that being warm doesn’t have to cost the earth—or your savings. Martin would approve.

P.S. If you already have one of these, tell me how you’re not freezing this winter. I need validation.