HOT water bottles are a classic comfort on cold days, keeping you warm while easing aches and pains.
Made of PVC or rubber, their popularity dates back to the early 1900s.
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Now you can buy them in all shapes and sizes with faux fur covers or in soft toy shaped designs.
Sales are soaring this year as Brits try to keep warm amid soaring energy prices.
High Street retailer John Lewis said sales have risen by 219 per cent compared to the same time last year.
But are they safe to use and which are most effective at keeping you warm?
We asked mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, to try out some best-sellers and reveal her favourites.
Here’s what happened:
So Long Extra Long Hot Water Bottle
- £22.50, menkind.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “Rather than keeping just one spot warm, this extra long hot water bottle was big enough to keep your whole body warm.
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“It’s super cuddly thanks to its cable knit cover and it’s even big enough to be shared by two people in bed or on the sofa.
“The cover is thick and it retained the heat well.
“I liked having it at the bottom of the bed to keep my feet warm.”
- WARMTH: 9/10
- VALUE: 7/10
- OVERALL RATING: 8/10
Wilko 1.5L Hot Water Bottle with Fleece Cover
- £6.50, wilko.com
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Lynsey says: “An amazing price from Wilko for a great hot water bottle.
“It’s a good size, soft and cosy and it retained the heat well. It felt secure and I put it in bed without worrying about leaks.
“Amazing value. Unless you want something fancy, this will do the job. Perfect all-round choice.”
- WARMTH: 10/10
- VALUE: 10/10
- OVERALL RATING: 10/10
Aldi Kirkton House Hot Water Bottle and Eye Mask Set
- £7.99, aldi.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “A very soft and fluffy offering from Aldi.
“It comes with an accompanying eye-mask, which I didn’t really like.
“There is no rubbery smell and it was easy to fill.
“The light material does show up dirt and will need washing regularly.
- WARMTH: 7/10
- VALUE: 7/10
- OVERALL RATING: 7/10
Llama Hot Water Bottle
- £16.19, prezzybox.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “My daughter Olive, five, fell in love with this cute Llama hot water bottle with colourful pom poms.
“It’s easy to use, well-made, great quality and soft and cuddly.
“It kept warm for ages and was so lovely to snuggle.
“It’s long too so is good for keeping the whole body warm.”
- WARMTH: 10/10
- VALUE: 8/10
- OVERALL RATING: 9/10
How to use hot water bottles safely
CHECK your hot water bottle for signs of wear, damage and leaks before each use.
Ensure the stopper screws on and stays in place prior to filling.
Do not use tap water as the impurities it contains can cause the rubber to perish more rapidly. Use boiled water that has cooled for a few minutes.
Do not fill your hot water bottle more than two thirds full.
Ensure excess air is expelled before replacing the stopper.
Always use a cover.
Do not sit, lie or put excess pressure on your bottle when it is filled.
Do not allow direct contact with one area of the body for more than 20 minutes.
When not in use, drain completely of water and remove stopper.
Store away from direct sources of heat and sunlight.
Replace every two years.
Ensure your hot water bottle complies with British Safety Standards.
Warmies Sloth Hot Water Bottle
- £14.99, ryman.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “A very cute little sloth designed bottle for little ones.
“He is warm and snuggly to cuddle.
“This would make a super cute gift which is both practical and fun.”
- WARMTH: 7/10
- VALUE: 8/10
- OVERALL RATING: 8/10
Coopers of Stortford Microwave Warmer
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- £11.99, coopersofstortford.co.uk
Lynsey says: “This is less fiddly than a traditional water bottle and it was nice not to worry about potential leaks as you do with traditional hot water bottles.
“Simply place in the microwave for two to two-and-a-half minutes and it will stay warm for up to an hour.
“It comes in a cosy velour drawstring pouch for comfort.
“I’d pop it in my bed whilst doing my teeth and it would make it nice and warm to get into. A great warming option.”
- WARMTH: 9/10
- VALUE: 8/10
- OVERALL RATING: 8/10
Revitale Pom Pom 2L Hot Water Bottle with Faux Fur Cover
- £11.95, amazon.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “This didn’t have the rubbery smell that some cheaper bottles do.
“It doesn’t leak and the cover is nice and soft, the quality was really good.
“One small complaint is that the heat seemed to wear off quite quickly.”
- WARMTH: 5/10
- VALUE: 6/10
- OVERALL RATING: 6/10
Warmies Long Hot Water Bottle
- £19.99, ryman.co.uk
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Lynsey says: “This has an exposed top which made it easy to fill.
“It’s extra long, so would be a great option if you suffer from back pain.
“It’s covered in a lovely soft grey fur that is satisfying to touch.
“It’s a lightweight material which made it less bulky but it didn’t retain heat for as long as some others.”
- WARMTH: 6/10
- VALUE: 9/10
- OVERALL RATING: 8/10
