I tested nine gadgets to help you stay warm without heating – a bargain product costs just 17p an hour to run

IT may be tempting to turn the heating on as temperatures begin to drop and our homes start to feel chilly.

But we are all worried about soaring energy bills.

There are ways to stay warm without turning on the heatingCredit: Gary Stone

Fortunately, there are lots of gizmos and gadgets you can use to help keep you warm and toasty at home and while you’re out and about.

From electric scarfs to rechargeable handwarmers and hot water bottles designed especially for your feet, we asked mum-of-three Lynsey Hope to test out a selection and reveal her favourites.

Lynsey, 41, from West Malling, Kent, said: “I really suffer from cold hands and feet at home so I was excited to try anything that might help me keep the heating off a bit longer.”

Here, Lynsey shares her favourites.

I tested hot water bottles including Aldi and Wilko - there was a clear winner

B&M shoppers are raving about their electric blanket which costs 1p per hour

Aldi Kirkton House Foot Warmer Hot Water Bottle

£4.99, aldi.co.uk

Lynsey found Aldi's foot farmer to be great at keeping you warm — Lynsey found Aldi’s foot farmer to be great at keeping you warmCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “I loved Aldi’s faux fur foot warmer. It’s soft and did a great job of keeping my feet warm.

“There’s a little pouch where you can slip your feet inside and rest them on top of the hot water bottle.

Beurer Well-being Foot Warmer

£41, argos.co.uk

Another way to stay toasty is with this foot warmer from BeurerCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “If you suffer with cold feet, this is a great idea.

“It kept my feet nice and toasty while I was working from home.

“It has a cosy fleece surface and can apparently help ease aches and pains and help circulation issues too.

“There are three settings to choose from, it heats up quickly and automatically shuts off after 90 minutes for safety.

“The soft lining can be easily removed for washing and it’s easier in some ways than prepping a hot water bottle.

“It folds down but is still a bit bulky to store and you do need to remember you’ve got it on, otherwise you might trip up if you get up and try to walk off.”

WARM RATING: 7/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 4/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 6/10

The Heat Company Insole Foot Warmers – 5 pairs

£9.99 for small, £10.40 for large, amazon.co.uk

These insole foot warmers are sold in pairs of fiveCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “I tried these when I went for a walk and a cold day and they really did the trick, just what I needed.

“It was a bit of a faff peeling the sheet off the back but once in the shoes, they worked well.

“I put them in my slippers to walk around at home afterwards too and they kept my feet nice and toasty.

“For a cheap, quick fix, these are pretty good.”

WARM RATING: 7/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 7/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 7/10

Heated Scarf

£19.80, menkind.co.uk

An electric scarf may be just what you need this winterCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “Yes, you read correctly. This is an electric scarf.

“It has a built-in heater to keep you warm and adjustable temperature settings so you can set it to your liking.

“It’s a nice soft fabric but I’m not sure I liked it being too warm around my neck, it felt a bit claustrophobic.

“It’s USB powered so you can connect it to a power bank for warmth on the move.”

WARM RATING: 7/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 6/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 6/10

Double Dare Coffee Mug Warmer

£23.99, amazon.co.uk

Keep your coffee or tea hot with a mug warmerCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “Nothing worse than pouring a cold cup of tea or coffee down the drain and as the cost of living crisis deepens, it’s a waste of cash too.

It has three settings and kept my coffee very hot when I had to put it down to deal with the kids.

“I thought it would be a bit of a gimmick but actually I think I’ll use this quite a bit going forwards!”

WARM RATING: 9/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 8/10

Coopers of Stortford Plug-In Mini Heater

£19.99, coopersofstortford.co.uk

The mini plug-in heater costs just 17p to runCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “Loved this little mini heater, which I found surprisingly powerful.

“It’s energy efficient costing just 17p an hour to run and you won’t need it on for long.

“It directs heat exactly where you want it.

“If your socket is in an awkward spot, you can use the handy remote to adjust the two speed settings and the one-to-12 hour timer. Loved it.”

WARM RATING: 9/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 9/10

Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmers

£29.99, amazon.co.uk

The hand warmer by Ocoopa is small enough to carry around in your pocketCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “My hands get so cold in the winter that my joints hurt.

“These are a revelation, especially if you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors and suffers with cold hands.

“There are three heat settings and even the first one was good enough to keep my hands nice and warm.

“It looks sleek, is small enough to carry around in your pocket and the battery lasts for ages. Loved this.

“I’ve been telling everyone about it. It’s well worth £30.”

WARM RATING: 10/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 10/10

Beurer Well-Being Heat Pad

£31, argos.co.uk

Lynsey said these heat pads warm up quicklyCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “Heats up quickly, these are often used by people with arthritis to ease pain.

“I popped it in my bed for a while before sleeping so the sheets didn’t feel so cold and it worked a treat.

“You have to be careful as the control unit must not be covered or allowed to get too hot.

“Some users claim they haven’t been able to get it working again if the safety system clicks in and shuts it off but this isn’t something I experienced.

“I’m not sure I found it any better than a hot water bottle for the price.”

WARM RATING: 6/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 5/10
OVERALL VERDICT: 6/10

Thirlmere Merino Bamboo Knitted Wrist Warmer

£19.50, bambooclothing.co.uk

The knitted wrist warmers can be worn both indoors and outdoorsCredit: Gary Stone

Lynsey says: “So soft and comfortable to wear, I’ve started wearing these whilst typing at my desk if my hands are cold and I’ll start wearing them outdoors when it gets colder too.

“They are super soft and stylish. A little pricey but top quality.

“They didn’t restrict my movement in any way. I really love them.”