In the winter months, the best hot water bottles will provide extra warmth where it's seriously needed – and if you don’t have one yet, this is undoubtedly the season to invest. There's no better time to prepare for the frosty night's of the winter season with buttery soft blankets, chunky knits, warm baths and yes, a trusty hot water bottle.
In a bid to reduce central heating costs amidst a cost-of-living crisis, you'll find us working with a hot water bottle propped up on our lap from every day between now and March. If you're not already the proud owner of one (where have you been?!), add to your collection of winter warmers (think: the best electric blankets, weighted blankets, thermals et. al.) and make a swift investment.
Are hot water bottles worth it? | Are hot water bottles safe? | What hot water bottle stays hot the longest? | How to fill your hot water bottle | Best hot water bottles 2023
The best hot water bottles at a glance:
Super Soft Faux-Fur Hot-Water Bottle
Wuka Wearable Hot Water Bottle
Curly Sheepskin Hot-Water Bottle
Teddy Bear Cream Long Hot Water Bottle
Are hot water bottles worth it?
Absolutely. Luxury hot water bottles, electric hot water bottles, heat pads and mini hand warmers are an absolute godsend on cold winter nights, keeping us toasty like a great warm cuddle when it's too expensive to put the heating on. But hot water bottles have uses that span far beyond the obvious of warming us up.
Hot water bottles are an actual GOD SEND when you're suffering from period pains, endometriosis, back pain, arthritis or other chronic conditions. When heat is applied to the skin, our heat receptors get switched on and block the effect of the chemical messengers causing the pain, which means cramps are reduced. Heat therapy is also fantastic at aiding in muscle recovery after HIIT sessions or other workouts. Your hot water bottle can help relieve muscle tension in a similar way to what your massage gun would. It’s time to snuggle up.
Are hot water bottles safe?
While hot water bottles are great for pain relief, they can obviously be dangerous. They're full of boiling water, after all. Ensure you always keep the soft cover on your bottle to avoid the rubber bottle coming into contact with your skin. When filling it up from your kettle, hold the hot water bottle over the sink in case of any spillage. And if you've got a latex allergy, be careful with hot water bottles made from rubber.
What hot water bottle stays hot the longest?
A hot water bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in a good hot water bottle cover can generally stay hot for one-two hours and warm for most of the night. Uncovered, it will stay warm for approximately one-two hours before going cold.
That's where the secret lies: the hot water bottle cover. Generally speaking, wool tends to offer the most insulation with the least amount of weight, hence why knitted hot water bottle covers (like this striped one and this crocheted one - both from Etsy) score highly.
How to fill your hot water bottle
For more from Glamour UK Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
Ahead, our full edit of the best hot water bottles for 2023.
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