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Hot water bottles are an autumn/winter essential. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you decide which one would suit you best.
Want to cosy your home up for autumn? Staying warm is one of the main elements that keeps your home feeling cosy and inviting. Hot water bottles are a great option if you want to stay warm without racking up heating bills.
What is the best material for a hot water bottle?
As they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made from many different materials, so it’s best to find the material that will suit your needs best before selecting one.
Rubber is a popular material as it is durable and provides insulation, reducing the risks of burns when filling it up and using it to keep you warm.
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Another option is thermoplastic, which is more expensive, but in the long run will keep the water hotter for longer so will save you keep going back and forth to boil the kettle and refill it.
How long do hot water bottles last?
This depends entirely on the material it is made from and how well you look after it. The usual rules apply in the sense that often if you invest in a good quality hot water bottle, it will likely outlast a cheaper alternative.
Rubber versions can last for several years if properly cared for and emptied regularly, although some manufacturers recommend only keeping them for a maximum of two years regardless.
In fact, many actually have a little-known expiry date which is indicated on the twelve petal flower, with a number stating the year it was made.
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We would recommend making a note of this date, and getting rid and purchasing a new one after two years of use.
How do you fill up a hot water bottle?
Unscrew the plug from the hot water bottle, it will likely already be in its cover and have a plug that prevents the hot water from spilling out. Make sure to pour out any water left in there to make sure you get the most heat out of it.
Hot water from the tap isn’t hot enough, but boiling water straight from the kettle is too hot which will decrease the life of your hot water bottle. We recommend pouring boiling kettle water into a jug and leaving it to cool for a few minutes before pouring it into the vessel. Fill it to about 2/3 full.
Remove your bottle from the water source and squeeze any air from the water bottle, then screw the plug back on to seal it.
Don’t forget to remove the water when you’re finished using it.
Can you use a hot water bottle whilst pregnant?
The NHS says it is perfectly safe to use one during pregnancy. In fact its recommended as a form of relief for back aches, pain below the bump or between your thighs.
Just be mindful not to place the hot water bottle directly on the skin, and to make sure there is always a layer of clothing between it and your skin.
Good Homes’ top hot water bottle picks
All this hot water bottle talk got you craving a cosy night with the warmth of a new one to snuggle up with?
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We’ve got you covered with some of the best picks on the market right now, for every style, budget and aesthetic.
Simply red
Bold is beautiful and we are so here for bringing the warmer colours into our autumn/winter accessories.
Add in the stunning faux fur for extra snuggle points and it’s the perfect accessory for cold nights watching telly or reading a book.
It’s ultimate cosy vibes and a complete bargain – definitely one to add to your radar for seasonal gifting.
One of our favourite colours of this season is khaki green. So this gorgeous quilted option from Next is the exact colour we’re loving for our interiors.
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It’s less than £20, and the reversible design means you can get the best of both worlds with a soft teddy material on the other side.
Photo: Next
Khaki green quilted hot water bottle, £8.50 – buy here
Blooming colour
Fancy something a bit different? Add colour to your dull winter evenings with this vibrant floral hot water bottle by Jennie Flynn.
This comes with a standard 2L bottle with cotton fleece lining so you’ll be extra cosy as the temperature drops.
Indulge in a taste of luxury this season with these sleek alpaca wool. Beautifully handmade with silky soft 100% alpaca yarn, they are a treat for the season. Choose from three pastel colours.
For when a traditional hot water bottle isn’t enough, a long hot water bottle is absolutely necessary. It’s designed to stretch across your lap or bed for full length comfort.
This neutral sandstone in soft teddy fabric is an ultimate cosy offering and is definitely a must-have for this season.
Teddy sandstone long hot water bottle, £14 – buy now
