10 Best Hot Water Bottles in the UK 2024 | Warmies, UMOI and More
Not only do they keep us warm, but heat pads can be a helpful tool for pain management (such as period pain) and relaxation. Whether you're after a traditional rubber hot water bottle or one filled with wheat or beads that can be heated in the microwave, take a look at our buying guide and top 10 ranking list of the best hot water bottles to buy online on Amazon and John Lewis.
Quick List - Top Hot Water Bottles
IMMIGOO
A Warming U Shaped Hot Water Bottle For Your Neck and Shoulders
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Why Use a Hot Water Bottle?
Hot water bottles do more than just keep us warm when the weather gets cold. If you often find it difficult to drift off, it could be down to cold feet. One Swiss study discovered that when our feet are cold, we generally find it harder to fall asleep. Using a hot water bottle stimulates the blood circulation right down to our toes aiding relaxation for a restful night’s sleep.
For those suffering from stiff joints or muscle pain, before you reach for the painkillers, try a hot water bottle instead. Heat therapy is commonly used in rehabilitation to help patients recover from deep tissue injury. This is because heat activates receptors under our skin which block the chemical signals that cause pain to be recognised by the brain.
How to Choose a Hot Water Bottle in the UK ― Buying Guide
Consider Whether You want a Traditional Hot Water Bottle or Microwaveable Heat Pack
Traditional Hot Water Bottles Stay Warmer for Longer
Warmth is instead released gradually via convection to the surrounding area, the same way radiators heat our homes. A good quality, traditional hot water bottle can stay warm for up to 10 hours! Making them a great choice if you want long-lasting, sustained heat.
Microwaveable Heat Packs Can Be a Safer Alternative to Traditional Hot Water Bottles
No hot water means you don’t have to worry about accidental burns or scalding, making them a suitable option for those who may have trouble pouring hot water from a heavy kettle or replacing screw caps and stoppers. Simply place in the microwave or oven to warm them up in a matter of seconds to a couple of minutes.
Some microwaveable heat packs are scented and release a gentle aroma when warm. Unfortunately, they tend to only retain heat for a short period of time, usually 20 minutes to 2 hours making them less suitable than a traditional hot water bottle for overnight use.
Pick the Best Material for Heat Retention and Durability
Hot water bottles are commonly made from rubber or PVC, although newer bottles are now sometimes made from silicone. Each material has benefits when it comes to durability and heat retention. Read on to find out more about the properties of each type!
Rubber Hot Water Bottles Are Flexible and Durable
Rubber tends to be more durable than non-rubber alternatives and is flexible enough to mould closely to the body when in use. Rubber does, however, have a strong smell that some may find unpleasant.
PVC Retains Heat Better and Comes in More Colour Variations
Although less prone to degradation than rubber, PVC hot water bottles generally aren’t as flexible, resulting in eventual splitting or cracking over time.
Silicone is Safe For Use in the Microwave
Recently, silicone hot water bottles have become increasingly popular online. Silicone is more flexible than rubber or PVC allowing for a wider variety of applications without compromising the integrity of the bottle.
Silicone hot water bottles are odourless and can be used hot or cold. Safe for use in the microwave, you can quickly and easily reheat a bottle once it’s gone cold. This also makes them a safer option for those who experience difficulty lifting and pouring from a kettle.
Choose The Right Size Hot Water Bottle for Your Needs
Large Hot Water Bottles Warm a Greater Surface Area
Long, snake-like hot water bottles may look funny, but they are the perfect choice for snuggling up with on the sofa. Their shape allows them to warm several parts of the body at once when wrapped around or laid lengthways.
Due to their greater capacity, large hot water bottles are also heavier. Usually weighing around 2-3 kg on average when filled, they may not be the best option for individuals with reduced strength.
Small Hot Water Bottles Are Lighter and Easier to Carry
Having a small hot water bottle is convenient when you need to target pain in a specific area and can be useful for soothing headaches. You can even find mini hot water bottles with a capacity of 500 ml or less that are idea for warming your hands.
Buy a Hot Water Bottle With a Cover for Safe Use
Most hot water bottles available to buy online come with a fabric cover. Hot water bottle covers can usually be removed and hand or machine washed depending on the fabric. These not only protect your skin, but come in a wide range of textures, colours and designs to suit every taste.
Top 10 Best Hot Water Bottles in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UMOI Mink Fleece Hot Water Bottle | | Best Insulating Hot Water Bottle | |
2 | IMMIGOO U Shape Neck Hot Water Bottle | | A Warming U Shaped Hot Water Bottle For Your Neck and Shoulders | |
3 | Warmies Extra Long Hot Water Bottle | | An Extra Long Hot Water Bottle to Warm You From Head to Toe | |
4 | Warmies Marshmallow Llama | | Best Choice for Children | |
5 | John Lewis & Partners Hot Water Bottle and Cover | | A Fun and Stylish Traditional Hot Water Bottle | |
6 | Jordan & Judy Soft Silicone Hot Water Bottle | | Best Mini Hot Water Bottle | |
7 | Bouncevi Cute Bunny Hot Water Bottle | | A Small Size Hot Water Bottle With a Cute and Cuddly Bunny Design | |
8 | Vagabond Wheat Wrap | | A Natural Heat Pack Made With Cotswold Wheat and Lavender | |
9 | Arestory Silicone Cat Hot Water Bottle | | Top Pick for Cat Lovers | |
10 | Leschi Warming Pillow Bao The Panda | | A Microwaveable Heat Pad for Treating Cramps |
UMOIMink Fleece Hot Water Bottle
Best Insulating Hot Water Bottle
Not only is fleece incredibly insulating, but it can be washed easily and doesn’t show wear and tear as quickly as other textiles. Best of all, the bottle stopper is concealed inside a Velcro sleeve, so you can refill the bottle safely without having to remove the cover.
IMMIGOO U Shape Neck Hot Water Bottle
A Warming U Shaped Hot Water Bottle For Your Neck and Shoulders
The weight of the hot water bottle when filled, provides a constant pressure to help release built up tension in the neck and shoulders. The hot water bottle keeps the head supported when worn sitting in an upright position, which can be useful for preventing neck and back strain when doing computer work.
An Extra Long Hot Water Bottle to Warm You From Head to Toe
The knitted cover comes in a grey, Nordic-style snowflake design. If you prefer something a bit more colourful, Warmies also offer blue polka dot and purple chevron variations. Just be aware that the 2.5 litre capacity may mean a couple of boils of the kettle to fill it all the way up.
Best Choice for Children
Don’t let appearances fool you, you didn’t accidentally scroll into another article. This charming llama plush is actually a microwaveable heat pad! Weighted and gently scented with lavender, Warmies offer a safe alternative to a hot water bottle for warm teddy bear hugs.
The heat from the plush can be comforting for young children who have trouble falling asleep, as well as a bedtime companion for the winter months. To clean, simply wipe down with a damp cloth.
John Lewis & PartnersHot Water Bottle and Cover
A Fun and Stylish Traditional Hot Water Bottle
Whichever colour you choose, the most important factor will be what’s inside. The hot water bottle itself is made from insulating PVC, manufactured to British standards to ensure high quality that lasts!
Jordan & JudySoft Silicone Hot Water Bottle
Best Mini Hot Water Bottle
Somewhat of a hybrid of the traditional hot water bottle and the microwaveable heat pack; the silicone bottle can be filled with cold or room temperature water and heated in the microwave. This makes filling a little bit easier and safer for individuals who may have difficulty pouring boiled water from a kettle.
A Small Size Hot Water Bottle With a Cute and Cuddly Bunny Design
No more overfilling or spills, the transparent PVC bottle allows you to see when it’s full. For a convenient ice pack, simply fill the bottle with cold water and place in the freezer. The faux fur cover provides long lasting insulation, whether you choose to use it hot or cold.
A Natural Heat Pack Made With Cotswold Wheat and Lavender
This microwaveable heat pack unfolds up to 47 cm making it ideal to wrap around stiff joints, or drape over the stomach to relieve cramps. Just make sure to avoid draping around the neck or over the shoulders, to prevent wheat kernels pooling at the ends.
ArestorySilicone Cat Hot Water Bottle
Top Pick for Cat Lovers
Water is poured in through a large screw cap opening in the base of the cat, foregoing a jointed neck to prevent leaking. A great gift for cat lovers to warm themselves while petting an adorable kitty. 100% microwave and freezer safe, the decision to use silicone instead of faux fur makes cleaning a breeze.
A Microwaveable Heat Pad for Treating Cramps
The pad stays warm for a treatment time of approximately 45 minutes, which can be beneficial for avoiding hot water bottle rash from prolonged exposure. However, the wheat kernels used in this product are unscented and give off a natural aroma, which some may find unpleasant.
Always Fill Your Hot Water Bottle Safely
Gently and slowly squeeze out any remaining air in the bottle, replace the stopper and return to the bag. Always use your hot water bottle responsibly, do not sit on it or use it as a cushion and never place the bottle directly onto bare skin.
More Ways to Keep Warm This Winter
As temperatures continue drop over the coldest months of the year, those unprepared are going to seriously feel the chill. Luckily, we've found a few solutions to your winter woes! Wrap up warm with a few more of our favourite products for keeping you nice and toasty this season.
Summary
A hot water bottle might just be the right solution if you are looking to cut down on your heating bills and energy expenditure this winter. With so many stylish and innovative styles for you to choose from why not give one a go?
Author: Wren Mann
Top 5 Hot Water Bottles
No. 1: UMOI｜Mink Fleece Hot Water Bottle
No. 2: IMMIGOO｜ U Shape Neck Hot Water Bottle
No. 3: Warmies ｜Extra Long Hot Water Bottle
No. 4: Warmies｜Marshmallow Llama
No. 5: John Lewis & Partners｜Hot Water Bottle and Cover
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.