Best hot water bottles for warmth and comfort this winter

Boots is our go-to for health and beauty basics, and this hot water bottle is soft, effective and a great price. An affordable and traditional hot water bottle, it might not look particularly fancy, but it earns the top spot on our list thanks to its cosy cover that feels just like a warm hug on a cold day.

Made from latex-free PVC, it’s easy to fill, leakproof (when filled correctly) and retains the heat well, with a cover that stays soft even after multiple washes. We'd snuggle up with one of these under the best blanket hoodie on particularly chilly nights. 

With thousands of glowing reviews online, the Cassandra Hot Water Bottle is reliable, easy to fill and features a washer-less stopper to prevent troublesome leaks. Ranking as our top choice for budget hot water bottles under £10, the Cassandra is your traditional, no-frills, ready-to-come-to-the-rescue hot water bottle. Despite its low price tag, it also comes with a reassuring five-year guarantee.

An affordable option that looks just like the nostalgic hot water bottle from our childhoods, this rubber bottle has a ribbed surface that is gentle on the skin and comes in a choice of colours (chosen at random) so you can easily stock up for the entire family. Just bear in mind that you will have to buy your hot water bottle covers separately.

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Another attractive full-length design, this long teddy hot water bottle is super soft, so it's perfect for cuddling when you crawl into bed at the end of a busy day.

Thanks to the cosy cover, it offers excellent heat retention at a really affordable price. It’s also long enough to warm your entire body, allowing you to stay toasty and comfortable all evening, and you can pop the cover in the washing machine for easy care. Our only complaint is that there's just one colour option available, but other than that, it's hard to find fault.

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According to Mumsnet users, this long hot water bottle is nothing short of amazing, and we have to wholeheartedly agree. The award-winning YUYU is a cosy delight - a long, slim bottle with a plush fleece cover, it simply moulds around the body for maximum comfort.  

Thanks to the integrated strap, it’s ideal for those experiencing chronic pain. Simply pop it around your waist or lay it across your back to soothe aches hands-free while you curl up on the sofa or go about your day. It also has insulated lining, so this great companion can stay warm for up to six hours. Keeping it in tip-top shape won’t be an issue either as its cover is machine washable at 30°C. 

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With a huge variety of designs to choose from, Hotties give a quick source of warmth with no faff and no hot water to worry about. The internal thermal pack takes just 60 seconds to heat up in the microwave, and they offer consistent warmth and speedy relief for general aches and pains.

While the level of heat retention over lengthy periods won’t compare to a traditional hot water bottle, we’d still be happy to swap the best winter coat for women for a Hottie after getting in from a day out in the cold. Its smaller size also makes it ideal for tucking under a blanket on the days you’re working from home. 

Related: The snuggliest kids' blanket hoodie, as recommended by parents

Whilst this fluffy faux-fur option from The White Company is one of the pricier hot water bottles on our list, it’s really not hard to see why. A stylish design in neutral shades, this high-quality natural rubber water bottle includes a zip-on cover made from a super-soft long pile, making it a luxurious addition to your sofa or bedroom setting in lieu of a heated throw.

Made from recycled plastic bottles, this sustainable choice also makes an excellent gift for those who feel the cold or love to be cosy. While the lighter shades may show up marks more easily, the cover can quickly be removed and machine washed for a quick refresh as and when required. 

Whether you’re lying in bed, working at a desk or relaxing on the sofa, it’s easy to escape the chill under an extra-large hot water bottle like this one. The durable Vagabond Hot Water Bottle is ribbed on both sides without that unwelcome rubbery scent, plus it has a safety handle for stress-free filling, although some found this a bit flimsy. It offers heat across a larger area than other hot water bottles on our list, and the fleecy cover is a real treat too.

The cover has a wide opening, so you can remove the bottle with ease, and it comes with an elastic band that scrunches at the top to keep it tidy. Reviewers also like that the stopper feels sturdy and leakproof.

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Many of us seek out some pain relief when that time of the month arrives and this long, wearable hot water bottle from WUKA is brilliant for the job. It comes with two ties to provide a snug fit around your tummy or back, helping ease those inconvenient period aches and pains, especially in the lower back area. You could even wear it around your neck and shoulders to ease upper body tension when working from home.

We love the soft fleece cover with a pocket to keep your hands warm - we'd pair it with the best women's dressing gown for ultimate comfort on chilly days. The cover is suitable for machine washing at 30ºC too, but make sure you leave the fabric conditioner out.