Ellesmere
Winter in North Shropshire means cold evenings, wet days, and the kind of damp that gets into the bones. The right appliances make a real difference — not luxuries, just things that make home genuinely more comfortable when the weather closes in.
Here are five appliances that earn their place in winter — practical, energy-conscious, and genuinely useful for everyday life during the colder months.
Electric blankets
Warmth & comfortAn electric blanket warms your bed in minutes — and because it heats you rather than the room, it uses a fraction of the energy of keeping central heating on through the night. Running an electric blanket typically costs just a few pence per hour, making it one of the most cost-effective winter comforts available.
Modern models offer adjustable heat settings, automatic timers, and machine-washable covers. Dual-control versions let couples set different temperatures on each side — a surprisingly useful feature that removes a common source of disagreement.
Energy tip: pre-warm the bed for 20–30 minutes before you get in, then switch it off. Most people sleep better at a slightly cooler temperature — you just want the sheets warm when you get in.
Tumble dryers
LaundryDrying clothes indoors in winter — over radiators, on airers, draped over chairs — increases indoor humidity significantly. That moisture has to go somewhere: it condenses on cold windows and walls, creating the conditions for damp and mould. A tumble dryer removes the moisture from your home entirely, keeping laundry under control and your indoor air healthier.
If running costs are a concern, a heat pump dryer is by far the most energy-efficient option — typically costing around half as much to run as a standard vented model. The upfront cost is higher, but for a household that dries several loads a week through winter, the saving adds up quickly.
Also worth considering: a heated airer — a low-wattage, cost-effective alternative for smaller households that don't need a full tumble dryer but want something better than a cold clothes horse.
Portable heaters
Supplementary heatingA portable heater is most useful when you need warmth in a specific space without heating the whole house — a home office, a spare room used occasionally, or a conservatory in the shoulder seasons. Used selectively, it can be more economical than turning the central heating up.
The main types and what they suit:
- Oil-filled radiators — retain heat well after switching off, quiet, good for sustained background warmth in a room you're in for hours.
- Fan heaters — heat up instantly, best for short bursts of warmth in a small space.
- Panel heaters — slim and wall-mountable, good for permanent supplementary heating in a specific room.
- Convector heaters — circulate warm air around the room, effective at raising the overall temperature more quickly than an oil-filled radiator.
Safety note: always buy a heater with tip-over protection and auto shut-off. Never leave a portable heater unattended or run it overnight while sleeping.
Slow cookers & multicookers
Winter cookingFew things make a cold evening better than coming home to a kitchen that smells of a slow-cooked stew or casserole. A slow cooker or multicooker makes this effortless — you prepare everything in the morning, set it, and it's ready by the time you need it.
Slow cooking at low temperatures over several hours develops flavour in a way that faster methods can't replicate — tougher, more affordable cuts of meat become tender, and pulses, root vegetables, and spices blend into something genuinely satisfying. It's also highly energy-efficient: a slow cooker running all day typically uses less electricity than a conventional oven running for an hour.
A multicooker adds pressure cooking, sautéing, steaming, and air frying to the mix — giving you the slow cook function alongside significantly faster cooking options in one appliance, which is worth considering if counter space is limited.
Electric kettles
Everyday essentialHumble but indispensable. An electric kettle is the fastest and most energy-efficient way to boil water — far cheaper per boil than a hob or microwave. In winter, when you're going through multiple hot drinks a day, the difference in running cost is noticeable.
If you take tea seriously — or drink a lot of green tea, herbal teas, or pour-over coffee — a kettle with variable temperature control is worth the modest step up in price. Different drinks extract best at different temperatures: green tea at around 70–80°C, black tea at a full boil, and filter coffee at around 93°C. Getting it right makes a genuine difference to flavour.
Worth knowing: only boil what you need. Repeatedly boiling more water than you use is one of the most common small but avoidable energy wastes in a household.
In store at Barlows. We stock all of the above across both our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores, with free local delivery available across North Shropshire and the surrounding area. Come in and speak to our team — we're happy to help you find exactly what you need.
Browse our full range of winter appliances online or visit us in store in Ellesmere or Whitchurch.
Shop heating & cooling →Winter Appliances You Can’t Live Without
Winter can be harsh, with its biting cold and shorter days, making it essential to find ways to stay comfortable and cosy indoors. Creating a warm, inviting space helps combat the chill and brings a sense of comfort during the darker months. Simple adjustments like adding extra layers, finding ways to manage indoor air quality, and preparing hearty meals can make all the difference. Embracing the season’s challenges with thoughtful preparations ensures you stay warm, well-rested, and ready to enjoy the best of what winter has to offer.
Electric Blanket
An electric blanket is the ultimate winter companion, providing instant warmth and comfort for cosy nights in. Designed to heat up quickly, it allows you to enjoy a warm bed without the need to crank up the central heating, making it an energy-efficient option. Many electric blankets offer adjustable temperature settings, letting you customise the warmth to your liking, and some even come with dual controls, perfect for partners with different preferences. Beyond saving on heating costs, an electric blanket is ideal for easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, creating a snug, restful atmosphere even on the coldest nights.
Clothes Dryer
Wet, rainy days make drying clothes on a line challenging, often leaving laundry damp, musty, and sometimes needing rewashing. A reliable clothes dryer is a true lifesaver in these situations, offering a quick, effective way to ensure clothes are thoroughly dry, fresh, and ready to wear. For larger households, where the laundry piles up quickly, a dryer becomes invaluable, helping to manage loads more efficiently and eliminating the hassle of waiting days for items to air dry indoors. Modern dryers often come with various settings, allowing you to choose the best option for different fabrics, from delicate items to heavier towels and bedding. Many also include energy-saving modes and advanced sensors to stop drying once clothes reach the right level of dryness, helping to reduce energy consumption. With a good clothes dryer, rainy days don’t have to mean delays, ensuring that laundry is one less thing to worry about in a busy household.
Portable Heater
A portable heater is a versatile and efficient way to bring warmth to any space in your home, making it especially useful for those colder months. It heats up quickly, providing immediate warmth precisely where you need it, whether it’s in a draughty home office, a bedroom, or even a chilly corner of the living room. Unlike central heating, a portable heater allows for focused heat, helping you save on energy costs by avoiding the need to warm the entire house. Many models are compact and lightweight, making them easy to move from room to room as needed, and some come with adjustable thermostats and timers, giving you full control over your comfort. Additionally, modern portable heaters often include safety features like auto shut-off and tip-over protection, making them a safe, convenient, and cost-effective solution for staying warm through the winter.
Slow Cooker
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to comfort you on a chilly winter day, and a slow cooker is the perfect kitchen companion to make it happen with ease. This handy appliance allows you to create rich, flavourful stews, soups, casseroles, and even roasts with minimal effort, as it handles all the heavy lifting over the course of the day. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, set the slow cooker to low or high, and let it work its magic. By cooking food slowly at a low temperature, a slow cooker enhances the natural flavours of ingredients, making meats tender and blending spices beautifully, resulting in meals with depth and richness. Ideal for busy days, a slow cooker lets you return home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of home-cooked food. Not only does it save time, but it’s also highly energy-efficient, helping you prepare wholesome, satisfying dishes without the high energy consumption of a traditional oven.
Electric Kettle
Hot drinks are an absolute winter essential, bringing comfort and warmth on cold days, and an electric kettle makes preparing them both fast and convenient. Whether you're brewing a soothing cup of tea, indulging in rich, creamy hot chocolate, or warming up with a spiced mulled cider, an electric kettle boils water in just minutes, saving time and energy. With features like variable temperature settings, you can heat water to the precise temperature required for delicate green teas or robust black coffees, enhancing the flavour and experience of each drink. An electric kettle is also excellent for instant soups, oatmeal, and other quick meals, making it versatile for both drinks and light snacks. Many modern kettles come with insulated designs and automatic shut-off, ensuring safe, efficient boiling. When winter calls for something warm, an electric kettle brings both speed and convenience to your daily rituals, making it a must-have for chilly months.
Thanks for reading our guide to essential winter appliances! With the right tools, you can keep your home warm, comfortable, and ready for all that winter brings. From heating solutions to cosy essentials, these appliances make it easy to enjoy the season to the fullest.
