Stoov Big Hug Review – Warm Hugs in Cold Winter

The Big Hug is a cordless electric heating pad designed for your desk or sofa, brought to you by Stoov, which is a Dutch brand known for its a line-up of sustainable winter heating products, including electric heating bottles, seat cushions, and pillows.

With infrared technology that heats up to 42°C and a battery pack that allows it operate cordless for up to 6 hours, I was eager to see how it would come in handy during cold winter nights, whether I was working at my desk or relaxing on the sofa.

Before sharing my experience with the Big Hug after using it for a couple of weeks, let’s first discuss its design, price, and features

Stoov Big Hug Review – Packaging Contents

Stoov Big Hug Review – Design

The Big Hug is available in two textures—Original and Woolly—and comes in two sizes, Normal (40cm x 110cm) and XL (45cm x 135cm). The Original texture, crafted from recycled synthetic fibres, comes in a sleek black/dark grey, while the Woolly version, which I tested, features a soft, beige fabric made from synthetic fibres like polyester and acrylic.

I love the design, especially the colour palette, as its both cosy and visually appealing, fitting well into a modern living space. A particularly smart feature is the rubber string attached to the top of the Big Hug, which not only keeps the pad securely rolled up for storage but also ensures it stays in place on your chair.

However, it’s important to note that the Big Hug is more of a heated seat cover than a traditional blanket. Its size and stiffness mean it’s not designed to cover your entire body, but rather to provide targeted warmth to your back and bottom. Therefore, it’s important to note this when you come across their product description referring to the Big Hug as an electric “heated blanket.” In fact, they mention different terms for Stoov Big Hug in different sections: heating blanket, heating pad, heating seat cover, heating cushion.. Would be great if they can keep it more consistent and clearer for customers.

Stoov Big Hug Review – Pricing

• Original Texture, Normal Size: $204 AUD
• Original Texture, XL: $239 AUD
• Woolly Texture, Normal Size: $224 AUD
• Woolly Texture, XL: $254 AUD

Stoov Big Hug Review – Features

It uses infrared technology to heat up to 42 degrees Celsius, it has 3 heating levels adjustable by clicking the power button. It also has overheat protection which allows the Big Hug to turn off before overheating – so that’s quite assuring. Its battery pack also allows up to 6 hours of cordless heating. It can, of course, be used wired and connected to a power source so you can keep getting the warmth without having to worry about the battery level.

Focus on Sustainability

Stoov has a strong focus on sustainability, and this is evident in the Big Hug. The inner cushions and fillings are made from recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, Stoov prioritises efficient transport and packaging to minimise waste and carbon emissions. The company also operates a “sheltered workshop,” where they employ people with disabilities or long-term unemployed individuals, contributing to social sustainability. Stoov even partners with ForestNation, planting ten fruit trees in Tanzania for every tonne of CO2 emissions.

Personal Experience

After using the Big Hug on my work/study chair for a couple of weeks during Melbourne’s winter, I found the experience to be mixed. While the pad does provide noticeable warmth, it’s not sufficient to keep you warm on its own if your room is particularly very cold. The targeted heat is great for your back and bottom, but you might still need an additional blanket to stay fully comfortable and warm.

On the plus side, the Big Hug is portable, easy to use, and consumes far less electricity than a space heater, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Being portable, this also means you can carry it outdoor to keep you warm or even bring it to a tent.

Stoov Big Hug Review Conclusion

The Stoov Big Hug is a well-designed, sustainable, and functional heating pad that offers cosy warmth for your back and bottom during cold days. However, it’s not a complete replacement for a full-body blanket or heater, particularly in extremely cold conditions. Its portability, ease of use, and lower energy consumption are significant advantages, making it a great supplementary heating option.

Disclosure: Stoov Big Hug review unit was supplied for reviewing