The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to lower blood pressure and help relax. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?

The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. So you can enjoy a warm, cozy home, and not break your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, yet does not sacrifice performance. It's a great choice for those living in smoke controlled areas as it comes with the Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a great option for large spaces. The generous fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It features a contemporary steel body, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and prevents the build-up of soot. The stove is extremely efficiency during the winter months, which means that a large portion of the heat produced is transferring to your home instead of going up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was shown that they may contribute to the production of tiny sooty air particles called PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung problems. However, the latest models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution created through the burning of fossil fuels like gas and coal.

It is crucial to select the right wood for the stove to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is fast-burning and also produces plenty of heat, is a great option. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner designed to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing guidelines that surround the use of these stoves. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for stricter restrictions, and even a complete ban on stoves that burn wood, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to you buy new log fires or a multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one of the companies that is doing their part to keep woodburners in demand. They've released an expanded version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/wood burning stove modern Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass, which gives you an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to prevent soot accumulation.

The stove is easy to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curvaceous lines and Best Woodburners classic style make it suitable for both traditional and modern style. The flat back design means it can be placed in shallower recesses and it's very easy to set up a direct air system to boost the efficiency further.

Another great aspect of this stove is its built-in ash dump that makes it easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly which reduces the possibility of odours or dust that escapes into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors according to the chimney type you have. It is also available with a wireless remote control.

While the debate rages on about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a beautiful ambiences in our homes. However, it's important to consider the impact of particulate matter as well as the way that burning wood or other forms of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. If you're installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not working on the fire. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's relaxing watching the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. But there's not a lot of good news. Research has shown that older stoves can be harmful because they emit microscopic particles of soot that could enter your respiratory system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that log stoves have higher standards. This reduces the risk on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with a brand new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out. This multi-fuel stove not only meets but exceeds the new standards. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with the powerful air cleaning system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it is able to be used in areas that are smoke-free. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than ever. This is a sturdy model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy-to-clean as the body has been coated with an enamel that wards off dirt.

This stove comes with a clearSkies label, which signifies that it was independently tested and Best Woodburners certified as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes above and beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only one stove on our list that carry the five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established brand in the world of wood burners with a maverick flair that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens, and a range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is an excellent example of their brand focus and shows that they can offer a premium product at an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also has ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It is a great choice for those who are not sure where the directive is heading and want to be confident that their log burner will continue to be exempt from the smoke control regulations.