The Best Woodburners

The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove have been well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?

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

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great choice for those who live in smoke controlled areas as it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a good option for larger spaces and the large fire glass provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, and therefore is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It has an air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is extremely efficiency during the winter months, which means that a high percentage of the heat it generates is transferring into your home instead of being lost to the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was found that they could contribute to the production of microscopic sooty particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. However, modern models that are made to conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. These are only a small portion of the overall pollution generated by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood burners are a source of this pollution.

It is essential to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned in your stove, including eucalyptus hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is a good choice since it burns quickly and provides a lot of heat, but it needs to be well prepared. Beech is another good choice however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it so long as you adhere to the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that's built to last, with solid construction and a 10-year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

garden wood burner burning stoves remain very popular and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. Some campaign groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even the ban of log burners. It's worth reading our guide on stove pollution and regulations, prior to shopping for a new multifuel or log fire.

One company making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently released a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass that provides an impressive flame image and an airwash system to avoid soot build up.

This stove is simple to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curvaceous lines and classic design make it ideal for modern or traditional style. This model can be easily fitted into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems with this model, which can increase the efficiency.

The stove also comes with a built-in ash dump that makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them up regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you are using, and it's accessible with a remote control.

As the debate rages about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a wonderful ambience in our homes. But, it's important to consider the impact of particulate matter as well as the way that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. So, if you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended that you shut the door when not tending the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the air is as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner can add a wonderful ambience to a room, it's not only relaxing to watch the flames flicker but it can also help lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause harm due to the production of microscopic soot particles that get into your breathing system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place and new log burners need to be able to meet the highest standards. This helps to cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must be in compliance with a brand new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out, this multi-fuel stove does not just meet but also exceeds the new standards. It has a large, clear view window that provides an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will come into the market in 2022.

If that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit that is included making it simpler than ever to put it in place. It's a sturdy little unit constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been coated with an enamel that repels dirt.

This stove has the clearSkies label, which indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed as environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves we've reviewed that have the full five-star clearSkies rating so you can be sure that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be overlooked. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves with a wide range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on branding and also demonstrates that they can still deliver a superior product at a price that won't break the bank. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies credentials. It's the perfect option for those who don't know where the directive will go and want to be confident that their log burners are free of smoke control regulations.