Country Life Interiors Editor Giles Kime Picks the Best Log Burner

Radiators and underfloor heating may be more efficient, but nothing compares to the comfort of a fireplace. In this list, Country Life interiors editor cast iron Giles Kime selects the top log burners available.

A stylish and practical stove, this cast iron wood burner warms up to 900 sq feet and is DEFRA-exempt in smoke control areas. The large windows allow you to see the flames while the airwash system keeps soot from building up.

1. Size

Log burners are an excellent addition to any home. They're a stylish alternative for open fires, and they provide an inviting and warm space where families can gather. Before buying, however, it's important to think about the size of your room and how much heating you require. This will help you select the right model to meet your needs.

It is important to determine whether you reside in a zone of smoke control prior to purchasing the stove. If it is, you'll need to purchase an approved DEFRA stove only. You can use wood as well as smokeless fuels like peat briquettes and anthracite. Many stoves are multifuel, so you can use different types of fuels, however wood should always be the first choice for a log burner since it emits less harmful emissions than coal.

When you are choosing a wood-burning stove, it's important to think about your lifestyle and personal taste. There's a wide variety of designs available, so you'll be sure to find one that fits your style and décor. If you're not sure where to begin consider visiting an online showroom for log burners and asking the staff for advice.

It is recommended to measure the length, width and height of your fireplace and hearth before you decide to purchase the stove. This will provide you with a precise estimation of the amount of space you have and make sure that the stove you select will fit perfectly. Making these measurements available when shopping will also simplify the process and make it easier.

A log burner can help reduce your heating expenses while cutting down your carbon footprint. Wood is a renewable energy source therefore using it to heat your home, instead of oil or gas is a green option. Stoves that burn logs emits less harmful carbon dioxide when compared to open flames, and it takes fewer logs to provide the same amount of warmth.

You can also opt for a 'log storage' stove with a storage area in the design. This is a great option if you're short on space in your home. It also saves you time if you need to purchase additional logs.

2. Energy efficiency

A good log burner can convert a significant proportion of the fuel energy into heat, meaning you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money on electricity bills. It's also a sustainable way of heating, provided that the wood is correctly sourced and dried, it releases far fewer harmful emissions than oil, gas or coal and when combined in conjunction with a high-efficiency stove, will reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Modern log burners make use of wood more efficiently than open fires, so you'll get more heat with less wood. If you choose a stove for wood that is endorsed by the Carbon Trust, it will have a certified efficiency rating of at least 80%.

As well as being efficient to a high degree modern stoves are engineered to burn dry, seasoned logs which produce less harmful fumes and smoke than wet logs. Be sure to look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn certification mark on the logs you buy pre-packed which ensures that they have been kiln-dried in accordance with strict standards.

When you are looking to purchase a new log burner, consider whether you're in a smoking control area (you can find out by contacting your local council). If you are, you will need to only use DEFRA-approved smokeless fuels (such as anthracite) on your stove in order to stay in compliance with the law and avoid heavy fines.

In addition, the newest stoves are governed by a European directive known as Ecodesign which was implemented in 2022. It is designed to reduce harmful emissions such as Particulate Matter (PM), Organic Gaseous Compounds (OGC) and Nitrogen Oxides. This is achieved by increasing the temperature of the firebox, which ignites the combustion particles to reduce the release of toxins.

If you're determined to keep your stove burning with the highest efficiency, then opt for an Ecodesign 2022-approved log burner which will provide the most efficient results. It's also worth considering a multifuel stove that allows you to burn wood, but also DEFRA-approved smokeless fuels like Briquettes or anthracite so that you're more flexible in your home heating.

3. Design

People are turning to wood burning stoves to lower their fuel expenses. Wood burning stoves are an affordable and simple method of heating your home. They also make it feel warm and cozy. It is important to choose the right stove for your space and meets all safety standards.

The log burner design is a popular trend. It is sleek and minimalist lines that create an attractive feature for any living room. This style is popular among younger homeowners who want a modern interior. It comes with characteristics like large viewing panels made of glass and innovative air controls.

Another factor driving the popularity of log burners is their eco sustainable credentials. As an energy source that is renewable, sustainable wood produces fewer harmful pollutants than coal, gas oil, peat, or coal. It also helps reduce our dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels and can contribute to a more carbon-neutral lifestyle, as suggested by research by Charnwood Wellbeing.

The cozy atmosphere created by sitting near a fire is also beneficial for your mental wellbeing. Research has shown that sitting by sitting in front of a fire can reduce blood pressure, reduce depression and improve the quality of your sleep. The most important thing is to select an appliance with a large window that allows you to see the flames, and reduces smoke.

An excellent choice is the Stovax Norpeis Stove, which is both Eco design ready and DEFRA exempt. You can burn most types of wood, including Ash and Birch (although certain wood types include Alder) however not all. It comes with a moisture-meter to ensure you burn dry wood and inexpensive fuel.

It is important to remember that if you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area in the Smoke Control Area, you can only be permitted to use wood or solid mineral fuel in stoves specifically designed for this purpose and come with a special grate. You will be fined if caught burning other kinds of fuel, like the traditional loose house coal on your stove.

4. Safety

With oil, gas and electricity prices at record highs growing numbers of homeowners are deciding to invest in wood burners. Log burners are not only an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, but also a means to be self-sufficient in the heating department.

When choosing a stove, you must consider the safety aspect. While we all enjoy the comfort of a fireplace made of wood, it is important to choose one that is safe. Verifying whether you live within a smoke control area is one of the first steps to take, as is ensuring your chimney and flue are properly cleaned before each fire. Using the correct type of fuel is also essential dry, unseasoned wood can produce more creosote and result in house fires. To prevent this, you should invest into kiln dried wood that has an extremely low moisture content.

Another way to improve the safety of your log burner is to use natural firelighters. They are made of wood shavings that have been compressed, designed to reduce creosote build-up and easily ignite. They are simple to use, and a great alternative for lighters or flammable liquids.

The final step in ensuring that your log burner is safe to use is to ensure the fire is completely snuffed out after each burning session, and ensure that you utilize the chimney sweeping service at least once a year. Keeping your chimney clean will aid in reducing the accumulation of creosote and ash, which could cause dangerous fumes, as well as blockages.

In addition, choosing the right log burner is all about making the effort to create the perfect fire, beginning with a high-quality air-dried or kiln dried log that is easy to light and has a long burn. You should also consider buying a heat-shield for your wood stove. This is designed to deflect high temperatures from the stove and stop them from being transferred to the walls.

A wood stove is not just a way to save energy, but it can also play a huge role in creating a warm and welcoming space to relax with your loved ones or family. There's much discussion about 'vibes' and a log fireplace can create a cosy atmosphere that will make you feel at in your own home.