The Best Woodburners

The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner have been well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles 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 and cozy home, and not break your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burning stove near me burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a fantastic choice for people who live in smoke-free areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a good option for larger spaces and the huge glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, which means it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, which means that it transfers a large percentage of the heat it produces to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was found that they can contribute to the creation of tiny sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. However, the latest models that conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. They're only a tiny portion of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels like gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.

Selecting the appropriate wood burner stoves for your stove is essential to ensure the best combustion and heat output. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is a great choice because it's fast-burning and produces a lot of heat, however it must be 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 Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It is a heavy-duty, durable burner with a 10-year body warranty and a sturdy construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still very popular and despite the directive maze that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and a ban on log burners. It's worth checking out our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you shop for the latest multifuel or log fire.

Arada Stoves is a company which is working to keep woodburners in demand. They've released an expanded version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that gives the best flame image. There's also an airwash system which prevents the accumulation of soot.

With a maximum heat output of 4.9kW This is a fantastic stove for most rooms and it's also extremely simple to use and maintain. Its curving lines and classic design make it suitable for traditional or contemporary style. The flat back design means it can be inserted into smaller recesses. It's also very simple to install a direct-air system to improve the efficiency of the system.

Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to clean up and remove the ashes regularly which reduces the chance of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you are using, and it's available 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 create beautiful ambiences in our homes. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended that you keep the door shut when not tending the fire, and clean out the stove to ensure the air is as clean as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner can add a wonderful ambience to a room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames flicker but it can also help to lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has shown that older stoves are harmful because they release microscopic particles of soot which can get into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place which means that all new log burners need to meet higher standards. This reduces the risk on smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners have to comply with a new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out. This multi-fuel stove not only meets, but surpasses the new standards. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that gives you an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% energy efficiency rating and is DEFRA exempt which means it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves that will be in force in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with a free air venting kit making it simpler than ever before to set up. This is a sturdy model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean since the body is coated with an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and verified to be sustainable and efficient, this goes over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves that has the complete five-star ClearSkies rating, so you can be confident that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand that has an unorthodox style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialise in small do-it-all multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements hotplate tops and integral ovens, and a range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their focus on brand and demonstrates their ability to provide a top-quality product at an affordable price that isn't too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully conforming to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also comes with level five ClearSkies qualifications. It is an excellent choice for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want peace of mind that their stove will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.