The Best Woodburners

Wood burners are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. But what about the microscopic sooty particles they release into the air?

New stoves are made to be in line with the EcoDesign directive. You can have an inviting and cozy home, without compromising your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, yet doesn't compromise on performance. It's an excellent choice for those who live in areas that are smoke-free since it is certified with the Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a fantastic choice for large-sized rooms. The large fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It has a modern steel body, which means it can be incorporated into traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It comes with an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove is a great seasonal efficiency, meaning that a large portion of the heat it generates is transferring to your home instead of being lost up the chimney.

Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years since it was demonstrated that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 which has been linked with lung and heart issues. However, the latest models that comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. They are just a small portion of the overall pollution generated by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.

It is important to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be used, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and offers a great deal of heat, but it needs to be well seasoned. Beech is also a great option, but it's difficult to manage due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes to regulations that have been implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated, which means that you can use it with approved fuels, provided you adhere to the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that's built to last, with sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing regulations that surround them. Some groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even a ban on log burners. It's worth reading about our guide to stove pollution and regulations, before you decide on the latest multifuel or log fire.

One company doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners up is Arada Stoves, who recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a wide door glass that provides the best flame view and an airwash system to prevent soot from accumulating.

With a power output of 4.9kW this is a great stove to heat all rooms. It's very easy to maintain and use. Its curving lines and classic design make it suitable for traditional or contemporary style. This model can be easily incorporated into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems using this model, which will improve the efficiency.

Another excellent aspect of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it easy to clean and remove the ashes regularly, helping to reduce the chance of odours and dust getting into the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you are using, and it's available with a remote control.

Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether or not they are good for our health. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing a woodburner, it is recommended that you close the door when not interacting with the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker and help reduce blood pressure. There are some issues however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause harm as they produce tiny soot particles that can get in your breathing system. This has led to new regulations being put in place and new log burners need to meet higher standards. This helps to cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly harmful gases like 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 not only meets, but surpasses the new standards. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean thanks to the powerful air cleaning system. The stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets European emission limits for wood burning stoves that will be in effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a robust stove made of high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy-to-clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that repels dirt.

This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which signifies that it has been independently tested and certified as efficient and environmentally friendly. This goes beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. It's among the few stoves that has the full five-star ClearSkies rating, which means you can be certain that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with a maverick style that shouldn't be overlooked. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves that come with an array of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus and demonstrates that they can deliver a superior product for the price that's not too expensive. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who aren't sure where the directive is heading and want to be confident that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.