The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood stove have been documented. What about the tiny soot particles released by the wood burners?

New stoves are made to be in line with the EcoDesign directive. So you can enjoy a warm and cosy home, without breaking your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a great option for those living in smoke controlled areas as it is certified with the Level 5 ClearSkies credentials, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a great choice for large-sized rooms. The large fire glass also permits you to enjoy the flames.

It is constructed of modern steel, so it can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding situations. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it transfers a large percentage of heat produced into your home instead of being directed up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under many criticisms in recent years since it was shown that they can cause microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 that has been linked to lung and heart issues. However, the latest models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. Wood burners contribute to pollution created through the burning of fossil fuels like gas and coal.

It is important to choose the appropriate wood for your stove in order to get the best heat output and combustion. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides lots of heat, is a good choice. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is a different option however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes to regulations that have been put in place, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated, which means that you can use it with approved fuels as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a robust, durable burner with a 10-year Body Warranty and a strong construction. Its heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

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

Arada Stoves is one of the companies that is doing their part to keep woodburners popular. They have launched a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA-approved SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass that provides an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to prevent soot build up.

The stove is easy to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic design makes it ideal for modern wood burner or traditional style. The flat back design ensures it can be placed in shallower recesses and it's very easy to install a direct air system with this model to increase the efficiency even more.

Another fantastic feature of this stove is its built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis which reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you have, Best Woodburners and it's available with the option of a remote control.

While the debate continues about whether wood burning stoves are beneficial to your health We can all agree that they create beautiful ambiences in our homes. But, it's important to keep in mind the impact of particulate matter as well as the ways that burning wood or other forms of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. So, if you're going to install a woodburner it is recommended you keep the door shut when not tending the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing to watch the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has proven that older stoves are dangerous because they emit microscopic particles of soot that can get into your respiratory system. This has led to new regulations being put in place and new log burners must be able to meet the highest standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must be in compliance 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. The stove features a large-screen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with a powerful air washing system. This stove has an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, which means it already meets the European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air vent kit. It's now easier to set up than ever before. 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 repels dirt.

This stove has a clearSkies label, which indicates that it was independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes above and beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of one stove on our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big brand in the world of wood burners with a distinctive style that is not to be missed. They specialise in small do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have achieved popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is an excellent example of their focus on brand and shows that they can 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 compliant to the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also has the level five ClearSkies qualifications. It is a great option for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want to rest assured that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.