The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood burner have been well-documented. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by them?

Fortunately, the latest stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can have a warm and cosy home, without compromising your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't skimp on performance. It's a fantastic choice for those who live in smoke-free areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it an ideal option for larger rooms and the large fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.

It is equipped with a modern steel frame that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It features an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning it carries a large portion of heat produced to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.

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

Choosing the right wood for your stove is crucial to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be employed, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus is fast-burning but also provides lots of heat, is a good choice. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is another great choice but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle with protective gloves.

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

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing directives that surround the use of these stoves. In fact, some groups are calling for more stricter restrictions and even a ban on stoves that burn wood, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to you go shopping for an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

One company doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that gives an amazing flame image. There is also an airwash system that stops the accumulation of soot.

This stove is simple to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic style make it suitable for traditional and modern design. The flat back design means that it can be inserted into smaller recesses. It's also very simple to install a direct air system using this model to increase the efficiency even more.

Another great feature 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 getting into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It also comes with an wireless remote control.

As the debate rages about whether wood-burning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they provide a beautiful ambiences in our homes. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing a woodburner, it is recommended that you close the door when not interacting with the fire. You should also regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable watching the flames flicker, and it can help reduce blood pressure. There are some issues though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm because they release tiny soot particles that 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 helps reduce creosote build-up, smoke leakage and, more important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi fuel wood burner-fuel stove that meets, but surpasses the new standards. It features a large-screen glass view window that provides a great flame view, and is kept clean with the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt which means it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it already meets the European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will come into force in 2022.

If that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit that is included, making it easier than ever to install. This is a sturdy unit that's made from high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean since the body is coated in an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be eco-friendly and efficient, this is above and beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that carry the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with 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 as well as a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their brand focus and also shows that they can still deliver an excellent product at a price that isn't too costly. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also has level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great choice for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their stove remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.