The Best Woodburners

The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner have been documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?

New stoves are made to be in line with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy cozy and warm home, without compromising 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 people who live in smoke-free areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a great choice for large-sized rooms. The huge fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, so it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding ones. It comes with an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, meaning that a significant portion of the heat it produces is transferring to your home, rather than being lost up the chimney.

Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years because it has been proven that they contribute to tiny sooty particles in the air called PM2.5 which has been linked with heart and lung problems. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. double sided wood burner burning stoves contribute to the pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

It is important to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the highest heat output and the best combustion. There are many types of wood that can be used for burning such as eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is fast-burning and also produces plenty of heat, is a great choice. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is another good choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a robust sturdy burner with a 10-year Body Warranty and a strong construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain extremely popular, and despite the directive maze that surrounds them they're not going to disappear. In fact, some groups are calling for more stricter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, which is why it's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one company that is doing its part to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have released an expanded version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass that gives you the best flame view and an airwash system to avoid soot accumulation.

This stove is easy to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic design make it ideal for traditional or contemporary style. The flat back design means it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to install a direct air system with this model to increase the efficiency even more.

The stove also has an integrated ash dump, which makes it easy to clear ashes and clean them regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping the room. You can choose between two types of flue adaptors, depending on your chimney type. It is also available with a wireless remote control.

As the debate rages about whether wood-burning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they create a beautiful ambiences in our homes. But, it's important to keep in mind the impact of particulate matter and the way that burning fireplaces wood burning stoves or other forms of fuels can affect the quality of indoor air as well as health. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed, it is recommended that you shut the door when you're not working on the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the air is as clean as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner provides a beautiful atmosphere to a room. it's not only relaxing to watch the flames flicker, but it can also help to reduce blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Studies have shown that older stoves are harmful because they release microscopic particles of soot that could be absorbed into your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log stoves have higher standards. This reduces smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, most important, 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 exceeds the new standards. It features a large-screen glass view window that provides an excellent view of the flame, and is kept clean with a powerful air wash system. This 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 is already in compliance with European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air vent kit. It's now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a robust model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been sprayed with an enamel that repels dirt.

The clearSkies label on this stove demonstrates 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. It's one of the few stoves we've reviewed that have the full five-star ClearSkies rating, so you can be sure that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements, stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens, and a range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their focus on branding and also shows that they can still deliver the best quality product at a cost that isn't too costly. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully in compliance with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want peace of mind that their log burner will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.