The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to lower blood pressure and relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?

New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. You can have a warm and cosy home without compromising on your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's an excellent choice for those living in areas with smoke restrictions since it has Level 5 ClearSkies credentials which means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it an excellent choice for large-sized rooms. The generous fire glass also permits you to take pleasure in the flames.

It is constructed of modern steel, so it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding spaces. It is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids soot accumulation. The stove is a great efficiency during the winter months, which means that a large portion of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home instead of going up the chimney.

Wood burners have been the subject of some criticism in recent times because it has been proven that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 which has been linked to lung and heart problems. However, modern models that conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. They're only a tiny portion of the overall pollution generated from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burners are the main source of this pollution.

The right wood for your stove is vital to ensure the best heating 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 produces a lot of heat, however it requires to be seasoned. Beech is another good choice however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes in regulations that were recently implemented, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means you can use it with approved fuels provided you adhere to the guidelines. It is a heavy-duty sturdy 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 for sheds burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing directives that surround them. In fact, some advocacy groups are calling for much more stricter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, which is why it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to you go shopping for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

One company that is making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen model of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that provides the best flame image. There is also an airwash system that stops soot build-up.

With a heat output of 4.9kW, this is a great stove to heat all rooms. It's extremely simple to operate and maintain. Its curving lines and classic design make it suitable for modern or traditional decor. The flat back design means that it can be inserted into smaller recesses and it's very easy to set up a direct air system to increase the efficiency even more.

The stove also has an integrated ash dump that makes it simple to clean ashes and remove them up regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust getting out of the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you have, and it's equipped with the option of a remote control.

Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for our health. However, it is important to be aware of the effects of particulate matter as well as the ways that burning wood or other forms of fuels can impact the quality of our indoor air and health. So, if you're planning to install a woodburner, it is recommended that you keep the door shut when not tending the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the air is as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put in place which means that all new log burners have to meet higher standards. This helps reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and more importantly, harmful gases like 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 viewing window that offers the best view of your flame and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets European emission standards for wood burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

This stove comes with a complimentary air ventilation kit. It's now easier to set up than ever before. This is a robust stove made of 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 repels dirt and grime.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be sustainable and efficient. This goes above and over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. It's among the few stoves we've reviewed that has the complete five-star ClearSkies rating, so you can be sure that this woodburner is as good as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among wood burner brands with a distinctive style that shouldn't be overlooked. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves, which come in an array of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on branding, and also shows that they can still provide a superior product at a cost that won't break the bank. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure what direction the directive is going and want to rest assured that their stove will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.