The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood burner are well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?

New stoves are designed to comply with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy a warm, cozy home without breaking your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not compromise on performance. It is a great choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger spaces, and the generous fire glass provides a stunning view of the flames.

It is equipped with a modern steel body, which means it can be incorporated into traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It is equipped with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and prevents the build-up of soot. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, which means that a large portion of the heat produced is transferring into your home instead of being lost to the chimney.

Wood burners have come under many criticisms in recent years, as it has been demonstrated that they contribute to tiny sooty particles in the air called PM2.5 that has been linked with lung and heart problems. 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 total pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that outdoor wood burner burners are the main source of this pollution.

It is essential to choose the appropriate wood for your stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and the best combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned in your stove, including eucalyptus hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is a good choice because it's fast-burning and provides a lot of heat, but it needs to be well seasoned. Beech is another good choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It is a heavy-duty burner that is durable and comes with a 10-Year Body Warranty and a sturdy construction. The heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain extremely popular, and despite the directive muddle that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. Some campaign groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even the ban of log burners. It's worth checking out our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to shopping for a new multifuel or log fire.

Arada Stoves is one company that is doing its part to keep woodburners in demand. They have launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers the best flame image. It also has an airwash system that stops soot accumulation.

This stove is easy to operate, and comes with a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic design make it suitable for both traditional and contemporary style. The flat back design ensures it can be placed in shallower recesses and it's very easy to install a direct air system to improve the efficiency of the system.

Another great characteristic of this stove is the built in ash dump which makes it very easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly and 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.

Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for our health. It is crucial to consider the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended that you keep the door closed when you're not working on the fire and regularly clean the stove to ensure the air is as clean as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing to watch the flames flicker, and it can help reduce 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 breathing system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that stoves are up to 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 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 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 boasts 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. This means that it already meets the European emission standards for wood burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air-ventilation kit. It's now simpler 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 as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that wards off dirt.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and verified to be eco-friendly and Best Woodburners efficient. This goes above and above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that carry the five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established brand in the world of wood burners with a maverick flair that's not to be ignored. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements, stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens as well as a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their brand focus and shows that they can deliver a superior product for the price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with level five ClearSkies certification. It's the ideal choice for those who don't know where the directive will go and want to be confident that their log burners will be exempt from smoke control regulations.