The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by them?

Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can have cozy and warm home, without compromising your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but doesn't compromise on performance. It's a fantastic choice for those who live in smoke-free areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great choice for larger rooms and the large fire glass offers a beautiful view of your flames.

It is made of modern steel, and therefore can be installed in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot accumulation. The stove is a great efficiency during the winter months, which means that a high percentage of the heat produced is being transferred into your home, rather than going up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has grown, since it was shown that they could contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty particles called PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. However, the latest models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. These are only a small portion of the overall pollution generated from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.

Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal combustion and heat output. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice since it burns quickly and offers a great deal of heat, but it must be prepared. Beech is a different option but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that is built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing regulations that govern the use of these stoves. In fact, some groups are calling for tighter restrictions and even a ban on log burners, which is why it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you shop for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

One company that is making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves, who have recently released a widescreen version 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 offers the best flame image. There's also an airwash system that stops soot build-up.

This stove is easy to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic style make it suitable for modern or traditional style. This model is easily placed in smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems on this model, which will increase the efficiency.

Another fantastic aspect of this stove is the built-in ash dump that makes it easy to clean and remove the ashes regularly which reduces the risk of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you have, and it's accessible with the option of a remote control.

Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether or not they are good for health. It's important to consider the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed, it is recommended that you keep the door shut when you're not in the vicinity of the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flutter, and it can help reduce blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause harm because they release tiny particles of soot that end up into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place which means that all new log burners have to be able to meet the highest standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and, most 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 surpasses the new standards. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers the best view of your flame and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in areas that are smoke-free. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will be in force in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit that is included making it simpler than ever before to set up. It's a durable stove made of high-quality 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.

This stove has an clearSkies label, which means that it has been independently tested and verified as environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes above and beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only one stove on our list to have the 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 maverick flair that is not to be missed. Chilli Penguin is known for its small wood burner multi fuel wood burning stoves-fuel stoves that come with various features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their brand focus and also demonstrates that they can still provide a superior product at a price that won't break the bank. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It is a great choice for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want to rest assured that their log burner will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.