The Best Woodburners

Wood burners are believed to reduce blood pressure and relax. What about the tiny soot particles that they release?

New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home, without breaking your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It is a great choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it an ideal choice for larger rooms, and the generous fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.

It features a contemporary wood burning stoves steel body, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids soot build-up. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it carries a large portion of the heat generated into your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has grown, since it was discovered that they could contribute to the production of microscopic sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. Newer models that meet the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to create these sooty particles. They're only a tiny portion of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are a source of this pollutant.

Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is essential to ensure the highest heat output and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as Ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning and also produces lots of heat, is a good option. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to cope with the upcoming changes to regulations that have been implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated, 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 capabilities are also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing guidelines that surround the use of these stoves. In fact, some campaign 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 an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

One company trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 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 that helps to prevent soot from accumulating.

The 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 traditional and contemporary design. The flat back design ensures it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to install a direct air system using this model to increase the efficiency even more.

Another excellent aspect of this stove is its built-in ash dump, which makes it easy to clean up and remove ashes on a regular basis and reduces the possibility of odours or dust getting into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you are using, and it's equipped with a remote control.

While the debate continues about whether wood-burning stoves are beneficial to your health We can all agree that they create beautiful ambiences in our homes. But, it's important to keep in mind the impact of particulate matter as well as the ways that burning wood and other kinds of fuel can affect our indoor air quality and health. If you are installing a woodburner, it's recommended to shut the door when you are not interacting with the fire. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get in your breathing system. This has led to new regulations being put into place, which means that new log burners need to meet higher standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and, most importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must meet a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only meets, but surpasses the new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers the best view of your flame and is maintained clean by an air wash system that is powerful. This stove has an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, which means it already meets the European emission standards for wood-burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit that is included, making it easier than ever before to set up. It's a durable stove made of high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black and it's easy to keep clean because the body is coated in an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.

The clearSkies label on this stove demonstrates that it has been independently tested and verified to be environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes above and above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of the stoves on our list to have the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major player among wood burner brands with a distinctive style that is not to be missed. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have achieved cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, hotplate tops and integral ovens, and a range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their focus on brand and demonstrates their ability to deliver a superior product for the price that's not too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also comes with ClearSkies level five 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 stove remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.