The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood burner are well-documented. What about the tiny soot particles released by the wood burners?

The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can have cozy and warm home, without compromising your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not compromise on performance. It's a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free since it has the Level 5 ClearSkies credentials which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it a great choice for larger rooms and the huge fire glass provides a stunning view of the flames.

It has a modern steel body, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It has an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clean and avoids the build-up of soot. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, meaning that a large portion of the heat it generates is transferring to your home, rather than being lost up the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because it was discovered that they may contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart issues. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to create these sooty particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

It is essential to choose the appropriate wood for your stove in order to get the most efficient efficiency of heat and combustion. Many types of wood can be employed, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and provides a lot of heat, however it requires to be and properly seasoned. Beech is also a great option, but it's difficult to work with due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a robust, durable burner with a 10-Year Body Warranty and a robust construction. Its heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing guidelines that govern 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 reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to you shop for a new log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one of the companies that is doing its part to keep woodburners popular. They have released a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass, which gives you the best flame view and an airwash system that helps to prevent soot build up.

The stove is easy to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic design make it suitable for both modern or traditional decor. This model can be easily fitted into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems on this model, which can increase the efficiency.

The stove also has an integrated ash dump, which makes it easy to remove ashes and clean them frequently. This decreases the chance of odours and dust escaping the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you have, and it's also equipped with an remote control.

Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for health. But, it's important to keep in mind the effects of particulate matter and how burning wood and other types of fuels can impact our indoor air quality and health. If you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended that you keep the door closed when not tending the fire and regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air is as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner adds a lovely ambience to a room, it's not only relaxing to watch the flames flicker, but it can also 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 tiny particles of soot that end up into your breathing system. This has resulted in new regulations being put in place which means that all new log burners need to meet higher standards. This reduces creosote and woodburners smoke leakage and, most importantly, harmful gases like 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 does not just meet but also 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. This stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves which will take effect in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit for free making it much easier than ever to install. It's a solid little stove constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated in an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.

This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which indicates that it has been independently tested and verified as environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of the stoves on our list to have the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among wood burner brands with a distinctive style that is not to be missed. Chilli Penguin is known for its small wood burning stoves multi-fuel stoves with various options and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a fantastic example of their focus on brand and shows that they can provide a top-quality product at a price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suited for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with ClearSkies level five credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure which direction the directive is headed and want peace of mind that their stove will continue to be exempt from the smoke control regulations.