The Best Woodburners

The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burning stove have been well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?

The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home without compromising on your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a great choice for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions since it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies credentials, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. The high heat output makes it a great choice for large-sized rooms. The generous fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It features a contemporary steel body, which means it can be incorporated into traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It features an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation 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 up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under some criticism in recent times since it was demonstrated that they contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air called PM2.5 which has been linked to lung and heart problems. However, modern models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. They are just a small part of the total pollution created from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood stoves are a source of this pollutant.

It is essential to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus is a good choice since it burns quickly and provides a lot of heat, however it needs to be well and properly seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it so long as you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust burner that's built to last, featuring sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing regulations that are thrown at them. In fact, some groups are calling for much more stricter restrictions and even a complete ban on stoves that burn wood, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you buy an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is a company that is doing its part to keep woodburners in demand. They have launched a widescreen version for 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 an amazing flame image. There's also an airwash system which prevents soot accumulation.

This stove is easy to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curving lines and Best Woodburners classic design makes it ideal for traditional and modern style. This model is easily incorporated into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems with this model, which will increase the efficiency.

Another fantastic aspect of this stove is its built-in ash dump that makes it very easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly and 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 create a beautiful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether or not they are good for our health. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed, it is recommended that you keep the door closed when you're not in the vicinity of the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's relaxing watching the flames flicker and help reduce blood pressure. There are some issues however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause harm because they release tiny particles of soot that end up into your respiratory system. New regulations are in place to ensure that stoves are up to the highest standards. This helps to cut down on creosote leakage, smoke build up 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 surpasses the new standards. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that gives you an excellent view of the flame, and is kept clean with an air wash system that is powerful. The stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used within smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets the European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.

If that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with a free air venting kit making it simpler than ever to put it in place. This is a sturdy unit that's made from 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.

This stove is a clearSkies label, which indicates that it was independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This is above the basic requirements of Ecodesign. It's one of the few woodburning stoves we've reviewed that has the complete five-star clearSkies rating so you can be confident that this woodburner is as good as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be overlooked. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves with a wide range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their focus on branding and also shows that they are able to provide an excellent product at a price that isn't too costly. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully conforming to the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with level five ClearSkies credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are not sure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their stove will continue to be exempt from the smoke control regulations.