The Best Woodburners

The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner are well-documented. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by them?

New stoves are made to be in line with the EcoDesign directive. So you can enjoy a warm and cozy home, and not break your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't skimp 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 heat output makes it a fantastic choice for large-sized rooms. The huge fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, and therefore is able to be used in traditional inglenooks and freestanding ones. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation 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.

Wood burners have come under a lot of criticism recently since it was proven that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 that has been linked with lung and modern heart problems. However, newer models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. They are just a small portion of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.

It is essential to choose the right wood for the stove to ensure the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be used for burning in your stove, including eucalyptus, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is quick-burning, but also offers a lot heat, is a good option. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to manage due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes to regulations that have been implemented, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means that you can use it with approved fuels so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that is built to last, featuring sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, back by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are very popular and, despite the directive maze that surrounds them, they're not going anywhere. Some groups have pushed for tighter regulations and a log burner ban. It's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations, before you shop for the latest multifuel or modern log fire.

One company which is making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who recently released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a wide door glass that provides an impressive flame image and an airwash system that helps to prevent soot from accumulating.

With a heat output of 4.9kW This is a fantastic stove for the majority of rooms. It's very easy to operate and maintain. Its curved lines and classic design makes it a great choice for both traditional and modern decor. This model is easily placed in smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems on this model, which will increase the efficiency.

The stove also comes with an ash dump built-in, which makes it easy to clean ashes and remove them up regularly. This decreases the chance of odours and dust escaping the room. There are two types of flue adaptors, according to the chimney type you have. It also comes with an wireless remote control.

While the debate rages on about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they create lovely ambience in our homes. However, it is important to keep in mind the effects of particulate matter and the way that burning wood and other types of fuel can affect the quality of indoor air as well as health. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not interacting with the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner provides a beautiful ambience to a room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames flicker, but it also helps lower blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Research has proven that older stoves are dangerous because they release microscopic particles of soot which can enter your respiratory system. This has led to new regulations being put in place which means that all new log burners must meet higher standards. This reduces the risk on creosote leakage, smoke accumulation and, most importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not just meets, but exceeds these new standards, but also exceeds them. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean by the powerful air cleaning system. This stove has an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used in areas that are smoke-free. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will be in the market in 2022.

As if that weren't enough, this stove is supplied with an air venting kit that is included making it simpler than ever before to set up. This is a robust model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been coated with an enamel that repels dirt.

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

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. Chilli Penguin is known for its small wood burning stove multi-fuel stoves with an array of options and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on brand, and also shows that they can still provide the best quality product at a cost that won't break the bank. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to 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 the perfect choice for those who aren't sure what the future direction of the directive is and want to be confident that their log burners are exempt from smoke control regulations.