The Best Woodburners

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

Fortunately, the latest stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home without breaking your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not 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 burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger spaces, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.

It features a contemporary steel body that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It has an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and prevents soot build-up. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it transfers a large percentage of the heat generated to your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.

The 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 problems. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution created from burning fossil fuels, like gas and coal.

It is important to choose the appropriate wood for your stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood burning fireplace that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. 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 a different option however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that is durable and comes with a 10-Year Body Warranty and a sturdy construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are extremely popular, and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them and their use, they're going to stay. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for stricter restrictions, and even a complete ban on log burners, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you buy a new log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one company which is working to keep woodburners in demand. 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 wide door glass that provides an impressive flame image and an airwash system to avoid soot accumulation.

The stove is easy to operate, and comes with a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. Its curved lines and classic style make it ideal for traditional or contemporary decor. This model can be easily placed in smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems using this model, which can increase the efficiency.

Another great feature of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it easy to clean up and remove ashes on a regular basis, helping to reduce the risk of odours and dust that escapes into the room. You can choose between two types of flue adaptors dependent on the chimney type. It also comes with a wireless remote control.

As the debate rages about whether wood-burning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create a wonderful ambience in our homes. It is important to think about the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended to shut the door when not tending to the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable watching the flames flicker, and it can help reduce blood pressure. There are some issues however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause harm as they produce tiny soot particles that can get into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place and new log burners need to be able to meet the highest standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up 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 not only meets but exceeds the new standards. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by an air wash system that is powerful. This stove has an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it is already in compliance with European emission standards for wood burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air ventilation kit. It's now simpler to install than ever. This is a robust stove made of high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated with an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be sustainable and efficient. This goes above and over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of only one stove on our list that have the five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand that has a unique style that should not be overlooked. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have achieved cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus and demonstrates that they can deliver a superior product for an affordable price that isn't 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 has ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure what direction the directive is going and want peace of mind that their stove will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.