The Best Woodburners

The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner have been well-documented. What about the tiny soot particles released by them?

Fortunately, the latest stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. This means you can enjoy a warm, 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's a great option for those who live in areas that are smoke-free since it has the Level 5 ClearSkies credentials that means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger rooms, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.

It is constructed of modern wood burner steel, which means it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is extremely efficient, which means that it carries a large portion of the heat generated to your home, instead of going up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under some criticism in recent times since it was demonstrated that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 that has been linked with lung and heart issues. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. These are only a small wood burning stoves uk part of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood stoves are the main source of this pollutant.

Choosing the right wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be used, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides lots of heat, is an excellent option. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is another good choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes in regulations that were recently implemented, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated, which means that you can use it with approved fuels so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that's built to last, with sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

wood stove burning burning stoves are very popular and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them and their use, they're going to stay. In fact, some advocacy groups are calling for 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 shop for a new log fire or multifuel burner.

One company that is making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who have recently launched a widescreen model of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers a great flame picture. It also has an airwash system which prevents soot build-up.

The stove is easy to operate, and comes with a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic design makes it a great choice for modern or traditional design. This model is easily incorporated into smaller spaces because of 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 remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis, helping to reduce the risk of odours and dust getting into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors dependent on the chimney type. It also comes with an wireless remote control.

While the debate rages on about whether wood-burning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create a lovely ambience in our homes. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're planning to have a woodburner installed, it is recommended that you shut the door when you're not in the vicinity of the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as it can be.

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 also helps lower blood pressure. But there's not a lot of good news. Research has shown that older stoves are harmful due to the tiny particles of soot which can enter your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place which means that all new log burners must be able to meet the highest standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and, most important, 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 meets, but surpasses these new standards. The stove features a large-screen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with the powerful air cleaning system. This stove has an impressive 80% energy efficiency rating and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets the European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with a free air venting kit making it much easier than ever to install. 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 with an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.

This stove comes with the clearSkies label, which means that it was independently tested and small wood burning stoves uk verified as efficient and environmentally friendly. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only one stove on our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major player in the wood burner market with a maverick flair that's not to be ignored. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves, which come in an array of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on branding, and also shows that they can still provide the best quality product at a price that won't cost you a fortune. 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 the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who aren't sure which direction the directive is headed and want to be confident that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.