The Best Woodburners

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

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

1. Ekol Edge

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

It is constructed of modern steel, which means it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It has an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids the build-up of soot. The stove is extremely efficient, which means that it can transfer a significant amount of heat produced to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because it was discovered that they can contribute to the production of microscopic sooty particles called PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart problems. However, the latest models that are made to conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. They're only a tiny portion of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels like gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollution.

Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal heating and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as Ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning and also produces lots of heat, is a great option. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is a great alternative, but it's hard to work with due to its thorns.

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

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain extremely popular, and, despite the directive maze that surrounds them they're not going to disappear. Some groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even the ban of log burners. It's worth reading about our guide to stove pollution and regulations, before you shop for an all-fuel or log fire.

One company which is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA-approved SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass that provides the best flame view and an airwash system to avoid soot from accumulating.

With a heat output of 4.9kW, this is a fantastic stove for the majority of rooms. It's extremely easy to maintain and use. Its curving lines and classic style makes it a great choice for traditional or contemporary style. The flat back design ensures it can be inserted into smaller recesses, and it's easy to install a direct-air system to increase the efficiency even more.

The stove also comes with a built-in ash dump which makes it simple to remove ashes and clean them frequently. This helps reduce the risk of dust and odours escaping the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you are using, and it's available with the option of a remote control.

As the debate rages about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a beautiful ambiences in our homes. It is crucial to consider the health effects of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended you keep the door shut when not tending the fire. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to ensure the air is as clean as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner provides a beautiful ambience to a room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it also helps reduce blood pressure. It's not without it's problems though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm due to the production of tiny soot particles that can get into your breathing system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that stoves are up to the highest standards. This reduces the risk on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners have to comply with a 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. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean thanks to the powerful air cleaning system. The stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It is DEFRA exempt, which means it can be used within smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions on wood burning stove near me burning stove emissions that will be in force in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air vent kit. It's now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a sturdy model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy-to-clean as the body has been coated with an enamel that repels dirt.

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

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among wood burner brands with a maverick flair that's not to be ignored. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves that come with a wide range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a fantastic example of their focus on brand and demonstrates that they can offer a premium product at the price that's not too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully compliant to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their stove remains exempt from smoke control regulations.