The Best Woodburners

The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burning stove have been well-documented. What about the tiny soot particles that they release?

Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. So 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 Stoves burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a great option for people who live in smoke-free areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a good choice for larger rooms and the large glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is constructed of modern steel, which means it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding ones. It features an air wash system which 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 produces is transferring into your home, rather than being lost to the chimney.

Wood burners have come under a lot of criticism recently since it was proven that they contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air called PM2.5, which has been linked with heart and lung problems. However, newer models that are made to conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution created through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

Choosing the right wood for your stove is essential to ensure optimal heating and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be employed, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus is a great choice because it's fast-burning and offers a great deal of heat, but it needs to be well and properly seasoned. Beech is also a great choice, but it's difficult to work with due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes to regulations that were recently implemented and is Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means you can use it with approved fuels, as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that is built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, supported by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing regulations that govern the use of these stoves. In fact, some groups are calling for more stricter restrictions and even a ban on log burners, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves, who have recently launched a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass that gives you the best 5kw wood burning stove flame view and an airwash system to prevent soot from accumulating.

With a heat output of 4.9kW this is a great stove for the majority of rooms. It's extremely easy to operate and maintain. Its curving lines and classic style make it suitable for modern or traditional 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 will improve the efficiency.

The stove also has an ash dump built-in which makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them up regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust getting out of the room. There are two types of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It is also available with a 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 a beautiful ambiences in our homes. However, it's important to keep in mind the impact of particulate matter and the ways that burning wood or other forms of fuels can impact the quality of indoor air as well as health. So, if you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended you keep the door closed when you're not in the vicinity of the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the indoor air is as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's relaxing to watch the flames flicker, and it can help lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause harm because they release tiny particles of soot that end up into your breathing system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log stoves have higher standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must meet a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not just meets, but surpasses the new standards, but also exceeds them. The stove features a large-screen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with the powerful air cleaning system. This stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it can be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it is already in compliance with European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves which will be in effect 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 to put it in place. It's a sturdy little unit, that has been built using 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 comes with the clearSkies label, Wood Burner Stoves which indicates that it was independently tested and verified as efficient and environmentally friendly. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list to have the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major brand in the world of wood burners with a unique style that's not to be ignored. Chilli Penguin is known for its small wood burning stove for shed multi-fuel stoves with an array of options and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a fantastic example of their focus on brand and wood burner stoves shows that they can offer a premium product at an affordable price that isn't too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with level five ClearSkies qualifications. It's the perfect option for those who don't know what the future direction of the directive is and want to feel secure that their log burners are free of smoke control regulations.