The Best Woodburners

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

The good news is that new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. So you can enjoy a warm and cozy home without breaking your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not sacrifice performance. It's a great choice for those living in smoke controlled areas as it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies credentials, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it a good option for larger rooms and the large glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is made of 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 prevents soot accumulation. The stove is highly efficient, meaning it carries a large portion of heat produced into your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.

The criticism of wood burning stoves has grown, since it was discovered that they can contribute to the production of microscopic sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. Wood burners contribute to pollution produced through the burning of fossil fuels like gas and coal.

The right wood for your stove is essential to ensure the highest combustion and heat output. There are a variety of wood that can be used for burning in your stove, including eucalyptus hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus, which is quick-burning, but also offers lots of heat, is a good choice. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is also a great option, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes to regulations that have been put in place as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means you can use it with approved fuels provided you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust, durable burner with a 10-Year Body Warranty and a sturdy construction. Its heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing guidelines that are thrown at them. Some groups have pushed for tighter regulations and a log burner ban. It's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations, prior to shopping for an all-fuel or log fire.

Arada Stoves is a company that is doing their part to keep woodburners in demand. They have launched a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a huge glass door that offers a great flame picture. There's also an airwash system which prevents the accumulation of soot.

This stove is simple to use and has a an output of 4.9kW. The curved lines and classical style make it suitable for both traditional and contemporary decor. This model is easily incorporated into 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.

Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is its built-in ash dump, kuangjiab.com which makes it very easy to clean and remove the ashes regularly and reduces the chance of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you have, and it's accessible 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 create beautiful ambiences in our homes. It is important to think about the health risks of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing a woodburner, it is recommended to shut the door when not interacting with the fire. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable watching the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. There are some issues however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause harm due to the production of microscopic soot particles that get into your respiratory system. This has led to new regulations being put in place which means that all new log burners must be able to meet the highest standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must be in compliance with a new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out, this multi fuel wood burning stoves-fuel stove does not just meet but also exceeds the new standards. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean thanks to the powerful air cleaning system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% energy efficiency rating and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means that it already meets European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves that will come into effect in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with a free air venting kit making it much easier than ever before to set up. It's a sturdy little unit constructed using top-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black and cheap it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated with an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.

This stove comes with a clearSkies label, which means that it has been independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes above and beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list to have the five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops as well as a variety 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 an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully in compliance with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies qualifications. It is a great choice for those who are not sure what direction the directive is going and want peace of mind that their log burner will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.