The Best Woodburners

The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burning stove have been well-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. This means you can enjoy a warm, cosy home, without breaking your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a fantastic choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, modern since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it an ideal option for larger spaces and the huge glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, so it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It is equipped with an air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, meaning that a large portion of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home instead of being lost to the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was shown that they may contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty particles called PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart problems. However, modern models that comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. They are just a small portion of the total pollution created from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are a source of this pollution.

It is crucial to select the correct wood for the stove to ensure the highest heat output and the best combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and offers a great deal of heat, but it requires to be and properly seasoned. Beech is another great choice however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.

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

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing regulations that are thrown at them. In fact, some groups are calling for much more stricter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you shop for an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one of the companies that is doing their part to keep woodburners in demand. They've released a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner stove that has a large glass door that offers a great flame picture. There is also an airwash system that stops soot accumulation.

The stove is easy to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic design make it ideal for traditional and contemporary decor. This model is easily fitted into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems with this model, which will improve the efficiency.

The stove also comes with an integrated ash dump which makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them up regularly. This decreases the chance of odours and dust getting out of the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you have, and it's equipped with a remote control.

While the debate continues about whether wood-burning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a wonderful ambience in our homes. It is important to think about the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not interacting with the fire. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's relaxing watching the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has proven that older stoves are dangerous due to the tiny particles of soot that can get into your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log burners meet higher standards. This reduces creosote build-up, smoke leakage and, most importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with a brand new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out. This multi-fuel stove not only meets, but surpasses the new standards. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean by an air-washing system that is powerful. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning that it can be used within smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets the European emission standards for wood burning stove uk-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a robust unit that's made from high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that repels dirt.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and verified to be sustainable and efficient, this is above and beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list to have the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand that has a maverick style that shouldn't be overlooked. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves, which come in various features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on branding and also shows that they can still provide an excellent product at a price that isn't too costly. 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 has the level five ClearSkies qualifications. It is the perfect choice for those who aren't sure where the directive will go and want to be sure that their log burners will be exempt from the smoke control regulations.