The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood burning stove modern burning stove are well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles they release into the air?

Fortunately, the latest stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can enjoy cozy and warm home without compromising on your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a great option for people who live in smoke-free areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a fantastic option for large spaces. The large fire glass also lets you to take pleasure in the flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It has an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clean and avoids soot accumulation. The stove is extremely efficient, meaning that it carries a large portion of the heat it produces to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.

Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years, as it has been proven that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5, which has been linked to lung and heart problems. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. They are just a small portion of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burners are the main source of this pollutant.

The right wood for your stove is vital to ensure the highest heat output and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as Ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides a lot heat, is a good option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is a great alternative, but it's hard to work with due to its thorns.

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

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are extremely popular, and despite the directive maze that surrounds 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 reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you shop for a new log fire or multifuel burner.

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

This stove is easy to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. The curvaceous lines and classic style makes it a great choice for traditional or contemporary decor. The flat back design means it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to set up a direct air system to increase the efficiency even more.

The stove also has an ash dump built-in, which makes it easy to clear ashes and clean them regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust getting out of the room. You can select between two types of flue adaptors according to the chimney type you have. It also comes with wireless remote control.

Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether they are good for health. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing a woodburner, it is recommended to shut the door when not tending to the flame. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing watching the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get in your breathing system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place which means that all new log burners must meet higher standards. This helps reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, more important, harmful gases such as 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 exceeds the new standards. It has a large, clear viewing window that offers a great flame view, and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. The stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, which means it already meets European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air vent kit. It's now easier to install than ever. It's a solid little stove constructed with 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 wards off dirt.

This stove has an clearSkies label, which signifies that it has been independently tested and certified as environmentally friendly and woodburners efficient. This goes above and beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of one stove on our list that carry the five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with a maverick style that shouldn't be missed out on. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have achieved cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus and demonstrates their ability to offer a premium product at a price that's not too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also has level five ClearSkies credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure what direction the directive is going and want to rest assured that their log burner will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.