The Best Woodburners
The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner are well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles they release into the air?
New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. 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 doesn't compromise on performance. It is a great choice for those who live in smoke-free areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a great option for larger spaces and the huge fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.
It is made of modern steel, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding ones. It has an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clean and prevents the build-up of soot. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, which means that a high percentage of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home instead of going up the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of some criticism in recent times because it has been demonstrated that they contribute to tiny sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 that has been linked with lung and heart issues. However, the latest 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 that is produced from burning fossil fuels, like gas and coal.
It is important to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the most efficient heat output and the best combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides a lot heat, is a good option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is another great choice but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes in regulations that have been implemented as well as being 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 designed to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, supported by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing directives that surround them. Some campaign groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even a ban on log burners. It's worth reading about our guide to stove pollution and regulations, before you shop for a new multifuel or log fire.
Arada Stoves is one of the companies that is doing their part to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They've released an expanded version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers the best flame image. It also has an airwash system that stops soot build-up.
With a power output of 4.9kW This is a great stove to heat the majority of rooms. It's very easy to maintain and use. The curving lines and classic style make it suitable for modern or traditional design. The flat back design ensures it can be fitted into shallower recesses and it's very easy to install a direct-air system with this model to increase the efficiency even more.
This stove also has a built-in ash dump that makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them regularly. This decreases the chance of dust and odours escaping the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you have, and it's also equipped with an remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for health. It's important to consider the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're going to install a woodburner it is recommended that you shut the door when you're not working on the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure the air is as clean as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
A woodburner adds a lovely ambience to a room, it's not only relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it also helps lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause 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 will cut down on creosote leakage, smoke build-up and most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners have to comply with a brand new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out, this multi-fuel stove does not just meet but also exceeds the new standards. The stove features a large-screen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. woodburning stove is also kept clean thanks to the powerful air cleaning system. This stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It's DEFRA exempt, which means it can be used within smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it is already in compliance with European emission limits for wood burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.
If that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit that is included making it much easier than ever before to set up. It's a solid little stove constructed using top-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated with an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.
This stove is a clearSkies label, which signifies that it has been independently tested and verified as efficient and environmentally friendly. This goes above and beyond the fundamental requirements of 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 brand in the world of wood burners with a distinctive style that is not to be missed. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements integral ovens and hotplate tops and a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their brand focus, and also shows that they can still deliver a superior product at a cost that won't break the bank. 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 comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It's the ideal choice for those who don't know what the directive will be and want to feel secure that their log burners are exempt from smoke control regulations.