The Best Woodburners

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

New stoves are designed to comply with the EcoDesign directive. This means you can enjoy a warm and cozy home without breaking your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp 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 it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. The high heat output makes it a great option for large spaces. The huge fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It features a contemporary steel body that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It has an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning it carries a large portion of heat produced into your home instead of being directed up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was discovered that they could contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty air particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung problems. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. These are only a small part of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood burners are the primary source of this pollution.

The right wood for your stove is crucial to ensure the highest heat output and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice since it burns quickly and offers a great deal of heat, however it requires to be and properly seasoned. Beech is another great choice but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it as long as you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust burner that is durable and comes with a 10-year Body Warranty and a strong construction. Its heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing guidelines that govern the use of these stoves. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for much tighter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, so it's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to you shop for an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

One company which is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners (telegra.ph) high is Arada Stoves, who have recently released a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that offers a great flame picture. There's also an airwash system that prevents the accumulation of soot.

This stove is simple to use and has a an output of 4.9kW. Its curved lines and classic design make it suitable for both traditional and modern design. The flat back design means that it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to set up a direct air system to increase the efficiency even more.

Another excellent characteristic of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis, helping to reduce the risk of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you have, and it's accessible with the option of a remote control.

Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether they're healthy for us. But, it's important to consider the impact of particulate matter and how burning wood and other types of fuels can affect the quality of our indoor air and health. If you're installing a woodburner, it is recommended to shut the door when not interacting with the flame. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker, and it can help reduce blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause harm due to the production of tiny soot particles that can get into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place, which means that new log burners must be able to meet the highest standards. This helps reduce creosote build-up, smoke leakage and more importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with a 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. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with a powerful air washing system. This stove has an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it can be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves that will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a complimentary air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to set up than ever before. This is a sturdy model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matt black and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated with an enamel that repels dirt and grime.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and verified to be sustainable and efficient. This goes above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. It's one of the very few stoves we've reviewed that have the full five-star clearSkies rating so you can be confident that this woodburner is as good as it gets.

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, which have earned them popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their brand focus, and also shows that they can still provide the best woodburner quality product at a price that won't cost you a fortune. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suited for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current emissions limit of 5g/hr. It also has the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who aren't sure where the directive is heading and want to be confident that their fireplace will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.