The Best Woodburners
The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood stove have been well-documented. What about the tiny soot particles that they release?
New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. 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 great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free since it is certified with the Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it an excellent choice for large rooms. The large fire glass also allows you to enjoy the flames.
It is made of modern steel, which means it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It comes with an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids soot accumulation. The stove is extremely efficiency during the winter months, which means that a significant portion of the heat it produces is transferring to your home rather than being lost to the chimney.
Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because it was found that they could contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart problems. However, modern models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution produced from burning fossil fuels, like gas and coal.
The right wood for your stove is essential to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are wood burning fireplace of wood that can be used for burning such as eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and offers a great deal of heat, but it requires to be prepared. Beech is also a great alternative, but it's hard to work with due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes in regulations that have been put in place as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated. This means you can use it with approved fuels so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that's built to last, with solid 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 tighter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you go shopping for new log fires or a multifuel burner.
One company which is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who have recently released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a wide door glass that provides an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to avoid soot from accumulating.
With a heat output of 4.9kW, this is a great stove for the majority of rooms. It's very easy to operate and maintain. The curving lines and classic design make it ideal for modern or traditional style. This model is easily incorporated into smaller spaces because of its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems with this model, which will increase the efficiency.
Another great characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump that makes it easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis which reduces the chance of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors, dependent on the chimney type. It is also available with a wireless remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a lovely atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether or not they are good for our health. It is important to think about the health risks of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing a woodburner, it's recommended that you close the door when you are not working on the flame. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to keep the air as healthy as possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
A woodburner can add a wonderful atmosphere to any room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it also helps reduce blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has shown that older stoves are dangerous because they release microscopic particles of soot that can enter your respiratory system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that log stoves meet higher standards. This helps reduce creosote and smoke leakage and, more important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must be in compliance 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. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers a great flame view, and is kept clean with a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts 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 that it already meets European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will be in effect in 2022.
If that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit that is included making it simpler than ever to install. It's a durable 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 coated with an enamel that wards off dirt.
The clearSkies label on this stove demonstrates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. It's one of the very few stoves on our list that have the full five-star ClearSkies rating, which means you can be certain that this woodburner is as good as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialise in small do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have achieved cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens as well as a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is an excellent illustration of their brand's focus and shows that they can deliver a superior product for the price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also has level five ClearSkies credentials. It is a great choice for those who are unsure which direction the directive is headed and want to rest assured that their fireplace remains exempt from smoke control regulations.