The Best Woodburners

The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove have been well-documented. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot that they release?

The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home, without breaking your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance but does not compromise on performance. It's a great option for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions since it comes with Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it an excellent choice for large rooms. The large fire glass also permits you to take pleasure in the flames.

It is made of modern steel, so it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding situations. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, which means that a significant portion of the heat it generates is transferring to your home, rather than being lost up the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was shown that they could contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty air particles called PM2.5. These particles have been associated with lung and heart problems. However, newer models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. They're only a tiny portion of the overall pollution generated by burning fossil fuels like gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollution.

The right wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned in your stove, including eucalyptus, Best Woodburners hazel and beech. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides lots of heat, is a good option. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is another great choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes to regulations that have been put in place and is Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated. This means that you can use it with approved fuels, provided 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 are still very popular and despite the directive maze that surrounds them, they're not going anywhere. Some campaign groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even a log burner ban. It's worth checking out our guide on the pollution of stoves and regulations, prior to shopping for the latest multifuel or log fire.

One company that is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners up is Arada Stoves, who 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 huge glass door that offers a great flame picture. There's also an airwash system which prevents soot build-up.

This stove is simple to use, and has a heat output rating of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic design make it suitable for modern or traditional style. This model can be easily incorporated into smaller spaces because of its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems on this model, which will increase the efficiency.

Another fantastic aspect of this stove is the built in ash dump which makes it very easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly which reduces the possibility of odours or dust escaping into the room. There are two kinds of flue adaptors dependent on the chimney type. It also comes with wireless remote control.

Wood-burning stoves create a lovely atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether they are healthy for us. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're going to have a woodburner installed it is recommended you keep the door shut when you're not working on the fire, and clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner adds a lovely ambience to a room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames flicker, but it can also help lower blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Research has proven that older stoves can be harmful due to the tiny particles of soot that can enter your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log burners meet higher standards. This helps reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, most important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must meet a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that is in compliance, but even exceeds the new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a large, clear viewing window that gives you an excellent view of the flame, and is kept clean with an air wash system that is powerful. This stove has an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it can be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it already meets the European restrictions on wood burner fireplace ideas burning stove emissions that will come into force in 2022.

As if that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit for Best Woodburners free making it simpler than ever to put it in place. It's a solid little stove constructed using top-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 above and over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that carry the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player in the wood burner market with a distinctive style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements hotplate tops and integral ovens and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on brand and also shows that they are able to provide an excellent product at a price that won't cost you a fortune. 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 the level five ClearSkies qualifications. It is a great choice for those who are unsure which direction the directive is headed and want to be confident that their stove remains exempt from smoke control regulations.