The Best Woodburners
Wood burners are known to reduce blood pressure and relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?
The good news is that new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. So best wood burning stove can enjoy a warm and cozy home, and not break your environmental obligations.
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 with smoke restrictions since it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a good option for larger spaces, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.
It is constructed of modern steel, so it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, which means that a significant portion of the heat it generates is being transferred into your home rather than being lost up the chimney.
Wood burners have come under a lot of criticism recently since it was demonstrated that they cause microscopic 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 comply with 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, such as coal and gas.
It is important to choose the right wood for the stove in order to get the highest heat output and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides plenty of heat, is an excellent choice. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to manage due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that's built to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, which is back by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves are very popular and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and even a ban on log burners. It's worth reading about our guide on stove pollution and regulations, prior to shopping for the latest multifuel or log fire.
Arada Stoves is one company that is doing their part to keep woodburners in demand. They've released an expanded version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass, which gives you the best flame view and an airwash system to avoid soot accumulation.
With a heat output of 4.9kW, this is a great stove for all rooms. It's extremely simple to use and maintain. The curved lines and classical design make it ideal for modern or traditional style. The flat back design ensures it can be inserted into smaller recesses and it's very easy to install a direct air system with this model to increase the efficiency even more.
Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to clean and remove the ashes regularly which reduces the risk of odours and dust getting into the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you are using, and it's equipped with the option of a remote control.
Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for our health. It is important to think about the health effects of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing a woodburner, it's recommended that you close the door when not interacting with the fire. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as clean as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
A woodburner provides a beautiful atmosphere to a room. it's not only relaxing to watch the flames flicker but it can also help to lower blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Research has proven that older stoves are dangerous due to the tiny particles of soot which can be absorbed into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place and new log burners need to meet higher standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must comply with the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not just is in compliance, but even exceeds the new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a large, clear view window that provides a great flame view, and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, which means it can be used within smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will be in place in 2022.
This stove comes with a complimentary air ventilation kit. It's now easier to install than ever. It's a robust little appliance constructed using top-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been sprayed with an enamel that wards off dirt.
The clearSkies label on this stove demonstrates that it has been independently tested and verified to be eco-friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves we've reviewed that has the complete five-star clearSkies rating so you can be sure that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves, which come in a wide range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on brand, and also shows that they are able to provide a superior product at a price that isn't too costly. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also has level five ClearSkies qualifications. It's the ideal choice for those who don't know where the directive will go and want to be confident that their log burners will be free of smoke control regulations.