The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to lower blood pressure and help relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles that 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, 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 fantastic choice for those who live in smoke-free areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a fantastic choice for large rooms. The generous fire glass also permits you to take pleasure in the flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, and therefore can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it transfers a large percentage of the heat generated to your home instead of being directed up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under some criticism in recent times because it has been shown that they can cause microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 that has been linked with lung and heart problems. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to create these sooty particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution that is produced from burning fossil fuels, like gas and coal.

Choosing the right wood for cost your stove is vital to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood types that can be employed, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice since it burns quickly and provides a lot of heat, but it requires to be prepared. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to work with due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it as it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful sturdy burner with a 10-year Body Warranty and a strong construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

wood log burner burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing guidelines that govern them. In fact, some groups are calling for much stricter restrictions, and even a ban on log burners, so it's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for a new log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one company which is working to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 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 prevent soot build up.

With a power output of 4.9kW, this is a fantastic stove for most rooms and it's also very easy to maintain and use. The curving lines and classic style make it suitable for traditional and contemporary style. The flat back design means that it can be inserted into smaller recesses. It's also very simple to install a direct-air system with this model to improve the efficiency of the system.

Another great aspect of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis and reduces the possibility of odours or dust that escapes into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you have, and it's also available with an remote control.

As the debate rages about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a lovely ambience in our homes. However, it is important to be aware of the effects of particulate matter as well as the way that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can impact our indoor air quality and health. So, if you're going to install a woodburner, it is recommended that you keep the door shut when you're not in the vicinity of the fire, and clean the stove to ensure that the indoor air is as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing to watch the flames flutter and help lower blood pressure. There are some issues though, research has found that older stoves can cause harm due to the production of microscopic soot particles that get in your breathing system. New regulations are in place to ensure that log stoves have higher standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and more important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must be in compliance with a 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 comes with a widescreen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean by a powerful air washing system. This stove has an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used within areas that are smoke-free. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets the European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves which will be in place in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air ventilation kit. It is now easier to set up than ever before. It's a robust little appliance constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that wards off dirt.

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

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established player in the wood burner market with a unique style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small wood burning stoves, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have gained an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements integral ovens and hotplate tops as well as 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 an excellent product at a cost 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 comes with ClearSkies level five credentials. It is a great choice for those who aren't sure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their stove remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.