The Best Woodburners
The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burning stove are well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles they release into the air?
Fortunately, the latest stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can enjoy cozy and warm home without breaking your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great option for those living in areas with smoke restrictions since it has Level 5 ClearSkies credentials which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it an excellent option for large spaces. The generous fire glass also allows you to take pleasure in the flames.
It features a contemporary steel frame which means it can be installed into both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is a great seasonal efficiency, which means that a large portion of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home instead of being lost up the chimney.
The recent criticism of wood burners has grown, since it was discovered that they may contribute to the production of microscopic sooty air particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. They are just a small part of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burners are a source of this pollutant.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is essential to ensure the highest heating and combustion. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as ash. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and provides a lot of heat, however it needs to be well and properly seasoned. Beech is also a great alternative, but it's hard to manage due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it as it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a robust burner that is durable and comes with a 10-year body warranty and a strong construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing regulations that govern them. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and even the ban of log burners. It's worth reading our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you shop for an all-fuel or log fire.
Arada Stoves is a 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 woodburner that has a large glass door that gives an amazing flame image. There's also an airwash system which prevents the accumulation of soot.
With a heat output of 4.9kW This is a great stove for all rooms. It's extremely easy to operate and maintain. The curved lines and classical design make it suitable for modern or traditional design. This model is easily incorporated into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems using this model, which can increase the efficiency.
Another fantastic feature of this stove is the built-in ash dump that makes it easy to clean up and remove the ashes regularly, helping to reduce the risk of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you are using, and it's available with the option of a remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a lovely atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether they're healthy for us. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor pollution and particulate matter. 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 out the stove to ensure the air is as clean as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's soothing to watch the flames flutter and can lower blood pressure. There are some issues though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm due to the production of tiny particles of soot that end up into your breathing system. This has led to new regulations being put in place, which means that new log burners must meet higher standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly - 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 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 an air-washing system that is powerful. This stove has an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means that it already meets the European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves which will take the market in 2022.
exterior wood stove comes with a no-cost air ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than ever. It's a durable stove made of high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black and it's easy to keep clean since the body is coated in an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.
This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which indicates that it was independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list to have the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves that come with various features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their focus on brand and shows that they can offer a premium product at an affordable price that isn't too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great choice for those who are not sure what direction the directive is going and want to be confident that their log burner will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.