The Best Woodburners
The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner are well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?
New stoves are designed to comply with the EcoDesign directive. You can have an inviting and cozy home, without compromising your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not sacrifice performance. It's a great option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it an ideal option for larger spaces, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.
It is constructed from modern steel, which means it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It is equipped with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and prevents the build-up of soot. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, meaning that a significant portion of the heat it produces is transferring into your home instead of being lost to the chimney.
The recent criticism of wood burners has grown, since it was found that they may contribute to the production of tiny sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart issues. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. They're only a tiny portion of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood burners are the primary source of this pollution.
It is important to choose the appropriate wood for your stove to ensure the best efficiency of heat and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be employed, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning and also produces plenty of heat, is a great choice. However, wood burning stove should be well-seasoned. Beech is also a great option, but it's difficult to manage due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that is built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing guidelines that govern the use of these stoves. In fact, some advocacy groups are calling for much stricter restrictions, and even a ban on log burners, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you buy a new log fire or multifuel burner.
One company which is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high 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 stove with a wide door glass, which gives you an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to avoid soot build up.
This stove is simple to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. Its curved lines and classic design make it ideal for modern or traditional style. The flat back design means that it can be inserted into smaller recesses and it's very easy to install a direct-air system with this model to improve the efficiency of the system.
This stove also has an ash dump built-in which makes it simple to remove ashes and clean them up regularly. This helps reduce the risk of odours and dust getting out of the room. You can choose between two kinds of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It is also available with wireless remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether or not they are good for our health. It's important to consider the health risks of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing a woodburner, it is recommended to shut the door when not interacting with the flame. You should also 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 flicker but it can also help to reduce blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems though, research has found that older stoves can cause harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get into your breathing system. New regulations are in place to ensure that log burners have higher standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and, most importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must comply with a new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out, this multi-fuel stove not only meets, but surpasses the new standards. It has a large, clear view window that provides a great flame view, and is kept clean with an air wash system that is powerful. The stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, which means it is able to be used in areas that are smoke-free. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it already meets European emission limits for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.
If that wasn't enough the stove comes with an air venting kit for free, making it easier than ever to put it in place. 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 repels dirt.
This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which indicates that it has been independently tested and verified as eco-friendly and efficient. This is above the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list that carry the five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major player among wood burner brands with a distinctive style that shouldn't be overlooked. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves, which come in various sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus and shows that they can provide a top-quality product at a price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also has the level five ClearSkies certification. It is an excellent choice for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want to rest assured that their log burner will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.