The Best Woodburner Woodburners

The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burning stove have been well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?

New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy cozy and warm home without compromising on your environmental responsibilities.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a fantastic choice for people who live in smoke-free areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it a good option for larger rooms, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.

It has a modern wood burning stove steel body which means it can be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove is extremely efficient, meaning it carries a large portion of heat produced into your home instead of going up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under some criticism in recent times, as it has been demonstrated that they contribute to tiny sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which has been linked with lung and heart issues. However, the latest models that are made to conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. They're only a tiny portion of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burners are the primary source of this pollution.

Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure the highest heating and combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be used for burning, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is fast-burning but also provides a lot heat, is a good option. 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 has been designed to handle the upcoming changes in regulations that were recently implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means that you can use it with approved fuels, provided you adhere to the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner designed to last, featuring sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing regulations that surround them. Some groups have pushed for tighter regulations and the ban of log burners. It's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations prior to shopping for a new multifuel or log fire.

One company that is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that offers a great flame picture. There's also an airwash system that stops soot accumulation.

With a maximum heat output of 4.9kW this is a great stove to heat all rooms. It's extremely simple to maintain and use. Its curving lines and classic style makes it a great choice for modern or traditional design. The flat back design means it can be inserted into smaller recesses and it's very easy to set up a direct air system using this model to improve the efficiency of the system.

This stove also has an ash dump built-in which makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them up regularly. This reduces the risk of dust and odours escaping the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you have, and it's accessible with an remote control.

As the debate rages about whether or not outdoor woodburning stoves stoves are good for your health We can all agree that they provide a lovely ambience in our homes. However, it's important to keep in mind the negative effects of particulate matter and the ways that burning wood burner stoves or other forms of fuels can impact the quality of our indoor air and health. If you're installing a woodburner, it's recommended that you close the door when you are not working on the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing watching the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get in your breathing system. This has resulted in new regulations being put in place and new log burners need to meet higher standards. This helps reduce creosote build-up, smoke leakage and more importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners have to 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. The stove features a large-screen 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 energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it can be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it is already in compliance with European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves which will be in effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air vent kit. It's now easier to install than ever. This is a robust model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean since the body is coated with an enamel that repels dirt and grime.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that have the full 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 specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have gained cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, hotplate tops and integral ovens as well as a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on brand and also demonstrates that they are able to provide a superior product at a cost that won't break the bank. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure which direction the directive is headed and want to be confident that their fireplace will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.