The Best Woodburners
Wood burners are believed to reduce blood pressure and help relax. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?
Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can have a warm and cosy home without breaking your environmental responsibilities.
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 it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it an ideal option for larger spaces and the huge fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.
It is constructed of modern steel, which means it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding situations. wood burners is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and prevents the build-up of soot. The stove is highly efficient, which means that it transfers a large percentage of the heat it produces to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.
woodburning stove have been the subject of some criticism in recent times because it has been shown that they can contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air called PM2.5, which has been linked with lung and heart issues. However, newer models that conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. These are only a small part of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels like gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure the highest heating and combustion. There are many kinds of wood that can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as ash. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice due to its rapid burning and provides a lot of heat, but it needs to be well seasoned. Beech is another great choice but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with 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 designed to last, with sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves remain very popular and despite the directive muddle that surrounds them they're not going to disappear. Some groups have pushed for tighter regulations and a log burner ban. It's worth reading about our guide on stove pollution and regulations, before you shop for an all-fuel or log fire.
One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners up is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen model 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 gives a great flame picture. It also has an airwash system that stops soot build-up.
The stove is easy to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. Its curved lines and classic style make it ideal for both traditional and modern decor. The flat back design means that it can be placed in shallower recesses. It's also very simple to set up a direct air system to increase the efficiency even more.
Another fantastic aspect of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis, helping to reduce the risk of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors, depending on your chimney type. It is also available with wireless remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a lovely atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether they are good for health. It's important to consider the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended you keep the door closed when not tending the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the air is as clean as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's soothing watching the flames flicker, and it can help reduce blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has proven that older stoves are dangerous due to the tiny particles of soot which can enter your respiratory system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that log stoves are up to the highest standards. This helps to cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must be in compliance with a brand 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 features a large-screen glass viewing window that offers an excellent view of the flame, and is kept clean with a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It is DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves that will come into force in 2022.
This stove comes with a no-cost air ventilation kit. It's now simpler to install than it has ever been. It's a solid little stove, that has been built using top-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that repels dirt.
The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be eco-friendly and efficient. This goes over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list that carry the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established player among wood burner brands with a unique style that's not to be ignored. They are known for their small multi-fuel stoves, which come in a wide range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a fantastic illustration of their brand's focus and shows that they can deliver a superior product for an affordable price that isn't too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully conforming to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also comes with level five ClearSkies credentials. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want to rest assured that their log burner remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.