The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood burning stove are well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?

Luckily, new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can have a warm and cosy 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 great option for people who live in smoke-free areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger spaces, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is constructed from modern steel, so it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks and freestanding spaces. It comes with an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids soot build-up. The stove is highly efficient, which means that it transfers a large percentage of the heat generated into your home instead of being directed up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was discovered that they could contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart problems. However, the latest models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution produced from burning fossil fuels, like gas and coal.

It is essential to choose the appropriate wood for your stove to ensure the highest heat output and combustion. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as Ash. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning but also provides a lot heat, is a good choice. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to work with due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it as long as you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust burner designed to last, with sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing guidelines that surround the use of these stoves. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for tighter restrictions and even a complete ban on log burners, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you shop for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

One company trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who recently released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers the best flame image. There's also an airwash system that prevents the accumulation of soot.

The stove is easy to use, and has a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classical style make it ideal for traditional and contemporary style. This model can be easily incorporated into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems with this model, which will improve the efficiency.

Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis which reduces the risk of odours and dust getting into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you have, and it's accessible with a remote control.

Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether they're healthy for us. But, it's important to consider the negative effects of particulate matter and how burning wood and other kinds of fuels can impact our indoor air quality and health. If you are installing a woodburner, it is recommended to shut the door when you are not interacting with the flame. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as clean as it can be.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner adds a lovely atmosphere to a room. it's not just relaxing to watch the flames flicker but it also helps reduce blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Studies have shown that older stoves can be harmful because they release microscopic particles of soot that could get into your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log burners meet higher standards. This reduces the risk on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply with a brand new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out, this multi-fuel stove not only meets but exceeds the new standards. It has a widescreen glass view window that provides the best view of your flame and is kept clean with the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets the European emission limits for cheap wood burners for sheds wood burners (Huenhue official website) burning stoves that will come into effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air vent kit. It is now easier to install than ever. It's a solid little stove constructed 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 demonstrates that it has been independently tested and verified to be eco-friendly and efficient, this is above and over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. It's among the few stoves we've reviewed that have the full five-star ClearSkies rating, so you can be sure that this woodburner is as good as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established player among wood burner brands with a maverick flair that's not to be ignored. They specialise in small do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements integral ovens and hotplate tops, and a range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a fantastic illustration of their brand's focus and shows that they can offer a premium product at the price that's not too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has the level five ClearSkies qualifications. It's the perfect option for those who don't know what the directive will be and want to be sure that their log burners are exempt from the smoke control regulations.