The Best Woodburners
The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood stove have been well-documented. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by the wood burners?
Luckily, new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. So you can enjoy a warm and cozy home without breaking your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great choice for those who live in smoke controlled areas as it has the Level 5 ClearSkies credentials, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger spaces, and the generous fire glass offers a beautiful view of your flames.
It is constructed of modern steel, so it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding ones. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clear, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, meaning that a significant portion of the heat it produces is transferring to your home instead of going up the chimney.
The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was discovered that they can contribute to the production of microscopic sooty air particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been associated with lung and heart issues. However, the latest models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. These are only a small part of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.
Choosing the right wood for your stove is vital to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood types that can be used, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is quick-burning, but also offers a lot heat, is a good option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is a great alternative, but it's hard to handle because of its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it so long as you adhere to the guidelines. It is a heavy-duty sturdy burner with a 10-year body warranty and a strong construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves are very popular and, despite the directive maze that surrounds them they're not going to disappear. In fact, some groups are calling for much stricter restrictions, and even a ban on log burners, which is why it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for a new log fire or multifuel burner.
One company that is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass, which gives you an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to prevent soot from accumulating.
This stove is simple to use, and has an output of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classic design makes it ideal for traditional and modern decor. old wood burning stove means that it can be placed in shallower recesses and it's very easy to install a direct air system using this model to boost the efficiency further.
Another excellent aspect of this stove is its built-in ash dump that makes it easy to remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis which reduces the chance of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you have, and it's also equipped with the option of a remote control.
As the debate rages about whether wood burning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a wonderful ambience in our homes. But, it's important to consider the impact of particulate matter and the ways that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can impact the quality of our indoor air and health. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended to shut the door when you are not tending to the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
A woodburner can add a wonderful ambience to a room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it can also help to lower blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm because they release tiny soot particles that can get into your breathing system. This has led to new regulations being put into place, which means that new log burners need to be able to meet the highest standards. This will cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly - harmful gases such as 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 exceeds the new standards. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with a powerful air washing system. This stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions regarding the emissions from wood-burning stoves that will be in the market in 2022.
This stove comes with a no-cost air vent kit. It's now simpler to install than it has ever been. It's a solid little stove, that has been built with 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 a clearSkies label, which means 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 a few stoves in our list to have the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with a maverick style that shouldn't be missed out on. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on branding and also shows that they can still 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 conforming to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has ClearSkies level five certification. It's the ideal choice for those who don't know what the future direction of the directive is and want to be confident that their log burners will remain free of smoke control regulations.