The Best Woodburners
Wood burners are believed to reduce blood pressure and relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?
Fortunately, the latest stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can have cozy and warm home, without compromising your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, yet doesn't compromise on performance. It's an excellent choice for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions since it has the Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it an ideal option for larger rooms and the huge glass firebox provides a stunning view of the flames.
It is made of modern steel, so it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well freestanding situations. It comes with an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, which means that a significant portion of the heat it generates is transferring into your home rather than being lost to the chimney.
Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was shown that they can contribute to the creation of tiny sooty air particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been associated with lung and heart issues. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. They are just a small portion of the overall pollution generated by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burners are a source of this pollutant.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is crucial to ensure optimal combustion and heat output. There are a variety of wood types that can be used, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is a great choice since it burns quickly and offers a great deal of heat, but it requires to be prepared. Beech is another good choice however its thorns that are vicious make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes in regulations that have been implemented, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means you can use it with approved fuels so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner designed to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing guidelines that surround the use of these stoves. Some campaign groups have pushed for tighter regulations and the ban of log burners. It's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations, before you decide on a new multifuel or log fire.
One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who have recently launched a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a huge glass door that provides 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 fantastic stove for most rooms and it's also extremely easy to operate and maintain. The curvaceous lines and classic style make it suitable for both traditional and modern decor. The flat back design means 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 fantastic feature of this stove is its built-in ash dump, which makes it easy to remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis which reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are old wood burning stove of flue adaptors, dependent on the chimney type. It also comes with wireless remote control.
As the debate rages about whether or not woodburning stoves are beneficial to your health We can all agree that they create beautiful ambiences in our homes. It's important to consider the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended to shut the door when not working on the flame. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as it can be.
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 lower blood pressure. There are some issues though, research has found that older stoves can cause harm as they produce tiny particles of soot that end up into your breathing system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that stoves meet higher standards. This reduces the risk on creosote leakage, smoke build up and more 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 surpasses the new standards. It has a large, clear viewing window that gives you an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by an air wash system that is powerful. This stove boasts an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will come into force in 2022.
This stove comes with a complimentary air vent kit. It is now easier to install than it has ever been. It's a solid little stove constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated in an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.
This stove has a clearSkies label, which indicates that it was independently tested and verified as efficient and environmentally friendly. This goes above and beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only a few stoves in our list that carry the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major brand in the world of wood burners with a maverick flair that is not to be missed. 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 example of their focus on brand and demonstrates their ability to provide a top-quality product at an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully compliant to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has ClearSkies level five certification. It is a great choice for those who aren't sure what direction the directive is going and want to be confident that their log burner will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.