The Best Woodburners

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

Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can have a warm and cosy home without breaking your environmental obligations.

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-controlled areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a fantastic option for large spaces. The huge fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It is made of modern steel, which means it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well freestanding situations. It has an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot accumulation. The stove is extremely efficient, which means that it carries a large portion of the heat generated to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.

Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was discovered that they may contribute to the production of microscopic sooty particles referred to as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart problems. However, the latest models that are made to conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution that is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

The right wood for your stove is crucial to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice because it's fast-burning and offers a great deal of heat, however it needs to be well and properly seasoned. Beech is a different option, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle even with protective gloves.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means 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 are still popular despite the confusing directives that are thrown at them. Some groups have called for tighter regulations and the ban of log burners. It's worth reading about our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you shop for a new multifuel or log fire.

One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass that provides the best flame view and an airwash system to avoid soot build up.

This stove is easy to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. The curvaceous lines and classic style make it suitable for both traditional and modern decor. This model can be easily fitted into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems on this model, which will increase the efficiency.

Another excellent aspect of this stove is its built-in ash dump that makes it easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly and reduces the chance of odours and dust that escapes into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you have, and it's equipped with a remote control.

As the debate rages about whether or not woodburning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create a beautiful ambiences in our homes. However, it's important to consider the effects of particulate matter as well as the way that burning wood or other forms of fuel can affect the quality of indoor air as well as health. If you're installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not tending to the fire. 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 to watch the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has proven that older stoves are harmful because they release microscopic particles of soot that could get into your respiratory system. New regulations are in place to ensure that stoves are up to the highest standards. This helps to cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build up and more importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must be in compliance 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. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean thanks to a powerful air washing system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It is DEFRA exempt, which means it is able to be used in areas that are smoke-free. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will be in force in 2022.

This stove comes with a no-cost air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than it has ever been. It's a robust little appliance constructed using top-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.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be sustainable and efficient, this goes beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. This is one of only a few stoves in our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among shed Wood burner (www.borderpeaceschool.or.kr) burner brands with a unique style that's not to be ignored. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements integral ovens and hotplate tops and a variety of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their focus on brand, and also shows that they can still provide a superior product at a price that won't cost you a fortune. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully compliant to the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It's the perfect option for those who aren't sure what the directive will be and want to feel secure that their log burners will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.