The Best Woodburners
Wood burning stoves are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. What about the tiny soot particles released by them?
Fortunately, the latest stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. This means you can enjoy a warm and cosy home, without breaking your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance but does not compromise on performance. It's a fantastic choice for people who live in smoke-free areas, since it has ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means that it can burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a good option for larger rooms and the large fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.
It is made of modern steel, so it can be installed in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, meaning that a significant portion of the heat it produces is transferring into your home, rather than going up the chimney.
Wood burners have come under many criticisms in recent years since it was shown that they can contribute to tiny sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 which has been linked with heart and lung problems. However, the latest models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. They're only a tiny part of the overall pollution produced by burning fossil fuels like gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burners are a source of this pollution.
It is crucial to select the right wood for the stove in order to get the best heat output and the best combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned in your stove, including eucalyptus, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is fast-burning but also provides lots of heat, is a great option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to manage due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that is built 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 are still very popular and, despite the directive maze that surrounds them and their use, they're going to stay. In fact, some advocacy groups are calling for 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 buy new log fires or a multifuel burner.
One company that is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen model of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a large door glass that provides the best flame view and an airwash system to avoid soot build up.
With a power output of 4.9kW, this is a great stove for all rooms. It's very easy to use and maintain. Its curved lines and classic style make it suitable for both traditional and modern decor. This model is easily fitted into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems with this model, which will improve the efficiency.
Another great characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it simple to clean up and remove the ashes regularly and reduces the risk of odours and dust getting into the room. There are two types of flue adaptors, depending on your chimney type. It also comes with wireless remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for health. But, it's important to be aware of the negative effects of particulate matter and the way that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended that you shut the door when not tending the fire. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker, and it can help lower blood pressure. But there's not a lot of good news. Research has shown that older stoves are dangerous because they release microscopic particles of soot that could get into your respiratory system. New regulations are in place to ensure that stoves meet higher standards. This will cut down on creosote leakage, smoke accumulation and, most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners have to meet a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only meets, but surpasses the new standards, but also exceeds them. fireplacesandstove has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers a great flame view, and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used in areas that are smoke-free. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it is already in compliance with European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.
This stove comes with a free air ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a sturdy unit that's made from 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 is able to repel dirt and grime.
This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which means that it was independently tested and confirmed as environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with a unique style that should not be missed out on. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops, and a range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is an excellent example of their brand focus and demonstrates that they can deliver a superior product for the price that's not too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with level five ClearSkies certification. It is an excellent choice for those who are not sure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their log burner will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.