The Best Woodburners
Wood burners are known to reduce blood pressure and relax. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?
modern wood burner is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can enjoy a warm, cozy home without breaking your environmental obligations.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not compromise on performance. It is a great choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it an excellent choice for large-sized rooms. The large fire glass also permits you to take pleasure in the flames.
It features a contemporary steel frame that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It comes with an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it can transfer a significant amount of heat produced to your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.
Recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because it was discovered that they may contribute to the production of microscopic sooty particles called PM2.5. These particles have been associated with lung and heart problems. However, newer models that are made to comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. Wood burners contribute to pollution created from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.
Choosing the right wood for your stove is crucial to ensure the highest heating and combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus is fast-burning but also provides plenty of heat, is a great option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that's built 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 directives that are thrown at the use of these stoves. Some campaign groups have called for stricter regulations, and even a ban on log burners. It's worth reading about our guide on the pollution of stoves and regulations, before you decide on an all-fuel or log fire.
Arada Stoves is one company that is doing its part to keep woodburners popular. They've released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that gives an amazing flame image. There is also an airwash system which prevents the accumulation of soot.
With a heat output of 4.9kW this is a great stove to heat the majority of rooms. It's very easy to operate and maintain. The curvaceous lines and classic style make it suitable for both traditional and modern design. The flat back design means it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to install a direct-air system using this model to increase the efficiency even more.
Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is its built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis which reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping into the room. You can choose between two types of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It is also available with wireless remote control.
While the debate continues about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they provide a beautiful ambiences in our homes. It's important to consider the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. So, if you're going to install a woodburner it is recommended that you keep the door closed when not tending the fire. Also, you should regularly clean out the stove to ensure that the air is as healthy as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's relaxing watching the flames flicker and help reduce blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Studies have shown that older stoves are harmful due to the tiny particles of soot that could get into your respiratory system. This has led to new regulations being put in place and new log burners have to be able to meet the highest standards. This reduces creosote and smoke leakage and, most important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must comply with the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only is in compliance, but even exceeds the new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a widescreen glass view window that provides a great flame view, and is maintained clean by an air wash system that is powerful. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it can be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets the European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will be in force in 2022.
If that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit for free making it much easier than ever before to set up. It's a solid little stove, that has been built using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that wards off dirt.
This stove is the clearSkies label, which signifies that it has been independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of one stove on our list to have the five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big brand in the world of wood burners with a distinctive style that's not to be ignored. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have achieved popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops as well as a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their focus on brand and demonstrates that they can deliver a superior product for a price that's not too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully conforming to the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also has ClearSkies level five certification. It is a great option for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want to be confident that their log burner will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.