The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by the wood burners?

New stoves are designed to comply with the EcoDesign directive. 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 scrimp on performance. It's a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free since it has Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for small wood burning stove larger spaces and the large fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.

It features a contemporary steel body that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It comes with an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clean and prevents soot accumulation. The stove has excellent efficiency during the winter months, which means that a significant portion of the heat produced is transferring to your home, rather than being lost to the chimney.

Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years since it was demonstrated that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air called PM2.5 that has been linked to lung and heart issues. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. These are only a small part of the total pollution created by burning fossil fuels such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood stoves are a source of this pollutant.

The right wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood types that can be employed, including eucalyptus and ash. Eucalyptus is quick-burning, but also offers a lot heat, is an excellent choice. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good option, but it's difficult to work with due to 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 it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner designed to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, back by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are extremely popular, and despite the directive maze that is surrounding them they're not going to disappear. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for much more stricter restrictions and even a complete ban on log wood burner burners, so it's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you shop for new log fires or a multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one of the companies which is working to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have released a widescreen version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a huge door glass that gives you the best flame view and an airwash system that helps to prevent soot from accumulating.

This stove is simple to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. The curving lines and classical design makes it ideal for modern or traditional design. This model can be easily incorporated into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems using this model, which will improve the efficiency.

Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it very easy to clean up and remove the ashes regularly which reduces the risk of odours and dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you have, and it's available with the option of a remote control.

While the debate continues about whether or not woodburning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they create beautiful ambiences in our homes. However, it is important to consider the negative effects of particulate matter and the way that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can impact our indoor wood burner stove air quality and health. If you're installing a woodburner, it's recommended to shut the door when not working on the fire. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's soothing to watch the flames flutter, and it can help reduce blood pressure. However, it's not without its problems though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm due to the production of tiny soot particles that can get in your breathing system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that log burners 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 comply with a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only meets, but surpasses these new standards, but also exceeds them. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with the powerful air cleaning system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, which means it can be used in areas that are smoke-free. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves which will take the market in 2022.

This stove comes with a free air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than ever. It's a durable unit that's made from high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black and it's easy to keep clean because the body is coated with an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and verified to be environmentally friendly and efficient, this goes above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with a unique style that should not be missed out on. They specialize in small wood Burning stove, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves, which have earned them cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements integral ovens and hotplate tops, and a range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus 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 in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with ClearSkies level five credentials. It is a great option for those who are unsure which direction the directive is headed and want peace of mind that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.