The Best Woodburners
Wood burning stoves are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. What about the tiny soot particles released by them?
New stoves are designed to comply with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy a warm and cosy home, without compromising your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't scrimp on performance. It's a great option 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, or approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a great option for larger rooms, and the generous glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.
It is made of modern steel, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system that keeps the glass clean and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning that it can transfer a significant amount of the heat it produces to your home, instead of going up the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of some criticism in recent times, as it has been shown that they can contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which has been linked to heart and lung problems. However, the latest models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution created through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned in your stove, including eucalyptus hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus, which is quick-burning, but also offers lots of heat, is an excellent option. However, it should be well-seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. helpful hints -exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that's built to last, with sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing directives that surround them. Some groups have called for stricter regulations, and even the ban of log burners. It's worth checking out our guide on the pollution of stoves and regulations, prior to shopping for a new multifuel or log fire.
One company trying to keep the popularity of woodburners 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 woodburner that has a large glass door that gives a great flame picture. There's also an airwash system that stops soot accumulation.
This stove is simple to use and has a an output of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic style makes it a great choice for both traditional and modern design. This model can be easily placed in smaller spaces because of its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems on this model, which can increase the efficiency.
Another fantastic characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it simple to clean and remove the ashes regularly and reduces the chance of odours and dust getting into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you have, and it's also accessible with a remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes regardless of whether they're good for health. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not interacting with the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as healthy as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's soothing watching 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 harmful due to the tiny particles of soot that can get into your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that stoves are up to the highest standards. This will reduce creosote and smoke leakage and more importantly, harmful gases like 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. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers the best view of your flame and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. This stove has an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it already meets the European restrictions on the emissions of wood-burning stoves that will come into effect in 2022.
If that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit for free making it much easier than ever to put it in place. It's a robust little appliance, that has been built 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.
This stove is the clearSkies label, which means that it has been independently tested and verified as eco-friendly and efficient. This is above the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves we've reviewed that have the full five-star clearSkies rating which means you can be certain that this woodburner is as good as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big brand in the world of wood burners with a maverick flair that shouldn't be overlooked. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves, which come in an array of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model exemplifies their brand focus and also demonstrates that they can still deliver an excellent product at a price that isn't too costly. 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 comes with ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It's the perfect option for those who aren't sure where the directive will go and want to be sure that their log burners will be exempt from the smoke control regulations.