The Best Woodburners
The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove are well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?
Fortunately, the latest stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. This means you can enjoy a warm, cosy home, without breaking your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't skimp on performance. It's an excellent choice for those living in areas with smoke restrictions since it comes with the Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it a great option for large spaces. The huge fire glass also lets you to take pleasure in the flames.
It features a contemporary steel body which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding areas. It features an air wash system which keeps the glass clean, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove is a great seasonal efficiency, meaning that a high percentage of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home rather than going up the chimney.
The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because 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 issues. However, modern models that meet 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.
It is crucial to select the appropriate wood for your stove to ensure the best heat output and combustion. Many types of wood can be employed, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is a great choice since it burns quickly and produces a lot 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 without protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to handle the upcoming changes to regulations that were recently implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated, which means you can use it with approved fuels provided you adhere to the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that's built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, which is supported by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing regulations that surround them. Some groups have called for tighter regulations and a log burner ban. It's worth reading our guide on the pollution of stoves and regulations before you decide on the latest multifuel or log fire.
One company that is making an effort to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves, who recently released a widescreen version 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 provides a great flame picture. There is also an airwash system which prevents soot accumulation.
With a maximum heat output of 4.9kW This is a fantastic stove for all rooms. It's very easy to maintain and use. The curvaceous lines and classic design make it suitable for modern or traditional decor. The flat back design means that it can be placed in shallower recesses. It's also very simple to install a direct-air system using this model to improve the efficiency of the system.
indoor wood burning stove of this stove is the built-in ash dump, which makes it easy to clean up and remove the ashes regularly which reduces the possibility of odours or dust that escapes into the room. You can select between two types of flue adaptors, according to the chimney type you have. It also comes with wireless remote control.
While the debate rages on about whether wood burning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create lovely ambience in our homes. However, it's important to keep in mind the negative effects of particulate matter as well as the ways that burning wood or other forms of fuel can affect the quality of indoor air as well as health. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended that you keep the door shut when you're not in the vicinity of the fire. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to ensure the air is as clean as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's relaxing watching the flames flicker and help reduce blood pressure. But there's not a lot of good news. Studies have shown that older stoves can be harmful because they emit microscopic particles of soot which can get into your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into place which means that all new log burners need to meet higher standards. This helps to cut down on creosote leakage, smoke build-up and most importantly - harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
New woodburners have to comply with a new standard and this is where the Go Eco 5kW Plus stands out. This multi-fuel stove does not just meet but also exceeds the new standards. It features a large-screen glass view window that provides an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 80. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning it can be used within smoke-free areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will be in effect in 2022.
This stove comes with a complimentary air vent kit. It is now easier to install than ever. It's a sturdy little unit, that has been built with high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been sprayed with an enamel that repels dirt.
This stove is the clearSkies label, which signifies 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 very few stoves we've reviewed that has the complete five-star clearSkies rating so you can be sure that this woodburner is as good as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner manufacturer with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have achieved popularity due to their low flue-draught requirements stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their brand focus, and also shows that they can still deliver an excellent product at a cost that isn't too costly. 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 credentials. It is a great choice for those who aren't sure what direction the directive is going and want to rest assured that their stove remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.
