The Best Woodburners

Wood burners are believed to lower blood pressure and help relax. But what about the microscopic sooty particles that they release into the air?

The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. So 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, yet doesn't compromise on performance. It is a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas, as it has ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means that it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it an ideal choice for larger rooms and the huge glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is equipped with a modern steel body, which means it can be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It has an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove is a great seasonal efficiency, meaning that a significant portion of the heat it generates is transferring to your home, rather than being lost to the chimney.

The criticism of wood burning stoves has increased, as it was shown that they may contribute to the production of microscopic sooty air particles called PM2.5. These particles have been associated with lung and heart issues. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to generate these sooty particles. They're only a tiny part of the overall pollution generated from burning fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood burners are the primary source of this pollutant.

Choosing the right wood for your stove is crucial to ensure optimal combustion and heat output. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is a great choice since it burns quickly and provides a lot of heat, however it needs to be well prepared. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to manage due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that's built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, supported by its impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing regulations that surround them. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for stricter restrictions, and even a ban on log burners, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is a company that is doing their part to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have launched a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's a DEFRA-approved SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove Ultimate Portable Outdoor Cooking with Wood Burning Rocket Stove a huge door glass that provides an excellent flame picture and an airwash system that helps to prevent soot accumulation.

With a heat output of 4.9kW this is a fantastic stove for the majority of rooms. It's very easy to maintain and use. The curving lines and classic design make it suitable for both traditional and modern decor. This model can be easily placed in smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems with this model, which can increase the efficiency.

This stove also has an integrated ash dump which makes it simple to remove ashes and clean them up regularly. This reduces the risk of odours and dust getting out of the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the type of chimney you have, and it's also equipped with the option of a remote control.

As the debate rages about whether wood-burning stoves are good for your health, we can all agree that they create a wonderful ambience in our homes. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor air 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 ensure that the air as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner provides a beautiful atmosphere to any room, it's not just relaxing to watch the flames flicker but it also helps lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm due to the production of tiny particles of soot that end up in your breathing system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log stoves have higher standards. This will cut down on creosote leakage, smoke accumulation and, most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners have to meet the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only is in compliance, but even exceeds these new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a large, clear view window that provides the best view of your flame and is kept clean with the power of an air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, which means it can be used within smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it is already in compliance with European emission standards for wood burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.

This stove comes with a complimentary air-ventilation kit. It is now easier to install than ever. It's a sturdy little unit constructed using top-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean because the body is coated in an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.

The clearSkies label on this stove shows that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be sustainable and efficient, this goes above and above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player in the wood burner market with a maverick flair that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialise in small do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops, and a range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their brand focus and also shows that they can still provide a superior product at a cost that isn't too costly. This DEFRA-approved woodburner outdoor can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It is an excellent choice for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their fireplace will remain exempt from the smoke control regulations.