The Best Woodburners
The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove are well-documented. What about the tiny soot particles released by the wood burners ?
Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can have cozy and warm home, without compromising your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great option for those living in areas with smoke restrictions since it is certified with the Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a fantastic option for large spaces. The large fire glass also permits you to enjoy the flames.
It has a modern steel frame, which means it can be used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It comes with an integrated air wash system that keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot accumulation. The stove is extremely seasonal efficiency, meaning that a high percentage of the heat it produces is transferring to your home rather than being lost up the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years, as it has been shown that they can contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 that has been linked to lung and heart issues. However, newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. They are just a small part of the total pollution created from burning fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, but there is no doubt that wood stoves are the main source of this pollutant.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is crucial to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech and hazel. Eucalyptus is a good choice due to its rapid burning and offers a great deal of heat, but it requires to be seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to handle because of its thorns.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to be able to withstand the imminent changes in regulations that were recently implemented, and it's Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means you can use it with approved fuels, provided you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust, durable burner with a 10-year Body Warranty and a strong construction. Its heating capabilities are also impressive.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves continue to be popular despite the confusing directives that govern the use of these stoves. In fact, some campaign groups are calling for much stricter restrictions, and even a ban on log burners, which is why it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to you shop for new log fires or a multifuel burner.
One company trying to keep the popularity of woodburners up is Arada Stoves, who have recently launched a widescreen version of their renowned Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a huge glass door that offers an amazing flame image. There is also an airwash system that prevents the accumulation of soot.
With a power output of 4.9kW, this is a fantastic stove for the majority of rooms. It's very easy to use and maintain. The curved lines and classical design make it suitable for modern or traditional design. This model can be easily fitted 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 great aspect of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it easy to remove and clean out the ashes regularly, helping to reduce the possibility of odours or dust getting into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the chimney type you have, and it's equipped with a remote control.
As the debate rages about whether wood burning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create a lovely ambience in our homes. However, it's important to consider the effects of particulate matter as well as the ways that burning wood and other kinds of fuel can affect the quality of our indoor air and health. If you are installing a woodburner, it's recommended that you close the door when you are not tending to the fire. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as clean as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's enjoyable to watch the flames flutter and help lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has proven that older stoves are 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 and new log burners must be able to meet the highest standards. This helps to cut down on creosote leakage, smoke build-up and most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners have to comply with a brand 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 features a large-screen glass view window that provides a great flame view, and is kept clean with an air wash system that is powerful. This stove has an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it can be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets the European emission standards for wood burning stoves that will be in effect in 2022.
If that wasn't enough the stove comes with a free air venting kit making it much easier than ever to install. It's a solid little stove constructed with high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean because the body is coated with an enamel that keeps dirt and grime out.
This stove is the clearSkies label, which signifies that it was independently tested and confirmed as efficient and environmentally friendly. This is above the fundamental requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of a few stoves in our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with an unorthodox style that shouldn't be missed out on. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves with an array of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on branding and also shows that they are able to provide the best quality product at a price that won't cost you a fortune. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies certification. It's the perfect option for those who don't know where the directive will go and want to be sure that their log burners will remain free of smoke control regulations.