The Best Woodburners
The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner have been documented. 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 cozy home without breaking your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It is a great choice for people who live in smoke-free areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs as well as approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a great option for larger rooms and the large glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.
It is equipped with a modern steel frame that allows it to be installed into both traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It has an air wash system that keeps the glass clear and stops the accumulation of soot. The stove is a great efficiency during the winter months, which means that a large portion of the heat it produces is transferring to your home instead of being lost to the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of many criticisms in recent years since it was shown that they can contribute to microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 which has been linked with lung and heart issues. However, modern models that comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. Wood burners contribute to pollution produced through the burning of fossil fuels like gas and coal.
It is essential to choose the correct wood for the stove to ensure the most efficient heat output and combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be used for burning, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus, which is quick-burning, but also offers lots of heat, is a good choice. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is another good choice but its sharp thorns make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept is designed to meet the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it as it is if you follow the guidelines. It's a robust burner designed to last, with solid construction and a 10-year body warranty, back by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves are still popular despite the confusing guidelines that are thrown at the use of these stoves. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and a log burner ban. It's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you decide on a new multifuel or log fire.
One company which is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers an amazing flame image. It also has an airwash system which prevents soot build-up.
This stove is simple to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic design make it ideal for modern or traditional design. This model can be easily placed in smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems on this model, which will improve the efficiency.
The stove also comes with an integrated ash dump which makes it simple to remove ashes and clean them frequently. This helps reduce the risk of odours and dust escaping the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you have, and it's equipped with an remote control.
While the debate continues about whether or not woodburning stoves are beneficial to your health We can all agree that they create wonderful ambience in our homes. It is crucial to consider the health risks of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you're planning to install a woodburner it is recommended that you keep the door shut when you're not in the vicinity of the fire and regularly clean the stove to ensure that the indoor air is as healthy as possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's enjoyable watching the flames flicker, and it can help reduce blood pressure. There are some issues however, research has revealed that older stoves can cause harm due to the production of microscopic soot particles that get in your breathing system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that stoves meet higher standards. This helps reduce creosote build-up, smoke leakage and more importantly, harmful gases like 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 not only meets, but surpasses the new standards. It has a widescreen glass viewing window that offers an excellent view of the flame, and is kept clean with a powerful air wash system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% energy efficiency rating and is DEFRA exempt meaning that 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 wood burning stove emissions which will take force in 2022.
This stove comes with a free air-ventilation kit. It's now easier to install than it has ever been. This is a robust unit that's made from high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black and it's easy to keep clean as 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 environmentally friendly and efficient. This is above and beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. This is one of only one stove on our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among wood burner brands with a unique style that shouldn't be overlooked. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves that come with various options and sizes. contemporary wood burning stoves is a great illustration of their brand's focus and demonstrates their ability to offer a premium product at an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner can be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully conforming to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has level five ClearSkies credentials. It's the ideal choice for those who don't know what the future direction of the directive is and want to be confident that their log burners will be free of smoke control regulations.