The Best Woodburners

The relaxation, blood pressure-lowering benefits of a wood stove are well-documented. But what about the microscopic sooty particles they release into the air?

New stoves are made to be in line with the EcoDesign directive. 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 a great choice for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions since it has Level 5 ClearSkies certification, which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a great choice for large-sized rooms. The huge fire glass also permits 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 comes with an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is extremely efficient, meaning it transfers a large percentage of the heat it produces to your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.

The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, as it was shown that they may contribute to the production of tiny sooty air particles called PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung problems. However, the latest models that are made to comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. They are just a small part of the overall pollution generated from burning fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollution.

Choosing the right wood for your stove is vital to ensure optimal heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus, which is quick-burning, but also offers plenty of heat, is a great choice. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to work with due to its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to cope with the upcoming 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 burner that is durable and comes with a 10-year body warranty and a sturdy construction. The heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Corner Wood heater burning stoves are still very popular and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them and their use, they're going to stay. Some groups have pushed for tighter regulations and even the ban of log burners. It's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations, prior to shopping for an all-fuel or log fire.

One company that is trying to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves. They have recently launched a widescreen model of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a huge glass door that provides a great flame picture. There is also an airwash system that prevents soot accumulation.

With a heat output of 4.9kW this is a fantastic stove for most rooms and it's also very easy to operate and maintain. The curving lines and classic style make it suitable for traditional and modern design. This model is easily fitted into smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems on this model, which can increase the efficiency.

Another great characteristic of this stove is the built-in ash dump that makes it easy to remove and clean out ashes on a regular basis and reduces the possibility of odours or dust escaping into the room. You can select between two kinds of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It also comes with a wireless remote control.

outdoor wood burning cookers-burning stoves create a lovely ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they're good for health. It is important to think about the health risks of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you're installing a woodburner, it's recommended to shut the door when not tending to the fire. You should also regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as is possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

It's enjoyable to watch the flames flicker and help lower blood pressure. But it's not all good news. Research has proven that older stoves online are dangerous because they release microscopic particles of soot that can enter your respiratory system. This has resulted in new regulations being put in place, which means that new log burners have to meet higher standards. This will reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation 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 exceeds the new standards. The stove comes with a widescreen viewing glass that lets you see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean by a powerful air washing system. This stove has an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means it is already in compliance with European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions which will take effect in 2022.

This stove comes with a complimentary air vent kit. It's now easier to install than ever. It's a robust little appliance, that has been built with high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean since the body is coated in an enamel that repels dirt and grime.

This stove comes with an clearSkies label, which signifies that it has been independently tested and confirmed as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves we've reviewed that has the full five-star clearSkies rating so you can be confident that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand with a maverick style that shouldn't be missed out on. They specialize in small shed wood stove, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have achieved an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements, integral ovens and hotplate tops, and a range of features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is an excellent example of their brand focus and demonstrates that they can provide a top-quality product at a price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current emissions limit of 5g/hr. It also has level five ClearSkies certification. It is the perfect choice for those who aren't sure what the future direction of the directive is and want to be sure that their log burners will be exempt from the smoke control regulations.