The Best Woodburners
The relaxing, blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove have been documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?
Luckily, new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can enjoy cozy and warm home without breaking your environmental obligations.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, yet does not sacrifice performance. It's a great option for those who live in smoke controlled areas as it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its high heat output makes it an excellent choice for large-sized rooms. The huge fire glass also allows you to enjoy the flames.
It is constructed from modern steel, and therefore can be used in both traditional inglenooks as well freestanding situations. 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 large portion of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home instead of being lost up the chimney.
Wood burners have come under a lot of criticism recently since it was shown that they can cause microscopic sooty particles in the air, known as PM2.5 which has been linked with lung and heart problems. However, newer models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. Wood burning stoves contribute to the pollution that is produced through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
It is important to choose the right wood for the stove to ensure the best heat output and combustion. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as Ash. Eucalyptus is quick-burning, but also offers lots of heat, is a great option. However, it needs to be well-seasoned. Beech is another great choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle without protective gloves.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's Defra-exempt and ClearSkies-rated, so you can use it as long as you adhere to the guidelines. It's a robust burner that is built to last, with solid construction and a 10-year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves remain extremely popular, and despite the directive muddle that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. Some groups have pushed for stricter regulations, and even a log burner ban. It's worth reading about our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you decide on the latest multifuel or log fire.
Arada Stoves is one company which is working to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that offers a great flame picture. There is also an airwash system that prevents soot build-up.
The stove is easy to use and has a a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curved lines and classical design make it suitable for traditional and contemporary design. This model can be easily placed in smaller spaces due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems using this model, which can increase the efficiency.
Another fantastic aspect of this stove is its built in ash dump which makes it easy to clean up and remove the ashes regularly, helping to reduce the possibility of odours or dust that escapes into the room. There are two kinds of flue adaptors dependent on the chimney type. It is also available with a wireless remote control.
While the debate continues about whether or not woodburning stoves are beneficial to your health, we can all agree that they create beautiful ambiences 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 fuels can impact the quality of our indoor air and health. If you are installing a woodburner, it is recommended that you close the door when you are not working on the flame. You should also regularly clean the stove to keep the air as clean as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
A woodburner adds a lovely atmosphere to a room. it's not just relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it can also help reduce blood pressure. There are antique wood burning stove , research has revealed that older stoves can cause harm because they release tiny particles of soot that end up into your breathing system. This has led to new regulations being put in place, which means that new log burners have to be able to meet the highest standards. This will reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, most important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must comply with the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that is in compliance, but even exceeds these new standards, but also exceeds them. It has a large, clear viewing window that gives you the best view of your flame and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% energy efficiency rating and is DEFRA exempt, meaning it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready. This means that it is already in compliance with European emission limits for wood-burning stoves which will come into 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 robust little appliance, that has been built using 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 keeps dirt and grime out.
The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be eco-friendly and efficient. This is above and over the minimum requirements laid out by Ecodesign. This is one of one stove on our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand that has a unique style that should not be missed out on. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves with various features and sizes. This 4.7kW model is a great illustration of their brand's focus and demonstrates that they can provide a top-quality product at an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current emissions limit of 5g/hr. It also has level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great choice for those who aren't sure where the directive is heading and want to be confident that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.