The Best Woodburners

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

New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. You can enjoy a warm, cozy home without breaking your environmental obligations.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance but doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great choice for those living in areas with smoke restrictions since it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies certification that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a good choice for larger rooms and the large fire glass provides a stunning view of your flames.

It is made of modern steel, and therefore can be installed in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding spaces. It features an air wash system which keeps the glass clean, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, which means that a significant portion of the heat it produces is being transferred into your home, rather than being lost up the chimney.

The criticism of wood burning stoves has increased, because it was found that they can contribute to the creation of microscopic sooty particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to lung and heart issues. However, modern models that are made to meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. Wood burners contribute to pollution that is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

It is crucial to select the correct wood for the stove to ensure the most efficient heat output and the best combustion. There are a myriad of wood that can be burned such as eucalyptus, ash, hazel and beech. Eucalyptus, which is fast-burning and also produces lots of heat, is a good choice. However, it must be well-seasoned. Beech is another great choice, but its vicious thorns make it difficult to handle even with 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 so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner that is built to last, with a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, which is backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain very popular and, despite the directive maze that is surrounding them, they're not going anywhere. In fact, some groups are calling for much more stricter restrictions and even a ban on log burners, which is why it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you go shopping for an updated log fire or multifuel burner.

Arada Stoves is one company that is doing its part to keep woodburners popular. They have launched an exp flames flicker, but it can also help lower blood pressure. But there's not a lot of good news. Research has proven that older stoves are harmful because they release microscopic particles of soot which can enter your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log stoves are up to the highest standards. This reduces smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, most importantly, harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

New woodburners must comply 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 allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean by the powerful air cleaning system. This stove has an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt which means it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready which means that it already meets European restrictions on the emissions of cheapest wood burning stove-burning stoves that will be in force in 2022.

This stove comes with a complimentary air vent kit. It's now easier to install than ever. It's a durable model made of premium steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean since the body has been coated with an enamel that repels dirt.

This stove is an clearSkies label, which means that it was independently tested and verified as environmentally friendly and efficient. This goes above and beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. This is one of only a few stoves in our list that carry the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among cheap wood burners burner brands with a distinctive style that's not to be ignored. They are known for their small multi-fuel stoves that come with various sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a great example of their brand focus and demonstrates their ability to provide a top-quality product at the price that's not too high. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current emission limit of 5g/hr. It also has ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It is a great choice for those who aren't sure what direction the directive is going and want to be confident that their log burner will continue to be exempt from the smoke control regulations.