Wood burners are known to lower blood pressure and help relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?
The good news is that new stoves are built with the EcoDesign directive in mind. So 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 fantastic choice for those who live in smoke-free areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 certification. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs, or approved solid fuels. Its high heat output also makes it a good option for larger spaces and the huge glass firebox provides a stunning view of your flames.
It has a modern steel frame that allows it to be used in both traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It has an integrated air wash system, which keeps the glass clean and avoids soot build-up. The stove is a great efficiency during the winter months, which means that a significant portion of the heat produced is being transferred into your home, rather than being lost up the chimney.
The recent criticism of wood burners has increased, because it was shown that they could contribute to the production of microscopic sooty particles known as PM2.5. These particles have been linked to heart and lung issues. However, newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to create these particles. They are just a small portion of the overall pollution generated from burning fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood stoves are the main source of this pollution.
Choosing the right wood for your stove is vital to ensure the best heat output and combustion. There are a variety of wood that can be burned, including eucalyptus, ash hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus, which is quick-burning, but also offers a lot heat, is an excellent choice. However, woodburning stove must be well-seasoned. Beech is also a great alternative, but it's hard to manage due to its thorns.
The Ekol Adept has been designed to cope with the upcoming changes to regulations that have been implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means that you can use it with approved fuels, so long as you follow the guidelines. It's a heavy-duty burner that is built to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, backed up by its incredibly impressive heating performance.
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 advocacy groups are calling for much stricter restrictions, and even a complete ban on log burners, which is why it's worth reading our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you shop for a new log fire or multifuel burner.
One company doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners up is Arada Stoves, who have recently launched a widescreen model of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner with a large glass door that gives a great flame picture. It also has an airwash system that stops soot build-up.
This stove is easy to use, and has a heat output rating of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic style makes it a great choice for both traditional and modern design. This model is easily incorporated into smaller recesses due to its flat back design. It is also easy to install direct air systems on this model, which will improve the efficiency.
Another fantastic aspect of this stove is the built in ash dump which makes it easy to clean up and remove ashes on a regular basis and reduces the possibility of odours or dust escaping into the room. There are two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) dependent on the type of chimney you have, and it's equipped with a remote control.
Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether they are good for our health. It's important to consider the health consequences of indoor pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing a woodburner, it's recommended to shut the door when not interacting with the flame. It is also recommended to regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as clean as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's soothing to watch the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has shown that older stoves are dangerous due to the tiny particles of soot that could get into your respiratory system. New regulations are in place to ensure that log stoves meet higher standards. This helps to cut down on smoke leakage, creosote build-up and most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must comply with the new safety standards. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not only meets, but surpasses these new standards, but also exceeds them. It features a large-screen glass viewing window that gives you 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 which means it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets the European emission limits for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.
This stove comes with a no-cost air-ventilation kit. It's now simpler to install than ever. This is a robust unit that's made from 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 repels dirt and grime.
This stove is the clearSkies label, which means that it was independently tested and verified as eco-friendly and efficient. This goes beyond the basic requirements of Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves on our list that have the full five star clearSkies rating, so you can be sure that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player among wood burner brands with a distinctive style that is not to be missed. They are renowned for their small multi-fuel stoves that come with various sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a prime example of their focus on brand, and also shows that they can still provide an excellent product at a price that isn't too costly. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully compliant to the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also has the level five ClearSkies certification. It is a great option for those who are not sure which direction the directive is headed and want peace of mind that their stove will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.
