Wood burners are believed to reduce blood pressure and relax. What do you think of the tiny particles of soot released by the wood burners?
Luckily, new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. You can have cozy and warm home, without compromising your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not sacrifice performance. It is a great choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas, since it comes with ClearSkies Level 5 credentials. This means it can be used to burn dry and seasoned wood logs or approved solid fuels. The high output of heat makes it a good option for larger spaces and the large fire glass offers a beautiful view of the flames.
It has a modern steel body which means it can be incorporated into traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding spaces. It comes with an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove has excellent seasonal efficiency, which means that a high percentage of the heat it produces is transferring to your home rather than being lost up the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of some criticism in recent times since it was shown that they can cause microscopic sooty particles in the air called PM2.5 which has been linked with heart and lung problems. However, the latest models that conform to the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to produce these particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
It is essential to choose the appropriate wood for your stove to ensure the highest heat output and the best combustion. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as ash. Eucalyptus is a good choice because it's fast-burning and produces a lot of heat, but it must be seasoned. Beech is also a great option, but it's difficult 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 as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies rated. This means you can use it with approved fuels as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a powerful burner designed to last, featuring a robust construction and 10-Year body warranty, which is back by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves are very popular and despite the directive muddle that surrounds them, they're not going anywhere. In fact, some groups are calling for tighter restrictions and even a ban on stoves that burn wood, so it's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations before you buy a new log fire or multifuel burner.
One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners high is Arada Stoves, who recently launched a widescreen version of their popular Holborn 5 Multifuel/Wood Burning stove. It's a DEFRA-approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready stove with a wide door glass that gives you an excellent flame picture and an airwash system to prevent soot build up.
With a power output of 4.9kW This is a fantastic stove for all rooms. It's extremely easy to maintain and use. The curvaceous lines and classic style make it suitable for modern or traditional style. small wood burning stoves means it can be fitted into shallower recesses and it's very easy to install a direct-air system with this model to boost the efficiency further.
The stove also has an ash dump built-in that makes it simple to remove ashes and clean them up regularly. 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 also accessible with the option of a remote control.
Wood-burning stoves create a beautiful atmosphere in our homes, regardless of whether they're healthy for us. It is important to think about the health effects of indoor air pollution and particulate matter. If you are installing a woodburner, it is recommended that you close the door when not tending to the flame. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to keep the air as healthy as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's relaxing watching the flames flicker, and it can help lower blood pressure. However, it's not all positive news. Research has shown that older stoves are dangerous because they release microscopic particles of soot that can enter your respiratory system. This has led to new regulations being put in place which means that all new log burners need to meet higher standards. This will cut down on creosote leakage, smoke accumulation and, most 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 does not just meet but also exceeds the new standards. The stove has a widescreen viewing glass that allows you to see the flames clearly. It is also kept clean with a powerful air washing system. The stove boasts an impressive energy efficiency of 80% and is DEFRA exempt meaning that it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets European emission standards for wood-burning stoves which will come into effect in 2022.
This stove comes with a no-cost air-ventilation kit. It's now easier to install than it has ever been. It's a robust little appliance, that has been built using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black and it's easy to keep clean as the body is coated with an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.
The clearSkies label on this stove demonstrates that it has been independently tested and verified to be sustainable and efficient, this goes beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. It's one of the few stoves on our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating which means you can be certain that this woodburner is as efficient as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become an established player among wood burner brands with a unique style that's not to be ignored. Chilli Penguin is known for its small multi-fuel stoves that come with a wide range of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is a perfect example of their focus on brand, and also shows that they can still provide a superior product at a cost that won't break the bank. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully conforms to the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also has ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It's the perfect option for those who don't know what the future direction of the directive is and want to be sure that their log burners will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.
