What Freud Can Teach Us About Best Woodburners

The Best Woodburners

Wood burning stoves are known to reduce blood pressure and help relax. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?

Fortunately, the latest stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in the back of your mind. So you can enjoy a warm and cozy home without breaking your environmental commitments.

1. Ekol Edge

The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's a great option for those living in areas that are smoke-free since it is certified with Level 5 ClearSkies certification which means it can be used with dry and seasoned wood and approved solid fuels. The high heat output makes it an excellent option for large spaces. The generous fire glass also lets you to enjoy the flames.

It is constructed of modern steel, so it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks and freestanding situations. It has an air wash system which keeps the glass clean and helps prevent the accumulation of soot. The stove is highly efficient, meaning it can transfer a significant amount of the heat it produces into your home instead of going up the chimney.

Wood burners have come under a lot of criticism recently because it has been shown that they can cause microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5 which has been linked to heart and lung problems. Newer models that comply with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to create these sooty particles. These are only a small portion of the overall pollution produced from burning fossil fuels, such as gas and coal, however there is no doubt that wood burning stoves are the primary source of this pollutant.

Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is vital to ensure the highest combustion and heat output. Many types of wood can be used, including eucalyptus and Ash. Eucalyptus is a good choice due to its rapid burning and produces a lot of heat, however it needs to be well and properly seasoned. Beech is also a good alternative, but it's hard to handle because of its thorns.

The Ekol Adept has been designed to cope with the upcoming changes to regulations that were recently implemented as well as being Defra exempt and ClearSkies certified, which means that you can use it with approved fuels, provided you adhere to the guidelines. It is a heavy-duty sturdy burner with a 10-Year Body Warranty and a robust construction. The heating performance is also impressive.

2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen

Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing directives that are thrown at the use of these stoves. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and even a log burner ban. It's worth reading our guide on stove pollution and regulations prior to shopping for a new multifuel or log fire.

Arada Stoves is one company which is working to ensure that woodburners remain popular. They have released a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/wood burning stove small Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that gives an amazing flame image. There's also an airwash system which prevents soot build-up.

With a heat output of 4.9kW this is a great stove to heat all rooms. It's extremely easy to maintain and use. The curving lines and classical design make it suitable for modern or traditional style. The flat back design means that it can be fitted into shallower recesses, and it's easy to install a direct air system to increase the efficiency even more.

Another fantastic feature of this stove is its built-in ash dump, which makes it very easy to clean and remove ashes on a regular basis and reduces the risk of odours and dust getting into the room. There's a choice of two flue adaptors (standard or pre-fabricated) depending on the chimney type you are using, and it's available with an remote control.

While the debate rages on about whether wood-burning stoves are good for your health We can all agree that they provide a beautiful ambiences in our homes. But, it's important to consider the negative effects of particulate matter and the way that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. If you are installing an appliance that burns wood, it is recommended to shut the door when you are not working on the flame. Also, you should regularly clean the stove to ensure that the air as healthy as possible.

3. Go Eco 5kW Plus

A woodburner adds a lovely atmosphere to any room, it's not only relaxing to watch the flames dance, but it can also help to reduce blood pressure. There are some issues however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm due to the production of tiny soot particles that can get in your breathing system. This has resulted in new regulations being put into 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 have to comply 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. It has a large, clear view window that provides the best view of your flame and is kept clean with a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive rating of 80% energy efficiency and is DEFRA exempt which means it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, which means it already meets the European emissions restrictions for wood-burning stoves that will come into effect in 2022.

As if that weren't enough, this stove is supplied with a free air venting kit, making it easier than ever to install. It's a durable stove made of high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black. It's easy to clean as the body has been sprayed with an enamel that wards off dirt.

The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and verified to be environmentally 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 have the entire five-star ClearSkies rating.

4. Chilli Penguin Defrost

Chilli Penguin is a feisty Welsh wood burner brand that has a maverick style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialise in small do-it-all 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 a great example of their brand focus and shows that they can provide a top-quality product at the price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner is suited for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current emissions limit of 5g/hr. It also comes with the level five ClearSkies credentials. It is a great option for those who aren't sure which direction the directive is headed and want to be confident that their fireplace remains exempt from the smoke control regulations.