what google did to me and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood burner have been well-documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles they release into the air?
New stoves are designed to be compliant with the EcoDesign directive. So you can enjoy a warm and cozy home, and not break your environmental responsibilities.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge wood burner is simple in appearance, but does not sacrifice performance. It's an excellent choice for those who live in areas with smoke restrictions since it has Level 5 ClearSkies credentials which means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. Its large heat output makes it a great option 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 used in both traditional inglenooks and freestanding ones. It features an air wash system that keeps the glass clean, and prevents soot accumulation. The stove is extremely efficient, meaning it can transfer a significant amount of heat produced to your home, instead of being emitted up the chimney.
Wood burners have been the subject of 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 lung and heart problems. However, newer models that meet the Eco design Regulations are much less likely to generate these particles. Wood burners contribute to the pollution that is produced by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is essential to ensure the best combustion and heat output. Many types of wood can be utilized, including eucalyptus as well as ash. Eucalyptus is fast-burning and also produces lots of heat, is a great choice. However, it should 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 meet the new regulations. It's clearSkies-rated and Defra-exempt, which means you can use it as long as you adhere to 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 remain popular despite the confusing guidelines that are thrown at them. Some campaign groups have called for tighter regulations and even the ban of log burners. It's worth checking out our guide on stove pollution and regulations, prior to shopping for the latest multifuel or log fire.
One company which is doing its bit to keep the popularity of woodburners at a high is Arada Stoves. They have 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 large door glass that provides an impressive flame image and an airwash system to avoid soot build up.
The stove is easy to use, and has a heat output rating of 4.9kW. The curved lines and classical style make it suitable for traditional and modern decor. This model is easily placed in smaller spaces because of its flat back design. It is also simple to install direct air systems using this model, which can increase the efficiency.
This stove also has an ash dump built-in which makes it simple to clean ashes and remove them frequently. This decreases the chance of odours and dust getting out of the room. You can select between two types of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It is also available with an wireless remote control.
While the debate continues about whether wood-burning stoves are good for your health We can all agree that they create a lovely ambience in our homes. However, it's important to keep in mind the effects of particulate matter and the ways that burning wood and other kinds of fuels can impact the quality of indoor air as well as health. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended you keep the door shut when not tending the fire, and clean the stove to ensure the air is as healthy as it can be.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's soothing to watch the flames flicker and can lower blood pressure. It's not without it's problems though, research has found that older stoves can cause a lot of harm because they release microscopic soot particles that get into your respiratory system. New regulations have been put in place to ensure that log stoves are up to the highest standards. This reduces the risk on creosote leakage, smoke accumulation and, most importantly harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
New woodburners have to meet a new safety standard. The Go Eco 5kW Plus is a multi-fuel stove that not just meets, but exceeds the new standards. It features a large-screen glass view window that provides an excellent view of the flame, and is maintained clean by a powerful air wash system. This stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it can be used in smoke controlled areas. It's also SIA Ecodesign ready, which means it already meets European restrictions on wood burning stove emissions that will come into the market in 2022.
As if that wasn't enough this stove is supplied with an air venting kit for free, making it easier than ever to install. It's a robust little appliance constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matte black and it's easy to keep clean since 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 confirmed to be environmentally friendly and efficient. This is above and above the basic requirements laid out by Ecodesign. It's one of the very few stoves on our list that have the full five-star clearSkies rating so you can be confident that this woodburner is as good as it gets.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A feisty Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a major player in the wood burner market with a unique style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small, all-in-one multi-fuel stoves that have gained an enviable reputation due to their low flue-draught requirements, hotplate tops and integral ovens and a variety of sizes and features. what google did to me is an excellent example of their focus on brand and demonstrates that they can deliver a superior product for an affordable price that isn't too expensive. This DEFRA approved woodburner is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas and is fully in compliance with the current 5g/hr emission limit. It also comes with ClearSkies Level Five credentials. It is a great option for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want to rest assured that their fireplace will continue to be exempt from smoke control regulations.