Are The Advances In Technology Making Best Woodburners Better Or Worse?
The Best Woodburners
The relaxation and blood pressure-reducing benefits of a wood stove have been documented. But what about the tiny sooty particles that they release into the air?
The good news is that new stoves are designed with the EcoDesign directive in mind. You can have a warm and cosy home, without compromising your environmental commitments.
1. Ekol Edge
The Ekol Edge is a simple-looking
wood burner that doesn't compromise on performance. It's an excellent choice for those living in areas that are smoke-free since it has Level 5 ClearSkies credentials that means it can be used with dry and seasoned logs and approved solid fuels. The high heat output makes it a great choice for large rooms. The generous fire glass also allows you to enjoy the flames.
It is constructed of modern steel, which means it is able to be used in traditional inglenooks as well as freestanding situations. It is equipped with an air wash system, which keeps the glass clear and helps prevent soot build-up. The stove is extremely efficient, which means that it carries a large portion of the heat generated into your home instead of being emitted up the chimney.
Wood burners have come under many criticisms in recent years, as it has been demonstrated that they cause microscopic sooty particles in the air known as PM2.5, which has been linked to lung and heart problems. Modern models that are compliant with the Eco design Regulations will be less likely to produce these sooty particles. These are only a small portion of the overall pollution produced from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, but there is no doubt that wood burners are a source of this pollutant.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your stove is essential to ensure the highest heating and combustion. There are many types of wood that can be used for burning in your stove, including eucalyptus hazel, beech, and hazel. Eucalyptus is a good choice since it burns quickly and offers a great deal of heat, however it must be and properly seasoned. Beech is a great choice, but it's difficult to handle because of its thorns.
The Ekol Adept is designed to comply with the new regulations. It's cleared by ClearSkies and Defra, so you can use it as long as you follow the guidelines. It's a robust burner that's built to last, featuring sturdy construction and a 10-year body warranty, back by its impressive heating performance.
2. Arada Holborn 5 Widescreen
Wood burning stoves remain popular despite the confusing directives that surround the use of these stoves. In fact, some advocacy groups are calling for stricter restrictions, and even a complete ban on stoves that burn wood, so it's worth taking a look at our guide to stove pollution and regulations before you buy new log fires or a multifuel burner.
Arada Stoves is a company that is doing its part to keep woodburners in demand. They have released a widescreen version for their popular Holborn Multifuel/Wood Burning Stove. It's an DEFRA approved, SIA 2022 Ecodesign Ready woodburner that has a large glass door that offers an amazing flame image. It also has an airwash system that stops soot accumulation.
This stove is simple to operate, and comes with a an output of 4.9kW. Its curving lines and classic style makes it a great choice for traditional or contemporary style. The flat back design means it can be inserted into smaller recesses. It's also very simple to set up a direct air system using this model to improve the efficiency of the system.
This stove also has a built-in ash dump which makes it simple to clear ashes and clean them regularly. This decreases the chance of odours and dust getting out of the room. You can choose between two kinds of flue adaptors depending on your chimney type. It also comes with wireless remote control.
Wood-burning stoves can create a wonderful ambience in our homes, regardless of whether or not they are healthy for us. However, it is important to consider the negative effects of particulate matter as well as the way that burning wood and other types of fuels can affect our indoor air quality and health. If you're planning to have a woodburner installed it is recommended you keep the door shut when you're not in the vicinity of the fire and regularly clean out the stove to ensure the indoor air is as healthy as is possible.
3. Go Eco 5kW Plus
It's relaxing to watch the flames flutter, and it can help lower blood pressure. There are some issues however, studies have revealed that older stoves can cause a lot of harm as they produce microscopic soot particles that get into your breathing system. New regulations have been enacted to ensure that log stoves are up to the highest standards. This helps reduce smoke leakage, creosote accumulation and, more important, harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
New woodburners must be in compliance with a brand 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. It has a large, clear view window that provides a great flame view, and is maintained clean by the power of an air wash system. The stove boasts an impressive 80% efficiency rating. It's DEFRA exempt, meaning that it is able to be used in areas that are smoke-free. It is also SIA Ecodesign-ready, meaning it already meets the European emission standards for wood-burning stoves that will be in place in 2022.
This stove comes with a complimentary air-ventilation kit. It's now easier to install than ever. It's a sturdy little unit constructed using high-quality steel. The finish is a classic matt black, and it's easy to keep clean because the body is coated in an enamel that is able to repel dirt and grime.
The clearSkies label on this stove indicates that it has been independently tested and confirmed to be environmentally friendly and efficient, this goes beyond the basic requirements set out by Ecodesign. This is one of only the stoves on our list that carry the full five-star clearSkies rating.
4. Chilli Penguin Defrost
A spirited Welsh brand, Chilli Penguin has become a big player in the wood burner market with a unique style that shouldn't be overlooked. They specialize in small, do-it-all multi-fuel stoves that have gained cult status thanks to their low flue-draught requirements, stove tops with hotplates, integrated ovens and a variety of sizes and features. This 4.7kW model is an excellent example of their focus on brand and demonstrates that they can provide a top-quality product at a price that's not too high. This DEFRA-approved woodburner can be used for use in Smoke Control Areas, and is fully compliant with the current 5g/hr emissions limit. It also comes with ClearSkies level five certification. It is a great option for those who are unsure where the directive is heading and want peace of mind that their stove will remain exempt from smoke control regulations.