Best log burners that are an efficient way to heat a home

Discover why wood-burning stoves are a sustainable form of heating.

Best log burners

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Feel the difference of real, natural heat with the best log burners. There is no electric heater than can compare to the bone-warming comfort that comes from a roaring fire. The crackling logs bring the heart of the home to life, creating a cosy ambience. Even when the fire is reduced to glowing embers, the radiant heat keeps a room warm for hours.

There are several benefits to investing in having a log burner installed. First, by using a renewable wood source, it is a sustainable form of heating that is carbon neutral. It's also an incredibly efficient way of heating a room – and if it's big enough – several adjoining rooms with its heat output for hours. This reduces the need to put the central heating on, so your electricity bills are less.

Best log burners at a glance

Most of us are of an age that can remember parents or grandparents having open fires. But did you know that a fireplace is actually an inefficient form of heating? Phil Wood from Contura, tells us: "80 per cent of the heat generated by a wood burning stove is convected and radiated into the room, compared to only 20 per cent in the case of an open fire." In addition, we had no idea just how toxic open fires were, producing high levels of carbon monoxide that we were breathing in!

If you're thinking about having a log burner installed, there is installation, fuel and maintenance to consider, not least, how to light a log burner. But also, you need to know which size stove and heat output is going to be right for your home. There's also some laws to be aware of, such as 5kW and above wood burners requiring an external air vent in the same room. With the help of several experts, including Phil Wood of Contura and Jon Butterworth at Arada Stoves, we've compiled guidance to help get you started – scroll to the FAQ section at the end of this article.

Have we used a log burner?

Commercial Content Writer, Natalie Knowles, says: "Our family log burner is such a comfort during winter when the North Sea bites hard and it can be bone-chillingly cold in our seaside home. Initially, we had a multi-fuel burner that was connected to the water tank and central heating. But, it didn't seem to fully heat the upstairs radiators. So, it was replaced with our current log burner. It provides a warmth that you can feel to your core – there's no other heat to compare to it. We put the airer next to it and get all the laundry dry. It completely heats the downstairs living room, dining room and hallway. It's left to die-down in the afternoon, but the cast iron retains its heat for hours.

"The thing about wood burners – depending on how you use it – it can be hard work, so do your research first. One piece of advice is not to have your thermostat in the same room because the higher temperature readings from the heat source can cause the rest of the central heating to shut off around the rest of the house. Would I be without a log burner? No, it makes the family home feel extra special."

Natalie Knowles' log burner, both with a roaring log fire and used as a decorative room feature
©Natalie Knowles

Best log burners available to buy online or via a showroom

Best overall log burner

Portway Arundel Wood Burning Ecodesign StoveDirect Stoves
Price: £549 (was £599)

www.directstoves.com

If you're looking for a reasonably priced log burner to take the chill off your living room, this Portway Arundel Wood Burning Ecodesign Stove is a top choice. It provides a clean, long-lasting burn that's a very energy-efficient way to keep a room warm for hours. It is rated A for efficiency, and because the burn is so clean, there is minimal ash to clean up, making it relatively low maintenance.

It has a large viewing window, so the 'picture' of the flames and logs can be enjoyed. The spacious fire box can accommodate logs up to 25cm in length. The air vent is prominently on the front above the door, so it's easy to reach and adjust. Direct Stoves offers an installation service, and you can have a top or rear flue connection – so you don't necessarily need a fireplace and chimney. It is DEFRA Smoke Control Exempt for use in regulated areas, which means it's been approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) because this stove burns wood cleanly, produces minimal smoke, and complies with air quality laws.

Customer reviews comment that the stove is neat and easy to light. It's just the right size to heat a room. Plus, the customer support from Direct Stoves is very good, and a review comments that they felt guided through selecting and installing their wood burner. Professional installation is recommended.

Pros

  • Highly efficient and long-lasting clean burn
  • Large viewing window to enjoy the experience of the fire
  • Eco-friendly, meets EU Clean Stove Standard and is DEFRA Smoke Control Exempt
  • Minimal ash production for easy cleaning

Cons

  • Slightly heavy at 74kg, it requires careful two-person installation
Dimensions:H58 x W43 x D38.7cm
Heat output:5kW
Energy efficiency:A+ rated; 83.1% efficient
Flue outlet:Top and Rear (Interchangeable)
Flue size:5-inch (125mm)
Window size:29.8 x 29cm

Best log burner for temperature control

Hunter Allure 05 Wood Burning Ecodesign StoveDirect Stoves
Price: £1,039 (was £1,299)

www.directstoves.com

What sets this log burner apart is its ability to control a fire with precision. From glowing embers to a toasty fire, the Hunter Allure 05 Wood Burning Ecodesign Stove burn options create a responsive fire that changes in seconds. It has concealed handles and a large viewing window for a modern update on the traditional wood burner. This elegant and practical wood burner can heat a medium-sized room, providing a 5-6kW output with 80% efficiency. Smaller properties, such as bungalows will feel the benefit of heat throughout the home. The stove can be installed in a fireplace or as a freestanding unit. It has a powerful airwash system that keeps the large viewing window soot-free. This Allure Ecodesign stove is also DEFRA-approved, meeting all the UK environmental smoke control standards.

Customer reviews praise the large window, which gives this log burner a sleek, modern look and a wonderful 'picture' of the flames. Direct Stoves' installation team are friendly and professional. This stove is a top choice if you prioritise style and innovative features, such as the variable burn and air flow that keep the glass window clean.

Pros

  • Versatile burn controls to adjust the temperature of the fire
  • Large, clear viewing window with airwash system to keep the glass clear
  • High efficiency (80%) and suitable heat output (5-6kW) for medium rooms
  • Sleek, contemporary design with concealed handles
  • EcoDesign-compliant and DEFRA-approved

Cons

  • Intended to heat a medium-size room, seek stove with a higher output if you intend to heat a large space
Dimensions:H65.3 x W49.4 x D39.1cm
Heat output:5-6kW
Energy efficiency:A rated; 80% efficient
Flue outlet:Top and Rear (Interchangeable)
Flue size:5-inch (125mm)
Window size:Not specified

Best French-style log burner

Invicta Sedan S 5kW Wood Burning Ecodesign StoveDirect Stoves

The addition of a log burner can add value to a property, and it doesn't necessarily need to be a large stove. This compact Invicta Sedan S Wood Burning Ecodesign Stove is in the traditional French style and is available in four different colours of bright enamel paint. It's enough to improve the ambience of a small-to-medium size room. Its made from cast iron which will retain and radiate heat, whilst a fire can last up to eight hours if the air flow is adjusted to slow combustion. The firebox is lined with vermiculite, which is a mineral that gives excellent heat distribution. Plus, it has a clean glass system to keep the window soot-free. This stove meets France's Flamme Verte’s emissions standards and it is an Ecodesign product. Plus, there is the option for a 3-year warranty with online registration.

Reviews across the web indicate that this classic stove is easy to light to control. The air wash is an outstanding feature, keeping the glass window clean so you can enjoy the beautiful display of flames and firelight. Note, that this stove may require a 135-155mm flue adaptor and the flue outlet is top only.

Pros

  • Clean glass system to keep the viewing window clear
  • 8-hour burn time without the need for frequent refuelling
  • Durable cast iron body for lasting heat retention
  • Adjustable air control for efficient, customisable heating
  • Vermiculite lining enhances heat distribution and fuel efficiency

Cons

  • Best suited to smaller to medium-sized rooms
Dimensions:H62.7 x W50 x D44.3cm
Heat output:5kW
Energy efficiency:A rated; 78% efficient
Flue outlet:Top only
Flue size:6-inch (150mm)
Window size:W33.2 x H28.2cm

Best large log burner

Charnwood Island Three BLU Wood Burning Ecodesign StoveDirect Stoves

If you have a large property – a barn conversion, for example – and are looking for a stylish and efficient double-door log burner, this Charnwood Island Three BLU Wood Burning Ecodesign Stove is a top choice. It's a log burner in every sense of the word, as it can accommodate wood that's up to 55cm long. It's a widescreen fire experience.

This is the larger wood burner in the Island range, with a powerful heat output of 12kW. It had custom leg and stand options, so you can have it on high legs, if you wish. This eco-friendly stove meets EcoDesign standards and is DEFRA-approved for use in smoke control areas. Because of its size, it comes with an 80mm air spigot, which provides additional ventilation. Quattroflow air management and cleanburn airwash technology made this an efficient and eco-friendly large log burner. It is designed and built in England, and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

Pros

  • Large log burner that can accommodate wood that's up to 55cm in length
  • High efficiency and powerful heat output for large spaces
  • EcoDesign-compliant, DEFRA-approved low emissions
  • Stylish double-door wood burner for a 'widescreen' fire experience

Cons

  • Because of its size, this stove requires an external air spigot (vent)
Dimensions:W76.5 x H71.3 x D48.4cm
Heat output:12kW
Energy efficiency:A rated; 76.4% efficient
Flue outlet:Top and Rear (Interchangeable)
Flue size:7-inch (175mm)
Window size:(Each door) W22.6 x H31.3cm

Best log burner for a modern look

Contura 586 StyleContura

For a refined and contemporary look, Swedish brand Contura offers several collections of sleek and innovative wood-burning stoves. The Contura 586 Style is just one example of their range. Mounted on a pillar, the fire is elevated for a better view. Plus, it offers excellent heating, with an impressive range of up to 120m2. This wood burner is undoubtedly a premium option and ideal for those who enjoy a modern look. Adding a turntable lets you rotate the stove to enjoy the fire’s light and warmth from multiple angles. Additionally, the Style stove has cool-touch handles built into the front for safe and easy use.

Please note that this stove is not available to buy online, but you can enquire over the phone or visit your nearest showroom.

Pros

  • A premium option, sleek design with an elevated fire view
  • Innovative optional 'turn-table' for a 360° fire experience
  • Cool-touch, integrated handles for safety

Cons

  • Note, this product is only available via a showroom, phone to make an enquiry
Dimensions:H114.3 x W46.5 X D44cm
Heat output:5kW
Energy efficiency:A (80%)
Flue outlet:Not specified
Flue size:Not specified
Window size:Not specified

Best widescreen log burner

Arada M Series Cast Wood Burning Ecodesign Widescreen StoveArada
Price: £1,120.50 (was ££1,245)

www.directstoves.com

This contemporary log burner has a more visible fire box, so you can enjoy a 'widescreen' view of your fire. The Arada M Series Cast Wood Burning Ecodesign Widescreen Stove, has a modern design and user-friendly air controls so it's safe, efficient and beautiful to look at. This stove is eco-friendly, DEFRA-approved and boasts an A rating with 81.3% efficiency. It produces 4.9kW of heat. In addition, it is customisable with optional log storage and feet. Arada stoves are built in the UK with high-quality materials, and it have a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Lifetime guarantee and made in the UK
  • Large viewing window for an enhanced fire view
  • Easy-to-use air controls for efficient temperature control
  • Customisable with options for feet or log storage
  • Eco-friendly, DEFRA-approved and highly efficient (81.3%, A rating)

Cons

  • Customisation options increase the overall cost
Dimensions:H48.5 x W53.6 x D35cm
Heat output:4.9kW
Energy efficiency:A
Flue outlet:Top and rear
Flue size:5-inch (125mm)
Window size:Not specified

Best electric log burner

Dimplex Leckford 2kW Optiflame Large Electric StoveWayfair

Not everyone wants the maintenance and expense that comes with a traditional log burner, but there are electric alternatives that create a similar cosy ambience. This Dimplex Fullerton 2kW Optiflame Large Electric Stove offers a realistic flame effect at the press of a remote control. It has an easy plug-in-and-go step-up and it can be installed in any room. The authentic cast iron-effect exterior has a matte black finish, plus the doors open for added realism. Choose from a log or coal-effect fire, plus it has a flame-only setting so you can enjoy the magic of dancing flames all-year-round. In addition, you can choose from two heat settings, which helps to keep the energy costs down. This electric stove comes with a one-year guarantee.

Customer reviews praise this large electric stove for being well-made and offering a realistic fire effect. One review advises to carefully measure up before buying, as they found it to be larger than expected.

Pros

  • Choice of log or coal effect for realistic ambience
  • Year-round flame effect option without heat
  • Easy plug-and-go setup, suitable for any room
  • Remote and manual control options
  • Energy-efficient settings with thermostat control

Cons

  • Limited heat output for larger spaces
Dimensions:H64 x W62 x D39cm
Heat output:2kW

Best value electric log burner

VonHaus Panoramic Stove Heater with Log StorageVonHaus

Make the flames of a fire the focal point of any room at the flick of a switch. This elegant freestanding electric stove from VonHaus provides the cosy look of a log-burning stove with LED flames, for a warm ambience without the hassle of a real fire. It can heat an area up to 28m2 and has panoramic glass windows so you can admire the LED flame effect from all angles. Its compact design includes a rustic log storage section, which enhances its authentic look. With two adjustable heat settings (1000W and 2000W) and a thermostat, setting the desired warmth and brightness is easy. For safety, it features an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. In addition, the vivid flame effect can be used without heat, for year-round enjoyment.

Customer reviews praise this electric stove for its easy set-up, compact size and build quality. Some customers have positioned it in their conservatory so the room can be used in chillier months, and others have even accessorised their VonHaus stove with a fake flue for an authentic log burner aesthetic. However, so reviews comment that it makes a low humming noise.

Pros

  • Realistic log-burner look with LED flame effect and log storage
  • Adjustable thermostat with two heat settings
  • Safety shut-off for overheating protection
  • Easy setup and portable design
  • Simple dial and switches to operate
  • Automatic thermal cut-off for safety, so it won't overheat

Cons

  • Only available in one compact size
Dimensions:H74.5 x W32 x D44.5cm
Heat output:2kW

Best kiln-dried logs

Logpile Kiln Dried Premium Fire LogsLogpile Store

These kiln-dried hardwood logs have less than 20% moisture for a cleaner, longer and hotter burn. The low moisture content also makes them quick and easy to light. Logpile's Kiln Dried Premium Fire Logs are 100% British wood cut to size. The wood is sourced from sustainably managed woodland. It is 'Ready to Burn' certified by the UK's Clean Air strategy for cleaner and more efficient burning. Plus, for every tree that is felled, a new one is planted.

Customer reviews highly praise the quality of this wood and the delivery service. It does cost more than some sources of wood, however, it's sustainability and clean burning make it a top choice.

Pros

  • Low moisture content (<20%) for a cleaner, hotter, and longer burn
  • Quick and easy to light, plus it burns hotter for longer
  • Sustainably sourced British wood with replanting for each tree felled
  • Certified "Ready to Burn" for cleaner air and efficient burning
  • Amazon's Choice recommended product
  • Positive customer reviews on wood quality and delivery

Cons

  • Higher cost compared to some other wood sources
Weight:30kg (15/20/60/120/240kg)

Best kindling for log burners

Log Barn Kiln-Dried KindlingLog-Barn Store

Log Barn Kiln-Dried Kindling is another Amazon's Choice recommended product. It is easy to light kindling that transfers flames from fire lighters to logs to get the fire going. The wood is certified 'Ready to Burn' with a moisture content of less than 20% in accordance with air quality regulations to minimise smoke particulates. Kiln-dried wood ensures a cleaner burn with less ash and smoke than air-dried wood. This 100% natural, chemical-free kindling is suitable for indoor fireplaces and outdoor cooking. In addition, it can be used in wood burners, open grates, fire pits, BBQs and pizza ovens. Use 5-6 sticks of this consistently sized kindling, plus a natural firelighter to get your fire going. Log Barn's wood comes from FSC-certified sustainable forests.

Customers praise how well this kindling lights. Because of its low moisture content, it burns cleanly with minimal smoke. It's good quality kindling, albeit more expensive than some alternatives.

Pros

  • Kiln-dried for a cleaner burn with less ash and smoke than air-dried wood
  • 100% natural, chemical-free, suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Consistently sized, easy to light and effective at transferring flames to logs
  • Sustainably sourced from FSC-certified forests
  • Certified "Ready to Burn" with <20% moisture, reducing smoke and particulates
  • Positive customer reviews for lighting and quality

Cons

  • Higher cost than some other kindling options
Weight:8 x 2.4kg
wood burning stove in a cottage setting 810L milöbild lantgård Contura
©Contura

Best log burners FAQs – we asked the experts

You may have had a log burner in your holiday accommodation and are now hankering for the bone-warming heat that a real fire puts out. Whether staying in a shepherd's hut or a fisherman's cottage, that heat was welcome in out-of-season weather, plus, it delays putting the central heating on. If you're considering installing a wood burning stove in your home, here is some comprehensive advice from experts that explains the essential things to know about log burners.

Best log burners FAQs

How do I choose the best firewood?

Phil Wood, UK country manager at Contura, a specialist in wood burning stoves, explains what to go for when buying fuel for a log burner:

“Purchase the best seasoned, dry or kiln dried wood that you can afford from a recommended supplier.

“You can be sure of the wood’s quality and origin by buying from accredited British suppliers. The UK’s wood fuel accreditation scheme, Woodsure, issues a ‘Ready to Burn' certification mark to wood suppliers that can demonstrate that their logs have an optimum moisture content between 12 and 20 per cent. Look out for this label for your quality guarantee.

“Using kiln dried wood or wood with a moisture content below 20 per cent will generate the correct heat and the correct flame, ensuring maximum efficiency from your wood-burning stove and, crucially, minimising smoke.

“Good quality hardwood species such as ash, oak, beech or birch will burn the cleanest and longest with a bright flame.

What wood shouldn't I burn on a log burner?

Phil Wood, UK country manager at Contura, says: "Never burn wet, treated, polished, varnished or oiled woods or waste woods such as pallets, furniture or fencing. Also, avoid mixed wood products (commonly found on building sites), as these will tend to give off unpleasant fumes, damage the stove flue, and produce a lot of black or grey smoke.

“Avoid soft woods such as pine, firs and cypress, which burn too quickly and produce more smoke.”

What structural factors should I consider before installing a log burner?

The condition of the chimney and adequate external venting will need to be checked before installing a wood burner. Loren Taylor, expert in exterior design and owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros, explains:

"Installing a log burner can really make a house feel like a cosy home, but there are some important things to consider before you get started. As an expert in exterior design, I always recommend having a professional assess your chimney situation first – they'll check if your existing one will work or if you need to install a new flue system. You'll also need a proper hearth to protect your floor from the heat.

"Ventilation is key, too. Your room needs enough air vents to provide oxygen for the fire. Make sure you hire a HETAS-registered installer to do the work. They'll ensure everything is up to code and complies with building and safety regulations.

"Some areas, especially cities, have stricter rules around emissions, so you might need a special DEFRA-approved stove. Listed buildings and homes in certain neighbourhoods could require extra planning permission as well.

"The good news is, modern log burners often come with built-in safety features. Things like airwash systems to keep the glass clean and thermostats to control the burn rate and prevent overheating. You'll still need a separate carbon monoxide detector in the same room though."

Do I need to have a chimney to install a wood-burning stove?

Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves, explains that a chimney is not necessary, but you will need to have a flue:

You don’t need to have a chimney. Depending on where you plan to site your stove, you will need to consider where the flue will exit the building and whether you want it to run internally as an extended feature of the stove or on the outside of the building. Depending on your room's architectural structure, there are many part options, including various lengths, bends, supports and flashings to connect your stove to a safe termination point (the place at which the flue exits the building's structure). The minimum chimney height recommended for wood burning and multi-fuel appliances is 4.5m from the top of the appliance to the top of the chimney.

"With the actual flue itself, a twin-wall insulated system is a must, rather than a single, skinned flue pipe. This stainless steel, dual-pipe construction is separated by a layer of high-grade insulation, which ensures that the exterior wall does not get hot enough to cause damage to the surrounding structure or people that come into contact with it. This type of flue is used when a stove is fitted into a structure that has no masonry chimney, and as a result can run internally or externally as an exposed flue, depending on preference. All of our stoves come with the option for a rear or top flue outlet, so that you can choose the final look of your wood burner.”

How often does a log burner need to be serviced or cleaned?

As well as Spring cleaning your wood burning stove, Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves, says: "Getting a professional chimney ‘health check’ will ensure that your flue pipe or chimney is clear and safe when you re-light your appliance in the colder months. Getting your stove professionally serviced and swept is advised to be done at least once a year, so aim to organise it at the start of autumn if you haven’t already had it done this year. This will result in your stove working efficiently and safely whilst preventing the build-up of soot in the flue or chimney, which, if not properly maintained, can cause a fire.”

Are log burners environmentally friendly?

Phil Wood from Contura explains that wood-burning stoves are efficient, low-carbon and a sustainable option when the wood is sourced from Ready to Burn suppliers.

Phil says: "Contrary to popular opinion, when used and maintained correctly, a wood burner can provide an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable domestic heating solution. Likewise, firewood is a highly efficient and low-carbon energy source."

“Unlike coal or natural gas, wood is a low-carbon fuel. This means that burning wood results in a relatively small net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is then re-absorbed when new trees grow. This effectively balances out the combustion of bioenergy.

“Wood is renewable in that a tree cut for fuel will naturally be replaced by a younger tree that grows or is planted in its place. However, it is also important to consider the concept of sustainable forest management, both locally and worldwide…

“Most firewood is produced from thinning the forest to provide space, nutrition and light for thicker, more established trees to prosper. Localised coppicing helps to ensure ‘low fuel miles’ as wood is transported to areas nearby, within a 30 to 100-mile radius, rather than sourced from forests abroad.”

How efficient is wood burning?

Phil Wood from Contura says: “Using firewood contributes to fuel independence as it can nearly always be sourced locally, within a 30-100-mile radius. This makes it extremely efficient in fuel miles terms, and those purchasing firewood are also supporting the local economy.

“In the case of rural properties that do not necessarily want to heat all spaces at all times, local space heating using firewood is the most efficient heating solution.

“Just two logs per hour are required to keep a wood burner going, whilst eight logs are needed to burn for an hour in an open fire."

What should I look for when choosing a log burner?

Phil Wood from Contura explains: "There are a number of factors to consider before selecting and installing a wood burner. Whilst aesthetics are, of course, important, it is essential to look at the size of the stove, its heat output, and the technology of the stove model (convection and clean burning systems, efficiency, practicality, ease of use and overall performance).

“It is also important to consider stove size and heat output to ensure maximum efficiency and minimise wastage of energy. This will depend on the size of the space you are looking to heat. For a 25 metre squared room, for example, you would need to go for a stove with an output of approximately 5kW, whilst for a space of 120sqm, you’ll need a model with a bigger chamber that provides an output of 7kW.

“For large or particularly cold spaces, soapstone-clad stoves or those equipped with heat-retaining bricks work well in terms of efficiency, as the materials retain heat over a longer period – even after the fire has been extinguished.”

How should I light the fire?

The aim is to build a stack inside the firebox. Place a couple of logs on the bottom and stack around three lots of kindling loosely, like Jenga bricks along with a small piece of firelighter. This is known as 'top-down lighting'. The air vent of the log burner needs to be fully open, in order to help the fire to catch. Also, you can leave the door slightly ajar as the fire gets up to speed. Just be sure to follow the instructions that come with your stove, as air flow and temperature will vary.

Phil Wood from Contura advises: “To use a wood burner correctly, you need to warm the stove and chimney chamber through first, rather than trying to create a roaring fire and a lot of heat straight away. It’s better to build the fire up progressively. Think of lighting the stove as a similar process to pre-heating an oven, which needs time to warm up properly before it cooks efficiently."

The benefit of top-down lighting is that the kindling will catch slower if it's on the top of the fire, so it gently warms the flue and products less smoke.

A roaring fire, isn't necessarily a good thing, as Phil explains: “A roaring fire is more often the result of loading too many logs in one go. You shouldn’t overload the space but use it as efficiently as possible. As a rule, a wood burner requires 2-3 logs per hour."

Wait until the fire is reduced to glowing red embers before you add more logs, just one or two will be enough to create an efficient fire. You need to open the door slowly, as the air flow will affect the fire. Keep the door ajar while the fresh logs catch; remember, air fuels the fire.

How often should I clean a log burner?

Depending on how often you light your log burner, the ash pan and fire box will need sweeping out after every few fires. Phil Wood, from Contura, says: “The stove should be cleaned out regularly to remove excess ash, soot and debris, as this will ensure a more efficient burn and minimise smoke."

Additionally, have the chimney or flue professionally swept once a year to remove soot build-up.

What is an Ecodesign log burner?

An Ecodesign log burner meets European regulations on emissions. It will burn wood more efficiently and cleanly, than a traditional open fire. According to Phil Wood from Contura, an Ecodesign stove can, "reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent."

Phil continues: "“Ecodesign stoves have been engineered to burn wood more completely. The targeted introduction of combustion air at higher levels in the fire box of the stoves reignites the combustion particles before they can leave the stove. This technology reduces particulate emissions by 90 per cent compared to an open fire or 80 per cent compared to a stove of 5-10 years old. It can also lead to significant reductions in Carbon Monoxide, Nitrous Oxides and Organic Gaseous Carbon compounds (OGCs)."

Therefore, if you have an open fire or an older wood burner, it's essential to consider replacing it with an Ecodesign stove.

Contura C610G Style black chimney wood burner in a stylish contemporary home
©Contura

Phil Wood from Contura, leaves us with a checklist maximise efficiency and reduce emissions when using a wood-burning stove:

Only burn wood on an Ecodesign stove

Use kiln dried wood or wood with a moisture content below 20 per cent

Use the top down lighting technique

Refuel only once the wood has burnt down to red embers

Ensure your chimney is swept and stove checked annually

For an absolutely fascinating deep-dive into wood burner emissions, and the surprising results, watch this Youtube video by Gosforth Handyman and read his supporting article. It's a deep-dive into particulate levels produced by a log burner and proves it produces less PM2.5 matter than BBQs, toasters, incense sticks and even ovens!

This article contains expert commentary from: Phil Wood, UK country manager at Contura. Loren Taylor is the owner of Outdoor Fountain Pros and a seasoned expert in landscaping and gardening with a keen eye for exterior design. And Jon Butterworth, Director at Arada Stoves.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.

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