Mendip Stoves’ guide to choosing a Defra approved, Ecodesign ready stove

There’s nothing quite like the cosy appeal and instant warmth from a wood burning stove and when shopping around for a new model, whether it’s your first foray into the world of wood burners or you are looking to upgrade an older model, there are some key considerations. As well as its heat output, size, installation issues and style, it’s also now more important than ever to ensure it’s a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance, if you live in a controlled area, and Ecodesign ready.

Wood burners have long been a sustainable option for heating the home, as they are low carbon and use renewable energy. Now, with recent changes in Government legislation, along with the introduction of the Clean Air Strategy in early 2019, it’s time to upgrade, update and opt for an eco-friendly model. Ecodesign legislation comes into force in the UK on 1st January 2022 and from then on, only stoves that comply with Ecodesign standards can be sold.

With this in mind, Mendip Stoves has a wide range of Ecodesign ready and “Defra approved” models that meet the emissions and minimum efficiency criteria, reducing particle matter emissions by burning wood more efficiently. Chris Baines, managing director of Mendip Stoves says,

“Whichever style and design you’re looking for, it’s advisable to choose an Ecodesign ready model now. Air quality will be improved as wood is burned more efficiently, which in turn gives the cleanest, cosiest environment in which to spend time in. We are proud to do our part in helping the planet and help consumers make the right choice for both their home and the environment.”

The stats speak for themselves. An Ecodesign ready wood burner produces up to 90 per cent less emissions than an open fire and up to 80 per cent less than a stove manufactured over 10 years ago. Homes within Smoke Control Areas also need a stove that is Defra approved. A Defra approved design isn’t necessarily Ecodesign ready and vice versa, so it’s important to choose a stove that complies with both.

As well as its eco credentials, the stove must also ‘fit’ the room in terms of heat output.  Chris Baines says,

“As a general rule, work out the cubic metre capacity of the room and divide by 14. However, for modern and well-insulated homes it is probably more accurate to divide by 20. One must also make sure that the “distance to combustibles” is observed, as individual stoves may have very different space requirements around the stove itself. Finally, do ensure that the stove is professionally installed by a HETAS registered engineer. Your home insurance may be invalid if not.”

Mendip Stoves has plenty of designs to choose from that are both Defra approved and Ecodesign ready. We’ve selected three to get you started:

Double-Sided Woodland

Ideal for open-plan living, this double-sided cast iron stove heats two rooms in one and is perfect for spacious new-builds, period properties and character cottages alike. With a large glass viewing window and stainless-steel handles, it provides a stunning centrepiece for contemporary and classic interiors and features doors on both sides, allowing the fire to be loaded from either side.

Mendip Stoves’ double-sided Woodland is priced from £1,950.

Ashcott Wide

Offering a spectacular view of the flickering flames inside, the Ashcott Wide wood burner is 620mm yet only 260mm deep with a heat output of 6kW, perfect for smaller spaces, well-insulated new-builds and apartments that don’t need much heating. It also comes as a traditional leg design as well as a logstore option.

Mendip Stoves’ Ashcott Wide is priced from £1,250.

Christon 750 inset

Offering stacks of style appeal, Mendip Stoves’ Christon 750 inset fireplace creates a contemporary look with instant impact in any space. Its large insulated chamber can take logs up to 60cm long while a choice of a three or four-sided frame allows it to be installed on a hearth or set up high for a flush fit.

Mendip Stoves’ Christon 750 is priced from £1,675.