Log burners and fires have enjoyed a huge renaissance, and it's easy to see why. In the frost and snow of winter, nothing beats the traditional cosiness of a roaring log fire. Radiators and underfloor heating, while very efficient, simply don’t have the atmosphere-building qualities of crackling logs and flickering flames.
But should it be a fireplace or a stove? An elegant fireplace makes an attractive focal point year-round, and the warmth, smell and glow of an open fire will emphasise its role as the heart of the home. But while the age-old pleasure of an open fire may be unbeatable, it isn’t an efficient method of heating. The uncontrolled airflow draws centrally heated air from the rest of the house up the chimney at the same time as hot air from the fire.
Log burners and gas stoves, on the other hand, deliver radiant heat with significantly higher efficiency than an open fire. The latest clean-burn technologies in woodburning stoves combine efficiency with minimal emissions, making them much better for the environment. They also create a less formal focal point than a grand fireplace – some may prefer that for its relaxed appeal, even for a touch of that now infamous cosy Danish hygge.
Country Life’s definitive list of log burners and multi-fuel stoves offers designs that will suit any style of interior.
Country Life Top 10: Log burners and stoves
Beaumont 8 Series – £1,686
020 7627 1410; www.chesneys.co.uk
Classical detailing gives it a handsome appearance even when it's not roaring away.
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Esse 1 Ruby – £541
01282 813 235; www.esse.com
Outstanding value in a stove still capable of 5kw output.
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Jotul F400 – £2,369
01527 506010;www.jotuluk.com
One of the largest log burners on the market, capable of taking pieces of wood almost 20 inches across.
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Arc multi-fuel stove – £1,596
01983 537777; www.charnwood.com
A strikingly modern design available in eight colours.
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Farringdon medium wood-burner with log store – £1,561
01297 35700; www.aradastoves.com
Available in anthracite for a classic traditional stove finish, or the grey colour finish pictured here for a more contemporary look.
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Yeoman CL3 gas stove – £1,079
01392 261900; www.yeomanstoves.co.uk
A powerful, high efficiency stove with a highly realistic log effect, plus the benefits of being programmable with thermostatic controls.
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Morsø 7943 - £2,612
01788 554410; www.morsoe.com
Raises the combustion chamber with glass sections just high enough that the view of the fire's flames can be enjoyed from anywhere in the room.
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Clearview Vision 500 – £1,656
01588 650401; www.clearviewstoves.com
Features a large single door for uninterrupted view of the fire and the ability to take 15-inch logs.
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Chesney's Shoreditch LS5 – £1,440
020 7627 1410; www.chesneys.co.uk
DEFRA-exempt for use in smoke control areas, meaning it can be safely and legally used to burn logs in all major cities and towns throughout the UK.
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Stovax Riva Plus Large – £1,575
020 3432 0838, www.stovax.com
One of the biggest log burners on the market at almost 28 inches wide – a big stove to make a big impact.
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Throughout 2017, Country Life will be drawing on years of expertise and insight to bring you definitive top 10 lists to help you turn your house into the home you've always dreamt of.
It doesn't matter if you're after a modern fireplace or one to fit into a 16th century cottage, or whether you're lighting a loft space in Battersea or a seaside escape in Dorset, we'll have you covered.
More Country Life Top 10s:
Country Life Top 10: Lighting – The best lamps, chandeliers and lights you can buy
Country Life Top 10: Beds – The best night's sleep you can buy
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