Ecodesign 2022: Two Years to Go — Who’s Ready and Who’s Not?

With two years until Ecodesign 2022, we explore who’s ready, who’s not, and what this means for consumers choosing between older models and new Ecodesign Ready stoves.

January 23, 2020
By Reece Toscani
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Stoves and the Environment

New Ecodesign regulations will come into force from 1st January 2022

From 1st January 2022, new Ecodesign regulations will come into force across Europe, setting strict new limits on emissions and efficiency for solid fuel stoves. For the stove industry, this represents the biggest regulatory change in 20 years.

In January 2019, we asked ten big questions about Ecodesign. A year later, we now have answers to some of them — but new questions have also emerged. With two years to go, here’s where the industry stands, what we’ve learnt, and what still remains unclear.

What We’ve Learnt Since 2019

Over the past year, some of the uncertainties surrounding Ecodesign have been cleared up:

Existing stoves will not be banned. The regulations only apply to new appliances placed on the market after 1 January 2022.

Retailers can sell through stock. Any stove placed on the market before the deadline can still be sold afterwards.

The UK will adopt Ecodesign. Despite Brexit, the government has confirmed that the rules will be implemented.

The SIA pledge has been met. The Stove Industry Alliance committed that all new models from its members would be Ecodesign Ready by January 2020 — and many brands now display the Ecodesign Ready badge.

These developments mean that Ecodesign is no longer a distant prospect: it’s already reshaping the market today.

Industry Leaders, Laggards, and Emerging Trends

Industry Leaders

Thanks to the SIA Ecodesign Ready campaign, many British and European brands are already ahead of the curve. Their stoves proudly carry the Ecodesign Ready logo, assuring buyers that they meet the strict 2022 standards.

For these manufacturers, early adoption has brought clear benefits: future-proofed ranges, retailer confidence, and consumer trust.

Industry Laggards

But not everyone has kept pace. Some household names have yet to release a single Ecodesign Ready model. Most notably, Clearview, a brand long respected in the UK stove market, still has no Ecodesign Ready stoves as of January 2020.

For loyal customers, this raises important questions: will Clearview adapt in time, or risk falling behind? And how long will brand loyalty hold if cleaner alternatives dominate the showrooms?

A New Question for 2022

Now that we know older stoves can still be sold after 2022, consumers will face a new choice:

Buy a non-Ecodesign model — legal and often cheaper, but not meeting the new standards.

Or choose a new Ecodesign stove — cleaner, more efficient, and future-proof.

For retailers, this creates a balancing act: clear older stock without undermining the case for Ecodesign.

Evolution of Existing Models

Brands like Stovax are beginning to release Ecodesign versions of established stoves — giving buyers a direct comparison between old and new.

Will the updated models look the same? Perform differently? Cost more? For the first time, consumers can see what the Ecodesign transition looks like in practice — the “old standard” next to the “new.”

Impact on Consumers

For homeowners, Ecodesign is no longer just a future regulation; it’s already shaping today’s choices.

Buying with confidence. Ecodesign Ready stoves are available now, clearly marked with the SIA badge.

Price vs. performance. Prices have held steady so far, but the 2022 choice may come down to cheaper non-Ecodesign stock versus cleaner, future-proof models.

Trusted names, updated designs. With brands like Stovax reworking popular models, customers can choose between the classic look they know and the updated performance they increasingly expect.

Growing awareness. Public concern about air quality is making Ecodesign not just a regulatory requirement, but a selling point for responsible buyers.

Unanswered Questions & Looking Ahead to 2021

Two years out, there is still much we don’t know:

Who will enforce Ecodesign compliance in the UK?
How will certification work across different test houses?
Will there be a rush in late 2021 to buy older models before the deadline?
Will the added complexity of Ecodesign eventually drive up prices?

These uncertainties mean the transition is far from complete.

If 2019 was the year of uncertainty, 2020 is the year of consolidation. Leaders have emerged, laggards are exposed, and consumers can already buy stoves that meet the 2022 standards.

But 2021 will be the true countdown. With just one year to go, the focus will shift to preparation: managing stock, clarifying enforcement, and ensuring customers understand the rules. The next 12 months will set the stage for the most important year yet.

Closing Thoughts

Two years out, the Ecodesign regulations are no longer just a looming concept; they are already dividing the industry into those who are ready and those who are not. For consumers, the choices are growing clearer: cleaner, future-proof Ecodesign stoves are here — but so too are cheaper, older models.

How this plays out will define the market in 2021 and beyond. One thing is certain: the next two years will shape the future of woodburning for decades to come.

Do you think customers in 2022 will still buy older, cheaper non-Ecodesign stoves — or will the promise of cleaner, future-proof models win the day? Share your thoughts below, and we’ll revisit this question in next year’s “One Year to Go” update.

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ECO-Design 2022

Reece Toscani

Reece has over two decades in the fireplace and stove world — testing, reviewing, and occasionally getting covered in soot, all in the name of wood-fired home heating. He cuts through the nonsense, busts the myths, and shares straight-talking advice to help you enjoy your stove without the confusion. From Fireplace Products to Redefining Woodburners, if it burns wood, he’s probably tested it, fixed it, or argued about it. Now, through Woodburner Insights, he shares that experience with the world — both here and on YouTube.