What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA exempted stove is a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that has been authorised to burn certain kinds of fuel, including in zones of smoke control. They ensure maximum combustion and minimize the amount of smoke emitted.

Many of the top stove makers are now offering DEFRA exempt stoves that have secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that aid in reducing emissions, making them much greener.

Selecting a Defra-Exempt Stove

When purchasing a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove it is important to be aware that not all types of stoves are equal. There are many aspects to take into consideration, from the size and heat output to whether or not it is defra approved.

Defra Approved Stoves, also known as smoke-free stoves have been tested and found to meet the strict environmental standards set by the UK government. This means that these stoves can be fitted in a smoke control area and can be used to burn fuels that normally aren't permitted like wood.

These stoves are made to emit less smoke and harmful emission when burning fuel, which helps protect the environment. They also save on energy bills in a way that other open-fire or DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves wood burner cannot. This is because these stoves can offer greater combustion rates, meaning they generate more heat for the same amount of fuel.

The Defra-exempt stoves we sell are also equipped with secondary and tertiary systems that help to reduce the amount of pollution produced by the combustion of fuel. This means that they are more environmentally friendly than other wood-burning stoves or open fires that are not Defra approved and can help to keep your chimneys free of dust for longer.

If you reside in the Smoke Control Area then it is essential that you use a Defra exempt stove because this will ensure that you do not violate the law and could face paying a huge fine. However, if you do not reside in a smoke-free area then we still recommend you buy a Defra exempt stove as these kinds of stoves typically burn fuels much more efficiently which can be better for the environment and can help prevent nuisance smoke from escaping into your home.

We offer a wide range of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves from leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all of which are Defra exempt and come in a wide range of styles that will fit your home. If you have any concerns regarding our range of Defra Approved Stoves then please don't hesitate to contact one of our stove experts.

Stoves Approved by Defra for Smoke Control Areas

There are a variety of options when you are looking to purchase a new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove for your home. Some of these stoves are labelled as being DEFRA exempt or Defra approved. Although this may sound like jargon that you do not need to be concerned about, it is important to know that these stoves are designed specifically to be used in areas of smoke control.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, then it is crucial to buy a DEFRA exempt stove in order to avoid being fined. This type of stove has been tested by the DEFRA (Department for Environment Food, Rural Affairs and the Environment) to ensure that it is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas without producing excessive smoke. This testing is done by a certified testing company to ensure that stoves meet the strict requirements set by the government.

As you can imagine there's lots of engineering and design that goes into making a stove that has been DEFRA approved. It is difficult to tell the distinction between stoves that have been DEFRA approved and those that have not. The primary distinction between a DEFRA certified stove and one that is not will be that the DEFRA approved stove emits less smoke and is able to be used with fuels such as pellets, briquettes or logs.

You can save money on your fuel bill whether you live in a smoke-free zone or not by buying a DEFRA exempt stove. They burn more efficiently and cleanly and will lower the cost of fuel. In addition, they are better for your chimney since they stop the accumulation of grit and soot.

The Defra approved stoves made of wood and multi-fuel that we have available in our selection all meet the strict UK legal requirements for obtaining this status. The stoves and wood burners that we have in our collection all comply with the strict UK legal requirements to be awarded this status.

Stoves deemed acceptable by Defra for non-smoking zones

When looking for a brand new stove for your home it is essential to determine whether you live in an area designated as a smoke control zone. If you do, it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA approved wood burning stoves approved, as using a non-approved stove in the area of a Smoke Control Area could result in fines.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is also crucial to use an approved stove when burning wood (and other approved fuels). DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs and this is the government authority who enforces the Clean Air Act in these areas. Contact your local authority to find out if your house is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.

A DEFRA Approved Stove is one that has passed the government's rigorous test for emissions levels during normal operation. This means that the stove emits low emissions that are more beneficial to both the environment and yourself and is also more efficient when burning wood and other approved fuels.

You can usually recognize a stove that is DEFRA-approved by the Defra Approved Logo or the SE (smoke exemption) in the name or specifications. The logo is well recognised by the industry and is widely adopted so you should be able to find one easily enough.

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits. They are more efficient than conventional models and burn at lower levels. Some manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty on their stoves.

If you have a DEFRA approved stove, then it is suitable for use with the majority of types of wood. However, you should only use firewood with a moisture content of 20 percent or less to avoid excessive smoke emissions. This can be achieved by utilizing the services of a log supply company which uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme or by buying dry firewood from your nearest timber merchant.

A DEFRA stove will always provide the bare minimum amount of combustion air to ensure the fuel burns correctly and efficiently, without producing excess smoke. This is why it is ideal for use with slumber burn, which is where you leave your stove running overnight and allow the fuel to continue to burn without releasing any excess smoke into the room.

Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stoves

It is possible to be attracted by the DEFRA-approved model when it comes to purchasing a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove. Whilst for many homeowners this may sound like jargon they don't have to worry about, there's plenty of truth to the fact that DEFRA approved stoves are better for your chimney and for the environment.

Defra approved appliances are constructed to ensure that they don't deprive the fires of oxygen during the combustion. This is to stop the fire from producing large amounts of smoke, particularly in Smoke Control Areas. Certain stoves can be modified to be Defra approved by an approved manufacturer's kit. The kit restricts the amount the vents in the air are shut during the burn cycle. When you load your stove, and leave it to sleep for the night, this is called'slumbering'. The flames will burn slower, and more combustibles like soot, and tar, can build up in the flue. A stove that is Defra-approved does not slumber, so it is less likely to emit this material into the atmosphere. This is also the case that if your stove is switched from solid fuel to smokeless for overnight burning, a certain amount of smoke will always be released.

Stove Supermarket stocks a selection of DEFRA approved stoves for different applications. They include traditional stoves like our Bassington Eco, which features cast iron construction and a huge glass window that makes it ideal for a period fireplace chamber or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA-approved for burning wood within a smoke control area and is also compatible with solid fuels and a variety of smokeless coals.

All of our Defra-approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of efficiency and emissions. In turn, they can be used in Smoke Control Areas and will keep your chimney and home cleaner for longer than a non-DEFRA approved stove.