What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA exempt stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that has been authorized to burn certain types of fuel, even in areas with smoke control. They provide a maximum combustion and minimize the amount of smoke released.

Many leading stove manufacturers now offer DEFRA exempted stoves that have secondary or tertiary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions and help to make them more eco-friendly.

Choosing the Defra Exempt Stove

When purchasing a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove it is important to know that not all of these kinds of stoves are made identical. There are many aspects to take into consideration, from the size and the heat output to whether or not the stove is approved by the DEFRA.

Defra Approved Stoves, also known as smoke-exempt stoves, have been tested and found to meet the strict environmental standards of the UK government. They can be installed in smoke control areas and can be used to burn fuels that would not normally be permitted, like wood.

They are engineered to produce less smoke and harmful emission when burning fuel, which helps protect the environment. They also reduce energy costs in a way that other types of wood burners or DEFRA approved multi-Fuel stoves open fires are unable to. This is because they can generally have higher combustion rates which mean that they generate more heat with the same amount of fuel.

The Defra-exempt stoves we sell come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to reduce the amount of pollution produced during the combustion of fuel. They are therefore greener and help to keep your chimney clean longer than other models of open fires or wood burning stoves that are not Defra approved.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then it is essential that you use a Defra exempt stove since this will ensure that you do not violate the law and face the possibility of a significant fine. If you do not reside in a smoke-free area We still suggest that you purchase a Defra-exempt stove. These stoves are more efficient in burning fuels and are more sustainable for the environment. They will also prevent smoke from nuisance sources from entering your home.

We offer a huge selection 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 questions about our selection of Defra approved stoves, please don't hesitate to contact one of our stove experts.

Stoves that have been approved by Defra to be used in smoke control zones

There are many options available when you are looking to purchase a new wood-burning or multi-fuel stove for your home. Some stoves are identified as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This may sound like jargon, but it is important to understand that these stoves were developed for use in smoke control areas.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, then it is vital to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to avoid getting a fine. The stoves have been tested by DEFRA (Department for Environment Food, Rural Affairs and the Environment) to make sure that it can be used in Smoke Control Areas without producing excessive smoke. This testing is done by a qualified testing firm to ensure that stoves comply with the strict standards set by the government.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of engineering and design that goes into making an appliance that is DEFRA approved. You won't be able to tell the difference between stoves that are DEFRA approved and those that aren't. The major difference between a DEFRA-approved stove and one that isn't will be that the DEFRA approved stove will emit less smoke and can be used with fuels such pellets, logs, or briquettes.

You can save money on your fuel bill regardless of whether you reside in a smoke control area or not by buying a DEFRA exempt stove. They burn cleaner and more efficiently which can reduce your fuel costs. They also are better for your chimney, as they prevent the accumulation of soot and other particles.

The Defra approved stoves made of wood and multi-fuel that we have in our range all satisfy the strict UK legal requirements to be awarded this status. This means that they all have a burning rate that is low enough to ensure that they do not produce excessive smoke during an uncontrolled time.

Stoves approved by Defra for smoking-free areas

It is crucial to determine if you live in an area designated for smoke control before purchasing an appliance. If so, it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA approved. The use of a non-approved appliance in the Smoke Control Area can result in fines.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is also crucial to make use of a certified stove when burning wood (and other fuels that are authorised). DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs and this is the government agency that enforces the Clean Air Act in these areas. You can check whether your home is located within the Smoke Control Area by contacting your local authority.

A DEFRA approved stove is one that has passed a rigorous government test for emission levels when operating normally. This means that the stove emits lower emissions, which is healthier for you and the environment and also more efficient when burning wood or other fuels that are approved by DEFRA.

You can usually identify a DEFRA-approved stove by the Defra Approved Logo or the SE (smoke exemption) in the title or specifications. The logo is widely used by the industry and you should have no problem finding one.

DEFRA compliant stoves UK approved stoves come with a variety of benefits, including being more efficient than conventional models, and able to slumber burn using lower levels of combustion. Some manufacturers offer a 5-year warranty on their stoves.

If you own a DEFRA approved stove, it is safe to use with all kinds of wood. However, you should use firewood with a moisture content of 20 percent or less to avoid excessive smoke emissions. You can do this by using a log supplier who uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn Scheme or by purchasing firewood from your nearest timber merchant.

A DEFRA approved low emission stoves stove will always offer the bare minimum of combustion air to ensure that the fuel is burning properly and efficiently without producing excess smoke. This makes it perfect for slumber-burning, DEFRA approved multi-fuel Stoves where you can leave the stove running for a night to allow the fuel to burn without releasing smoke into the home.

Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stoves

You might be drawn to a DEFRA-approved model when buying a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove. While for some homeowners, this may seem like jargon that they don't need to worry about, there's an abundance of truth in the fact that DEFRA approved stoves are more beneficial for your chimney and for the environment.

Defra approved stoves are constructed to ensure that they do not deprive the fire of oxygen during the process of combustion. This prevents the fire from releasing large quantities of smoke, especially in Smoke Control Areas. A kit supplied by the manufacturer can be used to alter certain stoves so that they are approved by the Defra. The kit limits the extent to which the air vents are closed during the burning process. When you load your stove and then leave it to rest for a night, this is called'slumbering'. The flames will burn more slowly, and more combustibles, like soot and tar may build up in the flue. A Defra approved stove does not sleep and is therefore less likely to release this material into the atmosphere, it also means that when you switch from solid fuel to smokeless coal to burn overnight, a minimum amount of air is always being pumped into the system, so your multi-fuel stove will not burn as slow as an appliance that is not approved.

Stove Supermarket stocks a selection of DEFRA approved stoves that can be used in various applications. This includes a traditional stove such as our Bassington Eco which has a cast iron structure with a large picture window, making it ideal to be used in an inglenook or a fireplace from the past. This stove is DEFRA certified for burning wood in a smoke control zone but will also work well with solid fuels and many smokeless coals.

All of our Defra approved stoves have been rigorously tested to make sure they are at the top level of efficiency and emissions. In turn, these stoves can be used in Smoke Control Areas and will keep your chimney and home cleaner longer than a non-DEFRA approved stove.