What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA exempted stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that is approved to burn certain kinds of fuels, even in smoke control zones. They ensure maximum combustion while reducing the amount of smoke.

Many major stove manufacturers offer DEFRA exempted stoves that have secondary or tertiary burners which help reduce emissions and make them more environmentally friendly.

Choosing a Defra-Exempt Stove

It is important to understand that not all stoves made of wood or multi-fuel are created equal. There are a variety of factors to take into consideration, from the size to the power output and whether it is approved by the defra.

Defra Approved Stoves are also referred to as smoke-free stoves. They've been tested to meet the UK government's strict environmental standards. They can be installed in smoke control areas and can burn fuels that would not normally be allowed, FireplacesAndStove such as wood.

These stoves are made to emit lower emissions of smoke and harmful gases when burning fuel, which is beneficial to the environment. They also help save on energy bills to a degree that other open fire or wood burner can't. This is due to the fact that these stoves provide greater combustion rates, which means that they can produce a greater amount of heat with the same amount fuel.

The stoves we sell that are Defra-exempt are also equipped with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to reduce the amount of pollution produced by the combustion of fuel. They are therefore more environmentally friendly and can keep your chimney clean longer than other models of open fires or wood burning stoves that aren't Defra approved.

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then it is vital that you use a Defra exempt stove as this will ensure that you don't violate the law and face a large fine. However, if you don't live in a smoke controlled area, we recommend you buy a Defra exempt stove since these kinds of stoves typically burn fuels much more efficiently, which is better for the environment and will likely help to stop smoke from spreading into your home.

We have a great 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 to fit your home. If you have any questions about our selection of Defra Approved Stoves then please don't hesitate to contact one of our stove experts.

Stoves that are Defra approved for Smoke Control Areas

If you are looking to purchase a new wood burning or multi fuel stove for your home there are a lot of options to choose from. Some of these stoves will be identified as DEFRA exempt or Defra approved. This may sound like the language of the past, but it is important to understand that these stoves were developed for use in smoke control areas.

You must buy a DEFRA-exempt stove if you are in a zone of smoke control to avoid being fined. This type of stove has been tested by the DEFRA (Department for Environment Food, Rural Affairs and the Environment) to make sure that it can be used in Smoke Control Areas without generating too much smoke. The testing is conducted by a reputable testing company to ensure that the stoves meet strict requirements set out by the government.

As you can imagine, there is lots of engineering and design that goes into creating a stove that has been DEFRA approved. The good news is that you will not be able to discern the difference between stoves that have been DEFRA exempt or is not been. The main difference between a DEFRA approved stove and one that isn't will be that the DEFRA approved stove emits less smoke, and is able to be used with fuels like pellets, logs, or briquettes.

You can cut down on your fuel bill regardless of whether you live in a smoke-free zone or not by buying a DEFRA exempt stove. They burn cleaner and more efficiently, which will reduce the cost of fuel. They also are better for your chimney, since they can prevent the build-up of soot and grit.

Our selection of Defra approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves all comply with the strict UK legal requirements for this status. This means that they all have a burning rate that is sufficient to ensure that they don't produce excessive smoke over the time frame that is controlled.

Stoves deemed acceptable by Defra for non-smoking areas

It is crucial to determine if you live in an area that is designated as a smoke control zone before you purchase a new stove. If you do, then it is imperative that your stove is DEFRA approved since using a non-approved stove within a Smoke Control Area could result in fines.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it is essential to select a stove that has been approved to burn wood and other fuels. DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs and it is the authority of the government that enforces the Clean Air Act in these areas. Contact your local authority to find out if your house is located in the Smoke Control Area.

A DEFRA approved stove is one that has passed a stringent government test of emission levels when in normal operation. This means that the stove has emission levels that are low, which is healthier for FireplacesAndStove your health and the environment, in addition to making it more efficient to burn wood and other approved fuels.

You will often see the DEFRA approved stove as they will display the Defra Approved logo or may contain SE (smoke exempt) in the title or specification. The logo is recognized by the industry and is widely adopted so you should be able to find one quickly enough.

Defra approved stoves come with a variety of advantages, including being more efficient than conventional models, and able to sleep burn at less levels of combustion. They also have a longer life span than traditional stoves, with a few manufacturers offering a five year warranty on their appliances.

If your stove is DEFRA-approved you can use it with most kinds. However, you should only make use of firewood with a moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke emissions. This can be achieved by using a log supplier who uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn Scheme, or by purchasing firewood at your nearest timber merchant.

A DEFRA stove always provides the bare minimum amount of combustion air to ensure the fuel is burned correctly and efficiently without releasing excessive smoke. This makes it perfect for slumber burning, in which you let the stove run over night to let the fuel burn, without releasing excessive smoke into the home.

Multi-Fuel Stoves Defra Approved

You might be drawn to an approved DEFRA model when buying a wood-burning stove or multi fuel stove. Although for many homeowners this may seem like jargon they shouldn't have to be concerned about, there's a lot of truth in the fact that DEFRA approved stoves are safer for your chimney and the environment.

Defra approved appliances are designed so that they don't starve the fires of oxygen during combustion. This helps to prevent the fire from producing large quantities of smoke, especially in Smoke Control Areas. The kit provided by the manufacturer can be used to modify certain stoves to make them certified by the Defra. The kit works by limiting how much the air vents can be shut during the burn cycle. When you load your stove and 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 stove that is Defra-approved doesn't slumber, therefore it is less likely to emit this material into the air. This also means 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 sells a range of DEFRA approved stoves for different applications. This includes a traditional stove such as our Bassington Eco which has a cast iron structure with large picture windows making it suitable to be used in a period fireplace or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA approved for burning wood in a smoke control zone however it can also be used with both solid fuel and an array of smokeless coals.

All of our Defra approved stoves have been rigorously tested to ensure they are of the highest level of efficiency and emissions. These stoves are suitable for Smoke Control Areas, and will keep your chimney and home cleaner longer than non-DEFRA stoves.