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Five Things You're Not Sure About About Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves can be a fantastic option for homeowners living in areas with smoke control. These particular log burners have been through rigorous testing and are able to operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that have been approved can often be labelled with "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They are only permitted to be used in smoke-controlled zones in the event of burning approved fuels from Defra such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra-approved stoves are designed to comply with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. The stoves have been tested and inspected to ensure that they burn fuel more efficiently and emit little or no smoke. They emit very minimal levels of emissions and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn combustibles that have been burned partially such as soot and ash before they escape down your chimney.

If you reside in a city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and is able to be used with fuels that are authorised. Smoke from your chimney is illegal if you do not have an appliance exempt from the law, or fuels that are approved. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney, as they burn fuel more effectively and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.

We offer a wide choice of Defra exempt stoves from the top manufacturers in the world such as Stovax and Arada. We only sell top quality products, so you can be certain that your new stove is a safe addition to your home.

There is a widespread belief that you must purchase a Defra exempt stove if you live in a zone of smoke control but this isn't the case. You can still install an unapproved fireplace in your home, if it has 6" (150mm), flue liner and is only used with authorised briquettes.

We recommend that you choose an Defra approved model if you wish to ensure that you can use wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. These stoves were developed to meet UK standards for environmental protection. They have been tested and verified as DEFRA exempt. This means they produce minimal smoke. They are also more efficient than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your property with less logs. Our selection of Defra stoves are available in a range of colors and styles, so you're sure to find the perfect model for your home.

Clean Burn

Open fires and wood-burning stoves generate smoke that can have a negative effect on the health of people within your home as well as those who live nearby. The fine particles that are present in the smoke can cause respiratory issues, like asthma. Luckily, modern DEFRA exempt stoves have been developed to significantly reduce these negative effects.

These clean burning wood burners, which are often also known as SE or Defra approved stoves, have been rigorously checked and tested to ensure that they abide with the Department of Environment's regulations. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more effectively and produce less pollution. They also emit a clear vapour, instead of the dark smoke associated with older open fires and log burning stoves.

Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves come with secondary and tertiary systems which are responsible for the smaller smoke particles. This means the air in the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the particles to escape.

This means that you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such seasoned dry firewood). Modern stoves feature an airflow system that keeps the combustion chamber clear, reducing soot and allowing gas to flow easily out of the flue.

In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle can produce approximately 450 times less pollution than an open-fire or traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. If you reside in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these modern and efficient stoves is vital to protect your health and those of your neighbours.


Alternately, you can set up a DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and make use of a variety of fuels like briquettes, peat and other varieties of manufactured solid fuel which are available for purchase at supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready To Burn' seasoned wood and never burn treated or painted timber because they will create more pollutants than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA-exempt wood burning stove can be maintained easily. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks aid in prolonging the life of the stove. These stoves are very efficient and can cut down on the consumption of fuel by as much as 50%. The emissions generated by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves, and they are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.

They can be easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, especially in urban areas. They have passed Defra tests, which means you can legally use them in smoke control zones, without breaking the law or risking a substantial fine.

Defra-approved wood stoves may also be less expensive to operate than other stove models thanks to their advanced combustion technology that ensures the fire burns efficiently. This results in fewer particulates and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is good news for your health as well as that of your family members.

The DEFRA exempted stoves are certified by other initiatives, including Clearskies and Ecodesign. Recommended Web page meet the strictest standards for efficiency and emission. You may see these certifications displayed on the stoves we stock, and they will give you confidence that you are purchasing eco-friendly and safe model.

You can find a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves at Stoves Direct, including many traditional styles that are perfect for an inglenook fireplace or fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek designs that can be paired with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering purchasing one our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to consider the style you'd like to have in your home, and how it'll fit with the design.

A Defra exempt stove is the only type of log burner you can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it can help you avoid paying a fine in the event that you find yourself in the middle of a illegal wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 during the process of growing and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

It is important to have a stove that burns wood that is DEFRA-approved for use in UK cities and towns. This means it has passed stringent tests and is safe to use in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles generated by the stove. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke often seen emanating from chimneys in areas of smoke control and can have a negative impact on health as well as creating a nuisance for neighbours.

As a result, local councils have introduced laws banning the use of open fires and appliances that are not exempt from DEFRA in these areas to address the issue. But the good news is that you are able to still have a stove in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.

Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be inspected and marked to ensure that they meet or exceed the strict emission and efficiency standards. The stoves that are exempt from Defra tend to be more eco-friendly than other kinds of wood burners because they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary combustion methods that reduce their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you are in a smoke-free zone by contacting your local council. You can also look up your property's address online. However, it's best to consult your local council for further information.

Even if you do not live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove will still be a wise investment. It is more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly. A stove that is Defra-approved will also produce less smoke, which will keep your chimney and flue clean for a longer time. For this reason, most top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new law.

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