Notes

The Advanced Guide To Defra Wood Burner
Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area then you will need to use an Defra approved stove. The stoves come in a variety of styles that will fit your home.

They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely when you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and creates more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you reside in a smoke control area you may be interested in purchasing a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs as well as various other fuels without producing excessive smoke. They accomplish this by supplying the minimum amount of combustion air needed to keep your fire burning effectively and eliminating unnecessary smoke emissions.

The Defra approved logo is a widely recognised one within the stove industry and you will often be able to see it on brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes written as 'SE,' which means Smoke Exempt Stove. It is used to indicate that the stove is legal to use in a smoking space when using approved fuels.

Defra approved appliances are built to meet the new Ecodesign emission standards which came into effect in 2021. These are higher than those set by the old smoke control laws, but lower than the standards to be set under a planned Clean Air Act in 2030.

It is essential to verify the specifications of the stove you are considering buying it. Some will have a Defra exemption label that is a marketing label and not a real Defra approval. Recent CAL investigation revealed some serious problems with new Ecodesign limits, such as inadequate testing and confusion over the current regulations for smoke control. Manufacturers also failed inform customers.

While you can purchase a stove that isn't approved by the Department of Energy in a smoke-free zone but it's important to keep in mind that you'll need an exclusive fuel kit to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, you'll need adhere to the rules regarding the fuel types that you can burn.

This is a complex matter that needs to be addressed to ensure that we have clean air and ensure that the UK's environment is healthy. In the meantime it's best to stick with kiln-dried logs and other fuels that are authorised in your stove that are defra-approved because they're more safe than conventional house coal and sulfurized bituminous coal. This will allow you to keep your Defra approved stove in line with the law while allowing you to enjoy more smoky and cleaner fireplace. You'll also save money on your heating costs.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to own a DEFRA wood burner is that you can legally burn logs in smoke control areas without the risk of getting fined. But this is not the only reason to think about purchasing one - these stoves also come with eco-friendly technology, which is better for the environment as well as your health.

When Defra approved stoves are operated correctly (burning only dry, seasoned and ready to Burn wood) they can cut pollution by up to one quarter when compared to open fires and older appliances. This, combined with regular chimney sweepings to ensure the flue is functioning properly, can help reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.

The primary pollutant that is released during the burning of solid fuels like logs is ultra-fine particulate matter, which penetrates deep into the lungs, and could cause a variety of health issues. This includes asthma symptoms as well as a general feeling of being sick.

Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal method to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been tested independently to ensure they produce less harmful PM2.5 than older open fires and stoves.

Defra stoves, as well as wood-burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign standards are designed to let as much fresh air as is possible into the flame so that it doesn't smoke. This reduces the amount pollutants emitted and increases the efficiency of heat so that you get more warmth with less energy.

The Defra-approved wood burning stoves we stock have been tested to meet these standards and are available in a standalone stove or as a set for existing fireplaces. This means that you can select the most suitable Defra compliant stove for your home, and you can also ensure your purchase should the law change in the future. Contact our team of experts to find more about the Defra-approved stoves that we have in stock or visit your local showroom.

Reduced Emissions

Wood burning stoves are popular because they are a cozy cheap and eco-friendly way to heat your home. However, many are unaware that 'smokeless' stoves emit high levels of harmful pollution. The main pollutant emitted by wood burning stoves are ultra-fine particles (PM2.5) that are able to easily penetrate the human respiratory system. The short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.

The Defra approved stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of emissions. However defra exempt stoves of fuel is likely to have a significant impact on the amount of pollutants produced. It is therefore important to use dry, seasoned wood that has been curing for at least two years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved, smokeless fuels which are manufactured by companies like Aduro.

Modern Defra approved stoves will be built to conform to the new Ecodesign regulations, which set stricter manufacturing limits than prior. In accordance with the new regulations that any stove that is installed within a Smoke Control Area is required to release less than 5g of particles per hour. This is a far lower limit than the 7.5g/hour that was previously set for older stoves.

Despite these reductions, domestic wood and coal burning still contributes to around 17 percent of UK fine particle pollution, according to the Government. But the latest figures show that this is less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution, which includes road traffic and industrial processes.

It is vital to remember that Defra approved stoves will continue to be a major source of fine particle pollution in the UK. The best way to reduce these harmful effects is to reduce the amount of wood you burn and using Ready to Burn certified fuels that have an average moisture content of less than 20 percent. The fire will burn at a lower temperature, resulting in more pollutants. Additionally, it causes the glass of the stove to darken more quickly and results in a faster build-up of soot in the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners offer a wide range of environmental benefits like efficient and clean combustion, reduced emissions, and a potential savings in cost. They are available in a variety of styles that can be a perfect fit for any style of home. They also offer the added benefit of being a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels such as gas or oil.

The term "Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they conform to regulations of the government pertaining to their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have a modified top air control that prevents the user from closing it completely and also reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder creating more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the air.

Stove manufacturers are increasingly incorporating technology into their products to increase the environmental credentials of their stoves and help them to be compliant with new legislation. They use secondary and tertiary systems in order to reduce the amount part-burned combustibles that are emitted through your chimney as black smoke. This will reduce the carbon footprint and emissions.

If you live in a smoke controlled area, then it is essential to have a Defra approved stove is essential for those who want to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without violating the law. These stoves have been tested independently and are compliant with the law and will continue to do so as new legislation is put in place.

A Defra Approved Stove can be used with a 5" Liner when burning approved Fuels. It is best with Wood that has a moisture content of Less Than 20 percent. This will ensure an efficient burn, which results in less emissions and a longer lifespan for your chimney and flue system.


If you don't live in a smoke control zone, then there is no reason to purchase a Defra stove, but there are many reasons why you should consider one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. They look fantastic, are a fantastic source of heat, and you'll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing the impact you have on the atmosphere.

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