Notes

A Glimpse Inside The Secrets Of Defra Exempt Wood Burner
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK cities and towns. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to install an appliance, you'll need a Defra approved stove. You can recognise them by their Defra approved logo.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to prevent the fire from smouldering which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests laid out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and meet the strict criteria for emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are safe to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

It is not possible to burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove if you live in an area where smoking is controlled. If you install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in a smoke control area you could be in violation of the Clean Air Act and could be charged.

There is not much difference from the outside of a Defra approved stove and one that doesn't have this status. However, there are some things that stove makers do in order to make their appliances DEFRA Exempt. The DEFRA approved stoves have burners that are not designed to starve the fires of oxygen. This could cause them to smoke or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, stove makers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of the Defra approved stove. This prevents you from being able to shut the vent completely down, as this would cut off the supply of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually a small screw located inside the front top of the stove, underneath the base of stove or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood as well as other fuels. This is a great option for those who you reside in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Zone, but don't want to be restricted to only using authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are exempt from Defra exemption can also be fitted with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is great news for those who are planning to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about their local smoke regulations.

What are the advantages of a stove that is Defra certified?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra approved stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when used. This can lead to significant savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves, and can be fitted with simple controls.

When purchasing an electric or wood-burning stove, there are different factors to consider including your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when selecting a stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is an excellent choice for homeowners living in smoke-free areas. They are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews ensures that the fuel burns evenly and produces an even and pleasant flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can endure higher temperatures and last for longer.

The majority of Defra-approved stoves allow to use a 5 inch liner for chimneys, which is ideal for homes in areas that are smoke-free. However it is important to be aware that if you plan on using your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, this will still cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the stove in order to limit how much air it is deprived of during the process of burning. The air control at the top is usually modified to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too much it could cause the stove to smolder instead of properly burning. This could result in unpleasant smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra-approved stove?

The most obvious distinction is that a defra certified stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempted stove won't. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that show they are able to burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive quantities of smoke. This means that even if you reside in a smoke-free zone, you will be able to use your new stove without possibility of costly fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other kinds of wood-burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and will emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them a good choice for homeowners who are trying to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and is used by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by looking up the specifications or the website of the manufacturer.

When selecting a Defra approved stove it is essential to think about the style you want because there are a variety of choices available. Some are more traditional in design and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook while others are more modern and will suit a contemporary living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be on the DEFRA list of authorized appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers advertise their stoves as being Defra exempt even if they haven't been tested to show it. It is much easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the cost of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that is Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood that is used to fuel it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This will decrease the amount of smoke generated, which is healthier for the environment. It also helps keep chimneys clean for a longer time.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove vs. a Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

When you are deciding on the best stove for your home, there is a lot of information that you will need to take into consideration, including design, heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood burning and multi fuel stoves available on our site are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This jargon, for the average homeowner, might seem like nothing more than a term used to sell products but it has extremely important implications for those who live in smoke-free areas.


To ensure compliance with the laws against the sale of logs within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing the air supply valve completely. This is because if you cut the flow of air to the fire too much the wood will begin to smoke and create excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to make sure that the wood in your stove is dried to a certain degree prior to using it on the stove.

You can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in an Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA site. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas and low volatile steam coal. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list and you are found to be in violation, you could be fined up to PS1000.

Even if you're not in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more environmentally friendly and neighbor-friendly as they operate without producing polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer. It is important to remember that all new stoves will have to comply with the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations define minimum efficiency levels, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits that are higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.

Here's my website: https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/defra-stoves