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Why We Are In Love With DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved (And You Should Too!)
What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you're planning to purchase a wood burning stove and live in a smoke-free area it is crucial that you select the DEFRA exempt or approved stove. This is because stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt may deprive the stove of air, leading to the fuel burning out and generating excessive levels of emissions.

Clean Burn Technology

When you opt for a DEFRA approved stove you will be contributing to reduce air pollution. These stoves that burn wood are specifically designed to meet the strict smoke emission standards laid out by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Clean burn technology is available in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This assures that all wood or solid fuels you use are burned completely before they can escape up your chimney. This is accomplished through secondary and sometimes tertiary intakes into air that ensure every particle of smoke is burned before it is released from the stove. This means that your chimney will stay clean for longer and you'll have a more efficient stove that consumes less fuel to heat your home.

DEFRA stoves are available in both contemporary and traditional styles. This is because not everyone needs to have a stove that is the center of the attention of their room. You might want something more discrete to blend into your decor. We also offer a range of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are suited for DEFRA approval, meaning you will be able to find the ideal stove to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

You can also choose from a selection of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves that allow you to choose to burn a variety authorised fuels. When you combine this with a variety of finishes and colors, you will surely find the perfect DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove that will match your home.

We are pleased to offer a variety of DefrA wood burners that have been independently checked by HETAS to meet the strict DEFRA emission standards and to be legally allowed for use in Smoke Control Areas. If you live in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, it is important that you purchase an approved DEFRA stove. If you use an appliance that is not approved, it could result in a fine. You can find out whether you reside in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or speaking to your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they can be used within smoke-controlled areas. There is a wide selection of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, reduced emissions, and the possibility of savings in costs. You can pick from a variety of designs to match your home's style.

Smoke Control Areas are set by local authorities and the principal reason for their existence is to reduce the amount of smog from accumulating in cities and towns across the UK. In the past, people would use whatever fuel they liked in their homes. This resulted in heavy pollution in a variety of areas and caused health problems for the inhabitants. In the past, there was no law to regulate this, but today we must adhere to the rules.

Defra regulations were created to ensure the safety of the public. They define which stoves are allowed in specific areas, and what fuels we can use. If you live in a place that is smoke-free, you can only use a DEFRA approved stove and burn only authorised fuels like logs, coal or pellets. If you purchase a non-DEFRA stove and you burn fuels that are not permitted, you could be punished up to PS1000.


A stove that is approved by Defra will provide the minimum amount of air for combustion and will result in a minimum amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you're allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Zones.

To be DEFRA approved, wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves must have an average moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. To attain this, wood must be treated with a seasoned. It is recommended to select wood from the Forestry Commission’s"Woodsure Ready To Burn" scheme.

When you purchase a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it has the Defra logo or a 'SE' in the middle of its name, this signifies that it is smoke exempt. The Defra logo is easily recognized, and has been widely adopted in the industry.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If a stove is DEFRA wood burning stoves approved this means it has been tested thoroughly and is in compliance with the building regulations. This ensures that it is safe to use and that the flue system is correctly installed. This reduces indoor air pollution and prevents fire hazards. defra burning mdf is particularly important for people living in areas with smoke control zones where it is illegal to burn fuels that are not authorised.

DEFRA stoves are available in a range of sizes, styles and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect fit for your home. We have models available that are modern and traditional with inglenook, freestanding and inset formats to suit any decor. Based on your preferences you can pick a wood burner or a multi-fuel option. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology, so you are assured that they will burn your selected fuels effectively and efficiently.

DEFRA stoves are also designed to comply with strict regulations concerning smoke emissions in smoke controlled areas. These rules are designed to reduce the amount of particulate material that escapes into the air during combustion.

The most recent DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that don't restrict airflow within the firebox. This lets the wood be burnt more thoroughly and quickly, reducing the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also come with a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning burned combustion fuels.

Although it is possible to install a non-DEFRA compliant stove, this will often require significant modifications to the chimney and flue system. This will require a structural change that may require planning permission. In order to avoid this, we suggest always selecting a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.

A DEFRA-approved stove will typically also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner, saving you money on installation. This is a good idea for those who are on a budget or if the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.

Emissions Reduction

If you are searching for a wood burning stove you will come across several terms that might confuse you. One of them is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves which means it is able to be used in smoke controlled areas within the UK.

The stoves have been tested to ensure that they comply with UK smoking laws. This is achieved by incorporating the latest clean burn technology, which utilizes third and second-level combustion to produce more clean air in your home. This also helps reduce your fuel consumption as the fuel is burned more efficiently, which will reduce your carbon footprint.

Due to the advanced technology involved, DEFRA wood burning stoves certified are much more sustainable than older open fires and stoves. When properly used an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and release it back into the atmosphere when they are burned. This is the reason they are a green alternative to fossil fuels to heat your home.

The most significant issue when using a fireplace that burns wood is the emissions. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning fire is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health problems. These particulates can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing breathing problems, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and premature death.

Domestic wood burning is currently the single largest source of PM2.5 in the UK producing three times as much pollution as road traffic. This is due to the fact that conventional wood stoves do not use clean burning technologies. It is important to buy an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke controlled, or even if it is not. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.

At Bowland Stoves, we stock a wide selection of DEFRA approved stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. If you're unsure which type of stove is the best one for your home, we suggest talking to a member of our team. However, if you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, you can rest sure that it has passed extensive testing to ensure that it can be used in smoke controlled areas.

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