Notes

The Most Common Defra Approved Wood Burner Mistake Every Beginner Makes
Choosing a Defra Approved Wood Burner

When looking for a new multi fuel or wood burning stove you may notice it's described as DEFRA approved. While it may seem like confusing stove jargon, having a DEFRA approved wood burner is crucial if you reside in a smoke-free zone.

Defra is the government department which oversees regulations pertaining to environmental, agricultural and rural issues. Defra approved stoves allow you to legally burn wood in areas that are smoke-control zones (usually UK cities and large towns).

Clean Burning Technology

The stove manufacturers have designed their stoves to be cleaner by incorporating secondary and tertiary systems. This allows them to meet the stricter emission limits set by DEFRA, so homeowners who live in Smoke Control Areas can legally use their stoves. In most cases, there is no distinction between the Defra Approved stove and a standard wood burner, however Defra approved stoves have undergone a lot of other modifications made to them and will be subject to more rigorous tests to ensure they're creating cleaner air.

Many stoves that are Defra approved are constructed with Clean Burn technology which helps them to burn wood and other types of fuel more efficiently and producing less smoke and harmful emissions. This is achieved by introducing a secondary phase of combustion, in which flue gas is reused and used to enhance the burn of the fuel. This means that your stove will be more energy efficient and you will save money by heating your home rather than a central heating system.

Many people planning to purchase a new stove inquire whether a specific model is exempt from the Defra regulations. This is because many stoves that aren't Defra approved can be used in Smoke Control Areas provided they only burn the correct fuel such as anthracite, semi-anthracite, or low volatile steam coal. To be Defra-Exempt, the stove must have passed a test and be endorsed by DEFRA to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

The air vents of a Defra-approved stove are modified so that they cannot be completely shut. This prevents the stove's'slumbering over night', which could release unburnt materials like soot and tar into the air or down the chimney. Stoves that aren't Defra exempt can also'slumber' during the day, and this will send more part unburned combustibles to the air.


Selecting a wood burner that is Defra-approved can be a ideal choice to keep your home warm and protect the environment. To get the most value out of your stove, it is essential to maintain it regularly by cleaning the flue and examining it for blockages. The more you take care of your stove, it will reward you for many years of warmth and comfort.

Low Emissions

Defra-approved stoves are an excellent option for those looking to make a wise decision about the heating they use. They come in a variety styles and offer a clean, efficient combustion, with reduced emissions. Whether DEFRA stoves installation looking for a traditional or contemporary Defra approved wood burner, you'll find the ideal model for your home at Stovax.

The reason Defra approved stoves are so efficient is because they burn at a high level of efficiency, meaning that they produce very little emissions of harmful particles and smoke. They can generate less emissions than open fires, and up to 80 percent less than stoves that were made 10 years ago. The government announced this new law in 2022, called Ecodesign. It requires that stove manufacturers to adhere to stringent environmental standards in order to be Defra approved.

One of the most important factors is limiting the amount the stove can be 'closed down', which refers to how starved the stove is of oxygen. Stove manufacturers accomplish this by putting vents in the stove so that the stove cannot be closed to the extent that it is. This results in minimal smoke.

The Defra-approved stoves are superior than other models because they can burn a wider variety of fuels, including briquettes or smokeless coal. Certain stoves are only permitted to burn a certain type of wood or logs.

If you reside in a smoke-control zone then it is recommended that you use a Defra approved gas stove is a great choice. You won't have to worry about costly fines for using fuel that is not approved.

It's important to remember that the effectiveness of a stove can only be dependent on the quality of the fuel it is burning and, therefore, when you are shopping for a Defra approved wood burner or multifuel stove it is vital to choose the best quality firewood you can find. Verify that the fuel you're using is dry and has a moisture level that is not greater than 20 percent prior to burning.

Easy Clean Up

Defra Approved Stoves make an excellent option for those who live in an UK Smoke Controlled area. They are registered as DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliances which means they can be used with approved smokeless fuels and you won't violate the law if you burn wood in these stoves. They produce less soot and black smoke than traditional open fires and log burners.

Defra approved stoves produce less smoke and soot since they have secondary and tertiary systems. These systems limit how depleted the stove is of air during the combustion process. This prevents the dark, dusty smoke and soot produced by a smoky combustion.

These stoves also come with airwash technology that helps keep the glass clear of smoke stains. This is accomplished by drawing air from the rear of the stove and racing it across the combustion chamber, and then dropping to the glass. This will keep the glass of the stove crystal clear, and free from smoke stains, as long as the wood is properly seasoned.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Smoke Control Areas are identified in a variety of areas of the UK. In these areas, strict rules are in place to limit the amount of smoke produced from fireplaces, stoves, and wood burning fires. Appliances that are not DEFRA-approved could be penalized for breaking the rules and causing excessive pollution. You can avoid this by opting for the DEFRA approved stove for your home.

If you are searching for appliances that are DEFRA-approved, look for a logo that has an icon that is exempt from smoke on it. You can also check the specifications of the manufacturer for the stove to make sure it is safe for use in Smoke Control Zones. The DEFRA logo is very recognisable and has been widely adopted by both suppliers and manufacturers in the industry. Stoves that are suitable for Smoke Control Areas will also often have SE (Smoke Exempt) in the middle of their specifications list.

If you're unsure whether your area is a Smoke Control Area, check with your local council. You'll receive helpful information and guidance from them. They may be able to assist you in finding an appropriate stove for your home or the environment in which you live.

The choice of a DEFRA approved stove comes with many advantages. In addition to the fact that they are permitted to use in Smoke Control Areas, they also produce far less smoke than other stoves. They are also safer for your chimney system as well as your neighbours.

If you own a stove that is old and is not in compliance with DEFRA regulations, you'll need to think about purchasing a DEFRA approved smoke control kit, or modifying your stove to comply with the rules. This can be expensive and is typically only an option for those who are purchasing a new stove.

One of the primary reasons to purchase a defra approved wood burner is that it permits you to legally burn wood inside your home, even in smoke control Area. This is a great benefit, especially if you reside in an urban area where the regulations are very strict. You can find a large selection of defra-exempt stoves in DIY and hardware shops and online.

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