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Why Is Defra Exempt Wood Burner So Famous?
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you reside in one and would like to install a wood burner then you'll need a Defra exempt stove. You can identify them by their logos that are Defra-approved.

Exempt stoves from Defra are constructed to stop the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke that is produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

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

If you reside in a smoke control area it is necessary to have an DEFRA approved stove since it is illegal to burn wood (unless you are an authorized fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove within a smoke control zone is an infraction of the Clean Air Act. You could be prosecuted.

From the outside, there's no distinction between the Defra approved stove and one that has not been granted this status. There are a few ways stove makers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on a DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen because this could cause it to smolder and release excessive amounts of smoke.

To prevent this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the top air vent on the Defra approved stove. This will stop you from closing the vent completely because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is typically an insignificant screw located inside the front top of the stove, underneath the stove's base, or on the back of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a fantastic option for those who live in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas however do not want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves with Defra exemption can also be equipped with a 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is good news for those who plan to install wood-burning stoves in their homes but are worried about local regulations on smoke.

What are the benefits of a Defra-approved stove?

Defra-approved stoves offer many benefits that include the ability to comply with local regulations as well as provide warm and cozy fire. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient than non-Defra approved stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can result in substantial savings on your heating bill. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be fitted with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel. This includes your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. It is important to take these elements into consideration when selecting a stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a good option for those who live in smoke controlled areas. These stoves are eco-friendly and have been tested rigorously.

Defra-approved stoves not only meet the environmental standards, but also provide better combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel burns evenly, resulting in more pleasing and consistent flame. Additionally they are more durable than non-Defra approved stoves, meaning that they last longer and withstand more extreme temperatures.

In addition to this, the majority of Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. However it is important to keep in mind that if you intend to use your stove with damp wood or any other wet fuel, it will create smoke that is not pleasant and could potentially lead to prosecution by the local authority.

To get Defra approval, stove makers are required to make modifications to the appliance in order to limit how much air it will be deprived of during the burning process. The air control at the top is usually altered to prevent the complete closure. If you shut off the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smolder instead of burning properly. This could result in an unpleasant smell of smoke.

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

The most obvious distinction is that a defra approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove will not be able to. Stoves that are Defra-approved have passed the tests to prove that they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in a region that is smoke-free you can use the new stove without fear of penalties.

A Defra approved stove is also more efficient than other kinds of wood burning stoves, which means it will generate more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the air. This makes them an excellent option for homeowners seeking to save money while caring about the environment.

Stoves that are approved by Defra will carry the Defra Approved Logo which is used by stove manufacturers. You can also determine if the stove is Defra exempt by looking at the specification details or by checking on the manufacturers website for more details about the stove.


When you are choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style that you require as there are many different options available. Some are more traditional and will look beautiful in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Other stoves are more contemporary and will suit a contemporary living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you pick is Defra exempt by ensuring that it is listed on DEFRA's list of approved appliances, or by making sure whether it is stamped with the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt however they haven't been tested. It is easier to sell a Clean Burn stove than to test and go through the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will make sure that the wood used to fuel it is sustainably sourced and properly dried, seasoned and before burning. This means that it is less likely to produce large amounts of smoke, which is good for the environment and helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the difference between a Defra Exempt Stove and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll need to take into consideration a number of factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include the design the heat output, style, and fuel type. You might be aware that a number of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our site are described as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that to the average homeowner, may seem like a marketing phrase. However it can have significant implications for those living in smoke-free areas.

To be in compliance with the laws prohibiting the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. If you reduce the air flow to the fire to a significant degree, it will cause the wood to smoulder and create smoke. This is in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening, you will need to ensure that the wood you use in your stove is kiln dried prior to using it on the stove.

You can also make use of an DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. If you decide to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in your home and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that are not on the DEFRA list that you can be penalized up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is still an excellent choice. They are more eco friendly and friendly to neighbors since they operate without producing nuisance smoke. They are also more efficient and keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer period of time. It is important to note that all new stoves will need to meet the stricter Ecodesign standards by 2022. These regulations establish minimum efficiency standards, as well as NOX and OGV ceilings, and emissions limits that are much higher than the limits currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.

Read More: https://www.webwiki.de/www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/defra-stoves