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What Is Defra Log Burner And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have rules in place that prohibit chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas except when using an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.

The new rules restrict the amount the stove can emit of smoke to 3g/hour. If homeowners do not comply, they will be fined on the spot. To avoid this, make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only use dry wood that has been kiln-dried and has the "Ready to Burn" mark.

What is a Defra-approved stove?

A Defra approved stove is a stove that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from laws in smoke control areas to burn wood (and other authorised fuels). The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved are usually marked with SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name as an easy way to identify them.

Stoves that are Defra Approved have to be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure they meet strict emission standards. These tests are designed to test stoves that produce maximum heat, while producing extremely low levels of smoke emissions. They usually achieve these low emissions by ensuring that combustion gases are re-burnt in the second burn. This is important as it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are eco-friendly since they limit the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent down the chimney. Defra exempted stoves don't close their air vents overnight to sleep. They keep the flue open all the time, so they are less likely to send part burned combustion products down the chimney.

No matter if you reside in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood burning stove is a great idea as it will keep your neighbors content and ensure that your chimney is clear for a longer time. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a broad selection of styles and designs, and there are plenty of options to suit both traditional and modern homes.

The sleek, minimalist design is an important aspect when choosing a Defra-approved wood burning stove. These stoves are ideal for contemporary living spaces. They can be put in within a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be freestanding. Modern stoves such as the Aarrow I400 and the minimalist Farringdon are perfect for any space. You can also get Defra Exempt Stoves that come in traditional styled stoves like the Saxon A08E or the Arizona A08E.

What is what is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is one that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA Department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to create a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission while also producing an extremely high level of heat for your home.

You need a Defra approved stove if you are in Smoke-Control Area. If you don't, you won't be allowed to legally install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has not been approved by DEFRA. Installing a stove that's not approved by DEFRA within your home could result in a hefty penalty.

The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount oxygen that can get to the wood during the process of burning. Modifying the air vent on top is how this is done. This means that the stove will still allow a tiny amount of air to flow through, even if you shut the vent all the way. This stops the firewood from smouldering and also prevents it from becoming thirsty for air.

From the outside of a Defra stove you will not be able to discern that it's different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden under the stove's base or inside the top of the front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are only allowed to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. However, there are a number of Defra stoves that are multi-fuel approved and can be used to burn a range of different fuels.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, regardless if you reside in Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for your environment, they release less smoke and keep your chimney free of accumulated. They are also safer for your home as they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in your air.

What is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra wood burning stove also called a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The test focuses on the amount of smoke and emission levels that the stove can produce at all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be used in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in towns and cities.

The test also ensures that the stove can be used with authorised fuels like anthracite and smokeless coal. In addition to that, a Defra log burner is more environmentally friendly and can help avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been able to have their combustion air control modified, often within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely, because this could dehydrate the stove and make it release excessive amounts of smoke.

A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove as it's sometimes referred to, should still be maintained regularly to ensure that it is operating properly. This includes cleaning the chimney and flue regularly, ensuring that there aren't any obstructions, ensuring that the grate and firebox are free of debris and ensuring that the airflow through the chimney free from restrictions.


Although it's not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to purchase one since they are more efficient than non-Defra models and will save you money on fuel costs in the long run. In addition the fact that the use of a Defra approved stove will decrease the amount of smoke and dust that enters your living space which makes it the best choice for your health and your neighbors' health.

At Nordpeis, we have an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves, both in modern and traditional designs. Varde retailers can help you determine if your home is located in a Smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces dust levels in the air, which is better for the environment. It also saves money on fuel bills because you can get more heat out of the same logs. They are so efficient that they have resulted in a reduction in the necessity for chimney sweeps because very little soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers design their products, they have added secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce the emissions of the stove, and decrease the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra approved stove is not just allowed to be used in Smoke Control Areas and Smoke Control Areas, but it can also be used in a properly constructed, insulation-free chimney system in any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come in a range of designs that will suit your preferences. There are click through the following website page of choices for traditional and contemporary stoves that come in various colours and finishes that complement your style. These stoves come in different sizes, so you can choose one that is suitable for the space of your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved wood stoves have undergone rigorous testing and examinations in order to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations, have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. This means you can rest assured that you are burning your fuel responsibly while you are saving money at the same time. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you still want to experience the warmth of a wood stove then a Defra Approved Stove is a good choice. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already enjoying the benefits of a cleaner atmosphere and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We recommend that your stove is professionally installed by a gas engineer who is qualified to do the job. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all requirements for building. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure it operates at its best and will avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.

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