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The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Defra Approved Stove Needs To Know How To Answer
What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the abbreviation SE) is a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove that can be installed in smoke zones of control. They usually have the Defra approved logo or are labeled as the same in their specifications.

These stoves are better for the environment and they'll stop you from annoying your neighbours with smoke. They also go through rigorous testing.

What is an DEFRA approved stove?

When searching for wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove for your home, it's important to consider the type of fuel that you'll be using. This is particularly important when you live in a smoke controlled area since this will impact what fuels you are allowed to burn in your stove. There are many different types of fuels that can be used in wood stoves, however, if you live in a smoke control area you will need to choose the DEFRA approved stove that is designed to burn authorised fuels and not produce any smoke.

A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burning stove has been thoroughly tested to ensure that emissions are decreased. This is accomplished by making sure that the stove has an additional combustion process, this means that waste gases are re-burnt inside the stove to lower the level of emissions.

DEFRA approved stoves provide cost savings, while also reducing smoke production. They are engineered to burn wood efficiently and provide higher levels of efficiency. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to heat their homes using an energy source that is renewable, is environmentally responsible and can provide an economical method to heat their property.

There are many different styles of DEFRA-approved stoves, ranging from traditional to modern. This lets homeowners find a stove that will fit into the decor of their house and can be incorporated into existing fireplaces or inglenooks. They can be paired with a variety of flue systems and chimney liners and are compatible with both gas or natural sources.


The advantages of using DEFRA approved stoves aren't only available to those living in smoke-controlled areas. Anyone can benefit from their increased efficiency and lower emissions. A DEFRA-approved wood stove will improve the air quality of your home, and will contribute to a more sustainable future. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide which is then released back into the atmosphere when they are used to heat the house.

What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-Approved Stove

A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also called a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is a stove that has passed Defra's rigorous tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you live in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke control area then it's legally required that you only use a Defra approved stove or risk breaking the law and being fined. However, even if don't reside in a smoke control area and you don't have a smoke control area, a Defra approved stove is a good idea to ensure that your chimney and flue system is more clean for a longer period of time.

Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been striving to develop the latest clean burn technology which has led to the development of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke that is produced during the combustion process. Defra approved stoves now come with secondary and tertiary systems of combustion to further reduce emissions, make use of fuel more efficiently and make for a much more environmentally friendly and neighbour eco-friendly method of heating your home.

It is important to know that a stove approved by Defra can burn wood and manufactured solid fuels such as coal fires, household coal and high petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke. However, you should be careful when it comes to the kind of firewood used. It is illegal to use damp or wet wood in a stove that is DEFRA-approved. This will create excessive smoke, which could upset your neighbors and create the risk of a fire in your home.

When you are purchasing wood to burn in your Defra approved stove, we suggest that you only purchase dry properly seasoned logs, properly seasoned and splits. We also recommend using only firewood marked with the Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood has been treated to maintain a a low moisture level and to limit smoke production.

The majority of Defra approved stoves are dedicated wood burners and do not offer the option to burn smokeless coal but there are some excellent traditional styled models that look stunning with or without a fireplace surround or mantle. The fact that you have a DEFRA approved stove allows you to use 5" (125mm) wide stainless steel twin wall chimney liner that is a more affordable alternative to the standard 6" (150mm) and is a great option if your chimney stack is very old or has some awkward bends in its route.

Can I Fit a Non-Defra Approved Stove in a Smoke Control Area?

There are a good chance of finding DEFRA-approved models when searching for a fireplace that burns wood. This is a term employed in the industry to refer to a stove that is exempt from smoke control laws when it's burned with approved fuels such as seasoned logs and mineral solid fuels such as anthracite.

It is important to remember that non-Defra appliances may be installed in smoke controlled areas, but they must be used only to burn authorised fuels, such as anthracite. If you make use of them to burn a variety types of wood or other solid fuels that are flammable, they could release excessive smoke and lead to a fire violation being issued.

Stoves that are Defra Approved are often adorned with the Defra logo on their product descriptions. Manufacturers may also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or DEFRA stoves.

To be approved by Defra the stove must meet the strict performance and emission requirements established by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure low emissions and efficiency. Making the purchase of the Defra approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove can help you reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home warm at same time.

Another benefit of a DEFRA-approved Stove is that they can usually be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is a huge advantage because it allows you to reduce the cost of installation and meet the requirements of building.

If you're not aware of the rules surrounding the burning of wood in areas that are smoke-controlled, it can be difficult to select the right DEFRA-approved wood stove for your home. It's important to choose the stove that has been tested to comply with the standards set by the UK government and is designed to give you the best experience when burning solid fuel.

It is also important to only burn seasoned wood in your stove. This wood has a moisture level of less than 20%, which will prevent excessive smoke from accumulating after it is burned. You can purchase seasoned firewood in the majority of local stores as well as through schemes such as Woodsure Ready to Burn.

What Is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

There are a lot of things to consider when you are considering buying a wood-burning stove. From style and heat output to the fuel type, there is plenty to consider before you make your final choice. If you reside in a smoke-free area an exempt DEFRA stove is one of the most important things to look for. This is because a DEFRA approved stove has been tested independently and has been proven to be capable of burning wood in a smoke-controlled area.

These stoves are designed to reduce the amount of particle emissions from the combustion process, which means less pollution is being created in the atmosphere. DEFRA approved appliances are more sustainable for the environment and your chimney system, as they keep part-burned substances from entering the chimney and causing blockages.

A Defra-exempt stove will display the DEFRA-approved logo on the side or in the specification. The logo is easily identifiable, and it is a sign of high quality that is widely accepted by stove makers. Many of the wood-burning stoves we offer have the DEFRA mark, and we also stock a number of multi-fuel models that are DEFRA approved.

As well as a Defra approval, it is important to always ensure that your chosen wood burner or multi-fuel stove comes with a 5" chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves require an even larger flue than DEFRA approved models and will cause the chimney to become blocked if you are not vigilant.

If you are unsure whether or not you reside in a Smoke Controlled area or what the regulations are regarding the types of fuel you are allowed to burn, please do contact us and we'll be more than happy to assist. these details can also visit the website of your local council to find out more about the laws in force in your area.

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