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Test: How Much Do You Know About Defra Exempt Wood Burner?
Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

Smoke Control Areas are the most commonly used classification for UK towns and cities. If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and are looking to install an appliance, you'll require a Defra approved stove. You can recognize them by their approved logo from the Defra.

The stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are designed to stop the flame from burning which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They also burn fuel more efficiently.

What is what is a Defra Exempt Stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood-burning domestic heating device that has passed the tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt Label is only applied to stoves which have been tested independently, and meet strict criteria regarding emissions. The stoves that are Defra Exempt are able to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

You can't burn wood without a DEFRA-approved stove when you live in an area where smoking is controlled. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

From the outside there is very little distinction between an Defra approved stove and one that has not been given this status. There are a few ways that stove manufacturers can do to ensure that their products are exempt from DEFRA. The DEFRA approved stoves come with burners that aren't designed to starve flames of oxygen. This could cause them to smolder or create excessive amounts of smoke.

To avoid this, stove manufacturers will typically adjust the air vent at the top of an Defra approved stove. This will prevent you from being able shut the vent completely, because it would cut off the air supply to the fire. The adjustment is usually located inside the top front of the stove, beneath the base of the stove or on the back of the stove.

Stoves that are exempt from Defra exemptions can also be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a great option for people who live in areas which are designated as Smoke Control Areas, but who do not want to restrict themselves to using only authorised fuels. Some stoves that have Defra exemptions can also be equipped with 5" liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't demand a bigger size). This is a wonderful benefit for those who wish to install wood burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the benefits of a stove that is Defra certified?

In addition to being compliant with local regulations and providing warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide a variety of other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra approved stoves and consequently reduce the amount of carbon that is produced when they are used. This can lead to substantial savings on heating costs. In addition, Defra approved stoves are generally more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and can be equipped with simple controls.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when purchasing a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating requirements, aesthetic preferences, as well as long-term goals. It is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting the right stove, and opting for a defra exempt stove is a great option for those living in smoke-free areas. These stoves have been rigorously tested and are in compliance with strict environmental guidelines, and can aid in reducing the impact that your stove has on the environment.

Defra-approved stoves are not only compliant with environmental standards, but also provide superior combustion and spread of flame. This ensures that the fuel is burned evenly and creates a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means that they can stand up to higher temperatures and last longer.

Additionally, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5 inch chimney liner, which is ideal for homes that are located in smoke-free areas. It is crucial to keep in mind that if you plan to use your stove with damp wood or other damp fuels however, it will still emit unpleasant fumes and may lead to prosecution from the local authorities.

In order to achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers are required to make adjustments to the appliance to limit the amount of air it is deprived of during the burning process. Typically the air control at the top will be altered to prevent it from closing all the way. The air supply that is shut off to a stove for too long could cause it to smolder instead of properly burning and result in nuisance smoke.

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

The most obvious difference is that a defra approved stove is able to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area, whereas a non-defra exempt stove would not. This is because stoves that are Defra approved have been tested to show they can safely and efficiently burn wood in smoke-controlled areas without producing excessive levels of smoke. If you reside in an area that is smoke-free, you can make use of your new stove with no risk of penalties.

A Defra-approved stove is also more efficient in energy use than other stoves that produce more heat while emitting less harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to save money on heating costs and are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved will typically be advertised with the Defra Approved logo, which is very recognisable and has been adopted by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove has been Defra-exempt by examining the specifications or the manufacturer's website.

When choosing a Defra approved stove, it is important to consider the style that you require as there are many different options available. Some of these are more traditional and will look stunning when placed in an old fireplace chamber or inglenook. Others are more modern in style and would be a great fit for a more modern living space.

Also, make sure that the stove you select is Defra exempt by making sure that it is on DEFRA's list authorised appliances or by checking that it has the DEFRA exemption logo. Many manufacturers will advertise that their stoves are Defra-exempt, even though they haven't been tested. This is because it is simpler to sell a stove that features the Clean Burn technology than to test it and then spend the time and expense to undergo the process of becoming Defra exempt.

A stove that has been Defra exempt will guarantee that the wood used to fuel it is sustainably sourced, seasoned and dried properly before it is burned. This means that it is less likely to generate large amounts of smoke, which is better for the environment and also helps keep chimneys and flue systems cleaner for longer.

What is the Difference Between a Defra Exempt Stove and the Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

defra stove will need to take into consideration several factors when choosing the ideal stove for you home. These include style as well as heat output and the type of fuel. You might have noticed that a lot of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that are available on our website are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. This is jargon which, for the average homeowner may seem like a marketing term. However it can have significant implications for those living in areas that are smoke-free.

To comply with the laws against the sale of logs in Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners have an internal mechanism which prevents you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smoulder and produce excess smoke, which could be in violation of the law. To prevent this from happening you should ensure that the wood in your stove is dried out prior to putting it on the stove.


You can also use an DEFRA exempt wood burner within a Smoke Control Area if you only burn approved fuels listed on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites, semi-anthracites gas, and steam coal that is low volatile. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA-approved stove in your home, and you burn wet wood or any other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list that you can be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you don't live in the Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, the DEFRA exempt wood burner is a good choice as they are typically more environmentally and neighbour friendly since they operate without producing polluting smoke. They also have higher efficiency, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it should be noted that in 2022 all new stoves have to meet the stricter Ecodesign regulations, which establish minimum efficiency OGV, NOX ceilings and have emissions limits that are significantly higher than those currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.

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