Notes

So You've Bought Stove Defra Approved ... Now What?
Choosing a DEFRA Approved Wood Burner

Many people seeking a new stove might be contemplating a DEFRA approved wood burner. These stoves can be placed within smoke-control zones, so long as only Defra-approved fuels are burned.

They are also modified by the manufacturer to limit the amount they are deprived of air. This would result in smoke.

Clean Burn Technology

There are many different terms that get thrown around when it is about wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. The most important are clean burn, DEFRA exempt and Ecodesign. For the average consumer, these may seem like marketing buzzwords they don't need to worry about, but they are worth considering when selecting your new stove.

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that is suitable for use in smoke control zones if it is powered by specific fuels (mostly brquettes, logs, and steam coal that is low volatile). Modern stove makers use a special combustion system with secondary and third airflow to reduce the stove's emissions. As a result, they produce less smoke than traditional open fires and other stoves that aren't Defra approved.

This is all part of the government's attempts to maintain clean air in urban areas, and it works very well. A stove that is Defra-approved will make use of the least amount of combustion, resulting in minimal smoke. You'll still be able to get plenty of flames and heat, though.

The majority of manufacturers will offer the Defra approved version of their stoves and you can easily identify them by looking for the Defra exempt terminology or the Defra badge on the listing of the product. If you're not sure, call the manufacturer or an expert retailer.

Stove defra-exempt stoves can be significantly more expensive than standard models, but it's important to remember they have been tested extensively to ensure they meet strict emission standards. In the long run, you will be saving money as your Defra stove will consume less fuel to generate the same amount of heat.


Ecodesign regulations were made public in the year 2000 and all stoves manufactured after the date were required to comply with the regulations. If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll require a stove that is Ecodesign compliant as well as Defra-exempt (or a Defra-approved model that has passed the rigorous Defra emission tests). Charnwood offers a variety of Defra-exempt stoves that are also marked clearSkies Level 3, which means they have achieved a standard of pure burning.

Low Emissions

Stove manufacturers like Arada & Stovax continue to improve their stoves by incorporating secondary and tertiary burning systems that decrease the amount of particulates that are released. The result is not only a stunning stove but one that releases very small amounts of smoke. This allows you to use it in smoke-free areas without worrying about hefty fines.

A DEFRA approved stove, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance as they are usually referred to as, is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed the rigorous tests conducted by the UK Government's Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs. These tests determine the maximum levels of emissions the stove can generate and also limit the amount of smoke it will emit during normal operation.

The tests also test the way a stove can handle smoldering flames. This happens when combustible materials in a wood stove continue to burn long after the flames have been put out. These fires can release a large amount of smoke if they are not completely eliminated. DEFRA approved stoves use a secondary combustion system to burn the particulates that are released during a fire.

Many people reside in zones of smoke control where it's illegal to use non-Defra endorsed stoves and log burners. You must use a DEFRA-approved stove to avoid a heavy fine. There are many different types of Defra-approved stoves that you can buy. There is a wood burner that has been approved by Defra that can be used to make an inglenook fireplace, or a bigger stove that can fit in any room.

There are also lots of Defra approved stoves that have modern and contemporary designs that can be used in smoke controlled zones. They typically have large glass doors that allow you to take in the warmth and fire in the comfort of your living room.

A kit offered by the manufacturer can be used to modify some Defra approved appliances to make them DEFRA certified. This kit stops the air vents at the top of the stove from closing completely. This is known as "slumbering" and could cause combustible material that has not been burned to escape into the atmosphere.

Energy Efficiency

A Defra exempted stove is designed to produce very little smoke and produce excellent heat. They are perfect for use in smoke-free areas and can be used with smokeless or wood fuels. They also have high efficiency and are able to burn logs more efficiently than non-Defra exempt stoves. They also have an airwashing feature that keeps your glass windows free of dust. This makes them a stylish, efficient option for the home.

Stoves that are Defra approved will often be known as "SE" or smoke-free stoves. They can be purchased from numerous specialist wood-burning stove stores. The reason that they can be used in smoke control zones is due to their advanced combustion systems that utilize secondary and tertiary burners to reduce harmful emissions. They can also be equipped with a a smaller flue liner of 5 inches instead of the standard 6 inch standard required by the building regulations.

defra burning mdf exempted stove features an adjustable top air vent that stops it from being completely closed. This is a common mistake people make and will cause the fire to get smoldering. Additionally, it will produce a lot more smoke. These stoves are equipped with an internal limiter that ensures that a minimum amount of air is delivered to the fuel so that it won't become starved and create excessive smoke.

Stove manufacturers have taken this concept a step further by creating what is known as Defra plus stoves. These models have been upgraded to ensure that they not only meet the standards required, but surpass them. The best example of this is the Charnwood ST2 which not only is compliant with Defra standards, but also has been awarded an A+ energy rating and is a clearSkies level 5 compatible. This is an amazing achievement that shows that a DEFRA exempt stove can still be extremely efficient and eco sustainable. The future is bright for eco-friendly appliances.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

In the UK certain towns and cities are classified as smoke control areas. If you live in a smoke-control area where you are allowed to install an appliance if it has been approved by DEFRA. This means that the stove is able to be used with wood and other approved fuels without generating excessive levels of smoke. A stove that is Defra-exempt will have an air vent which cannot be closed completely which allows the stove to have an ongoing supply of oxygen. This allows the firewood to burn more efficiently, minimising soot production and decreasing emissions.

You should also look out for stoves that have been approved by DEFRA as being suitable for use with a variety of manufactured smokeless fuels like anthracite, lignite and granules. These fuels are specially designed to allow the stove to burn cleanly, and they should be branded with the 'Ready to Burn' logo which confirms that the fuel is within the prescribed limit of sulphur and smoke emissions.

If you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove and fireplace, you'll be able to enjoy years of low-cost heat while helping to safeguard the local environment and keeping your neighbours happy by not upsetting them by causing a nuisance smoke. You will still need to maintain your fireplace in order by cleaning the chimney, having it examined by an engineer regularly, and following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Stoves can be a focal point for any home and can add value and comfort. With so many designs, materials, finishes and heat outputs to think about it is essential to make sure you choose the best stove for your home. If you are in a smoke control area, it's crucial to select an DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law and possibly paying fines. Fortunately, we have a fantastic range of high-quality and reasonably priced DEFRA exempt stoves to browse.

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