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Everything You Need To Learn About Defra Exempt Wood Burner
The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a great choice for homeowners living within smoke control zones. These particular log burners have undergone rigorous testing and are operating within strict regulations.

Stoves that are approved will usually be branded with the letter 'SE', which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke controlled areas but only when burning approved fuels from Defra, namely wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra-approved stoves are designed to be in compliance with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. These stoves have been tested and inspected to ensure that they use fuel more efficiently and generate little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that part-burnt fuels such as soot and ash are reburned before they can escape up your chimney and into the air.

If you live in a city or large town that is classified as a Smoke Control Area then it's essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt and can be used with approved fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful when you don't use an exempt appliance or fuels that are approved. Exempt Defra stoves are more suitable for your chimney because they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke. DEFRA stoves installation and flue will remain cleaner for longer.

We offer a wide range of stoves that are Defra-exempt that include the ones from Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products which means you can be sure that your new stove will be an appropriate addition to your home.

There is a common misconception that you need to buy a Defra exempt stove if you live in a smoke control area but this isn't the situation. You can still put an un-DEFRA stove in your home if it is fitted with a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with authorised charcoal or other smokeless fuels.

If you want to be sure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, then we recommend that you choose one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to comply with UK standards for environmental sustainability. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means that they produce minimal smoke. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your home with fewer logs. You can choose from a selection of Defra models in a wide range of styles and colours.

Clean Burn


Wood-burning stoves and open flames emit smoke that could cause harm to the health of those living within your home as well as people living nearby. The fine particles that are present in the smoke could cause respiratory issues, like asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to reduce the harmful effects of this smoke.

The wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure that they are in compliance with Department of Environment regulations. They also have been designed to burn fuel more efficiently so that they emit less pollution. They also emit a clear vapour instead of the dark smoke that is typically associated with older open fires and stoves that burn logs.

Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves come with secondary and tertiary mechanisms that are responsible for the lower smoke particles. This means that the air within the combustion chamber is constantly being circulated, making it more difficult for the particles to escape the chimney.

This also means that you are able to only use fuels that are approved for burning on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system of these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber spotless so that the buildup of soot is reduced and gas is able to escape from the flue.

In fact, a new DEFRA approved wood stove fitted with an EcoDesign baffle can produce approximately 500 times less carbon dioxide than a traditional open fire or a traditional log burning stove, according to Defra. If you live in an area that has a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health and those of your neighbours.

You can also install a DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and make use of a variety of fuels, including briquettes, peat and other solid fuels made by manufacturers that are sold in supermarkets. It is recommended that you only burn 'Ready to Burn" dry wood that is seasoned. Never burn treated or painted wood since they can cause more pollution than untreated timber.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance routine which will ensure that it lasts for longer. These types of stoves are also extremely efficient, allowing you to save money on your heating bill and reducing consumption of fuel by up to 50%. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are also far lower than other types of stoves, and they provide a greener alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are simple to install and are suitable for most homes especially if you reside in an urban area. They have passed the Defra tests, which means you can use them legally in smoke control areas without violating the law or committing an expensive fine.

Defra-approved wood stoves can also be more affordable to operate than other stove models, because of their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the air. This is good for your health and that of your family.

In addition, DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign This means that they meet rigorous emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications listed on the stoves we carry, and they will give you assurance that you are purchasing eco-friendly and safe model.

There's a broad selection of Defra exempt stoves at Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace or a fireplace chamber. We also offer modern, sleek options that go well with simple mantles or surrounds. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra-exempt wood burning stoves it's important to think about the style you want in your home, and how it will blend with the interior decor.

It is only possible to burn an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant in a Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if you're confronted with a fire that is wood-burning. The stove is also a great option for those who want to lower their carbon footprint. The wood of the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

It is essential to have a stove that burns wood that has been DEFRA-approved in UK cities and towns. This means that it has passed the rigorous tests and is safe to use in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated by the combustion particles generated by the stove. These toxins can create the dark smoke visible from chimneys in smoke zones of control. They can be harmful to the health and can be a nuisance to neighbors.

Local councils have therefore enacted laws to control the problem by prohibiting the use of open fireplaces as well as non-DEFRA-exempt appliances. But the good news is that you can still have an appliance in your home, provided it is DEFRA exempt and you only burn authorised fuel.

Stoves that are approved for use in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as such and have been tested to ensure they meet or exceed strict emissions and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra also are more eco-friendly than other types of wood burners since they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary systems of combustion which help reduce their carbon footprint.

You can find out if you live in a smoke-free area by contacting your local council. You can also look up your property's address online. However, it is best to consult your local council for further information.

Even if you do not reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove is an investment worth making. It is more environmentally friendly and also more considerate of neighbors. A stove that is approved by Defra will produce less smoke, which can keep your chimney and flue clear for a longer time. Most leading stove manufacturers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have a variety of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.

Website: https://www.fireplacesandstove.com/categories/defra-stoves