Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Controlled area then choosing a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is essential. Not only do they conform with building regulations but they also ensure that you are legally able to burn wood and multi fuels inside your home.
Stove manufacturers are continuously improving their products with secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce emissions as well as the user's carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled, you will need an approved stove from the defra. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that ban the emission of dark smoke from chimneys within smoke-controlled areas (most large towns and cities). The Defra Approved Stoves have all been rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they comply with the law. They are designed to burn more fuel efficiently and produce significantly fewer pollutant emissions. This makes them a better choice for you and your neighbors as the lesser amount of smoke they emit means that nuisance levels of smoke will be reduced to a minimum. Stoves that are Defra Approved will also have the logo as well as the words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their title and specifications.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves that we sell are Defra approved. We always strive to source the highest quality products and wish to ensure that our customers get the best from their stove. The stoves that are Defra-approved are more efficient than nonapproved models and produce less particulate matter. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra approved stoves also have the most robust firebox which is another way they can help to cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a consistent supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will stop the stove from being starved of oxygen, which causes it to smoulder and emit dark smoke. The majority of stove manufacturers are now incorporating Defra Approved models into their product lines as they are becoming more and more popular.
Defra approved stoves are not only a great option for people who live in areas with smoke control, but they are a great choice for anyone who wishes to increase the efficiency and safety of their fireplace and reduce the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere. These stoves are also great for those who wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of steel. The majority of Defra-approved models have five" outlet, which permits them to be used in combination with a 125mm lining instead of the standard 6" liner. This will save you money on the liner and the installation.
Some people prefer to sleep on the stove over night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This could lead to a buildup of soot and other tars that could hinder the chimney's flow. A stove that is approved by Defra will not let you close the top vent completely because this could trigger the fire to go off. It is also much less likely to release any combustibles not yet burned into the air, which is healthier for the environment. It will also be significantly less likely to block your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
If you're looking for a wood burning stove, you'll often see the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This usually means a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.

This is achieved through the appliances going through rigorous tests and inspections to ensure they emit low emissions. This is done by utilising secondary combustion, where waste products from the combustion process are re-burnt to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. This makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal option for those who live in a smoke controlled area and want to ensure that they have an appliance that is legal to use.
Defra exempt stoves are usually marked with a SE logo or labeled DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove was able to pass a test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very little smoke when used properly. This is the reason Defra wood burning stoves are the only ones that can be installed legally in Smoke Controlled areas.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra can help keep your chimney and flue cleaner because they are designed to provide a cleaner burn of wood than other kinds. This is because of a sophisticated combustion system that doesn't restrict airflow into the firebox and permits what's known as slumbering, which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping your chimney.
In DEFRA regulations stoves , Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically designed to be very energy efficient. This is accomplished through the most modern technology to ensure that the highest amount of heat is extracted from the fuel and then transferred to your home. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy lower heating expenses as well as an easier, safer and a more eco-friendly home.
When you choose a Defra Approved stove, you'll discover that there are a variety of choices to pick from in terms of style, size and the type of fuel. Some are only approved to burn wood, while others are also Defra approved to burn authorised smoking coal. You'll also find that there are both traditional and modern style Defra approved stoves to choose from so you can be certain to find the ideal stove to match your style.
We've created a comprehensive guide on how to purchase an approved DEFRA stove. It covers everything you need know about this kind of appliance including how to get the best value for your money when you purchase one, what to look out for when looking for stoves, and much more. The guide can be read in entirety here. As well as this we have a fantastic range of Defra Approved stoves from some of the top manufacturers in the UK. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. So if you're looking for a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is Defra Approved as well as CE certified, then make sure to look at our range.