What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?
If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled and smoke-controlled, you must use a wood-burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves let you use approved fuels without breaking the law or causing a disturbance to your neighbors.
The most up-to-date Defra approved stoves provide the most advanced technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary combustion methods to further reduce emissions. 5kw defra multifuel stove can be combined with a range of smokeless fuels.
Defra Approved
The term 'Defra-approved stove' may sound a bit complicated but it's really an open-fired stove which is exempt from UK smoke control zones. To obtain Defra approval, a stove must go through rigorous tests and, if it is successful, receive the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance.

Stoves that are Defra approved can only burn authorised fuels and of course wood, and they must do this efficiently and with very little smoke. These stoves are equipped with the most recent technology for combustion, which stops part-burned combustibles from going through the chimney and into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and reduces the likelihood of a blocked chimney.
In addition to providing a range of top DEFRA approved wood burners, we also have a variety of contemporary and traditional multi-fuel stoves. This includes the striking Portway Arundel XL, which features a large, panoramic glass panel that allows you to take in the stunning appeal of a roaring fire while also enjoying a full view of the flames and the glow.
It has an A energy rating, overnight log burning capabilities and a body made of steel for excellent heat retention, and is Defra approved and priced at PS1,499. The Bohemia X60 Cube Multifuel stove is a different alternative to consider. This multifuel DEFRA stove has an output of between 3 and 9 kW and an impressive A plus heating efficiency, making it a superb option for those living in smoke controlled areas.
The ESSE Vista is a great choice for those looking for something a bit more traditional. A Defra approved stove that has lots of style and quality It comes with an overnight log burning capacity and a great A+ energy rating, as well as being suitable for use in the DEFRA smoke control zone due to the twin catalytic technology. This is a high-quality stove that also meets the coming Eco Design 2022 regulation.
Eco Design Ready
Eco Design regulations are a key element of the UK Government's clean air policy. The regulations were enacted to reduce harmful emissions produced by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal for a wood burning stove to be manufactured that does not meet the Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain could continue to be sold, however from 2022 all new installations will have to be Eco Design compliant.
As we are a Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been tested independently to ensure that they emit less levels of particulates than open-fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also produce 80% less CO2 emissions than open fire.
The testing process consists of measuring particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be certain that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to minimize the production of these harmful chemicals.
To be considered Eco Design Ready, a stove must have lower emission levels in all of these tests - a higher level of efficiency of the fuel and a reduction in the amount of harmful by-products that are produced are also crucial. Our Eco Design approved wood burning stoves are equipped with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supply and catalytic convertors that help to limit the emission of harmful gases during operation.
Eco Design stoves are not only better for the environment but also more economical to operate. This is because they require less fuel to generate the same amount of heat, which means you'll pay less for your energy costs. A wood burning stove can also help you heat your home more efficiently. By relying on wood to power your stove, you're freeing yourself from the rising cost of gas and electricity.
Exempt
The Defra exempted stoves have been tested and examined to ensure they are legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you are able to use authorised fuels or wood (including numerous types of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law and committing huge fines.
These stoves are designed to produce the smallest amount of air required for a clean and efficient burn. They produce less smoke than older open fires or wood burning stoves. They are also energy efficient and can be a great way to heat your home at a lower cost.
In addition to being an excellent choice for those who reside in Smoke Control Areas, these stoves are a great alternative to fossil fuel heating generally. They are often cheaper than traditional gas or electric fires, and if purchase your logs locally, then they are also carbon neutral.
If you reside in a Smoke-Control Area, then only dry wood that has been seasoned may be used in your DEFRA-exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood could produce excessive smoke that could be in violation of the law and could result in a fine.
If you are unsure whether you are in a Smoke Control Area You can contact your local authority to learn more. These are typically large cities and towns where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.
All of the DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we stock have been independently tested and certified to meet strict EU standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and EVV ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new EU Ecodesign regulations 2022 will tighten up these requirements. Make sure to check with your stove provider if you're contemplating buying a stove to make sure it is compliant with.
Manufacturers are always improving their products. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming more eco-friendly and cost effective for homeowners who need an effective alternative to their traditional open fire or inefficient electric stove.
Smoke Control Area
A DEFRA approved wood stove, also called a Defra exemption stove that is a multi-fuel stove that burns wood and has passed the strict UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines on smoke emissions. This means that the stove is allowed to emit a small amount of smoke throughout all stages of normal operation. You can easily recognize a DEFRA stove by looking for the logo or the label on the stove or on its packaging. Additionally, the majority of trustworthy stove retailers will display the fact that their stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.
If you reside in an area subject to smoke control, you must use a DEFRA-approved burner or log stove. These areas are categorized locally and are typically urban areas with a high density. The purpose of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure that air quality is maintained at healthy standards by restricting the amount of particle matter released into the atmosphere by combustion in residential homes. You could be fined if you use an non DEFRA stove in a Smoke Control Area.
DEFRA approved stoves do not just meet the regulations of the government but also offer other benefits. They are also extremely efficient, which results in lower energy consumption and an enviable carbon footprint. They also come with advanced features that make them safer than open fires. These include thermocouple sensors, and automatic venting.
Manufacturers of stoves have also developed secondary and third-generation combustion techniques to further reduce emissions from their stoves. This not only helps the environment but also saves you money by cutting your heating costs. If you are buying a stove for a smoke control area be sure to use dry and properly seasoned wood.
In addition to the potential legal repercussions and insurance coverage, a failure to adhere to wood stove safety guidelines and emission guidelines may expose your home to risk. In order to obtain insurance coverage for fires the majority of insurers require that homeowners comply with the rules and regulations. If you are found in violation of these standards during an inspection or investigation the insurer could deny to pay for any damage caused by your appliance that is not in compliance.