Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the DEFRA requirements stoves (linked resource site) regulations. Defra approved stoves meet government regulations and are engineered to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.

This is especially important especially if you live in a smoke-control area. Even if you do not need to, a Defra Stove is better for your chimney and your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed across our site that a number of our wood burning stoves are categorized as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. To the average homeowner these terms might sound like jargon that they don't need to be aware of but that is not the truth.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for the policies and regulations related to food, agriculture, and the environment. Defra approved stoves have tested rigorously to ensure that they comply with the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emission levels during operation. The stoves are specifically designed to burn the fuels of wood and coal more efficiently. This means they emit fewer pollutants.

It's a great thing for those who live in Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions within such areas except when using a DEFRA-approved stove and an approved fuel. In the past it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long you used only approved fuels. As of January 2022, the law will change and non-approved stoves aren't allowed to be used unless they are equipped with a secondary and tertiary system that can reduce their productions of particulate nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.

Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism that prevents you from closing down the top air vent completely. This can cause the fire smouldering and emitting smoke into your home. The stoves have an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent a small amount and still have a safe, efficient burn.

A stove that is Defra-approved can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is important because numerous codes require a chimney to have a minimum 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-control area you'll require a DEFRA stoves features-approved stove to burn wood legally within your home. DEFRA has tested these stoves to ensure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions in smoke control zones. On the Defra site, you will find a list of places that require a Defra-approved stove.

Defra Exempt Stoves & Multi Stoves Fuel

A Defra approved wood stove, also referred to as a DEFRA Multi Fuel or Wood Burning Stove, will have been through a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, assisting the food and agriculture industries and ensuring a flourishing rural economic. The tests Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces minimal levels of smoke and grit while it is in operation.

A lot of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to use authorised smokeless fuels, as well as seasoned wood. These stoves are also known as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.

The latest Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel come with secondary and tertiary ventilation systems that ensure that the wood is fully burned prior to leaving the chimney. This is a more efficient process than just leaving a fire in the fire to burn for a long time and it reduces the amount smoke that can be generated.

If you live or plan to move into an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then a exempted stove from Defra is an excellent option for you. Not only will it be more eco-friendly, but it will help to minimise the nuisance smoke that can irritate your neighbors.

You are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your yard but be aware that excessive or toxic smoke could be a nuisance for the law and you could be fined. In the Smoke Control Area, you are not permitted to use open flames or stoves for burning damp, rotten or wet wood or other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars

Defra Approved stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels including wood. They burn wood so cleanly that they meet the government's strict regulations for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control zone in the event that you're burning authorised fuels such as logs, pellets and Briquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will be branded with a SE' symbol which means Smoke Exempt.

What is it that makes the Defra approved stove different to standard multifuel stoves is that they have air vents that heat the air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to ensure a cleaner combustion. It also helps to reduce the build-up of soot up and prevents the chimney from clogging. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles that help control the flames, and maintain an even heat distribution.

Stoves that are not approved by DEFRA in areas with smoke control could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you want to avoid being prosecuted by DEFRA guidelines stoves ensure that you make use of a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance that has been tested according to the guidelines of the government.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most kinds of fuel, but are ideally suited for dry wood, both soft and hard. The air vents can't be shut completely, which means there is always oxygen to aid in clean combustion.

This technology is not just compliant with the current government's standards for air quality but also future Ecodesign requirements which will come in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will bear this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which indicates that they comply with these new stricter emissions standards. These new standards are being implemented as part of the government's ongoing efforts to keep the country's air clean and healthy.

Installation

If you are in a smoke-free zone then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can help you comply with the rules. These wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been independently tested in order to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in a smoke control zone. They can burn wood or other fuels such as coal without concern about the level of smoke they emit.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels by using advanced combustion technology that produces less smoke. These stoves typically use an additional stage of combustion that re-burns some of the waste products from the initial stage, making them less polluting and more efficient. In addition to the reduced emissions, these stoves also reduce the amount of soot that builds up within the flue and chimney.

This is great news for those who live in a smoke controlled area since it means you can enjoy a real fire more often and for longer with the additional benefit of lower energy bills. As a result of the less pollution, these types of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are also beneficial to the environment since they are able to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

The majority of stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt by using the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This kit can alter the air vents on the stove so that they are not closed at night. This is referred to as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles to be released into the atmosphere rather than going up the chimney where they could block the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are better for the environment. They also tend to block chimneys less often.

It is recommended that an HETAS certified installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. You'll be able to rest in peace of mind knowing that the installation was done according to the correct specifications and that it is compliant with latest regulations. In addition, it will also help to protect your warranty as the installer will be able to self-certify their work.