Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves comply with the regulations of the government, and are designed for fuel efficiency with low emissions.

This is particularly important when you live in a smoke control area. But even if don't need to, it is still advisable to have a Defra stove is better for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed across our website that a few of our wood burning stoves are categorized as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms may seem like jargon to the typical homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they adhere to the strict guidelines set by the government regarding smoke emissions during operation. The stoves are designed to burn fuels like coal and wood more efficiently. This means they emit less pollutants.

This is a good thing for those living in a Smoke Control Area because the law currently bans the release of smoke in these areas, unless you are using a DEFRA approved stove and a fuel approved by DEFRA. In the past, it was possible to install a non-Defra certified stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you only used approved fuels like wood. But, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and any non-approved stoves are not allowed to be installed unless they've been fitted with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that will drastically reduce the production of particulate matter and NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.

Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism that prevents you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could result in 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 little and still maintain a safe, efficient combustion.

A stove that is Defra Registered Stoves-approved can be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is crucial because numerous codes for building require chimneys to be at least 5 inches in diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-control area you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood legally in your home. These stoves have been inspected by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards of smoke emissions required in smoke control areas. You can see the list of areas where you will require a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Defra Exempt Stoves & Multi Fuel Stoves

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove will have passed a rigorous test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government body is responsible for protecting our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry and sustaining a flourishing rural economy. The tests Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces low levels of smoke and grit when it is in use.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to burn approved smokeless fuels as well as seasoned wood. They are usually described as Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are often abbreviated to SE.

Unlike older stoves, which are often unsuitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra multi fuel and woodburning stoves come with secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is a more efficient procedure than leaving a log fire on the fire to burn for long periods of time and it reduces the amount of smoke that can be generated.

If you are in an Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your home. It's not just more sustainable however, it also helps reduce the nuisance smoke that could cause a disturbance to your neighbors.

You are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your garden however, remember that toxic or excessive smoke could be a nuisance for the law and could result in a fine. It is also prohibited to burn damp, wet or rotting wood or any other fuels in an open flame or stove within an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are engineered to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with the strict regulations of the government for emissions in smoke control areas. They can be used in any smoke-control area, provided they are burning approved fuels, such as pellets, briquettes or logs. Stoves that are Defra approved will usually be identified by the a 'SE' logo which is a reference to Smoke Exempt.

A Defra-approved stove is different from a typical multifuel stove because it has secondary air vents which pre-heat air prior to it entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to ensure a cleaner combustion. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. The stoves of Defra also come with internal baffle plates which help to control the flames and maintain an evenly distributed heat distribution.

Defra could impose severe penalties on anyone who uses an appliance that is not approved by DEFRA in smoke-controlled areas. To avoid being accused of trespassing by Defra you should purchase and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict requirements.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used for all kinds of fuel but are best suited to wood that is dry and soft. They are designed with air vents that are unable to be completely closed so the stove will always get oxygen to ensure pure combustion and minimize noxious gases and soot.

This technology is not only compatible with the current air quality standards of the government, but also with future Ecodesign requirements that will be implemented in 2022. Stovax wood-burning and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new stricter emission standards. These new standards are part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure that the air in the country healthy and clean.

Installation

If you live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra-exempt multi fuel stove can help you comply with regulations. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been independently tested to ensure that they comply with the strict smoke emission standards required in a smoke control area. These appliances can burn wood, or other fuels like coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technologies that create less smokiness. They employ the second stage of combustion that recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them more Efficient Eco Design: Portable 5KW Stove and cleaner. In addition to reducing emissions the stoves also lessen the amount of soot build-up in the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled, this is a great idea to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and for longer. Additionally, you'll reduce your utility bills. These multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are beneficial to the environment because they emit less pollution. They can also be used to burn more materials than other stoves.

A simple kit offered by the manufacturer can make most stoves DEFRA-exempt. This alters the air vents on the stove, preventing them from being closed down at night. This is known as slumbering and it allows for part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to be released into the air. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are therefore much better for the environment and far less likely to block the chimney.

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