What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the abbreviation SE) is a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that can be placed in smoke zones for control. They often come with the Defra approved logo or are labeled as an approved stove in their specifications.

These kinds of stoves are more beneficial for the environment and they'll stop you from causing trouble to your neighbors with smoke. They also go through rigorous tests.

What is a DEFRA approved stove?

It is crucial to consider the fuel type you will be using when choosing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove for your home. This is especially true if you live within an area that is smoke-free, since it will affect the type of fuel that you can use in your stove. There are many different types of fuel that can be used in wood stoves however, if you live in a smoke-free area, you will need to choose the DEFRA approved stove that can burn approved fuels without generating any smoke.

A DEFRA approved British stoves approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove is one that has undergone rigourous testing to ensure that the emissions created by the stove are minimized. This is achieved by making sure that the stove has an additional combustion process and that the waste gases are re-burnt inside the stove, thereby reducing the level of emissions.

DEFRA approved stoves can provide savings on costs, in addition to reducing smoke production. They are designed to burn wood efficiently and offer greater efficiency. This makes them a fantastic option for those who want to heat their home using renewable energy that is also environmentally friendly and a cost-effective way to heat your home.

There are different styles of DEFRA approved stoves from traditional to contemporary. This allows homeowners to find an appliance that will blend in with the decor of their house and can be incorporated into existing fireplace chambers or inglenooks. They can be combined to a variety of flue systems, chimney liners, and are compatible with either gas or natural sources.

The advantages of using a DEFRA approved stove aren't restricted to those who live in areas that are smoke-free everyone can benefit from the improved efficiency and lower levels of emissions that these stoves produce. A DEFRA-approved wood stove can improve the air quality in your home, and help to create an environmentally sustainable future. This is because wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide, which is then released back into the atmosphere when they are used to heat the house.

What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-approved Stove

A DEFRA approved wood burning stove (also called a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is one that has passed Defra's stringent tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you reside in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke-control zone then it is an obligation of law to only use a Defra approved stove or you risk breaking the law and being penalized. However, even if you don't live in a smoke control zone and you don't have a smoke control area, using a Defra approved stove is still a good idea to ensure that your chimney and flue system stay cleaner for longer.

Stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax are working to develop clean-burn technology. This has led to the development of stoves that are Defra-approved, which not only reduce the amount of harmful pollutants in the air, but also cut down on the amount smoke produced during combustion. Defra approved appliances now come with secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions and make fuel burn more efficiently. They are also more sustainable.

It's important to note that even though a Defra approved stove can burn manufactured solid fuels such as household coal, Coal fires, High Petroleum-based fuel and Petrol Coke and wood, you should be careful about what kind of firewood you burn. It is not permitted to burn damp or wet firewood in a DEFRA approved stove because it creates a lot of nuisance smoke that could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and create a fire risk within your property.

We recommend that when purchasing wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you only buy logs and splits that are dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend that you only buy firewood that is stamped with the 'Ready to Burn' logo, this confirms that the timber has been treated with a low moisture content, to avoid excess smoke production.

The majority of Defra approved stoves are wood burning and do not offer the option of burning smokeless coal however there are some great, traditional styled models available that look fantastic with or without a fireplace surround and mantle. A DEFRA approved stove will allow you to install 5" (125mm) wide stainless steel twin wall chimney liner which is a cheaper alternative to the standard 6" (150mm) and can be a fantastic option if your chimney stack is very old or has some awkward bends along its route.

Can I install an unapproved stove in a smoke control zone?

You'll likely find DEFRA-approved models when searching for a fireplace with wood burning. This is a term employed in the industry to describe the stove that is exempt from smoke regulations when it is burned with approved fuels such as seasoned logs and mineral solid fuels such as anthracite.

It is important to know that non-Defra appliances may be installed in smoke controlled areas, but they should be used only to burn approved fuels such as anthracite. If you make use of them to burn a variety kinds of wood or other solid fuels that are flammable they may emit excessive smoke and lead to an order for a fire violation.

Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will often display the Defra Logo on their description. Manufacturers might also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or as DEFRA stoves.

To be Defra approved, a stove has to comply with strict standards set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in relation to emissions and performance. They have been subjected rigorous testing in order to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves can help you lower your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm.

A DEFRA-approved stove may be fitted with a 5-inch liner. This is a major benefit, as it allows you to save money on installation costs and meet building regulations.

Selecting the best DEFRA approved wood burner for your home can be a bit confusing if you aren't familiar with the rules for burning wood in smoke control areas. It is important to choose a stove that has been tested to meet the standards set by the UK government and specifically designed to provide you with the most enjoyable experience when burning solid fuel.

It is also important to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your stove. This is wood that has a moisture content of 20 percent or less to avoid the build-up of excessive amounts of smoke after it's burned. You can find seasoned wood in most local shops and through schemes such as Woodsure Ready to Burn.

What is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?

When you're looking to purchase a wood-burning stove there's so much to consider. From design and heat output to the fuel type, there is a lot to take in before you make your final choice. If you live in a smoke-controlled area and want to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove, it is one of the most important things to look for. This is because a DEFRA approved stove has been tested independently and proven to be capable of burning wood in a smoke controlled area.

They are designed to minimize particle emission from the combustion process. This means less pollutant will be released in the air. DEFRA Approved energy-efficient Stoves approved appliances are more sustainable for the environment as well as your chimney system, since they keep part-burned substances from entering and causing blockages.

A stove that is exempt from Defra will have the logo 'DEFRA-approved' on the side or in the specification. The logo is easily identifiable, and it is a sign of high quality that is widely accepted by stove makers. A large number of wood-burning stoves we sell have the DEFRA mark, and DEFRA approved energy-efficient Stoves we also stock a number of multi-fuel models which are DEFRA approved.

As well as in addition to Defra approval, it is important to make sure that the wood burner or multi-fuel stove is equipped with a 5" chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves require the use of a larger chimney than DEFRA approved models and will cause the chimney to get blocked if you are not vigilant.

If you are unsure whether or not you live in a Smoke Controlled area or what the rules are regarding which types of fuel you are allowed to burn, contact us and we will be more than happy to assist. Alternatively, you can visit your local council website to find out more about the laws in your area.