Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from the defra regulations. Defra approved stoves are compliant with government regulations and are designed to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.

This is particularly important when you reside in a smoke control zone. Even if you do not, the Defra stove is better for your chimney and neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed across our website that many of our wood burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. To the average homeowner these terms could sound like jargon that they don't need to be aware of but that isn't the truth.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are responsible for the policies and regulations related to agriculture, food and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they comply with the strict guidelines set by the government regarding smoke emissions during operation. These stoves are designed to burn fuels like coal and wood more efficiently. This means they generate less pollutants.

It is good news for those who reside in Smoke Control Area because the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in these areas, unless you use an approved DEFRA stove and an approved fuel. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you only used approved fuels such as wood. But, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and any non-approved stoves are not allowed to be used unless they've been equipped with secondary or tertiary burning system that will drastically reduce the production of particulate matter NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they are also equipped with a mechanism which prevents you from closing the top air vent completely down as this can cause the fire to smolder and release smoke into your space. Instead, these stoves have an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent just a bit and still keep the safety and efficiency of your fire.

Another benefit of purchasing a Defra approved stove is that it comes with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is crucial because numerous building codes require a chimney to have a minimum of 5 inches diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a zone of smoke control you'll need a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. The stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emissions standards required in smoke control zones. You can view 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 referred to as a DEFRA multi wood or fuel stove has passed a rigorous test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible to protect our natural environment, DEFRA approved low emission stoves 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 stove produces small amounts of grit or smoke when it is in operation.

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

The most recent Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves are equipped with secondary and tertiary air ventilation systems that ensure the wood is fully burned before it exits the chimney. This is a much cleaner method than simply leaving a log fire on the stove to burn for a long time and reduces the amount of smoke that is generated.

If you reside or plan to move into an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then a stove that is defra approved low emission stoves-exempt will be the best option for you. Not only is it more environmentally friendly but it will also help reduce the amount of smoke that can irritate your neighbors.

You can still use an open flame, barbecues and pizza ovens in your backyard. However excessive or toxic smoke may be considered a nuisance, and you could be fined. You are also not allowed to burn damp, wet or rotting wood, or 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 a wide variety of fuels including wood. They burn wood so efficiently that they comply with the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control area as long as you're burning authorised fuels like pellets, logs and briquettes. Stoves that are Defra Approved will usually be identified by the an 'SE' symbol that signifies Smoke Exempt.

What is it that makes the Defra approved stove distinct from conventional multifuel stoves is the fact that they have secondary air vents that pre-heat the air prior to it entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to ensure a cleaner combustion. This also prevents the build-up of soot and blockages in the chimney. Defra stoves also come with internal baffle plates which help to regulate the flames and ensure an even heat distribution.

Using non-Defra approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you want to avoid being charged by Defra, only use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested in accordance with the government's guidelines.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with most kinds of fuel, but they are especially suited to dry wood, both soft and hard. The air vents can't be shut completely, which means there is always oxygen available to ensure pure combustion.

This technology not only complies with the current government's air quality standards but also with the future Ecodesign requirements which will come into effect in 2022. Stovax wood-burning stoves 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 continuous efforts to keep the air we breathe healthy and clean.

Installation

If you reside in a smoke-free zone then a DEFRA stoves comparison exempt multi fuel stove will aid you in observing the rules. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been tested independently to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emissions standards that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These stoves can burn wood, or other fuels like coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they generate.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion techniques that produce less smoke. These stoves use the second stage of combustion that burns the waste products that were burned in the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. They reduce not just the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

This is an excellent option if you live in a smoke controlled area as it means that you can enjoy a real fire more often and longer, with the added benefit of having lower utility bills. Due to the lower levels of pollution, these kinds of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are beneficial to the environment since they are able to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

The majority of stoves can be converted to DEFRA exempt using a simple manufacturer supplied kit. This kit changes the air vents on the stove to ensure that they do not shut at night. This is referred to as slumbering and allows part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to be released into atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber and are more sustainable for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.

To get the most out of your DEFRA approved stove it is recommended you have it installed professionally by a HETAS Registered Installer or defra approved low emission Stoves by a Building Control Officer. This will give you peace of mind that your installation has been completed to the correct specifications and in line with the latest regulations. In addition, it will also help guarantee your warranty as the installer can self-certify their work.