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 is able to be installed in smoke control zones. They typically have the Defra approved logo or are labeled as the same in their specifications.
These kinds of stoves are better for the environment and they'll stop you from causing trouble to your neighbors with smoke. They also go through rigorous testing.
What is an DEFRA approved stove?
If you are looking for wood burning stoves or multi fuel stove for your home, it is important to think about the type of fuel that you'll be using. This is especially important when you live in a smoke controlled zone as this will affect the types of fuels you are permitted to use in your stove. There are many different types of fuels that can be used in wood stoves but for those living in a smoke control area you should select one that is a DEFRA approved stove that can burn authorised fuels and not produce any smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel or wood burning stove has been tested thoroughly to ensure that emissions are decreased. This is accomplished by making sure that the stove has secondary combustion which means that waste gasses are re-burned within the stove in order to lower the amount of emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke generated by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also offer cost savings by offering higher efficiency and by being designed to burn wood efficiently. This makes them a good choice for those looking to heat their homes using renewable energy sources that is sustainable and offers an affordable way to heat their home.
There are a variety of DEFRA-approved stoves, which range from traditional to contemporary. This lets homeowners pick the stove that best fits the style of their homes and can be incorporated in existing fireplace chambers. They can be incorporated into various chimney liners, flue systems, and are compatible with gas or natural sources.
The advantages of selecting DEFRA approved stoves are not only available to those living in smoke-free areas. Anyone can benefit from their improved efficiency and lower emissions. A DEFRA-approved wood stove will improve the air quality in your home, and will contribute to the creation of a more sustainable future. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide which is released back into the air when they are used to heat the house.
What fuels can be burned in a DEFRA-Approved Stove
A DEFRA approved stove (sometimes known as a Defra Smoke Exempt Appliance) is a wood burning stove that has passed the rigorous tests set by Defra to limit the amount of smoke it can make. If you reside in the UK town or city that is classified as a "smoke control zone", it's a requirement to only use a Defra-approved stove. Otherwise you could be penalized for breaking the law. Even if you don't reside in a smoke control area and you do not have a Defra-approved stove, it's nevertheless a good idea to keep your chimney and flue clear for longer.
Stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working to develop the latest clean-burn technology that has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the release of harmful pollutants into the air but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke that is generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved stoves now include secondary and tertiary systems of combustion to further reduce emissions and help burn fuel more efficiently and create a more sustainable and environmentally green method of heating your home.
It's important to note that even though a Defra approved stove will burn manufactured solid fuels such as Household coal, Coal fires High Petroleum-based fuel and Petrol Coke and wood, you must be aware of the kind of firewood you choose to use. It is illegal to use damp or wet wood in a stove that is DEFRA-approved. This will result in excessive smoke that could upset your neighbors and cause the risk of a fire in your home.
When you purchase wood for burning in your Defra approved stove, we suggest that you purchase only dry well-seasoned, properly seasoned logs and splits. We also suggest that you only use firewood that is stamped with the 'Ready to Burn' logo. This indicates that the wood has been treated with a low moisture content, to avoid excess smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves don't offer the option of burning smokeless coke. However there are a few excellent traditional styled models that look stunning with or without a mantle or surround. A DEFRA-approved stove allows you to install a 5" (125mm), twin wall stainless steel chimney liner that is flexible. This is a cheaper alternative than the standard 6" 150mm, and is especially useful if your current chimney is curved in awkward ways.
Can I use an unapproved stove that is not approved by the Defra in a smoke-control area?
You're likely to find DEFRA-approved models when you're looking for a fireplace with wood burning. This is a term used in the industry that refers to a stove being exempt from the laws of areas of smoke control when it is burned with authorised fuels such as anthracite, seasoned logs or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved).
It is important to remember that non-Defra stoves can still be installed within smoke controlled areas, but they should only be used to ignite authorised fuels such as anthracite. If you use them with a variety of different wood types, or other solid fuels that can ignite, they could emit excessive amounts of smoke and cause a fire infringement being issued against the property.
defra stove that have been endorsed by Defra will usually display the Defra logo on their product description. Manufacturers may also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or DEFRA stoves.
In order for a stove to be approved by Defra it must meet strict emissions and performance standards set forth by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They've been put through rigorous testing to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Making the purchase of an Defra approved wood-burning or multi fuel stove can help reduce your carbon footprint as well as keep your home warm at same while.
Another benefit of a DEFRA Approved Stove is that they can usually be equipped with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is a major benefit because it lets you reduce the cost of installation and also ensures that you comply with the requirements of building.
If you're not familiar with the rules surrounding the burning of wood in smoke-controlled areas it can be a challenge to select the best DEFRA-approved wood burner for your house. It's important to choose the stove that has been tested to meet the standards set by the UK government and that is designed to provide you with the most enjoyable experience when burning solid fuel.
It is also essential to only burn seasoned wood in your stove. It's wood that has an average moisture content of 20 percent or less, to prevent the accumulation of large amounts of smoke when it's burned. You can find seasoned firewood in many local stores, and through schemes like Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What is an DEFRA Exempt Stove?
If you're planning to purchase a wood burning stove there's a lot to think about. From the style and output to the type of fuel, there is plenty to consider before making your final decision. If you live in a smoke-controlled area an exempt DEFRA stove is one of the most important features to look for. This is because a DEFRA approved stove has been independently tested and proved to be capable of burning wood in a smoke-controlled area.
These stoves are designed to minimize the emission of particles from the combustion process, meaning that less pollution is created in the air. Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves are also healthier for the environment and for your chimney system as they stop part-burned combustibles from entering the flue and causing obstructions.
A stove that is exempt from Defra's regulations will display the 'DEFRA-approved' logo either on the side or in the specifications. The logo is easily recognized, and it is a mark of quality that is widely adopted by stove makers. Many of the wood-burning stoves we offer have the DEFRA mark on them, and we also stock a number of multi-fuel models that 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 comes with a 5" chimney liner. Non-DEFRA models require an even bigger chimney than DEFRA approved stoves and could cause the chimney to block when not taken care of.

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 help. You can also go to the website of your local council to learn more about the laws that apply in your area.