Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area with a smoke control, then choosing a DEFRA Approved stove or a smoke-free stove is crucial. Not only do they comply with building regulations, they also ensure that you can legally burn wood and multi fuels in your home.
Stove manufacturers are constantly making improvements to their products using secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you live in a smoke control area then you will need to use a defra approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that ban the release of dark smoke from chimneys in smoke-controlled areas (most large cities and towns). Defra Approved Stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure that they conform with the law. They are specifically designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce considerably less pollutant emissions. This makes them a much better option for both your neighbors and you as well, since the less smoke they produce means that the nuisance levels of smoke are reduced to a minimum. Stoves that have been approved by the Defra will display the logo as well as the words SE (smoke-exempt) and the defra exemption in their titles and specifications.

The majority of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves that we sell are Defra-approved. We are always looking to source the top quality products and we want to make sure our customers get the best from their stove. The stoves that are approved by Defra are more efficient than non-approved models. This means they produce much less particulate matter. related webpage decreases the amount of dark smoke that is generated. Defra approved stoves also have a a more robust firebox, which is yet another way they can help cut down on smoke emissions.
In addition to decreasing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a consistent supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will stop the stove from becoming depleted of oxygen, which is what causes it to smoulder and release dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their product lines because they are becoming more and more well-known.
Defra approved fireplaces are a great choice for those living in smoke control zones. They are also a great option for anyone who wants to increase the effectiveness, safety and release of toxic substances into the air. They are also ideal for those who wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of steel. As most Defra approved models come with a 5" outlet this will allow them to be used with a liner of 125mm, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which will save you money on the cost of the liner and installation.
While some people may choose to rest their stoves overnight by shutting the top vent completely and let it burn slowly, this can cause the accumulation of tar and soot that can block their chimney. A Defra approved stove won't allow you to shut the top vent down completely, as this could cause the fire to die. It will also be much less likely to let any combustibles that are not burned into the air which is better for the environment and will be much less likely to block your chimney.
Defra Exempt
You'll often see the terms Defra Approved, or Defra-Exempt, when you are looking for a wood-burning stove. This usually means a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in Smoke Controlled Area.
They usually get this status by passing strict testing and examination to ensure they have extremely low levels of emissions. This is achieved by using a secondary combustion, whereby the waste products generated by the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount pollutants released into the air. This is what makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those who live in a zone that is smoke-free and want to be sure that they are using a device that is legal to use.
Defra exempt stoves are usually marked with a SE logo or are branded DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to show that it emits very minimal amounts of smoke when used properly. This is the reason Defra wood burning stoves are the only ones that can be installed legally in Smoke Controlled Zones.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra can help keep your chimney and flue clean because they are engineered to ensure a cleaner burning of wood than other kinds. This is because of an advanced combustion system that does not hinder airflow into the firebox and permits what's called slumbering. which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping down your chimney.
Additionally, Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically designed to be very energy efficient. This is done using the latest technology to ensure as much heat as is possible is taken out of the fuel and then transferred to your home, which means you will be able to enjoy lower heating bills as well as a cleaner, safer and more environmentally sustainable home.
You'll find a wide range of options for a Defra Approved Stove terms style size, dimensions and fuel type. Some will only be Defra Approved for burning wood while others are Defra Approved to use authorised smokeless coal too. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both modern and traditional styles, so you're sure to find one that is compatible with your decor.
We've put together a comprehensive guide on how to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. It contains everything you need to know about this kind of appliance, such as how to get the best value for money when buying one, what to look out for when shopping for stoves, and much more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. Additionally we offer a great range of Defra Approved stoves from some of the UK's leading manufacturers. Brands like Stovax and Burley are included. If you are looking for a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove which is both Defra approved and CE certified, then take a look at the range.