Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Controlled zone, then selecting a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. Not only do they comply with building regulations, they also ensure that you are able to legally burn wood and multi fuels in your home.

The stove manufacturers are always improving their products by adding secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions.

Defra Approved

If you live in a zone of smoke control then you will need to make use of a defra-approved stove. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has adopted laws that prohibit the release of dark smoke in smoke-controlled areas which includes the majority of large towns and cities. Defra Approved stoves have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized to ensure they are in compliance with the laws. They are designed to efficiently burn fuel and produce less harmful emissions. This makes them a much better choice for you and your neighbours since the lower amount of smoke they create means that the nuisance levels of smoke will be kept to the minimum. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will also have the logo along with the words SE (smoke-exempt) and the defra exemption in their titles and specifications.

The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell are approved by the Defra. We always strive to source the highest quality products and we are determined to ensure that our customers get the most from their stove. The stoves that are Defra-approved are more efficient than nonapproved models and produce less particulate matter. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also have a an extra robust firebox, which is another way they can help reduce smoke emissions.

In addition to lessening the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will ensure that there is a steady supply of combustion air throughout the process. This will prevent the stove from being starved of oxygen, which is what causes it to smoulder and release dark smoke. As they gain popularity the majority of stove manufacturers are now building defra exempt stoves Approved Models into their product range.

Defra approved stoves aren't only a good alternative for those living in areas with smoke control however, they are an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to increase the efficiency and safety of their fireplace, and also reduce the amount of harmful substances that are released into the air. They are also ideal for those who wish to line their chimney with a flexible stainless steel twin wall liner. Since the majority of Defra approved models come with five" outlet this will allow them to be used with a liner of 125mm, rather than the standard 6" outlet, which could reduce the cost of the liner and installation.

Some people choose to slumber the stove overnight by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This can lead to an accumulation of soot and other tars which can cause obstruction to your chimney. A Defra approved stove will not allow you to shut the top vent down completely, as this can cause the fire to cease. It is also less likely that combustibles that have not burned will be released into the air. This is healthier for the environment and less likely to cause your chimney to get blocked.

Exempt from Defra

When you're looking for a wood burning stove, you'll often see the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA List Stoves DEFRA Approved. This typically refers to a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.

They usually achieve this status by undergoing rigorous testing and inspection to ensure that they have extremely low emission levels. This is achieved through a secondary combustion, whereby the waste products of the burning process are burned again to reduce the amount pollutants released into the air. DEFRA Approved Stoves are the best option for those who live in smoke-controlled areas and want to know that their appliance is legal.

Typically, a Defra Exempt stove will be identified by an SE logo or labelled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA list Stoves) to demonstrate that it emits only a small amount of smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra wood-burning stoves are the only stoves that are permitted to be used in Smoke Controlled Zones.

A Defra approved wood burning stove can help to keep your chimney and flue system clean since they are engineered to burn wood much more efficiently than other kinds of stove. This is due to a sophisticated combustion system that does not restrict airflow to the firebox and permits what's known as slumbering, which stops combustibles that are partially burned from escaping your chimney.

Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved are more energy efficient. This is done by using the latest technology to ensure that as much heat as is possible is extracted from the fuel and transferred into your home, which means you will have lower heating costs and a cleaner more secure and environmentally sustainable home.

You'll have a broad range of options when selecting a Defra Approved Stove in terms style size, dimensions and the fuel type. Some stoves are only Defra approved for burning wood, while others will also be Defra approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are both modern and traditional style Defra approved stoves to select from, so you'll be sure to find the perfect choice to complement your style.

We've put together a complete guide to buying a DEFRA-approved cooktop. It includes everything you need know about this type of appliance including how to get the best value for money when buying one, what to watch out for when looking for stoves, and much more. You can read the entire guide in its entirety here. We also have a fantastic selection of Defra Approved Stoves from some leading UK manufacturers. Brands such as Stovax and Burley are included. If you are looking for a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that's both Defra approved and CE certified, then take a look at the range.