10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Defra Approved Stove

· 6 min read
10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Defra Approved Stove

What is  fireplacesandstove.com  Approved Stove?

A Defra Approved stove (also known as SE) is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that can be used in smoke control areas. Defra approval logos are frequently seen on these stoves or they are labelled accordingly in their specifications.

These stoves are better for the environment, and they will prevent you from causing trouble to your neighbors with smoke. They are also subjected to rigorous tests.

What is an DEFRA Approved Stove?

When searching for a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove for your home, it is crucial to think about the kind of fuel you'll be using. This is especially true if you live within an area with a smoke control system, as it will affect the type of fuel that you can burn in your stove. There are a variety of fuel that can be used in wood stoves, however, if you live in a smoke-free zone, you will need to choose a DEFRA approved stove that can burn authorised fuels without producing any smoke.

A DEFRA approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove is a stove that has undergone rigourous testing to ensure that the emissions produced by the stove are reduced. This is achieved by ensuring that the stove has an additional combustion process and that the waste gases are burned inside the stove, thereby reducing the emissions.

DEFRA approved stoves offer cost savings, while also reducing smoke production. They are engineered to burn wood efficiently and have higher efficiency. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to heat their home using renewable energy that is also environmentally sustainable and an affordable method of heating the property.

There are a variety of DEFRA-approved stoves, ranging from traditional to contemporary. This allows homeowners to find the stove that fits to the style of their home and can be installed into existing fireplaces or inglenooks. They can be used in conjunction with a range of flue systems and chimney liners that can be used with natural or gas supply.

The advantages of using DEFRA approved stoves aren't only available to those living in smoke-free areas. Anyone can benefit from their improved efficiency and less emissions. Purchasing a DEFRA approved wood stove will aid in improving the quality of air in your home, and contribute to a greener future since trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air that is then returned when they are used to provide warmth.

What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-approved Stove

A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also called a Defra smoke-free appliance) is a stove that has passed Defra's rigorous tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you live in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke control zone then it is legally required that you only make use of a Defra approved stove or risk violating the law and being fined. Even if you don't reside in a zone of smoke control and you do not have a Defra-approved stove, it's an excellent option to keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.

Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been working to develop the latest clean burn technology which has led to the creation of Defra approved stoves that do not just limit the emission of toxic pollutants into the air, but also drastically reduce the amount of smoke that is generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved stoves now have secondary and tertiary combustion methods to further reduce emissions and burn fuel more efficiently, and make for a much more environmentally friendly and neighbour eco-friendly method of heating your home.

It is essential to understand that a stove approved by Defra can burn wood as well as manufactured solid fuels, such as household coal, coal fires and high petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke. However you must be cautious with the type of firewood that is used. It is not legal to use damp or wet wood in a DEFRA approved stove. This can cause excessive smoke, which could cause a disturbance to your neighbors and create an hazard of fire within your home.

We suggest that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you only buy logs and splits that have been dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend using only firewood marked with the Ready to Burn logo. This means that the wood is treated to have a the lowest moisture level, to avoid excessive smoke production.

Most Defra approved stoves are wood burning and do not offer the option of burning smokeless coal but there are some excellent traditional-styled models available that look fantastic with or without a fireplace surround and mantle. A DEFRA-approved stove permits you to install a 5" (125mm), twin wall stainless steel flexible chimney liner. This is a less expensive option to the standard 6" 150mm liner and is particularly beneficial if your existing chimney stack is curved in awkward ways.

Can I install a non-Defra approved stove in a smoke control area?

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

It is important to know that non-Defra devices can be used 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 various kinds of wood or other solid fuels that are flammable, they could release excessive smoke and result in a fire violation being issued.

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


To be Defra approved, a stove has to meet strict requirements set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in regards to performance and emissions. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Buying an Defra approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove can help reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your home warm at the same time.

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 since it allows you to reduce the cost of installation and ensures that you meet the requirements of building.

If you're not aware of the regulations governing the burning of wood in smoke-controlled areas it can be difficult to choose the right DEFRA-approved wood stove for your home. It is essential to select the stove that has been tested to comply with the standards set by the UK government and designed to give you the best experience when you burn solid fuel.

It is also important to only use seasoned wood in your stove. It is wood with 20% moisture% or less to prevent the build-up of excessive amounts of smoke when it's burnt. You can find seasoned firewood in many local stores, and through schemes like Woodsure Ready to Burn.

What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

If you're planning to purchase a wood burning stove, there is so much to think about. From design and heat output to fuel type there's a lot to take in before making your final decision. If you live in a smoke controlled area, one of the most important things to look for is an DEFRA exempt stove. A DEFRA approved wood stove has been tested independently and proved to burn wood in a smoke-controlled area.

These stoves are designed to minimize the emission of particles during the combustion process. This means less pollution will be created in the air. In addition, DEFRA approved stoves are also healthier for the environment as well as your chimney system as they stop part-burned combustibles from entering the flue and creating obstructions.

A Defra-exempt stove will display the  DEFRA-approved logo on the side or in the specifications. The logo is easily recognized and is a quality mark that is frequently used by stove makers. We stock a large number of wood-burning stoves that bear the DEFRA logo.

In addition to In addition to Defra approval, it is important to always ensure that your chosen wood burner or multi-fuel stove is equipped with a 5" chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves need 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 aren't sure whether or not you live in a Smoke Controlled area or what the rules are for the types of fuel you can burn, please do contact us, and we'll be more than happy to assist. You can also visit the website of your local council to learn more about the laws that apply in your area.