What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves These stoves are usually designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals. However, they will not be suitable for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air control and flue draught must be tested in tests in the laboratory. These tests differ from real world conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a rigorous test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test ensures the stove is able to burn approved non-smokeless fuels like logs or briquettes in Smoke Controlled Areas. This kind of stove isn't just better for the environment and the environment, but it's more beneficial for your neighbors too since it will lessen the nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves have a an exclusive combustion system that allows them to sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. They can burn smokeless fuels that have been approved in a clean and efficient manner while maintaining the required heat output for your home. This is accomplished by limiting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower level until it has been completely consumed.
Defra stoves are commonly called smoke-free or SE stoves. They be branded with a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. You may find them labeled as Ecodesign compliant 2022 to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they go into effect next year.
There are a variety of factors to take into account when buying a DEFRA. Included in this are the type of stove, fuel types that can be burned and the amount heat it is capable of producing. You might also want to think about other options, like a remote control system that is simple to use or an air wash system.

There are many styles of DEFRA stoves that are woodburning or multi-fuel available. If you're looking for a stove to be installed in an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, there are a variety of traditional stoves to choose from, while there are also more modern and contemporary models that look great without a surround or mantle. It is also important to decide on the fuel you would like to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners which are exempt from regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Smoke Control Areas are defined in the majority of UK towns and cities. If you live in one of these areas you'll require an exempt DEFRA wood stove or multifuel stove. They are designed to comply with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure that they burn in a smoke-free manner.
A DEFRA approved stove has been designed with Clean Burn Technology, which is why they are smoke-free. This is done by injecting oxygen into the combustion chamber continually until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire can't be shut off, like a conventional stove. It will continue to burn low until all the fuel is consumed and the exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This ensures that you can legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorised fuels' which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels (anthracite smokeless briquettes and firelogs). This is different to stoves that are not approved by the Defra, which can only be used in a Smoke Control Area when they are equipped with a specific Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to install a non-DEFRA exempt wood burning stove with the correct Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended since you could be putting your family members at risk of breathing in toxic gases and toxins that could cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in large fines.
Stovax has a wide selection of wood burning and multi-fuel fireplaces, stoves and fires that are all DEFRA exempt and are able to be used in smoke controlled areas. Our dealers are willing to assist you in finding the perfect DEFRA approved stove for your home, simply enter your postcode below to find the closest dealer.
It is crucial to keep in mind that all new stoves must be installed by an HETAS registered installer to guarantee they are safe and meet the requirements of current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved stove that is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas can help reduce emissions, which has led to a decrease in the amount of sulphur dioxide in the air. From 2022 EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will set minimum efficiency, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits which appear to be more stringent than those currently required for Defra Exempt stoves.
Smokeless Fuels
When choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are a lot of things to consider. The stove must be approved by DEFRA to be used in areas that are smoke-controlled. This means that the appliance has passed rigorous tests to make sure that emissions from particulates are minimized. In addition there are a lot of stoves that utilize specially designed smokeless fuels that are more efficient than traditional coal. This means they are better for the environment as well as your neighbors!
multi fuel stove defra approved are typically made from anthracite, which is a smokeless fuel. They are greener and last up to 40% longer than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They are more expensive, but they offer many benefits for you and your family. They are less difficult to ignite and do not produce as much soot or ash. The glass screen and stove grate will need to be cleaned less often. They produce dancing flames, and emit less smoke.
It is crucial to remember that if you live in a smoke control zone, you are only allowed to burn authorised fuels and wood in your stove. If you choose to use non-approved fuels, you could be in violation of the law and could face a large fine. If you decide to use a wood stove that isn't DEFRA approved, then you will be creating nuisance smoke that could upset your neighbors.
It is therefore essential to buy a DEFRA-exempt stove that permits you to burn smokeless substances in your home. All stoves included in this group have been thoroughly tested to ensure they comply with DEFRA regulations and do not emit nuisance smoke. This is done by making sure that they use the latest technology for combustion that prevents part-burned combustibles from being released into the air.
The Right to Rent
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they provide high-quality and efficient burning, with low emissions, and optimal performance. They are available in many styles to fit the style of your home.
Defra approved stoves are also known as SE Stoves within the industry, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves that are approved for use in the Area. They are all referring to the same stove that has been tested and proved to be able to meet strict UK regulations that limit the amount of smoke that can be emitted over a specified period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels such as blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. The attempt to burn anything else could result in nuisance smoke which could cause health issues for people suffering from asthma or other breathing disorders. The installer and the customer are responsible for checking that the appliance is appropriate for the property using the Defra Calculator, making sure that all chimney parts are correct and adhere to the minimum distances from burning combustibles.
Stoves that are installed incorrectly can cause damage, leakage, and may void the warranty. The installation must be completed by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure the stove is safe to use and is properly installed. The warranty does not cover consumable items such as glass rope seals for glass windows and doors paint finishes, interior lining plates, firebricks, and baffles. These are regarded as replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us should you require them. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
A DEFRA stove will not only provide warmth to your home, but will also give you peace of mind knowing you're helping help protect the environment. If you choose a DEFRA approved wood burning or multi fuel stove you can be sure that you'll be able to enjoy your stove for many years to come.