What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
A DEFRA exempted stove is a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that is approved to burn certain kinds of fuel, even in smoke control zones. They ensure maximum combustion while reducing amount of smoke.

Choosing the Defra Exempt Stove

Defra Approved Stoves which are also known as smoke-free stoves have been examined and found to comply with the strict environmental standards set by the UK government. These stoves are able to be used in smoke control areas and can burn fuels that would not normally be allowed, such as wood.
These stoves are made to emit less smoke and harmful emission when burning fuel, which helps to protect the environment. They also help reduce energy costs to a degree that other types of open fire or wood burner are unable to. This is due to the fact that they often offer greater combustion rates, which means that they can produce more heat from the same amount of fuel.
The Defra-exempt stoves we sell come with secondary and tertiary systems that help to reduce the amount of pollutants produced by the combustion of fuel. This means they are also more eco-friendly than other wood-burning stoves or open fires that aren’t Defra approved and will help keep your chimneys free of dust for longer.
If you reside in a smoke-free area, it is essential that you choose a Defra-exempt stove. This will ensure that you do not violate the law and face the hefty penalty. However, if you do not reside in a smoke-free area, we recommend that you purchase a Defra exempt stove because these kinds of stoves typically burn fuels much more efficiently which can be better for the environment and will likely help to prevent nuisance smoke from escaping into your home.
We have a large range of wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley and Parkray. All of them are Defra exempt and are available in a range of styles that will suit your home. Contact our stove experts if you have any questions regarding our Defra approved stoves.
Stoves that are Defra approved for Smoke Control Areas
There are a myriad of options when you are looking to purchase a new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove to your home. Some of these stoves are marked as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This terminology may seem like jargon, but it is crucial to be aware that these stoves were created for use in smoke-control areas.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, then it is essential that you purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to prevent getting a fine. The DEFRA lawful stoves (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has tested this type of stove to ensure that it can be used without producing excessive smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This testing is carried out by a reputable testing company to ensure that the stoves meet strict guidelines set by the government.
As you can imagine there is a lot of design and engineering involved in the creation of an appliance that is DEFRA approved. The good news is that you will not be able to tell the difference between the stove that is DEFRA exempt or has not. The main difference is that a stove that is DEFRA approved will not emit too much smoke and will be capable of being used with authorised fuels such as logs, pellets, Briquettes, etc.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not, buying a DEFRA Exempt Stove is a smart move since they offer an easier and more efficient burn that will help to reduce your fuel bills. They also are more beneficial for DEFRA Lawful stoves your chimney because they stop the accumulation of soot and gritty particles.
Our selection of DEFRA registered stoves approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves all meet the strict UK legal requirements for this status. The wood burners and multi-fuel stoves we offer in our range comply with the strict UK legal requirements to be awarded this status.
Stoves approved by Defra for non-smoking areas
It is essential to know whether you live in an area designated for smoke control prior to purchasing a new stove. If so, DEFRA lawful stoves it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA approved since using a non-approved stove within a Smoke Control Area could result in fines.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is also important that you use an approved stove when burning wood (and other fuels that are authorised). DEFRA is the acronym for Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, and is the government authority who enforces the clean air act in these areas. Contact your local authority to determine if your house is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area.
A DEFRA Approved Stove is one that has passed the government’s rigorous test for emissions levels during normal operation. This means that the stove meets the emission standards that are healthier for your health and the environment, as well as making it more efficient to burn wood and other approved fuels.
You will often see an DEFRA approved stove as they’ll display the Defra Approved logo or may contain SE (smoke exempt) in the title or specification. The logo is widely used in the industry and therefore you should have no trouble finding one.
Defra-approved stoves provide many advantages. They are more efficient than standard models and are able to burn at lower levels. They also have a longer lifespan than traditional stoves, with a few manufacturers offering a five year guarantee on their appliances.
If your stove is DEFRA-approved you can use it with a variety of kinds. However, you should use firewood with a moisture content of 20 percent or less to avoid excessive smoke emissions. This can be accomplished through the services of a log supply company which uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme or by buying dry firewood from your nearest timber merchant.
A DEFRA stove always provides the bare minimum amount of combustion air to ensure the fuel burns correctly and efficiently without releasing excessive smoke. This is why it is ideal for use with slumber burn, which is the time when you allow your stove to run overnight and let the fuel continue to burn, without releasing excess smoke into the room.
Defra Approved Multi-Fuel Stoves
You might be drawn to the DEFRA-approved model when it comes to purchasing a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove. While for some homeowners, this may seem like a jargon that they don’t need to worry about, there’s plenty of truth to the fact that DEFRA approved stoves are safer for your chimney as well as the environment.
Defra approved appliances are designed so that they don’t starve the flames of oxygen during combustion. This is to stop the fire from producing large amounts smoke, particularly in Smoke Control Areas. Some stoves can be modified to be Defra certified using an approved manufacturer’s kit. The kit limits how much the air vents are closed during the burning process. When you load your stove and then leave it to sleep for the night, this is called’slumbering’. The flames burn slower and more combustibles, such as soot, tar, and other substances, can accumulate in the flue. A Defra-approved stove does not slumber, so it is less likely to emit this substance into the air. This also means that if your stove is switched from solid fuel to smokeless for overnight burning, a minimum amount of fuel will always be supplied.
Stove Supermarket sells a range of DEFRA approved stoves that can be used in a variety of applications. This includes traditional stoves like our Bassington Eco, which features cast iron construction and a large glass window that makes it ideal for use in a period fireplace chamber or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA approved for burning wood in a smoke control area but will also work well with solid fuel as well as an array of smokeless coals.
All of our approved stoves by Defra have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they are of the highest standard in terms of efficiency and emissions. As a result, these models can be used in Smoke Control Areas and will keep your chimney and home cleaner longer than a non DEFRA approved stove.






