
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove allows you to legally burn wood and other non-smokeless fuels in the UK Smoke Control Area. They are often equipped with a continuous supply secondary combustion air in order to prevent the fuel from smoldering or releasing smoke that is a nuisance.
A Defra stove (sometimes called a DEFRA smoke-free appliance) has been tested and has passed the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs requirements for emission levels.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke from open flames or stoves can contribute to the pollution of air in the UK particularly in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been set up where only certain types of fuels and home fire appliances are permitted. They are strictly controlled under the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution to the environment. If you reside in the Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to use only Defra approved wood burning stoves and log burners. This will ensure that you are making use of legal fuels and DEFRA list stoves are not creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a large number models have secondary and tertiary systems to aid in the efficient burning of logs. This helps reduce emissions. This allows you to enjoy a stunning fire while creating less smoke.
A Defra approved appliance or to use its full name “Smoke Exempt Appliance”, has been tested and has been approved by the UK Government DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), legislation regarding smoking levels in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove produces only a small amount of smoke in normal operation. This means you can burn certain types wood in your stove as long as it’s’ready to burn firewood’ with an moisture level of less than 20%. It is not possible to burn wet, damp or spruced wood in an DEFRA approved stove as it can produce noxious smoke that is in violation of the regulations of the Clean Air Act.
When selecting the Defra approved stove you should think about the design of the stove and how it will fit into your living space, there are many traditional Defra stoves available as well as modern alternatives. It is also important to be aware of the type of fuel you’ll be using, some Defra stoves are only approved for use with wood, they do not allow to use multi-fuel burners.
If you plan to burn anthracite or smokeless coal or other fuels that have been approved by Defra in your stove you will require a smoke-control kit. It can be installed on appliances that aren’t exempt from Defra. The Stovax store offers a range of smoke control kit options that work with non-Defra-approved appliances.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly option, allowing you to relax in the warmth of your stove while minimising your impact on the planet. They are compliant with government regulations and manufacturers must adhere to the rules if they wish to continue operating.
The most sustainable method to heat your home is to make use of a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These stoves can also burn other fuels, like coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that is not renewable. energy that was created around 300 million years ago. During this time, swamps with giant plants and ferns were prevalent on Earth. The plants sank into water after their death and formed peat over time. It was then buried beneath layers of rock and other materials until it was compressed into solid coal.
When coal is burnt, it releases a large amount of energy as heat and sulphur oxide which can contribute to pollution of the air. Sulphur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which can harm lakes and rivers, harming wildlife, and even causing damage to crops. Because of the risk of acid rain numerous countries including the United States have banned the use coal.
While coal produces a lot of pollutants, it’s a very important part of heating. It is the most utilized fossil fuel and has a low price in comparison to other fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. Coal is a fuel that is extremely efficient in terms of energy efficiency and produces a large amount of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempt wood-burning stove or a DEFRA approved stove as it’s often referred to, is one that can be used in smoke controlled areas when burning authorised fuels like briquettes and coal. These stoves are also compatible with a variety of firelogs. Firelogs are compressed sawdust, wood waste or other wood waste that is sometimes mixed with paraffin to help light.
If you live in an area that is subject to Smoke Control, you can avoid hefty penalties by using a DEFRA-approved stove. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves from top manufacturers like Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax, and many more. We can help you select the best stove for your home, and make sure it is installed by a certified engineer in order to avoid any issues.
Wood
Defra approved wood stoves are a great option for homeowners living in a smoke-free zone. They burn clean, low-smoke and non-toxic fuel that produces less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They are also affordable and come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt include a secondary inlet just above the main vent. This air inlet is pre-heated to keep ash from getting stuck on the glass of the stove. It also helps the burning logs draw air. Some stoves have a tertiary inlet which is heated by flue gasses as they exit. This will ensure a better flame and combustion.
You can also choose a DEFRA-approved log burning device designed to burn seasoned, dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is sourced locally and is carbon neutral. When trees are burned they release carbon dioxide that was absorbed into the trees as they grew.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA are permitted in smoke controlled areas provided you use approved fuels only. If you’re unsure if your home is located in a Smoke Control Area you can contact your Local Authority to find out more.
A Defra approved wood stove is an excellent alternative for those who love the look of a traditional log burner but would like to be able use other fuels in addition. It is important to know that only DEFRA approved stoves can have a 5″ liner when burning wood, and it must be installed by a qualified installer. A lot of DEFRA approved high-quality stoves approved stoves can be placed in fireplace chambers or inglenooks, and still look great. These stoves are not capable of burning approved fuels, such as smokeless oval anthracite. This means that you’ll have to purchase and install a different, approved woodburning stove by DEFRA to do this. This is a great idea as burning unauthorised fuels in a stove that is not DEFRA-approved could put you in breach of the regulations and you could be prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is a great way to reduce the amount of soot and emissions generated by your fire. These fuels that are smokeless, which are anthracite-based and sold as briquettes are generally anthracite-based. They are engineered to emit less pollutant than household coal and also provide more consistent fire. They are a great option for those working in areas that have smoke control however, they are ideal for those who love using a traditional open-fire or multi-fuel stove.
A DEFRA-approved wood stove has the third-burn or secondary system that enhances combustion and removes harmful gases and particulates. These systems can also extend the life of your stove by limiting the speed at which it wears out and can clog up the flue. The majority of modern stoves have DEFRA approval, however older stoves may be modified to make them compliant by the kit.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been constructed to be DEFRA compliant. The large, warp-free doors made of cast iron gives an excellent view of the fuel bed. The stove features a chic bevelled door design as well as a chrome handle that contrasts with the style.
It is crucial to select the best stove for your house. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that your new stove meets the standards set by the government. A DEFRA-approved stove will help you save money, offer more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a selection of the best DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands including Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and many more. We can also recommend a qualified engineer who is gas safe. Contact us now for more information or to request a quotation for your home. We are pleased to serve customers all over the UK. We are among the largest retailers in the UK of DEFRA approved products and you can be assured that you’re receiving a top-quality stove at an affordable price. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with all Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.







