Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved stoves meet government regulations and are designed to efficiently burn fuel with low emissions.

This is particularly important especially if you reside in a smoke-free area. Even if you don't need to, a Defra stove is safer for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, a number wood-burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. To the average home owner, these terms could sound like jargon that they do not need to pay attention to but that could not be further from the truth.

DEFRA is the acronym for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved products have gone through rigorous tests to ensure that they adhere to the strict guidelines of the government for smoke emissions when operating. These stoves are additionally designed to burn authorized fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently, meaning that they produce far fewer pollutants.

This is good news for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke within these areas, unless you are using an DEFRA approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. In the past, it was possible to install an non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long that you used only authorized fuels. In January 2022, the law will change and non-approved stoves won't be allowed to be used unless they are fitted with a secondary and third-party system that will reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and organic gaseous substances.

Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire smouldering and emitting smoke into your home. The stoves have an adjustable air flow that allows you to open the top vent just a little and still maintain an efficient, safe burning.

Another benefit of purchasing a Defra approved stove is that it is able to be fitted with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important as numerous codes require a chimney to have a minimum of 5 inches diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-free zone, you will need a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. These stoves have been inspected by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards of smoke emissions required in smoke control areas. On the Defra site, you will find a list of places that require a Defra-approved stove.

Defra Exempt Stoves & Multi Stoves for Fuel

A Defra approved stove, also referred to as a DEFRA multi wood burning stove or fuel, will have passed a stringent test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for ensuring the protection of our natural environment, promoting the food and farming industries, and maintaining a thriving rural economic. The tests that Defra Approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces low levels of smoke and grit while it is operating.

A lot of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves that allow you to use authorised smokeless fuels, as well as seasoned wood. They will often be described as Defra stoves or DEFRA Approved clean Burning stoves approved woodburners and they are usually abbreviated to SE.

The most modern Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel are equipped with secondary and tertiary air ventilation systems that ensure that the wood is fully burned before it leaves the chimney. This is a more efficient method than simply leaving a fire in the fire to burn for a long time and it reduces the amount smoke that can be generated.

If you are in a Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your property. Not only will it be more sustainable, but it can also help reduce the amount of smoke that can irritate your neighbours.

You can still use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your garden but remember that excessive or toxic smoke could be a nuisance for the law and could result in a fine. You are also not allowed to burn damp, wet or rotting wood or other fuels on an open fire or stove within a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars

DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews Approved Stoves are designed to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood so cleanly that they comply with the government's strict regulations for emissions during operation in smoke control zones. This means that they can be used legally in any area of smoke control provided you're burning authorised fuels such as pellets, logs and brquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will be marked with a SE' logo, which stands for Smoke Exempt.

What makes a Defra approved stove distinct from standard multifuel stoves is that they have secondary air vents which pre-heat the air before it enters the firebox. This pre-heated air helps ensure that the entire fuel is ignited and burned, which results in more efficient combustion. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot and clogs in the chimney. Defra stoves are equipped with internal baffles that help control the flames, and maintain an even heat distribution.

Using non-Defra approved stoves in areas with smoke control could result in heavy fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you wish to avoid being prosecuted by Defra ensure that you make use of a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance that has been tested according to government criteria.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used with any type of fuel but are best suited to wood that is dry and soft. The air vents aren't closed completely, so there's always oxygen to ensure clean combustion.

This technology is not just compliant with the current air quality standards of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign standards that will come implemented in 2022. Many of the Stovax wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell will have this SIA Ecodesign Ready mark which confirms that they meet these new stricter emissions standards. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to keep the air we breathe healthy and clean.

Installation

If you reside in a Smoke Control Zone, a Defra-exempt multifuel stove can assist you in complying with the rules. These wood burning and multi fuel stoves have been tested by independent experts to ensure that they comply with the strict standards for smoke emissions required in a Smoke control zone. They can be used to burn wood or other authorised fuels, such as coal, without concern about the amount of smoke they generate.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels by using advanced combustion techniques that produce less smoke. These stoves use a second stage of combustion, which recycles waste products from the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. These stoves reduce not only the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot that gets into the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area that is smoke-free it is a good idea to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and defra approved clean Burning stoves for a longer time. Additionally, you'll reduce your utility bills. Because of the reduced levels of pollution, these types of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are beneficial to the environment since they can be used to burn a wider variety of materials than other stoves.

Most stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt by using the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This alters the air vents of the stove to prevent them from closing at night. This is referred to as slumbering and it allows part-burned combustibles to be released into the air instead of being pushed up the chimney where they can cause obstruction to the flue. DEFRA approved stoves don't sleep and are, therefore, more eco-friendly and less likely to block the chimney.

It is recommended that you have a HETAS certified installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. This will give you peace of mind that your installation has been completed according to the correct specifications and complies with the most current regulations. In addition, it will also help guarantee your warranty as the installer can self-certify their work.