Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a wide range of multi-fuel stoves that are exempt from the regulations of defra. Defra approved appliances are compliant with government regulations, and are designed for fuel efficiency and emissions that are low.

This is particularly important when you reside in a smoke-free zone. But even if don't have a smoke control area, a Defra stove is better for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed across our website that a few of our wood burning stoves are categorized as being DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms may seem like an esoteric term to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for the policies and regulations related to agriculture, food and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they adhere to the strict guidelines set by the government for smoke emissions during operation. These stoves are designed to burn fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently. This means they emit fewer pollutants.

This is a great news for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area since the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke in these areas unless using a DEFRA approved stove and a fuel approved by DEFRA. In the past, it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long that you used only authorized fuels. However, from January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that aren't approved are not allowed to be installed unless they have been equipped with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that will drastically reduce the production of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, NOx and organic gaseous compounds.

Our Defra approved ranges are equipped with a mechanism that prevents you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could lead to the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. These stoves feature an adjustable air feed that lets you open the top vent a small amount and still have a safe, efficient combustion.

A stove that is Defra-approved can be fitted with a 5 inch chimney liner. This is important as the majority of 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 wish to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has examined these stoves to make sure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in smoke zones for control. You can find the list of areas in which you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multifuel stoves and stoves exempt from defra compliant stoves list

A Defra approved wood stove, also referred to as a DEFRA Multi Wood Burning Stove, will have passed a stringent test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for DEFRA Stoves Comparison protecting our natural environment, supporting the farming and food industry and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests that Defra Approved Stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the stove produces small amounts of grit or smoke when it is operating.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are also multi fuel stoves that allow you to use authorised smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. They will often be called Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are often abbreviated to SE.

The latest Defra stoves for woodburning and multi-fuel come with secondary and tertiary venting systems that ensure the wood is completely burned before it exits the chimney. This is more efficient than simply leaving a log on the fire for a long period of time. It also reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that is produced.

If you are living or planning to move into a Smoke Control Area then a Defra-exempt stove will be the best choice for you. It's not only more sustainable, but it also helps to reduce the amount of smoke that can make your neighbors angry.

You can still use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your backyard but be aware that toxic or excessive smoke could be a nuisance for the law and you could be fined. In an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, you are not allowed to use open flames or stoves that burn damp, rotten, or wet wood or any other fuels.

Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars

Defra Approved stoves are designed to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood so cleanly that they are in compliance with the strict regulations of the government for emissions in smoke control zones. They can be used in any smoke control area as long as they are burning approved fuels like pellets, briquettes or logs. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will bear a mark with a SE' logo that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A Defra-approved stove is different from a conventional multifuel stove in that it has secondary air vents which pre-heat air prior to it entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to create a cleaner burning. It also reduces soot build up and stops the chimney from getting blocked. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles which help to regulate the flames and ensure a uniform heat distribution.

The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in heavy fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid the risk of being accused of trespassing by DEFRA registered stoves you should only buy and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to the government's strict standards.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They are compatible with all kinds of fuel, but are ideally suited for dry wood, Premium Defra stoves both soft and hard. They are designed with air vents that can't be completely closed so the stove will always have oxygen to support clean combustion and minimise soot and noxious gases.

This technology is not only in line with the current standards for air quality of the government as well as with the future Ecodesign requirements that will be implemented in 2022. Stovax wood-burning and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new stricter emission standards. These new standards are part of the government’s continuous efforts to keep the air in the country healthy and clean.

Installation

If you are in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove will assist you in complying with the rules. This is because these multi fuel and wood burning stoves have been independently tested to ensure they comply with the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in a Smoke Control Area. These appliances can burn wood, or other fuels such as coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they emit.

Stoves that are DEFRA certified can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technology that produces less smoke. They usually employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns some of the waste products that were discarded from the initial stage, making them cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduction in emissions they also reduce the amount of soot that accumulates in the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area which is smoke-free this is an important thing to know. You can use a fireplace more often and longer. In addition, you'll reduce your utility bills. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are good for the environment because they emit less pollutant. They can also be used to burn more materials than other stoves.

Most stoves can be made DEFRA exempt using the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This kit changes the air vents of the stove so that they do not close at night. This is called slumbering, and it allows for part-burned combustibles that could otherwise block the flue to be released into the atmosphere. DEFRA approved stoves don't slumber, and are better for the environment. They also block chimneys less often.

It is recommended that an HETAS registered installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. This will ensure that the installation was completed to the correct specifications and in line with the most current regulations. It will also protect your warranty since the installer can self-certify their work.