What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A defra-approved stove is a wood burning stove that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.

Defra is an English government department, is responsible for the environment, food production standards, agriculture and a thriving rural economy. Defra also sets robust protocols to manage known diseases.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves comply with the emission standards set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit wood stoves from being employed in smoke control areas, but they do limit the amount of smoke generated by them.

At ESSE we are proud to carry a large range of defra-approved stoves from leading manufacturers including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves have the latest technology for clean burning. They feature secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming from the chimney and leaves a less carbon-based footprint.

Defra approved products can be used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces, such as farms, buildings and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee to obtain new back-to-back approval of trade names. APHA may also retest the effectiveness of a disinfectant at anytime. This can be done without submitting samples, and the results will be added to the approved disinfectants list.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

A lot of areas in the UK are classed as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved or exempt appliances. This is in order to reduce the amount of air pollution created by burning unauthorised fuels, which can cause nuisance smoke and ash build up. Most towns and cities are in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and getting a fine you must only make use of an DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of wood and DEFRA approved wood burning stoves multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and meet the minimal smoke levels allowed in Smoke Control Areas. These stoves can be used with a variety fuels like logs, semi-anthracite and anthracite coal, briquettes, or manufactured smokeless fuels like the heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity or steam coal that is low volatile or a combination of these. You can find a list of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website.

Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms when you are looking for a stove. If the stove is stamped with the logo, you can be sure that it has been approved by Defra for use in smoke-controlled zones and can be used to burn wood within these zones. It is still necessary to install an appropriate chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are usually more affordable and easier to install than larger models since they can be fitted with a 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.

If you do not have an DEFRA approved stove, you might be able to get an authorization from your local authority to burn unapproved fuels in your home. You'll have to check the DEFRA site to see whether an exemption is available. There are also certain rules to follow like installing smoke alarms. You will also need to follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.

Approved for Smokeless Fuels

To be approved by the defra, wood burners need to be able to burn fuels that are smokeless that are approved by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels are often called 'Smokeless coal or 'Heat Logs' and have undergone stringent tests to ensure that they meet the standards laid by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs as they are much cleaner and produce less smoke than seasoned logs.

Before the rules for smoke control areas were put in place, residents could use any kind of fuel they wanted, which caused a lot of air pollution that led to health issues for those living in built-up areas. Since the rules came into place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollutants in these areas by regulating the materials that can be burned in fireplaces and stoves.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then it's vital that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't face hefty fines for violating the rules. Even if you do not reside in a smoking-controlled area buying a defra-exempt stove is worthwhile. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment.

Defra approves wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are buying a new stove, make sure it is branded with an Defra approved badge. This will ensure that it meets all the necessary legislation.

There are two main ways to become Defra approved. The first way to become Defra-approved is by having your stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive procedure. You can also purchase a stove that is Defra-approved and use only Defra-approved fuels. This is less expensive, but it is still best to check with your local council if you are not sure if you live in the Smoke Control Area.

In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for environmental protection and controls including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was established in 2001 following the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and a part of the Home Office. It is managed by a cabinet member who reports to the Prime Minister and other cabinet members.

Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves are tested to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for use in smoke-free areas and can burn a variety of fuel types including coal, wood, and logs. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and can be inset or freestanding. The stoves are ideal for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating costs.

The Defra logo is easily identifiable and has been widely adopted by the industry. The Defra logo can be seen on the specification sheets and title pages of numerous stoves. It indicates that the stove can burn approved fuels in areas that are smoke-free. Some stoves will also have an SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled space when burning approved fuels.

Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically more efficient than older models and feature the most recent clean combustion technology. A number of top stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustible systems to further increase the efficiency of their stoves.

If you reside in an area where smoking is controlled and you're not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance You could be facing a fine of up to PS1000. You can avoid this by making sure that the stove you purchase is recommended DEFRA stoves-approved prior to purchasing it.

A DEFRA-approved stove is the best and most eco-friendly method of heating your home. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can help you save on your energy bills and will also stop smoke from causing trouble to neighbours. We offer a variety of multifuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved and you'll be able to find the perfect one for your home. There are some models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both worlds! Browse the range to discover what's available.