What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A defra approved stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved 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 has also created robust protocols for tackling notifiable illnesses.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves are compliant with the standards of emission set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards don't prohibit wood stoves from being employed in smoke control areas however they restrict the amount of smoke that can be produced by them.

At ESSE we are proud to offer a wide selection of defra approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves come with the latest technology for clean burning. They have secondary and tertiary systems that cut down on emissions. This results in less smoke coming out of the chimney and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint.

Defra approved disinfectants can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, including structures, farm equipment, containers and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges an amount to approve new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also test the effectiveness of disinfectants at anytime. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants, without the requirement to submit samples.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas are found in many parts of the UK. This means that you can only use exempt appliances or burn fuels that have been approved. This is to cut down on the pollution of the air caused by burning fuels that are not authorised, which produce ash and smoke that is nuisance. The majority of cities and towns are in this category. To avoid breaking the law and receiving the penalty of a fine, you should only make use of the DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace to burn wood logs. Stovax offers a variety of wood and multi-fuel stoves as well as fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

The stoves have passed the strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the minimal smoke levels allowed in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas or steam coal that is low volatile or a combination of these. On the DEFRA site, you can see a complete list approved fuels.

Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms when you are looking for a stove. If the stove you choose has the DEFRA logo, you can be certain that it has been approved by Defra for use in smoke-controlled zones and can be used to burn wood within these zones. You'll still require an appropriate chimney lining but the smaller 5kW stoves are able to be fitted with a 5" twin-wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.

If you don't have a DEFRA approved stove you may be able to get a licence from your local authority to burn non-approved fuels in your home. You'll need to check the DEFRA website to find out if you can apply for an exemption. There are specific guidelines to follow for example, installing a smoke detector. It is also important to note that if you have an open fire, barbecue or garden chiminea, you will need to follow the same guidelines as Smoke Control Areas.

Approved for Smokeless fuels

To be defra approved wood burners must be able to burn authorised smokeless fuels without causing excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly called 'Smokeless Coal or 'Heat Logs' and have undergone stringent tests to ensure that they meet the standards laid out by defra permitted stoves 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 regulations for smoke control areas were put in place residents could use any kind of fuel they wanted to and this led to a lot of air pollution that resulted in health issues for people living in areas with built-up structures. Since the rules were put in place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollutants in these areas by regulating what is allowed to be burned in stoves and fireplaces.

If you live in a smoking area, it is important that your stove be Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. However, even if you don't live in a zone that is smoke-free it's worth investing in an exempt defra stove since they are safer for the environment and the chimney system too.

Defra has approved wood-burning stoves as well multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are purchasing a new stove, make sure it has a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it complies with all legal requirements.

There are two primary methods to become approved by Defra. One way is to make your stove and fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. Another option is to purchase a Defra approved stove and only make use of Defra approved fuels in it. It is cheaper to buy an approved stove from Defra, but you should still consult your local council first if you aren't sure if you live in a smoke control area.

In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for protecting the environment and control, including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. The department was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and a portion of the Home Office. The department is managed by a cabinet member who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.

Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. They are suitable for areas with no smoke and can be used to burn wood, coal and logs. They are available in a range of sizes and styles. They can be either freestanding or inset. They are the ideal stove for those looking to reduce their heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and widely used by the industry. It is often found on the title and specification sheets of a variety of stoves, and signifies that the appliance is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke controlled areas. Some stoves will also have a SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.

Defra approved wood burning stoves are often more efficient than older models and feature the latest clean combustion technology. Numerous top stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustion systems to enhance the efficiency of their stoves.

If you live in a smoke-free zone and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be penalized up to PS1000. To avoid this, ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.

A DEFRA approved stove is the best option to heat your home while being eco-friendly. If you live in a zone of smoke control or not but a DEFRA approved stove will help you save energy costs and also stop smoke from disturbing neighbours. You'll be able to find the ideal DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. There are even a few models which are both DEFRA-approved and Eco Design-2022 compliant so you can get the best of both! Browse the range and discover the options available.