What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra Approved Stove (also known by the abbreviation SE) is a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove that can be placed in smoke zones of control. They usually have the Defra approved logo or are labeled as such in their specifications.
These kinds of stoves are more beneficial for the environment, and they will prevent you from causing trouble to your neighbors with smoke. They are also subjected to rigorous testing.
What is an DEFRA approved stove?
It is crucial to think about the type of fuel you will be using when choosing a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove for your home. This is particularly true if you live within an area with a smoke control system, as it will affect the type of fuel that you can use in your stove. Wood stoves can burn different kinds of fuels. However should you reside in a smoke-free area, you will need an approved DEFRA stove that is designed for burning authorised fuels without smoke.
A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove, also known as a wood burning stove is one which has been tested rigorously to ensure that the emissions produced by the stove are minimized. This is achieved by making sure that the stove is equipped with a secondary combustion process which means that waste gases are re-burned within the stove to reduce the level of emissions.
In addition to reducing the amount of smoke produced by the stove, DEFRA approved stoves also offer savings in the form of higher efficiency and by being specifically designed to efficiently burn wood. This makes them an excellent option for those who want to heat their home with renewable energy that is also environmentally friendly and can be an economical way to heat the home.
There are different styles of DEFRA approved stoves from traditional to contemporary. DEFRA guidelines stoves lets homeowners find a stove that will fit to the style of their home and can be fitted into existing fireplace chambers or inglenooks. They can be incorporated into various flue systems, chimney liners and are compatible with either natural or gas supply.
The benefits of choosing DEFRA approved stoves are not only for those who live in smoke-controlled areas. Anyone can benefit from their higher efficiency and less emissions. The purchase of a DEFRA approved wood stove can help to improve the quality of air inside your home, and contribute to a greener future, as wood stoves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that is then released to the atmosphere when they are burned for warmth.
What Fuels Can Be Burned in a DEFRA-Approved Stove
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove (also known as a Defra smoke exempt appliance) is an appliance that has passed Defra's strict tests to limit the amount of smoke. If you reside in a UK city or a large town that is classified as a smoke control area it is an obligation of law to only make use of a Defra approved stove or you risk violating the law and being penalized. Even if you do not reside in a smoke control area or a smoke-control zone, a stove that is Defra approved is nevertheless a good idea to keep your chimney and flue cleaner for longer.
Stove makers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax have been striving to develop the most modern technology for clean burning that has led to the development of Defra approved stoves that not only reduce the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, but also significantly reduce the amount of smoke that is generated during the process of combustion. Defra approved stoves now come with secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions and help burn fuel more efficiently, and make for a much more sustainable and environmentally green method of heating your home.
It is important to remember that even though a Defra approved stove will burn manufactured solid fuel like household coal, Coal fires High Petroleum-based fuels and Petrol Coke as well as wood, you should be cautious about the kind of firewood you choose to use. It is illegal to burn damp or wet wood in a DEFRA approved stove since it creates a lot of nuisance smoke that can make your neighbors angry and could create a fire risk within your home.
We suggest that when buying wood for your Defra approved fireplace, you purchase only logs and splits that have been dry and properly seasoned. We also recommend that you only buy firewood with the 'Ready to Burn' logo. This signifies that the wood has been treated with a low moisture content, to avoid excessive smoke production.
The majority of Defra approved wood burning stoves don't offer the option of burning smokeless coke. However there are a few excellent classic models that look great with or without a mantle or surround. A DEFRA-approved stove lets you to install a 5" (125mm) twin wall stainless steel flexible chimney liner. This is a more affordable option to the standard 6" 150mm liner and is especially useful if your current chimney stack is curved in awkward ways.

Can I put a Non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area?
You'll likely find DEFRA-approved models when searching for a fireplace that burns wood. This is a term used in the industry that refers to a stove being exempt from laws in smoke control zones when it is used with authorised fuels such as seasoned logs, anthracite or other mineral solid fuels (DEFRA approved).
It's important to note here that non-Defra stoves may be installed within smoke controlled areas but they must only be used to ignite authorised fuels such as anthracite. If you utilize them with a variety of different wood types or solid fuels that are flammable, they could emit excessive amounts of smoke and could result in an infringement of fire being issued against the property.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra will usually display the Defra logo on their product description. Manufacturers might also refer to them as SE (smoke-exempt) or DEFRA stoves.
To be approved by Defra it must meet strict emissions and performance standards that are set by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. They have undergone stringent testing to ensure low emissions and high efficiency. Buying the Defra approved multi fuel stove or wood-burning stove can help you reduce your carbon footprint and keep your home warm at same time.
Another benefit of a DEFRA approved Stove is that they can usually be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is a huge advantage because it allows you to save money on installation costs and also ensures that you comply with the building regulations.
Selecting the best DEFRA approved wood burner for your home can be a bit confusing when you don't know the regulations that apply to burning wood in smoke control areas. It is important to choose the stove that has been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's standards. This will ensure you get the best burning experience.
It is also essential to only use seasoned wood in your stove. The wood is moist with a level of less than 20% to stop excessive smoke from building up when it is burned. It is available in a lot of local stores and through schemes like Woodsure Ready to Burn.
What is what is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?
If you're considering buying wood burning stoves there's so much to consider. From the style and output to the type of fuel there's a lot to take in before making a final decision. If you reside in a smoke-free area, a DEFRA-exempt stove is one of the most crucial features to look for. This is because a DEFRA approved stove has been independently tested and proven to be capable of burning wood in a smoke-controlled area.
These stoves are specially designed to reduce the amount of particle emissions from the combustion process, meaning that less pollution is being created in the air. Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves are beneficial for the environment and for your chimney system because they prevent part-burned combustibles from entering the flue and causing blockages.
A stove that is exempt from Defra will have the logo 'DEFRA-approved' on the side or in the specifications. The logo is easily recognisable, and it is a sign of quality that is widely used by stove makers. We have a variety of wood-burning models with the DEFRA logo.
In addition to In addition to Defra approval, you should always ensure that your chosen wood burner or multi-fuel stove is fitted with a 5" chimney liner. This is because non-DEFRA stoves require the use of a larger chimney than DEFRA approved models and will cause the chimney to become blocked if you are not careful.
Please contact us if you have any questions about whether you live in a region that is smoke controlled or the rules governing what fuels you can burn. We will be happy to help you. If you prefer, you can go to the official website of your local council to find out more about the laws in your area.