What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also called Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves These stoves are designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels such as Anthracite ovals. However, they won't be suitable to use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air controls as well as its flue draught must be tested in laboratory testing. These tests differ from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA-approved stove is a multifuel or wood-burning stove that has been through a rigorous test developed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The test confirms that the stove is able to burn approved non-smokeless fuels like logs or briquettes, in Smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not just be more eco-friendly but it will also benefit your neighbors as it reduces nuisance fumes.
These DEFRA stoves have a special combustion technology that permits them to sleep or slumber longer than other stoves. They will burn any smokeless fuels that are approved in a clean and efficient way while maintaining the amount of heat required for your home. This is accomplished by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower level until it is completely consumed.
Defra stoves are usually called smoke-free or SE stoves and will have a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. You may even find them marked as Ecodesign 2022 compliant to indicate that they will meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they come into force next year.
There are many factors to take into account when buying a DEFRA. Included in this are the kind of stove, fuel types that can be burned and the amount heat it is capable of producing. You may also want to consider some other features, such as a remote control system that is easy to use or an air wash system.
There are many styles of DEFRA stoves that are woodburning or multi-fuel available. If you are seeking a stove that can be installed in an existing fireplace, or inglenook there are plenty of traditional options to choose from, whereas there are also modern and contemporary models that would look stunning without the mantle or surround. You should also think about the type of fuel you want to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners that are exempt from the regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Most towns and cities in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so if you live in one then you will need to have a DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These are designed to comply with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure that they burn in a smokeless way.
The main feature of the most important feature of a DEFRA approved stove is that they've been constructed with Clean Burn technology, which is how they manage to be smoke free. This is achieved by forcing a continuous supply of oxygen to the combustion chamber until the fuel is used up. This means that the fire can't be shut off like a conventional stove. It will continue to burn low until all the fuel has been consumed and all exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This allows you to legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorized fuels' which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels (anthracite smokeless briquettes and firelogs). This is different to stoves that are not Defra approved, and are only permitted to be used in a Smoke Control Area if they have been fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.
Although it is possible to put in a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA equipped with the proper Smoke Control Kit, this is not recommended as you could put your family members at risk of breathing in toxic gases and toxins that could cause lung damage. Additionally, the use of an exempt stove that is not DEFRA-compliant within a Smoke Control Area can result in hefty fines.
Stovax provides a variety of wood-burning multi-fuel, fireplaces and stoves that are all DEFRA-exempt and may be used within smoke controlled areas. Our dealers are more than eager to assist you in choosing the best DEFRA approved stove for your home. Simply enter your postcode here to locate your nearest dealer.
It is essential to remember that all new stoves should be installed by registered HETAS installers to ensure they're fitted safely and comply with current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved stove that is able to be used in Smoke Control Areas helps reduce emissions, leading to a reduction in the amount of sulphur dioxide in the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be in place by 2022 and will set the minimum efficiency and emission limits.
Smokeless Fuels
There are a lot of things to take into consideration when selecting a stove that uses smokeless fuels. The stove has to be DEFRA-approved for use in areas with smoke control. The stove has been subjected to rigorous tests in order to reduce particulate emissions. There are also stoves that make use of smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. This is healthier for the environment and your neighbors.

Briquettes are typically made from anthracite and are non-smokeless fuels. They are made to be greener than traditional coal, and also last up to 40% longer. Smokeless fuels also generate more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They cost more than traditional coal, however they have many advantages to offer you and your family. They are less difficult to ignite and do not produce more soot or Ash. The glass screen and the stove grate will need to be cleaned less frequently. They create dancing flames and release less smoke.
It is important to remember that if you live in a smoke control zone, you are allowed to only burn authorised fuels and wood in your stove. You could be fined if you burn unauthorised fuels. If you decide to use a wood stove that is not DEFRA approved, you could create smoke that could upset your neighbors.
It is therefore essential to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove that allows you to use smokeless fuels within your home. fireplacesandstove.com in this group have been thoroughly tested to ensure they're in compliance with DEFRA regulations and do not emit nuisance smoke. This is accomplished by ensuring that they are equipped with the most recent combustion technology which prevents part-burned combustibles from being released into the air.
The Right to Rent
DEFRA stoves are multi fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they offer clean and efficient combustion, low emissions, and the best performance. They are available in many different styles to complement the style of your home.
Defra approved stoves are known as SE Stoves within the market, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves that are approved for use in the Area. They are all referring to the same stove that has been tested and proved to be capable of meeting the strict requirements of UK legislation that limits the amount of smoke that can be emitted over a specified period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels, such as blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. If you attempt to burn other than approved smokeless fuels, it will release smoke that could cause respiratory problems for those suffering from asthma. The installer and the client are responsible for checking whether the appliance is suitable for the building by using the Defra Calculator, and ensuring that all chimney parts are correct and that they adhere to the required distances from the combustibles.
Stoves that have been installed incorrectly could cause damage, leakage and void the warranty. Installation must be carried out by a HETAS-certified engineer to ensure that the stove is safe and properly installed. The warranty does not cover consumables such as glass seals made of glass rope on windows and doors paint finishes, internal lining plates, firebricks, and baffles. These are regarded as replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us if needed. Damage to the stove by high moisture or salty air environments is not covered by the warranty, neither.
A DEFRA stove is an investment in your home, not just for the warmth it provides you with but also for the peace of mind knowing that you are doing what you can to to protect the environment and your neighbours too. When you select a DEFRA approved wood burning or multi fuel stove, you are assured that you will be in a position to enjoy your stove for many years to come.