What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A multi-fuel stove that is defra-approved is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. They can also be called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The government Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations concerning the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra test guarantees that you can burn wood or approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals within a smoke controlled area without upsetting your neighbours with annoying smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made to emit less carbon dioxide, while making use of fuel efficiently and using sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are usually built to burn wood, or in combination of other approved fuels. There are a variety of eco-friendly log burners and multi fuel stoves are offered that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves use the dung of pigs as a reliable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.

The most important thing you can do to make your stove eco-friendly is ensure that the fuel is properly seasoned or dried in a kiln. This reduces the moisture content and allows the wood to burn more efficiently, and produce less smoke. It's also a great idea to only purchase wood that comes from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to guarantee that it has been dried at an appropriate level.

The majority of modern stoves comply with strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves keeping energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Ecodesign stoves have to take into account emissions, resource efficiency and waste reduction. This makes them some of the most eco-friendly and clean stoves on the market.

Another way to make your stove more green is to replace the grates with ceramic. Ceramic is not only aesthetically pleasing but also anti-smoking, and helps reduce the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Additionally, ceramic grate liners are also easy to clean and have a longer lifespan than steel inserts for grates.

In a Smoke Control Area you can still use a wood burner or multi-fuel stove, however it is important to only use approved fuels by Defra. If you do not, it is possible that you could be in breach of the law and risk being fined by the local council. To avoid this, only use Defra approved fuels, like an amorphous smokeless oval in your stove.

Clean Burning

A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke-controlled areas, provided it burns smokeless fuels only. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or a naturally occurring or manufactured product. The stove makers must comply with the rules for selling an exempt from DEFRA wood burner. The Stove Yard has a an extensive choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves made by top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These stoves that are Defra exempt use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce tar emissions and tar accumulation in your chimney or flue system. They use the latest secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite tar gases and particulates before they can escape into the atmosphere. This is the reason why a Defra approved stove so much less polluting than older stoves that burn wood and open fires.

The design of the Defra approved stove is different too, most of our range include a hidden mechanism within the stove that allows for a small, continuous circulation of air into the fire, even when the air vents are closed. This prevents soot and ash being released up the chimney that can cause obstruction to your stove and cause dangerous chimney fires.

This is an essential feature for those who live in a smoke-free zone The new Defra approved stoves do not allow you to shut the vents completely, and allow you to sleep your stove all night which could release part-burned combustibles into the air.

A DEFRA approved stove also has the longest burn time than non-Defra models, however it's important to note that if you changed your fuel of choice for smokeless coal, and wanted to rest your stove over night it would reduce the burn time due to the continuous supply of air required to slumber burn would slow the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

When used properly when it is properly used, a DEFRA exempt stove can create very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which, if inhaled, could cause a variety of health problems, including heart diseases and lung illnesses.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burning device reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released during the process of burning. This reduces the impact on the environment especially in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

The efficiency of a stove can lower the cost of heating your home. Utilizing a DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of a conventional gas boiler can reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your energy costs.

If you live in a smoke controlled zone, it's essential to ensure that your stove is DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt as this will allow you to use Defra approved fuels, such as manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire and dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This allows you to relax in your fireplace and not worry about the nuisance smoke that could disturb your neighbours.

Many stoves, in addition to being DEFRA-approved, are tested in accordance with clearSkies standards and can be labelled using the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to provide information on the effectiveness and emissions of their products to help consumers make an informed choice. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with its type and Defra Approved stoves size.

It's important to keep in mind that, as with Ecodesign the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards. Manufacturers may go above and over these. ESSE has designed its latest stoves so that they are even more efficient and clean, producing less smoke without any compromise in the performance or control. This latest advancement utilizes the patented twin catalytic combustion technique that recycles the smoke particles it releases significantly reducing their impact on the atmosphere.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and you use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, you will get as much heat, or even more than that, from the same amount of dry wood than if it were burned in an non DEFRA Approved Stove. It is up to 24 per cent less expensive to heat your home by using the latest Defra Approved Stove than a gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. These stoves have been tested to ensure they do not emit smoke when burning approved fuel. You can therefore use them in areas with a large number of buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a variety of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

You can also safely burn wood, peat, and other solid fuels using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. Be aware that some fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to be familiar with local regulations and restrictions.

Proper ventilation is vital for safe operation of multi fuel stoves, as this will help to reduce carbon monoxide accumulation within your home. DEFRA stoves price range approved stoves come with an inbuilt ventilation system that supplies enough air to the combustion process. This ensures that your home is always well ventilated and safe for use.

Additionally, DEFRA approved stoves have a minimum flue size of 550mm2, which means they can be used with a standard twinwall flue system. Our vast range of flue liners are compatible with DEFRA approved stoves, which means you can enhance your fireplace to ensure it is compliant with the latest emission standards.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging, or online. Numerous reputable stove retailers will also display this information on their websites and on their displays in the store so that you can easily identify which stoves meet the regulations.

It's important to hire an experienced professional who is certified if you plan to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is in compliance with building codes. Failure to follow the proper installation guidelines could result in an expensive fine or damage to your property. We recommend that you choose an HETAS-approved installer to set up your stove, since they are knowledgeable about the guidelines of the manufacturer and the building codes.