Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove

If you live in a Smoke Controlled zone, then selecting a DEFRA Approved or Smoke Exempt stove is crucial. Not only do they comply with building regulations but they also guarantee that you can legally burn wood and multi fuel in your home.

Manufacturers of stoves are constantly improving their products, by adding secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions.

Defra Approved

If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled and requires a defra-approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that prohibit emissions of dark smoke from chimneys in smoke-controlled areas (most large towns and cities). Defra Approved stoves have gone through rigorous testing and examination to ensure they comply with the law. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce a lot less pollutant emissions. This makes them a much better option for both your neighbors and you as well, since the lower amount of smoke they create means that the nuisance levels of smoke will be kept to the minimum. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will also have the logo and words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their title and specifications.

The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves we sell are approved by the Defra. This is because we try to source the best quality products and we wish our customers to be in a position to get the most value from their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This is in turn, reducing the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra-approved stoves tend to have a larger firebox, which can help reduce smoke emissions.

Defra approved appliances will not only reduce the amount of smoke released but also ensure the combustion air is constant throughout the entire burning process. This will prevent the stove from being starved of oxygen, which is what causes it to smolder and emit dark smoke. As they become more popular the majority of stove manufacturers are now building defra approved low Emission stoves Approved Models into their range of products.

Defra approved stoves aren't only an choice for those who live in areas that have smoke control however, they are an excellent choice for anyone who wishes to increase the efficiency and safety of their fireplace, and also reduce the amount of toxins released into the air. These stoves are also great for those who wish to line their chimneys with a flexible stainless twin wall liner made of stainless steel. As most Defra approved models have 5" outlet, this will allow them to be used with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" outlet, which could save you money on the cost of the liner and installation.

Some people opt to sleep on the stove for a night by closing the top vent and allow it to burn slowly. This could lead to a buildup of soot and other tars that could cause obstruction to your chimney. A stove that is Defra-approved will not let you shut down the top vent completely, as this could trigger the fire to go off. It is also less likely that combustibles which have not been burned will be released into the air. This is better for the atmosphere and less likely to cause your chimney to get blocked.

Defra Exempt

It is common to see terms Defra Approved or Defra Exempt when you are looking for a stove that burns wood. This usually means a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.

This is achieved by the appliances going through rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest emissions. This is accomplished by using a secondary burn where the waste products of the combustion process are re-burnt to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. This means that DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those living in a smoke controlled area and want to make sure they have a stove that is legal to use.

Typically a Defra Exempt stove will be identified with an SE logo or labeled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to demonstrate that it emits very minimal amounts of smoke when used properly. This is the reason Defra stoves are the only wood burning stove that is legal to install in Smoke Controlled areas.

A Defra approved wood-burning stove can also aid in keeping your chimney and flue system cleaner since they are engineered to burn wood much more efficiently than other kinds of stove. This is due to a sophisticated combustion process that allows airflow to enter the firebox.

Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved are more energy efficient. This is accomplished through the most modern technology to ensure that the highest amount of heat is absorbed from the fuel and transferred to your room. You will also benefit from lower heating expenses as well as an easier, safer and more sustainable home.

You'll find a wide range of options when selecting a Defra Approved Stove in terms style size, dimensions and the type of fuel. Some stoves are only recommended DEFRA stoves approved for burning wood, while others are also Defra approved to burn authorised smoking coal. There are both modern and traditional style Defra approved stoves to select from so you can be sure to find the perfect stove to match your decor.

We've created a comprehensive guide on how to buy an approved DEFRA stove. It contains everything you need know about this type appliance including how to get the most value for your money when you purchase one, what to look out for when looking for stoves, and more. You can read the entire guide in full here. As well as this we have a fantastic range of Defra Approved stoves from some of the UK's leading manufacturers. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, DEFRA approved low emission Stoves Burley and more. If you're looking for a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is both Defra Approved and CE certified, make sure to look at our range.