A Guide To Stoves Defra From Start To Finish Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?

When looking to purchase a new stove it is essential to ensure that the chosen stove is in compliance with all regulations. It is essential to confirm that your stove has been DEFRA approved when used in smoke control areas burning wood or approved smokeless coal.

These types of stoves have separate air controls to provide the correct amount of primary and secondary combustion air for both fuels. They also come with a removable grate and ash pan for easy cleaning.

Clean Burn Technology

Multi fuel stoves are made to work with a variety of different materials in addition to logs. Turf, smokeless fuels, peat briquettes, anthracite and other materials can be used. They generally, these substances emit less harmful emissions than logs do. As such, many of our multi-fuel stoves are fitted with clean burn technology in order to reduce the amount of particulate matter that they generate during combustion. The term "clean burn" is also used to refer to other specific technologies that decrease emissions, for example, pre-heated secondary air or Ecodesign Ready.

As well as DEFRA stoves reviews , a lot of our multi-fuel stoves come with a raised grate with moving bars or a central riddling grate and asphan below it that helps to ensure that the combustion conditions are maintained. This ensures the combustion process produces as little black smoke as possible during operation. It also permits the removal of the ash from below the stove which can then be stored in the asphan below to ensure safe disposal.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area it is important to buy a Defra approved multi-fuel or wood burning stove that has been exempted from Defra regulations. This will ensure that you'll be allowed to make use of the stove legally provided that it is only burning 'authorised fuels' (as as per DEFRA guidelines). The reason is that non-Defra approved stoves are prone to'slumbering', an issue where the combustion system may be deprived of oxygen, which can result in the formation of black smoke. Defra approved wood burners (or Defra-exempt stoves) have been thoroughly tested and verified to minimize this sleepiness. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your stove is always clean and efficient when operating properly.

Modern multi-fuel stoves, such as the Stovax Stovax Stockton 3 have a contemporary design, with smooth surfaces and clean lines that can be a perfect match for any space. The stoves are available in a range of colours, including matte black for a timeless appearance that blends well with many interior color schemes. Other popular options include neutral shades of cream and grey as well as bold hues such as red, blue or green that can make a dramatic statement in any living space.

Defra Approved

Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) can be used in regions of the UK that are classified as smoke controlled. This includes a number of cities, large towns and urban zones. You could be fined for living in an area where you burn wood or fuel that isn't approved. Stoves that have been DEFRA certified provide the necessary amount of air for efficient combustion. This means that they produce little or no smoke.


To get the Defra approval stoves are tested for efficiency and emissions. The Defra logo is easily recognized on stoves and manufacturers' websites. Many stove manufacturers are improving their products and adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems which can help reduce emissions. This makes their stoves more ecological sustainable and also means that they can be used with a greater range of fuels.

When purchasing a brand new multi-fuel or wood burning stove, it is important to be sure to check if it's DEFRA approved. This is particularly important if you live in a zone of smoke control. Even if you are able to use authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite or briquettes however, a stove that isn't DEFRA-approved will still produce nuisance smoke, in violation of the law.

DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top vent that prevents you from closing it all the way down. This stops you from robbing the stove of oxygen that could slow its combustion and cause it to smoldering. The more smouldering takes place the more smoke that is generated and the less efficiently your stove will burn. You should only use dry seasoned hardwood and only smokeless fuels that have been approved for use in a DEFRA approved stove. Using damp wood or other fuels that are wet will create excessive smoke and cause annoyance to neighbours. This is not just illegal, but it can also result in expensive fines. If you want to install a multi-fuel fireplace that's DEFRA-approved, you'll have employ an engineer to ensure that it meets the building regulations.

Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas in the UK are located primarily in towns and large cities where excessive smoke can be an issue for residents. If you live in a region that is which is smoke-free and you are not allowed to burn unapproved fuels on open fires or wood-burning stoves unless the appliances are designated as exempt. Defra approved multi-fuel and wood burning stoves feature the latest technology to prevent part-burned combustibles from escaping your chimney and making them the ideal choice for a smoke-free property.

DEFRA approval is a sign that your appliance has been tested and approved to burn all types of fuels without producing excessive smoke. This is achieved by supplying the right amount of air to the combustion process in order to keep the combustibles at their optimal state. Wood burning stoves that have been approved by Defra are better for the environment and less likely to cause chimney blockage.

Defra approved stoves are the best choice for your smoke controlled home, as they offer the security and cleanliness to heat your property while adhering to the government's strict regulations. We have a range of multifuel and wood stoves DEFRA approved for smoke control areas.

A Defra approved stove will have an exemptions list which explains which fuels are permitted to be burned in a smoke control area. It will be mostly wood (properly dried) but can also include household smokeless substances like anthracite.

All our Defra approved wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come with a proof of compliance from the manufacturer, along with a comprehensive user guide and installation instructions to help to get your new stove up and running safely. It is recommended to have your fireplace installed and maintained by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure that the work is done in accordance with the building regulations.

Dovre provides a variety of accessories to your new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that include log baskets, mesh guards and flue liner. Contact your local Dovre retailer for more information about our products.

Energy Efficiency

Multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly option because they can utilize multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are designed to provide optimal combustion, meaning they can provide your home with less heat. They also reduce emissions and can be used to complement your existing central heating system.

Energy-efficient stoves can drastically reduce heating costs and help you save money on your utility bills. They consume less fuel than traditional wood-burning stoves. They are available in a broad range of heat outputs, ranging from 5kW to 8kW.

A multi-fuel stove with triple burn technology will improve its efficiency. This technology makes use of three stages to ensure that each bit of fuel is combusted completely, which results in more efficient heating and lower emissions.

Multi-fuel stoves are popular since they provide greater flexibility in the selection of fuel. This is a great feature for those living in areas with smoke control because it allows them the option to burn both wood or smokeless coal. However, you should only burn the fuels that are recommended by the manufacturer of your stove and not burn household waste or wood that has been treated or painted.

You must ensure that the multi-fuel stove you purchase is suitable for your home and has the correct chimney outlet. Also, you should check that the flue system or chimney is in good condition and that there is sufficient space around it, referred to as the distance to combustibles to ensure safety.

Multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your interior decor. Some are available in vibrant colors such as blue or red. Others have metallic finishes and enamel coated surfaces which give your home a contemporary industrial appearance. You can also find stoves that have built-in log stores such as the ACR Malvern Log Store or Mendip Woodland Log Store, to provide a more convenient method to store your firewood.

A multi-fuel stove could be more versatile than a traditional wood stove, but you must adhere to the strict regulations established by DEFRA in order to avoid causing nuisance smoke. If you use a stove that is not in compliance with these guidelines can lead to a fine, so you should always adhere to the guidelines in your stove's manual.