10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Defra Approved Wood Stoves Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you live in a UK smoke control area (most cities and large towns) then you'll need a DEFRA approved stove to avoid violating the law. These Defra Smoke Exempt Appliances are designed to ensure that wood or multi-fuel is burned without releasing unnecessary quantities of smoke.

Cleaner Burning

Defra exempt wood stoves which are also known as 'clean burning' wood burners, as they are often known, use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They do this by using pre-heated tertiary air to burn the fuel more efficiently and decrease harmful particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The result is a cleaner, more efficient fire which produces less smoke and a much more effective heating system.

Alongside enhancing the efficiency of the stove, modern wood stoves have also been designed to be more gentle to your chimney and flue system. They don't produce as much creosote as their older counterparts, so you can keep your flue and chimney clean for a longer time.

If you live in a zone of smoke control (most cities and towns) and you are in a smoke control area, you must make use of a Defra approved stove or wood burner to avoid violating the law and incurring a heavy fine. However, even if you are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still recommended to purchase a Defra Approved stove as they will not only create less noxious smoke, but will aid in reducing your heating expenses and carbon footprint as well.

In the past, a number of manufacturers produced wood stoves which were filthy and performed poorly when compared to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to a number of factors, like the choice and sizing of the stove and fireplace and the way in which wood was stored and burned and the operation of the stove.

Today, all new wood stoves have to meet the higher standards of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The most modern wood stoves come with an EPA rating of less than 1 gram of smoke per hour.

There is a lot of potential for further advancements in the manufacture of wood stoves. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all the old stoves were replaced with modern ones that meet Defra standards, then more than a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide that is a greenhouse gas could be saved every year.

Reduced Emissions

Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves which utilize the most up-to-date clean burn technologies to ensure they can combust smokeless coal and solid fuel at lower temperatures for combustion. This means that they produce significantly less harmful emissions than previous models which allows you to legally use your stove in a smoke control area.

The primary pollutant produced by burning solid fuels is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles can penetrate the respiratory system of human beings and can cause heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the University of Sheffield published a study that revealed that wood-burning stoves can release high levels of particle size PM2.5 into the home. The harmful particles were at their highest levels every time the stove was opened to refuel.


In addition to reducing the amount of PM2.5 that the stove emits, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also have built in air-wash systems that keep the glass clear of ash and soot. This keeps your stove looking new for longer and cut down on the cost of maintenance and cleaning.

While the advantages of a wood stove are undisputed, the decision to purchase a stove which permits you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a serious one. In the past the days when people could open their fireplaces and let their wood burn as they wanted, towns and cities were plagued by unhealthy levels of smog, which caused breathing issues for many residents.

In Smoke Control Zones, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only option for homeowners who wish to use their fireplace legally. If you are thinking about purchasing a wood-burning stove or replacing your old open fire one, a Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer is the best solution for conformity with the regulations for smoke control.

Stove Supermarket offers a wide assortment of Defra approved Wood Burning Stoves from top brands such as Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can choose the model that is right for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a an Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be confident that you new woodburning fireplace will be in compliance with the most recent standards for use in a smoke-control area.

High Efficiency

A high efficiency wood burning stove will use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. This will not just reduce your carbon footprint but will also substantially cut down on your energy bills. This is especially important as the cost of gas and electricity continues to increase. Switching to a wood stove that is approved by the DEFRA will enable you to regain control of your household expenses and save money over time.

A Defra approved wood stove will be compliant with the regulations of the Government concerning smoke-free zones which means you can use it in smoke-free zones. If you spot a stove that bears the words Defra Approved or "SE" in its name, it means it has met the strict standards set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

They can produce less particulate emissions than older forms of wood burners and open fires. The most recent stoves from top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all feature secondary and tertiary combustion methods which reduce the overall emissions produced by the stove. A majority of these stoves that burn wood are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more eco-friendly than DEFRA Approved and will be able meet future emission goals.

A stove that is Defra-approved is not just more environmentally green, but it will also burn your wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This will result in lower levels of particulate emission which is great news for those who live in smoke control zones. As well as this, a DEFRA Approved stove will also help reduce your fuel expenses. By using a stove that can burn more wood per hour than an open flame it will help you save money by not having to feed it as often.

A Defra Approved Stove is a fantastic investment for any homeowner looking to be eco-friendly and cut down on their energy costs. As well as offering energy efficient and clean heating, these stoves also come in a wide range of styles to match any style preference.

EPA Certification

If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled, you must use an approved DEFRA stove for burning wood at home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which handles regulations pertaining to environmental and rural matters. The Smoke Control Area Regulations prohibit the emission dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt device, or authorized fuels like smokeless coal. Defra approved stoves are the only devices that are legal to use in these areas without violating the law and causing fines up to PS1,000.

The best way to make sure that you buy a smoke-free stove is to look for the EPA 2020 certification label. This indicates that the stove has passed rigorous tests to be able to say it can be used in a smoke-control area. The stove will also be rated an efficient burner, which means that it can provide maximum heat while using less fuel. This efficiency will save homeowners money on heating bills and will reduce the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.

DEFRA stoves price range to consider is whether a Defra approved wood burning stove is designed with environmentally conscious features. The Country 4 BLU stove is an excellent example of a stove that is Defra-approved that incorporates a range of eco-friendly features. It was designed to meet or exceed 2022 Ecodesign standards, which means it produces extremely low emissions which reduce the environmental impact. This means an eco-friendly process that contributes towards healthier air for all, and it makes the stove more secure for your chimney and flue systems too.

A wood-burning stove that is approved by Defra can offer you numerous benefits, in addition to complying with UK government smoke control standards. By adhering to strict emission standards, these stoves play a significant role in reducing air pollution, which can aid in reducing respiratory problems for people with sensitive lungs. They also come with longer burn times, which result in significant cost saving through less wood consumption and lower fuel prices. When combined with an energy efficient heating system, these stoves are the ideal choice for anyone who wants to make a sustainable and green choice in the home.