11 Strategies To Completely Redesign Your DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?

If you're looking to buy a wood burning stove and reside in a smoke-free area then it is important that you select a DEFRA exempt or approved stove. Stoves that are not DEFRA exempt can cause starvation to the log burner, resulting in excess emissions and smouldering fuel.

Clean Burn Technology

If you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can help reduce the amount of air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are specifically designed to meet the stringent smoke emission standards set by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Clean burn technology is incorporated in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This assures that all wood or solid fuels you use are completely burned before they are able to escape your chimney. The way in which they achieve this is via secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every single speck of smoke is burned before it leaves the stove. This keeps your chimney clean for longer and your stove will require less fuel.

DEFRA stoves are available in both modern and traditional styles. This is because not everyone wants their new stove to be the focal area of their living space and you may prefer a more subtle option that will blend into your decor. We offer a variety of freestanding and inglenook stoves that comply with DEFRA approval standards, which means you can find the perfect stove for your fireplace.

You'll also be able to pick from a wide range of DEFRA stoves that are multi-fuel capable to allow you to enjoy the versatility of being able to burn a wide range of approved fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home if you combine these features with a variety of colours and finishes.

We are proud to present an extensive selection of DefrA Wood Burners that have been independently tested by HETAS and meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards. They are permitted to use legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you are in a Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to purchase a DEFRA stove as the use of an unapproved appliance could see you getting fined. You can find out whether you are in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or talking to your local authority.

Smoke Exempt

Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves approved have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they can be used in smoke-free areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that have low emissions, clean combustion and the ability to save money. You can choose from a range of styles to complement your home's design.

Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK cities and towns. In the past, people would burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This resulted in heavy pollution in many areas and led to health issues for the residents. In the past there was no law to regulate this, but today, we must adhere to the regulations.

Defra regulations have been created to ensure the safety of the public. They define which stoves are allowed in certain areas, and which fuels are allowed. If you live in a place which is smoke-free it is only possible to make use of the DEFRA approved stove and only burn authorised fuels such as coal, logs or pellets. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and use fuels that are not permitted, you could be punished as high as PS1000.

A Defra approved stove provides the least amount of air to burn, which in turn results in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only way to ensure that you can burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Areas.

To be DEFRA approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves must possess an average moisture content of 20% or less to prevent excessive smoke. To attain this, wood must be treated with a seasoned. It is best to use wood from the Forestry Commission's ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’ scheme.

When buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure that it is equipped with the Defra logo or a 'SE' after its name, this signifies that it is smoke exempt. The Defra logo is easily identifiable and is widely used in the industry.

Conforms to Building Regulations

If a wood burning stove is DEFRA approved, it means that it has been thoroughly tested and meets building regulations. This assures that it is safe to use and that the flue system is correctly installed. This reduces the risk of fire and minimizes indoor air pollution. This is particularly crucial for those living in smoke control zones, where it is illegal to use non-approved fuels.

DEFRA stoves are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect stove for your home. We offer freestanding, inglenook and inset models with modern and traditional styles to suit any decor. You can also pick between a wood burner or multi-fuel versions depending on your preferences. All of our DEFRA stoves are equipped with clean-burn technology so you can be certain that they will burn your selected fuels efficiently and cleanly.


DEFRA stoves also comply with strict regulations governing smoke emissions in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are designed to minimize the amount of particulate matter released into the air when the stove is burning.

The most modern DEFRA wood-burning stoves have been designed specifically for this purpose, and feature advanced combustion systems that do not restrict airflow in the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly, which reduces the release of particulate matter to the atmosphere. Additionally, DEFRA stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions by re-burning combustibles not yet burned from the earlier combustion process.

It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't meet DEFRA regulations, however it will require substantial changes to your chimney and flue. It will likely require changes to the structure, which could require planning permission. To avoid this, we suggest using a DEFRA compliant stove when purchasing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.

A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance will usually also have a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a great option for those who are budget conscious or if the chimney stack has some awkward bends to navigate.

Reduced Emissions

If you are searching for a wood burning stove you will come across several terms that might confuse you. One of these is the term DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stoves. This means that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas within the UK.

The stoves have been through a series of tests to make sure they comply with the laws of the UK regarding smoking. This is achieved by incorporating the latest clean burn technology, which utilizes third and second-level combustion to create cleaner air inside your home. This can help reduce fuel consumption, as fuel is burned more efficiently.

Because of the advancement in technology, DEFRA wood burning stoves approved are far more eco-friendly than older open fires and stoves. When utilized correctly, a wood stove is carbon-neutral since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth. This is then returned to the atmosphere when they are burned. They are therefore an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

The most significant issue when using an electric fireplace with wood burning is the emission. The smoke that is produced by a wood-burning stove contains ultra-fine particulates which are known to cause health issues. These particles can get deep into the lungs causing breathing difficulties, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and make you feel unwell. They also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.

Domestic wood burning is the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution than road traffic. This is because conventional wood stoves don't use clean burning technologies. It is essential to purchase an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke controlled, or even if it isn't. They are better for your chimney and the environment.

At Bowland Stoves, we stock a variety of DEFRA approved stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax and Burley. fireplacesandstove.com suggest you speak with a member of our team in case you aren't sure what kind of stove is appropriate for your home however, if you decide to purchase a DEFRA approved stove, then you can rest assured it will have undergone extensive testing and examination to be sure it is able to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.