20 Things Only The Most Devoted Defra Exempt Wood Burner Fans Are Aware Of Choosing a Defra Exempt Wood Burner

The majority of UK cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas so if you live in one and want to install a wood burning stove, then you'll require a Defra exempt stove. You can recognize them by their logos that are Defra-approved.

The stoves that are not subject to Defra are designed to prevent the fire from burning. This reduces the amount produced of smoke. They also make use of fuel more efficiently.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt stove is a wood burning domestic heating appliance that has passed the tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Defra Exempt label is applied to stoves that have been independently tested and meet strict criteria on emissions. Defra Exempt stoves are suitable to be used in Smoke Control Areas.

If you reside in a smoke control area, it is essential to have a DEFRA approved stove since you cannot legally burn wood (unless you are an authorised fuel) without one. Installing an non DEFRA approved stove within the smoke control zone is a violation of the Clean Air Act. You could be charged.

There is little difference from the outside of an appliance that is Defra approved stove and one that does not have this status. There are however a few ways that stove manufacturers can do in order to ensure that their appliances are DEFRA exempt. The most obvious distinction is that the burners on the DEFRA approved stove are made not to starve the fire of oxygen since this could cause it to smoulder and create excessive quantities of smoke.

To stop this from happening manufacturers will alter the top air vent of a stove that is Defra-approved. This will prevent you from closing the vent all the way down, since this will cut off the flow of air to the fire. The adjustment is usually an incredibly small screw that is located on the front of the stove, below the stove's base, or at the rear of the oven.

Stoves that have Defra exemptions are also able to be multifuel stoves and can be used to burn wood and other fuels. This is a fantastic alternative for those who reside in areas that are designated as Smoke Control Areas and do not want to limit themselves to using only authorised fuels. Certain stoves that are Defra Exempt will also be able to be fitted with five" chimney liner for wood burning (if the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is great news for those who want to install wood-burning stoves, but are worried about local smoke regulations.

What are the Benefits of a Defra Approved Stove?

In addition to ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering warmth and a cozy fire, Defra approved stoves can provide many other advantages. For instance, they are likely to be more efficient in energy use than non-Defra certified stoves and therefore reduce the amount of carbon produced when they are used. This can result in significant savings on heating costs. Additionally, Defra approved stoves are typically more user-friendly than non-approved stoves and may be equipped with simple controls.

There are a variety of factors to consider when buying a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove. These include your heating needs and aesthetic preferences and your long-term goals. When choosing a stove it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects. A defra-exempt stove is ideal for those who live in areas that are smoke-free. These stoves have been rigorously tested and adhere to strict environmental guidelines and can aid in reducing the impact your stove has on the environment.

Aside from being environmentally friendly, Defra approved stoves are also designed to provide superior combustion and flame spread. This ensures the fuel burns evenly and produces a pleasant, consistent flame. They are also more durable than non Defra approved stoves. This means they can withstand higher temperatures and last longer.


As an added benefit, most Defra approved stoves work with a 5" chimney liner, which is ideal for homes located in smoke-free areas. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you intend on using your stove with wet wood or other damp fuel, this will still cause smoke nuisance and be a cause for prosecution by the local authority.

To achieve Defra approval, stove manufacturers need to make adjustments to their equipment to limit the amount of air that will be lost during the burning process. The top air control is typically modified to stop the complete closing. If you close the air supply too tightly it can cause the stove to smoke instead of burning properly. This can lead to unpleasant smoke.

What is the difference between a Defra approved stove and a non-Defra certified stove?

A stove that has been approved by the defra can let you burn wood legally in a Smoke Control Area. However, nondefra-exempt stoves isn't. Stoves that are approved by Defra have passed tests that show they can burn wood safely and efficiently in smoke-controlled areas, without producing excessive quantities of smoke. If you live in an area that is smoke-free you can use your new stove without the risk of fines.

A Defra approved stove is more efficient than other types of wood-burning stoves, meaning that it will produce more heat and emit less harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who wish to save money on heating bills and who are concerned about the environment.

Stoves that have been Defra approved are usually advertised with the Defra Approved logo which is well-known and is widely used by the stove industry. You can also determine whether a stove is Defra exempt by checking the specifications or visiting the website of the manufacturer.

There are a variety of styles to choose from when choosing a Defra-approved stove. Some of these are more traditional and look stunning in an old fireplace or inglenook. Other stoves are more modern and will be ideal for a modern living space.

Verify that the stove is Defra exempt. It should be listed on the DEFRA list of authorised appliances, or bear the DEFRA logo. Many manufacturers will boast that their stoves are Defra exempt, even though they haven't been tested. It is much easier to market a Clean Burn stove than to test it and incur the expense of becoming Defra-exempt.

The stove will be exempt from Defra regulations, ensuring that the wood used to fuel it is sustainable and properly dried prior to burning. This means that it is less likely to produce huge amounts of smoke which is better for the environment and helps keep the chimneys and flue systems in good condition for longer.

What is the difference between an Exempt Stove that is Defra-compliant and A Non-Defra Exempt Stove?

You'll have to take into consideration a number of factors when choosing the ideal stove for your home. These include the style the heat output, style, and the type of fuel. You may have noticed on our website that many stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. This is jargon that for the average homeowner may seem like a marketing phrase. However it is a significant issue for those who live in smoke-free areas.

To ensure compliance with the laws that prohibit the sale of wood within Smoke Control Areas Defra exempted wood burners come with an internal mechanism that stops you from closing down the air supply valve completely. This is because if you decrease the flow of air to the fire the wood will begin to smolder and release excessive smoke, which would be in violation of the law. To avoid this, make sure that your wood is dried thoroughly before you use it in the stove.

defra exempt stoves can also use an exempt DEFRA wood burner in a Smoke Control Area, if you only use approved fuels on the DEFRA website. This includes anthracites and semi-anthracites as well as gas and steam coal that is low volatile. However, if you choose to install a non-DEFRA certified stove in your home and burn wet wood or other fuels that aren't on the DEFRA list, then you could be punished up to PS1000.

Even if you do not live in the Smoke Control Area a DEFRA exempted wood stove is a good option. They are more eco friendly and neighbor-friendly since they are able to operate without generating polluting smoke. They are also more efficient, and will keep your chimney and flue cleaner for a longer period of time. However, it must be noted that by 2022, all new stoves must meet the more stringent Ecodesign regulations that set minimum efficiencies OGV and NOX ceilings as well as emission limits that are significantly more than the ones currently in place for DEFRA exempt appliances.