The Reasons Why Defra Approved Stoves List Has Become Everyone's Obsession In 2023 What Are Defra Approved Stoves?

Also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves, these stoves are typically designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals. However, they won't be suitable to use with wood.

To qualify as Defra exempt a stove must meet laboratory testing requirements for flue draught and air controls. These tests may differ from the actual conditions.

Clean Burn Technology

A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a rigorous examination designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This test ensures that the stove can use approved smokeless fuels, like briquettes and logs in Smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not just be more eco-friendly but it will also benefit your neighbors as it will reduce nuisance fume.

These DEFRA stoves have a an exclusive combustion system that allows them to sleep or slumber longer than other stoves. They can burn smokeless fuels that are approved in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining the heat output required for your home. This is achieved by limiting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then burn at a lower temperature until it has been completely consumed.

Defra stoves are usually called smoke-free or SE stoves and will come with a label or badge with the DEFRA logo on it. You might see them marked as 'Ecodesign compliant 2022' to indicate they will meet the new Ecodesign emission limits once they are in effect next year.

When you are looking to purchase a DEFRA stove there are numerous aspects that you have to consider. Included in this are the type of stove, the types of fuel that can be burned, and the amount heat it is capable of producing. There are also some additional options to think about such as a simple remote control system or an air-washing system.

When choosing a DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it is crucial to consider the type of decor in your home as there are many styles to choose from. There are a variety of traditional models to pick from for those who want to incorporate the stove inside an existing fireplace or inglenook. But, there are also contemporary and modern options that look great without a mantle or surround. You should also be aware of the fuel you'd like to use since there are DEFRA exempt wood burners as well as several dedicated Defra approved stoves that only allow for the usage of smokeless fuels that are approved by the government.

Smoke Controlled Areas

Many cities and towns in the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so if you reside in one, you'll need an DEFRA exempt wood burner or multi-fuel stove. These stoves are designed to comply to the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.

A DEFRA approved stove has been developed with Clean Burn Technology, which is the reason they are smoke-free. This is done by pushing oxygen into the combustion chamber continuously until the fuel has been consumed. DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves means that the fire cannot be shut off like an ordinary stove. It will continue to burn low until all the fuel is consumed and the exhaust gases have been eliminated.

This allows you to legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorised fuels' which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels (anthracite, smokeless briquettes and firelogs). This differs from stoves that are not Defra approved, and are only allowed to be used in a Smoke Control Area if they have been fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.

It is possible to put the Smoke Control Kit on a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA, but this is not recommended. You could put your family members at risk from inhaling toxic gases and toxins which can cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in heavy fines.

Stovax has a wide selection of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves, fires and fireplaces that are all DEFRA exempt and are able to be used in smoke-free areas. Enter your postcode to find the closest dealer. Our dealers are willing to assist you in finding the ideal DEFRA-approved stove for your home.

It is crucial to keep in mind that all new stoves should be installed by HETAS-registered installers to ensure that they are installed safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A stove that is DEFRA approved and is suitable for use in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce the emissions that are generated, which has resulted in reducing sulphur dioxide levels in the air. From 2022, the EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will set minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and NOX ceilings and emissions limits which look to be stricter than the current requirements for Defra Exempt stoves.

Smokeless Fuels

When choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are a lot of things to take into account. The stove must be approved by DEFRA to be used in areas that are smoke-controlled. The stove has been subjected to rigorous tests in order to reduce the emissions of particulate matter. In addition there are a lot of stoves that utilize specially-designed smokeless fuels which burn more cleanly than traditional coal. This is better for the environment as well as your neighbours.

Briquettes are generally made of anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are more eco-friendly and last 40% longer than traditional coal. In addition, smokeless fuels produce more heat than traditional coal, and they don't emit as much carbon dioxide.

They cost more than traditional coal, however they have many benefits to offer you and your family. They are easier to ignite and will not produce as much soot or ash. The glass screen and the stove grate will have to be cleaned less frequently. They also produce a more dancing flame and they don't give off the same amount of smoke that is a nuisance.

It is important to remember that if live in a smoke control zone you can only burn fuels that are approved in your stove. If you choose to burn unauthorised fuels you may be breaking the law and could face a large fine. If you decide to use a wood stove that is not DEFRA approved, you could be creating nuisance smoke that could cause trouble for your neighbours.

This is why it's essential to purchase an DEFRA exempt stove that permits you to burn smokeless fuels in your home. All the stoves in this category have gone through rigorous testing to ensure they comply with the DEFRA regulations and do not emit smoke that is harmful to the environment. This is achieved by ensuring that the stoves are equipped with the latest combustion technologies which make sure that part-burned combustibles are not released into the air.

Warranty

DEFRA stoves are wood burning or multi fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they offer clean and efficient combustion, with minimal emissions and optimum performance. They also come in different styles to fit your home and aesthetic.

Defra approved stoves are also known as SE Stoves within the market, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves that are approved for use in the Area. They are all referring to the same stove that has been tested and proved to be able of meeting strict UK laws that limit the amount of smoking to a predetermined period of time.

A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels, such as blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. If you try to burn anything else will cause smoke nuisance that could cause health issues for people suffering from asthma or other breathing conditions. The installer and customer must ensure that the appliance is appropriate for the home by using the Defra Calculator, and ensuring that the chimney components are in good working order and adhere to the minimum distances from combustibles.


Stoves that are installed incorrectly can cause leakage, damage and invalidate the warranty. The installation must be done by a trained HETAS engineer to ensure that the stove is safe for use and is installed correctly. Consumable items like glass, door and glass rope seals, paint finish internal lining plates or firebricks and baffles are not covered by the warranty. These parts are considered to be replaceable and are available when needed. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by high humidity or salt air.

A DEFRA stove is an investment in your home, not only for the warmth it provides you, but also for the peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to help safeguard the environment and your neighbors too. You can be assured that the DEFRA-approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove will last many years.