5 Laws Everybody In Defra Approved Wood Stoves Should Be Aware Of Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you reside in an area where smoke is restricted (most UK cities and large towns) you'll need to use a DEFRA-approved stove to ensure that you are not in violation of UK laws. These Defra Smoke Exempt Appliances are designed to ensure that the wood or multi-fuel is burnt without releasing unnecessary amounts of smoke.

Cleaner Burning

The most modern technology for combustion is utilized to reduce smoke and emissions in Defra-exempt wood stoves or "clean burning" wood burners. They accomplish this by using pre-heated secondary air to burn the fuel more efficiently and reduce harmful particles that are released into the air. The result is less smoke, a more efficient fire and a more effective heating system.

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

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must use a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner to avoid breaking the law and risking a large fine. However, even if you are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they will not only produce much less noxious smoke, but will help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint too.

Numerous manufacturers made wood stoves with poor performance and high emissions. This was due to the fact that they were not EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency), evaluated. This was due to a variety of factors, such as the size and kind of stove and fireplace employed, the method by which wood was stored and burned, and how the stove was operated.

Today, all wood stoves must meet a higher standard of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The latest wood stoves have an EPA rating less than 1 grams of smoke per hour.

Wood stoves offer plenty of room to improve. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all of the old stoves were replaced by modern ones that are in line with Defra standards, then more than a billion tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide could be saved every year.

Reduced Emissions

The latest DEFRA approved wood burning stoves that we sell here at Stove Supermarket make use of the most recent clean burn technology to ensure they are able to combust both solid coal and smokeless at a lower temperature. They emit less harmful emissions, and so you can use them in smoke control areas.

Fine particulate matter is the main pollutant released by burning of solid fuels. These tiny particles are so small that they can penetrate the human respiratory system, and cause health issues such as stroke and heart disease. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves release large amounts of PM2.5 in the home. The harmful particles were at their highest each time the stove was opened to refuel.

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves have an air-wash system that keeps the glass free of soot and ash. This will keep your stove looking new for longer and reduce the time and cost of maintenance as well as cleaning.

While the advantages of a wood burner are undeniable, the choice to purchase a stove which will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a serious decision. In the past, people were able to burn wood however they wanted, creating unhealthy levels of pollution in cities and towns.

A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners looking to legally use their fireplace. If you are thinking about purchasing a new wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire stove, a Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer is the most effective option to ensure compliance with smoke control regulations.

Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from leading brands such as Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can pick the model that's right for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compatible and come with a Defra Certificate of Conformity, which means you can be assured that your new woodburning stove will comply with the most recent regulations for use in a smoke control area.

High Efficiency

This will decrease the carbon footprint of your home and energy bills. This is particularly important since the cost of gas and electricity continues to increase. By switching to a defra-approved wood stove you can start to reduce your household expenses and save money in the long run.

A stove that is approved by Defra will comply with the Government's regulations regarding smoke-free zones, which means you can use in smoke exempt areas. If you spot a wood stove with Defra Approved in its name, it means it meets the strict requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

These stoves produce lower levels of particulate emission than older fires and wood burners. The latest stoves by leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax feature secondary and tertiary burners that reduce the total emissions of the stove. A lot of these wood-burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more sustainable than DEFRA Approved and will be capable of meeting the future emission goals.

As well as being more eco-friendly As well as being more environmentally responsible, a Defra approved stove will burn your wood much more efficiently than older open fires or stoves. This means lower levels of particulate emissions which is a great thing for those living in areas that have smoke control. Additionally, a DEFRA Approved stove will also help you reduce your fuel consumption. With a stove that can burn more wood per hour than an open flame, you can save money by not having to feed it as often.

A Defra approved stove is an ideal investment for any homeowner who wants to be environmentally responsible and cut their energy bills while at the same while. Alongside offering efficient and clean heating, these stoves come in a wide range of styles that can be adapted to any style preference.

EPA Certification

If you reside in a region where smoke is controlled, then you must use a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood at home. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which is responsible for the rules governing environmental and rural issues. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys unless using an exempt appliance or authorised fuels, such as smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only appliance that can legally be used in these areas, without breaking the law and incurring fines of upto PS1,000.

The best way to make sure you buy a smoke-controlled stove is to look for the EPA 2020 certification label. This certifies that the stove has passed stringent tests to prove that it can be used in a smoke-control zone. It will also be classified as a high-efficiency burner, which means it delivers maximum heat from less fuel. This means that homeowners will make monetary savings on their heating bills and also a reduction in the amount of wood required to keep their homes warm.

A wood-burning stove that is Defra approved must also incorporate eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU stove is a great example of a stove that is Defra-approved that incorporates a range of environmentally conscious features. It is designed to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard that means it produces very low levels of emissions and reduces its environmental impact. This means a more eco-friendly operation that contributes towards healthier air for everyone, and it makes the stove more secure for your chimney and flue system too.


A wood-burning stove that is endorsed by Defra will provide you with numerous benefits, in addition to meeting UK government smoke control standards. They reduce pollution from the air by adhering to strict emission standards. This can help those who suffer from sensitive lungs. They also feature long burn times that result in significant cost savings due to a reduced use of wood and lower fuel prices. These stoves can be paired with heating systems that are energy efficient, resulting in the greenest and most sustainable option for the home.