Twenty Myths About Defra Stove: Busted Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove

If you live in an area that is smoke controlled or smoke-free, then selecting a DEFRA Approved stove or a smoke-free stove is important. Not only do they conform with building regulations, they also guarantee that you are legally able to burn wood and multi fuels inside your home.

Stove manufacturers are constantly making improvements to their products using secondary and tertiary combustion systems that reduce emissions as well as the user's carbon footprint.

Defra Approved

If you reside in a zone of smoke control then you will need to use a defra approved stove. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys within smoke-controlled areas (most large cities and towns). The stoves that are Defra approved have been subject to rigorous testing and examination to ensure they are in compliance with the law. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce considerably less pollutant emissions. This makes them a more suitable choice for your neighbors and you as well, since the lower amount of smoke they create means that the nuisance levels of smoke are reduced to an absolute minimum. Stoves that are Defra Approved will also have the logo and the words defra exempt or SE (smoke exempt) in their title and specification.

The majority of wood burning and multi-fuel stoves that we sell are approved by the Defra. We always strive to source the highest quality products and wish to ensure that our customers get the best from their stove. Defra-approved stoves are more efficient than non-approved models. This means that they create significantly less particulate matter. This reduces the amount dark smoke produced. Defra approved stoves also have the most robust firebox which is yet another way they can help to reduce smoke emissions.

In addition to reducing the amount of smoke that is produced, Defra approved stoves will also make sure that there is a steady supply of combustion air throughout the burning process. This will prevent the stove from becoming depleted of air which causes it to smolder or release dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their product range as they become increasingly popular.


Defra approved stoves aren't only an choice for those who live in smoke control areas however, they are an excellent option for anyone looking to increase the efficiency and safety of their fireplace and decrease the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere. They are also a great choice for people who are considering having their chimneys lined with a stainless steel twin wall flexible liner. Most Defra-approved models come with 5" outlet, which allows them to be used conjunction with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" liner. This can save you money on the liner, as well as the installation.

Some people prefer to sleep on the stove over night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This can result in an accumulation of soot and other tars which can cause obstruction to your chimney. A Defra approved stove won't allow you to shut the top vent down completely, as this could cause the fire to die. It is also more likely to release any combustibles that are not burned into the air, which is healthier for the environment and will be much less likely to block your chimney.

Defra Exempt

If you're looking for a wood burning stove you will often come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This will usually refer to a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in Smoke Controlled Area.

This is accomplished by these appliances undergoing rigorous testing and examinations to ensure they emit low levels of emissions. This is accomplished by using secondary combustion, whereby the waste products generated by the burning process are re-burned to reduce the amount pollutants released into the air. This makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those who live in a smoke controlled area and want to make sure they have a stove that is legal to use.

Typically a Defra Exempt stove is identified with an SE logo or labeled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove has passed a test conducted by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs to prove that it emits very minimal smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you are able to legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.

A Defra approved wood burning stove will also aid in keeping your chimney and flue system cleaner as they are designed to burn wood more efficiently than other types of stoves. This is due to a sophisticated combustion system that does not restrict airflow into the firebox and permits what's called slumbering. which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping up your chimney.

In addition, Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically designed to be very energy efficient. This is accomplished by using the most recent technologies to ensure that the highest amount of heat is derived from the fuel, and then transferred to your living space. You will also benefit from lower heating costs as well as more secure, cleaner and more sustainable home.

If you decide to purchase a Defra-approved stove, you'll discover that there are a variety of choices to pick from in terms of style size, dimensions and fuel type. Some will only be Defra approved to burn wood, while some are also Defra-approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are Defra-approved stoves available in both traditional and modern styles, so you're bound to find one that complements your style.

We've put together a complete guide on how to purchase a DEFRA-approved cooktop. It includes everything you need know about this type of appliance including how to get the most value for your money when purchasing one, what to watch out for when you are shopping for stoves, and more. The guide is available in entirety here. We also have a fantastic collection of Defra Approved Stoves from some leading UK manufacturers. This includes brands such as Stovax, Arada, Burley and more. If order DEFRA stoves online seeking a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that is also Defra certified and CE certified, then take a a look at the range.