Everything You Need To Know About Defra Exempt Wood Burner The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners

DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic choice for homeowners living within smoke control zones. These particular stoves have been tested thoroughly and are able to operate in accordance with strict regulations.

Stoves that have been approved will have an 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt. They can be used in smoke-controlled areas, but only when burning approved fuels from Defra including wood and manufactured smokeless fuels.

Smoke Exempt

DEFRA exempt stoves for wood burning, or Defra approved stoves are constructed to conform to the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves were tested and inspected in order to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce very little or no smoke. They emit very low levels of emissions and their efficiency of combustion permits them to re-burn partially burned combustibles such as soot and ash before they are released up your chimney.

If you reside in an area classified as Smoke-Control Area and you live in a Smoke-Control Area, it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also permit you to use approved fuels. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful if you do not use an exempt appliance, or fuels that are approved. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney because they burn fuel more effectively and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.

We have a great range of Defra exempt stoves made by the top manufacturers around the world including Stovax and Arada. We only sell the best quality products and you can be certain that your new stove is a safe addition to your home.

There is a common misconception that you have to purchase a Defra exempt stove if you reside in a smoke-free zone however this isn't the situation. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove to your home if it is fitted with an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved briquettes or other smokeless fuels.

We recommend that you choose a Defra approved model if you want to ensure that you can burn wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. Keep Reading were developed to meet UK environmental standards. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means that they emit a minimal amount of smoke. They also consume less energy than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your home with less logs. Our selection of Defra stoves is available in a range of colors and designs, so you're certain to find the perfect model for your home.

Clean Burn

Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke that could be hazardous to the health of those in your home as the people who live nearby. Fine particles in the smoke could cause respiratory issues, like asthma. Modern stoves that are exempt from DEFRA are designed to lessen the harmful effects of this smoke.

These wood burners that are clean burning, which are often also known as SE or Defra approved stoves are rigorously tested and inspected to ensure they are abide by the Department of Environmental's regulations. They are also designed to burn fuel more efficiently so that they emit fewer pollutants. These stoves will also show a clear vapour that is released from the chimney, instead of the dark smoke typical of older stoves that burn logs and open fires.

These modern DEFRA-exempt stoves have secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the smaller smoke particles. This means that the air in the combustion chamber is always being circulated, making it far more difficult for the particles to escape the chimney.

This means that you can only use authorised fuels in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry firewood that has been seasoned). The airflow system of these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber clean, so that the build-up of soot is minimized and gas can easily escape through the flue.

In reality, a new DEFRA approved wood stove with an EcoDesign baffle will produce around 350 times less pollution than a traditional open fire or a traditional log burning stove according to Defra. If you live in a Smoke Control Area or Smoke Control Zone, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is vital to protect your health and those of your neighbours.

You can also install an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and use a variety of different fuels, including briquettes, peat and other varieties of manufactured solid fuel that can be purchased in supermarkets. However, it is recommended to only use dry 'Ready to Burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated wood.

Easy Maintenance

A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance check helping to ensure it lasts for longer. These types of stoves also are very efficient, offering cost savings on heating bills as well as cutting down on the amount of fuel you use by up to 50 percent. They produce less emissions than other types, and are an environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

These types of wood stoves are very easy to install and are suitable for all homes, especially if you live in an urban zone. These wood stoves have passed Defra tests, which means you can legally use them in smoke control areas without violating the law or risking an expensive fine.

Defra-approved wood stoves may also be less expensive to operate than other stove models thanks to their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This results in fewer particulates and carbon monoxide being released into the air, which is great news for your health and that of your family members.

Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been inspected by a variety of initiatives like the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign, meaning that they meet rigorous emission and efficiency standards. These certifications are listed on the stoves we stock, and they will give you assurance that you are buying eco-friendly and safe model.

There is a wide selection of Defra exempt stoves on Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also have modern, sleek options that look great with a simple fireplace mantle or surround. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves it's important to think about the style you want for your home, and how it'll fit with the decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only type of log burner that you can legally burn in a Smoke Control Area, and it can help you avoid paying a fine in the event that you are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. It's also a great alternative for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint, as the tree that is used to make the wood absorbs CO2 when it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere after being burned in the stove.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

Many UK cities and large towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas, so a wood burning stove that has been DEFRA certified is essential. This means it has passed rigorous tests and is legal to use in these areas. The tests make sure that the air isn't contaminated with the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins can cause the dark smoke that is visible from chimneys within smoke zones of control. They can be harmful to the health and cause annoyance to neighbors.

In the wake of this local councils have enacted laws banning the use of open flames and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to manage the issue. The good news is that you can still put your stove in your home so long as it's DEFRA exempt and you only use approved fuel.


Stoves that have been approved to be used in a Smoke Control Area will be marked as in the Smoke Control Area and have been tested to make sure that they meet or exceed strict emissions and efficiency standards. Defra exempt stoves also tend to be more eco-friendly than other kinds of wood burners because they are equipped with advanced secondary and tertiary combustion systems which help reduce their carbon footprint.

You can determine if you live in a smoke-free area by contact your local council. You can also check the address of your home online. However, it is recommended to contact your local council for more information.

Even if you don't live in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a wise choice as it's more environmentally and neighbour friendly. It will also usually mean that your chimney and flue system will stay cleaner for longer too, as the Defra approved stove produces significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. The majority of the top stove manufacturers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, offer a range of smokeless models which are DEFRA exempt.