A Guide To Stoves Defra In 2023 Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?

It is crucial to check all regulations before purchasing a new appliance. This includes making sure that your stove is DEFRA approved for use in smoke control areas when burning wood and approved smokeless coal.

The stoves come with separate air controls that provide the correct amount of air for secondary and primary combustion. They also have an the ash pan to make cleaning easier.

Clean Burn Technology

Multi fuel stoves are designed to accept a range of different materials in addition logs. Smokeless fuels, turf or peat briquettes, anthracite, and other materials are all suitable for use. Generally, these types of materials emit less harmful emissions than logs do. As such, many of our multi-fuel stoves are equipped with clean burn technology in order to reduce the amount of particulate matter that they generate when they burn. The term "clean burn" can also refer to other technologies that help reduce emissions, such as preheated secondary or Ecodesign Ready.

In addition we have a variety of multi-fuel stoves feature raised grates with moving bars or a central riddling grate and asphan beneath it that aids to ensure that the combustion conditions are maintained. This ensures that the combustion process produces as little black smoke as possible during operation. It also allows for the removal of the ash from the bottom of the stove. It can be stored in the asphan below for safe disposal.

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area it is important to purchase a Defra approved multi-fuel or wood burning stove that has been exempted from the Defra regulations. This will allow you to use the stove legally as long as you are only using 'authorised fuels,' according to DEFRA guidelines. This is because non-Defra stoves may be prone to slumbering a condition in which the combustion system is deprived of air, resulting in black smoke. Defra approved stoves (or Defra exempt wood burners) have been tested and verified to reduce the risk of slumbering which gives you peace of mind that your stove will always be safe and efficient when it is operated correctly.

Modern multi-fuel stoves like the Stovax Stovax Stockton 3, have a modern design with sleek lines and smooth surfaces that can be a perfect match for any space. The stoves are available in a variety of colors, including matte black for a timeless appearance that is compatible with a variety of interior colour schemes. Other popular choices include neutral grey and creamy finishes, as well as bold colours like blue or red that can make an impact in any room.

Defra Approved

Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) can be used in areas in the UK that are classified as smoke-free. This includes a lot of large cities, towns and urban zones. If you live in an area that is governed by DEFRA and you burn wood or fuel you could be subject to an expensive fine. Stoves that are DEFRA approved will provide the required amount of air for efficient combustion. This means they produce little or no smoke that is a nuisance.

To get the Defra approval, stoves are evaluated for their emissions and efficiency. The Defra logo is commonly seen on stoves and manufacturers websites, so it's easy to recognize. Many stove manufacturers are improving their products and adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that can help reduce emissions. This makes their stoves environmentally sustainable and allows them to be used with a wider range of fuels.

You should always check if the stove is DEFRA-approved prior purchasing a new wood or multi-fuel stove. This is particularly crucial if you live in a smoke-control zone. If you purchase a stove not DEFRA approved even if it is able to be used with authorised smokeless fuels like anthracite or briquettes you will still be producing unwelcome smoke and in violation of the law.

DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top vent that prevents it from closing completely. This stops you from robbing the stove of oxygen that could slow its combustion and cause it to smoking. The more smouldering takes place the more smoke will be produced and the less efficient the stove will burn. It is also recommended to only make use of dry seasoned hardwood and only smokeless fuels that have been approved for use in the DEFRA approved stove. The smoke that is produced by damp wood and other wet fuels is excessive and could cause a disturbance to your neighbours. It's not just illegal, but could also lead to costly fines. If you are looking to purchase a multi-fuel stove that's DEFRA approved, you will need to be installed professionally by an engineer to make sure that it complies with all the applicable building regulations.

Smoke Control Areas

The Smoke Control Areas are primarily located in large cities and towns, where excessive smoke is a major annoyance to the residents. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free that prohibits burning unauthorised fuels with open fires or wood-burning stoves unless the appliances are listed as exempt. Defra approved multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are equipped with the latest technology to prevent part-burned combustibles from going up your chimney which makes them a great option for your smoke-free property.

DEFRA approval signifies that your appliance has been tested and certified to burn all types of fuels without producing excessive smoke. This is achieved by providing the correct amount of air for the combustion process to keep the combustibles at their ideal levels. Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved are more eco-friendly, and less likely to cause a chimney blockage.

Defra approved stoves are the best choice for homes with smoke control and offer an efficient and safe way to heat your property while ensuring compliance with the government's strict regulations. No matter if you're looking for an old-fashioned or modern stove, we offer an array of multi-fuel stoves and wood stoves that are DEFRA approved and suitable for use in smoke control areas.

A stove that is Defra-approved has a list with exclusions which explains which fuels are allowed to be burned in a smoke-control area. This will be predominantly wood (properly seasoned) but it could also include household smokeless fuels such as natural anthracite.

All of our Defra approved wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves come with a proof of conformity from the manufacturer, and a comprehensive user guide and installation instructions to help get your new stove up and running in a safe manner. It is recommended to have your fireplace installed and maintained by a certified HETAS engineer to ensure that the work is completed according to building regulations.

Dovre provides a variety of accessories for your wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, such as mesh guards, log baskets and flue liners. For more information about our products, please contact your nearest Dovre retailer.

Energy Efficiency

Multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly choice because they can use multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are engineered to provide the highest efficiency of combustion, which means they can warm your home at a lower cost. They also reduce emissions and can be used to complement your existing central heating system.

You can save money by using energy-efficient stoves. They use less fuel than traditional wood-burning stoves and are available in a wide range of heat outputs ranging from 5kW to 8kW.


A multi-fuel stove that uses triple burn technology will increase its efficiency. The triple burn technology utilizes three stages in order to ensure that all fuel is combustion, leading to an efficient heating system as well as lower emissions.

Multi-fuel stoves are popular as they offer greater flexibility in terms of fuel selection. This is an excellent feature for those living in areas with smoke control as it allows the stove to burn wood and smokeless coal. You should only use the fuels that are recommended by your stove's manufacturer. Don't burn household waste, wood that has been painted or treated.

You should make sure that the multi-fuel stove you buy is appropriate for your home, and has the proper chimney outlet. It is also important to verify that the chimney or flue system is in good condition and that there is enough clearance around it, known as distance to combustibles, to ensure safety.

Multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles that will suit any home decor. Some are available in vibrant colours like blue or red. Some have metallic finishes and enamel coated surfaces, that can give your home an industrial style. There are stoves that come with log stores built-in like the ACR Malvern Log Store or Mendip Woodland Log Store, to provide a more convenient method to store your firewood.

While a multi-fuel stove is more flexible than a wood burning stove, you must make sure that it complies with the strict regulations set by DEFRA to avoid generating unpleasant smoke. A stove that doesn't comply with these guidelines could result in a fine, so it is important to follow the directions in the manual for your stove.