20 Fun Facts About Defra Wood Burner Why Buy a Defra Wood Burner?

If you reside in a smoke control zone, you'll need an approved stove from Defra. The stoves are available in a range of styles that will fit your home.

They have been modified to prevent you from closing the top air vent all the way If you do this, it can cause the fire to smolder and creates more smoke.

Smoke Exempt

If you live in a smoke-control area it is possible to purchase a Defra approved wood burner. These stoves are designed to burn kiln dried logs and different fuels without producing excessive smoke. They do this by providing the least amount of combustion air needed to keep your fire burning effectively and eliminating unnecessary smoke emissions.

You'll see the Defra logo on many brochures and marketing materials for specific models. It is sometimes also written as 'SE' which is a reference to a Smoke Exempt stove and is used to indicate that the appliance is able to be legally used in a smoke control zone when using approved fuels.

Defra approved stoves are made to meet new Ecodesign emission limits that will been in effect since 2021. These standards are higher than old smoke control laws however, they are lower than the standards set by the Clean Air Act 2030.

It is crucial to confirm the specifications of the stove you are considering buying it. Some will have an Defra exemption label that is a marketing label, and is not a true Defra approval. A recent CAL investigation has revealed serious issues with the new Ecodesign limits, including inadequate testing and confusion with existing smoke control regulation. Manufacturers also failed inform customers.

You can purchase an non Defra approved stove when you live in a smoke-controlled area. However, you'll have to purchase a specific fuel kit to comply with the regulations. You'll also need to adhere to the guidelines regarding the types of fuel you can use.

This is a complicated issue that must be addressed to maintain clean air in the UK and to keep its environment healthy. In the meantime it's best to stick with kiln-dried logs and other authorised fuels in your defra approved stove because they're more safe than traditional house coal and sulfurised bituminous coal. This should help to keep your Defra stove in compliance with the law while also allowing you benefit from an enviro-friendly, less smoky fire, and saving money on your heating expenses.

Clean Combustion

The primary reason to have a DEFRA wood burner is that it allows you to legally burn logs in smoke control areas without the risk of being fined. These stoves are not just green they also have clean combustion technology that is better for your health as well as the environment.


When Defra approved stoves are used properly (burning only dry, seasoned, and 'Ready to Burn' wood) they can cut pollution by a quarter compared with open fires and older appliances. This, when combined with regular chimney sweepings to ensure the flue is functioning properly, can reduce the amount of harmful particulates that enter your home.

Ultra-fine particulates are the main pollutant that is released when burning solid fuels, such as logs. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to a variety of health issues. This includes asthma-related symptoms, as well as an overall feeling that you're not feeling well.

Ecodesign wood burners are the ideal way to reduce the amount of PM2.5 that enters your home. These wood burners have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less harmful PM2.5 when compared to older stoves and open fires.

In addition, Defra stoves and wood burning stoves that comply with the new Ecodesign requirements are designed to let as much fresh air into the fire as possible so they don't become smoky or overheat. This reduces the amount pollutants emitted and increases the heat efficiency, so you'll get more warmth using less energy.

All of the Defra approved wood burners we have on offer have been tested to meet these standards. They can be purchased either as standalone stoves or as kits to fit existing fireplaces. This means that you can select the most suitable Defra compliant stove for your home and future ensure your purchase should the law change in the future. Contact our team of experts to find out more about the stoves that are Defra approved that we carry in stock or visit your local showroom.

Reduced Emissions

Wood-burning stoves provide the most natural, comfortable and affordable way to heat your house. Many people are unaware that even smokeless stoves emit a lot of harmful pollutants. The most significant pollutant released by wood burning stoves is ultra-fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that is able to easily enter the respiratory system of humans. The short-term exposure to PM2.5 can cause asthma, lung infections, and cardiovascular problems.

The Defra approved stoves are made for minimal emissions. However the fuel type used can significantly impact the amount of pollution produced. It is therefore crucial to select dry, seasoned wood that has been dried for at least two-years. It is also advisable to only burn Defra-approved smokeless fuels which are manufactured by companies like Aduro.

Modern Defra approved stoves will be built to meet the new Ecodesign regulations, which set higher standards for manufacturing than before. The new regulations state that any stove that is installed in a Smoke Control Area must emit less than 5g of particles per hour. This is significantly lower than the 7.5g/hour limit that was in place for older stoves.

According to DEFRA list stoves , despite these cuts, wood and coal combustion in homes is still responsible for 17% of fine particle pollution in the UK. The latest figures show that it accounts for less than one quarter of the total impact of all sources of particle pollution which includes road traffic as well as industrial processes.

It is vital to know that Defra-approved stoves, as well as open fires and solid fuel cookers will continue to be the primary source of fine particulate matter pollution in the UK. Reduce the amount of wood that you burn and utilize fuels with less than 20 percent. Burning wood that is wet causes the fire to burn at less temperature, which results in more pollutant. It also causes the glass of the stove to become black more quickly and leads to a faster accumulation of soot in the chimney.

Eco-Friendly

Defra wood burners provide a wide range of environmental benefits such as clean and efficient combustion, lower emissions and potential cost savings. They are available in a variety of styles that will suit any style of home. They also provide the additional benefit of being a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.

The term "Defra Approved Stoves' refers the fact that they are in compliance with the laws of the government regarding their use in Smoke Control Areas. They have a modified top air control that blocks the user from closing it completely and reducing the air supply which could hinder the proper combustion of the fuel and cause the stove to smoulder, producing more smoke and emitting more harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating new technologies into their products to enhance their environmental credentials and to comply with new legislation. They use secondary and tertiary technology to reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles which go up your chimney in black smoke. This helps reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.

If you reside in a smoke-free area then it is essential to have a Defra approved stove is a must if you want to continue to burn wood and other authorised fuels without breaking the law. The stoves are tested independently to ensure they conform to legislation. They continue to comply with this when new legislation is introduced.

A Defra Approved Stove can be used with 5" Liner when burning approved fuels. It's best with Wood that has a Moisture Content of less than 20 percent. This will ensure a clean burn, resulting in lower emissions and longer life span for your chimney and flue system.

If you do not reside in a smoke controlled zone, then there is no need to purchase a Defra stove, however there are many reasons why you should consider one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. They look beautiful, are a great source of heat, and help reduce your impact on the environment.