How To Tell If You're Ready For Defra Log Burner What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) regulates the emissions of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations prohibiting chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas in the event that you use an exempt appliance or authorised fuel.

DEFRA stoves near me limit the amount of smoke that a stove can emit to 3g an hour and homeowners face hefty on-the-spot fines for not complying. To avoid this you must use Defra approved log burners, and only burn dried kiln-dried wood that bears the "Ready to Burn" label.

What is a Defra approved stove?

A Defra approved stove is an appliance that has been passed by the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from the laws of zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is widely used in the field. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are often marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick way to identify them.

Stoves that are Defra Approved have to be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves offer the highest heat output and have ultra low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned in the second combustion. This is crucial because it allows the burning to continue efficiently whilst decreasing the amount of partially burned combustibles that are emitted into the atmosphere.

DEFRA exempt stoves are also more environmentally friendly than other wood burners as they reduce the amount of part-burnt combustibles sent down the chimney. Unlike some stoves that need to close the air vents in order to allow them to rest overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open meaning they are less likely to release part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they could block it.

If you live in a Smoke Controlled Area or not, an approved Defra wood-burning stove is a good idea because it will keep your neighbors satisfied and ensure that your chimney remains clean for longer. You can buy Defra exempt stoves in a variety designs and styles, and there are plenty of options that will suit traditional and contemporary homes.

The sleek minimalist design is an important factor when selecting a Defra approved wood burning stove. These stoves are perfect for contemporary living spaces. They can be placed in a fireplace chamber or inglenook, or they can be freestanding. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon will look fantastic in any space. You can also find stoves that are Defra exempt such as the Saxon A08E and Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra approved or exempt stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA Department to be placed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been designed to emit a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also producing a high degree of heat for your home.

The main reason that you require a Defra stove is that if your residence is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will not be allowed to legally install a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been approved by DEFRA. You could face a hefty fine if you install an unapproved stove inside your home.

The combustion air system in stoves that are approved by Defra has been modified to limit the amount oxygen that can be absorbed by the firewood during burning. This is done by changing the air vent on top. The stove can still allow some air to pass even though the vent is closed all the way. This prevents the firewood from burning and also prevents it from becoming starved for air.

You will not be able tell from the outside that the Defra wood-burning stove is different. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden under the stove's base or inside the top front of the stove.

The majority of Defra Stoves are permitted to burn wood or certain types of smokeless fuels such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite etc. Defra stoves can burn a variety of fuels.

You can choose a Defra Stove for various reasons, regardless whether you reside in a smoke-free zone or not. Defra approved stoves are better for the environment, create less smoke and help to keep your chimney clear of deposits. They are also safer for your home as they are more efficient in heating and less toxins in your air.

What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra wood burning stove also known as a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove is a stove that has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke the stove is able to produce during all phases of normal operation. Only stoves that have passed the Defra test are able to be used within Smoke Control Areas in cities and large towns.

The test also confirms that the stove can be operated with approved fuels, such as anthracite and smokeless coke. Additionally, a Defra log burner is more eco-friendly and will help to avoid upsetting neighbours with nuisance smoke emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been given a combustion air control modified, usually in the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely, because this could dehydrate the stove and cause it release excessive amounts of smoke.

To keep a Defra approved or Defra-exempt stove functioning properly, it must be maintained regularly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. Also, you should make sure that there aren't any obstructions, that the firebox is clean and the grate is clear of debris.


Although it is not a legal requirement to have a Defra exempt stove, particularly in the absence of an area designated as a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to buy one because they are much more efficient than non-Defra models and will reduce your fuel costs over the long term. A Defra approved appliance can also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that you emit in your home and is healthier for your health as well as your neighbors.

At Nordpeis we have an extensive selection of DEFRA approved stoves in traditional and contemporary designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining if your home is located in an area of smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This reduces the amount of dust that is in the air, which is better for the environment. It also helps save money on fuel costs because you get more heat out of the same logs. The stoves are efficient enough that they have resulted in less need for chimney sweeps since less soot is produced. As the top stove manufacturers continue to innovate their products, they have also incorporated secondary or tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their users.

A Defra approved stove will not only be suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, but can also be installed in a well-built, lined chimney system for any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your taste. There are modern and traditional options in many different colors and finishes to complement your interior. They are also available in a variety of sizes, so that you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have undergone rigorous testing and examination to ensure they comply with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emission levels and high combustion efficiency to ensure you can be sure that you are using your fuel in an environmentally responsible way and saving money on your heating expenses as well. Using only dry kiln-dried wood that is ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove and assist to reduce its emissions.

The purchase of a Defra Approved stove is a excellent option for those who reside in a smoke-free area and wish to experience the cozy warmth that only a real wood stove can offer. Many of our customers who have purchased a Defra stove are already enjoying the benefits of a healthier environment and have experienced savings on their energy bills. We recommend that your stove be professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is licensed to do so. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all building regulations. Regularly checking and maintaining your stove will ensure it performs at its best and will avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.