The 10 Most Scariest Things About DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stoves What is a DEFRA Approved Wood Burning Stove?

If you reside in a region that is smoke-free or smoke-controlled, you'll need to use a wood burning stove approved by DEFRA. These stoves allow you to legally use authorised fuels without violating the law and upsetting your neighbours.

The most recent Defra approved stoves feature the latest technology for clean burning, employing secondary and tertiary combustion systems to further reduce emissions. They can be combined with a range of smokeless fuels.

Defra Approved

The term "Defra approved stove' might appear to be a confusing phrase, but in actual fact it's just wood-burning stove that has been granted an exemption from UK zones of smoke control. To be eligible for Defra approval, a stove must undergo rigorous tests and, if successful, be awarded the official designation of a DEFRA Smoke Exempt appliance.

Stoves that are Defra approved are able to only burn approved fuels and obviously wood, and they must do this efficiently and without much smoke. This is because these stoves are able to attain the most advanced combustion technology that stops any combustibles that are part-burned from going through the chimney, and then into the air. This is beneficial for the environment, and reduces the chance of a blockage in the chimney.

Alongside offering a selection of the most efficient DEFRA approved wood burners, we also stock a variety of traditional and contemporary multi-fuel stoves. This includes the stunning Portway Arundel XL, which features a large glass panel that lets you to enjoy the mesmerising appeal of a roaring fire while also having an unobstructed view of the flames and glow.

It is Defra-approved, and has the price of just PS1,499. It also comes with an energy rating of A as well as overnight log burning capabilities and a steel frame to ensure high heat retention. Bohemia X60 Cube Panoramic Multifuel Stove is another one worth taking into consideration. This multifuel DEFRA features a power output between 3 and 9kW and it has a heating efficiency of A plus. It's an excellent choice for those who live in smoke-controlled areas.

If you're looking for something a little more traditional, you can choose the ESSE 700 Vista. It is an Defra approved stove that comes with high-quality and style. It has a great A+ rating and is able to be used in a DEFRA Smoke Control Zone due to its unique twin catalytics technology. This is a high-quality stove that is also compliant with the new Eco Design 2022 regulation.

Eco Design Ready

Eco Design regulations are an essential part of the UK Government's clean air policy. These regulations were implemented to reduce harmful emissions produced by wood burning stoves in the UK. It is now illegal for a wood burning stove to be manufactured that is not compliant with Ecodesign regulations. Stoves already in the supply chain may continue to be sold, but in 2022 all new installations must to be Eco Design compliant.

As we are a Stove Industry Alliance member, we carry a selection of Eco Design approved wood-burning stoves. These stoves have been independently tested to ensure that they emit less levels of particulates than open-fires. SIA Eco Design stoves also generate 80% fewer CO2 emissions than an open fire.

The test involves the measurement of particulate matter (PM) organic gaseous compounds (OGC) as well as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). You can be assured that an approved SIA Eco Design stove has been designed to reduce the production of these harmful chemical.

Eco Design Ready stoves must have lower emissions levels in all tests. They also must be more efficient in their fuel usage and produce less harmful by-products. Many of our Eco Design approved wood burners come with advanced combustion technologies such as secondary air supplies and catalytic converters to help to limit the production of harmful emissions during operation.

Not only are Eco Design approved stoves better for the environment, but they're also more cost-effective to run. This is because they require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, meaning you'll save money on your energy bills. A wood burning stove can also help you heat your home more efficiently. By using wood to power your stove, you're freeing yourself from the ever-increasing cost of electricity and gas.

Exempt

The stoves that are exempted from Defra have been tested and inspected to make sure they can be used legally in Smoke Control Areas. This means that you are able to burn wood or authorised fuels (including various kinds of smokeless fuel) within them without violating the law or risking huge fines.

These stoves are designed to supply the smallest amount of combustion air required for a clean, efficient burn, which means they emit very little smoke when compared to older open fires and wood burning stoves. They are also very efficient in energy use and are a great way to heat your home at a lower cost.

Additionally, they are a great choice for people who live in Smoke Control Areas They are a fantastic alternative to heating with fossil fuels generally. They are often cheaper than traditional electric or gas stoves, and if you source your logs locally then they are carbon-neutral too.

If you live in a Smoke-Control Area and you are in a Smoke-Control Area, only dry wood that has been seasoned may be used in your DEFRA-exempt stove. Burning damp or wet wood could result in excessive smoke, which could violate the law and result in an imposed fine.

If you're not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your local authority to find out more. These areas are often large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major issue for residents.

The DEFRA approved wood burning stoves that we carry are all Eco Design Ready and have been independently tested to confirm that they meet strict EU-wide standards. These include minimum efficiency OGV, NOX and NOX ceilings, as well as emission limits. The new 2022 EU Ecodesign regulations will further increase the requirements, so it is worth checking with your stove supplier if you are thinking of purchasing one to make sure that they will comply.

Manufacturers are constantly improving their products. Secondary and tertiary systems are employed to reduce the emissions from their stoves. With the introduction of these innovative technologies, DEFRA stoves are becoming even more environmentally responsible and affordable for homeowners who require an effective alternative to their old open fire or inefficient electric stove.

Smoke Control Area

A DEFRA approved stove, also referred to as a Defra exempt stove is a wood burning multi fuel stove that has complied with the rigorous UK government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs guidelines for smoke emissions. This means that the stove is permitted to emit a minimal amount of smoke at every stage of normal operation. Look for the DEFRA logo or label on a stove or its packaging to identify it. In addition, most trustworthy stove retailers will display the fact that a specific stove is DEFRA approved on their websites and in their showrooms at their stores.


If you reside in the Smoke Control Area, it is crucial that you use a DEFRA approved log burner or wood burner. These areas are governed by local authorities and are typically urban areas with a high population density. The goal of the Smoke Control Area regulations is to ensure healthy air quality standards by limiting the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air by combustion in residential homes. You could face fines for using the use of a non DEFRA stove within a Smoke Control Area.

DEFRA approved stoves not only comply with the government's regulations but also provide additional advantages. The stoves are also highly efficient, which results in lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. In DEFRA approved sustainable stoves have advanced features that ensure they are safer than traditional open-fire stoves. These include thermocouple sensors and automated venting.

The stove manufacturers have also developed third-generation and second-generation combustion technologies to further reduce emissions from their stoves. This is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also help you save the cost of heating. If you're buying a brand new stove for Smoke Control Area, be sure to use only dry and properly seasoned firewood.

In addition to legal consequences, failure to adhere to safety standards for wood stoves and emission guidelines could jeopardize your home insurance coverage. In order to obtain insurance coverage for fires the majority of insurers require homeowners to adhere to regulatory standards. If you are found in violation of these standards during an investigation or inspection, your insurer could refuse to pay for damages caused by the non-compliant appliance.