The Full Guide To Defra Approved Multi Fuel What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra approved multi fuel stove is one that has been cleared of the Defra smoke tests. They are also sometimes called SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for the rules and regulations related to rural issues, agriculture and the environment. The Defra test demonstrates that you are able to burn wood or approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals within a smoke controlled area without causing any disturbance to your neighbors by emitting noisy smoke.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are made to emit a minimum amount of carbon dioxide, by using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are typically made to burn wood or a combination of other approved fuels. A variety of eco-friendly log burners and multi fuel stoves are available that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves make use of dung as a sustainable and carbon-negative substitute for wood.

The most crucial aspect in making sure that your stove is eco-friendly is to ensure that the fuel you are using is properly seasoned and kiln dried. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and allows it to burn more efficiently. It is also a good idea to buy only wood that is sourced from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when purchasing wood to ensure it has been dried to an appropriate level.

Most newer stoves are made to meet strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood burning stoves that are energy efficient and with environmental protection in the back of their minds. Ecodesign stoves have to be designed to take into consideration emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. These are some of the cleanest and eco-friendly stoves available.

Replace the grate on your stove with ceramic grate. This makes it more sustainable. It is not just visually appealing, but also non-smoking and helps to reduce the amount of sulphur oxide that is in the air. Ceramic Grease liners also have a longer life time and are more easy to clean than steel inserts into grates.

While you can still enjoy the comfort of a cosy wood burner or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to use only Defra approved fuels. You could be breaking the law if you do not. To avoid multi fuel stove defra approved , only use Defra approved fuels, such as a manufactured smokeless anthracite oval in your stove.

Clean Burning

Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra can be used only in areas with smoke control in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It could be a smokeless log, anthracite or manufactured or natural product. Stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations in order to produce an DEFRA exempt wood burner for sale. The Stove Yard has a huge choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves as well as wood burning stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These kinds of Defra exempt stoves offer the latest combustion technology designed to reduce emissions and the build-up of tar up in your chimney and flue system. They employ the most advanced secondary and tertiary airflow techniques to ignite tar gases and particulates before they can escape into the atmosphere - this is the reason why the Defra approved stove much cleaner than older generation wood burning stoves and open fires.

The design of a Defra approved stove is also distinct. The majority of our range has a hidden mechanism that allows a small, continuous flow of air to the fire even after the vents for air have been shut. This is to stop soot and ash being sent up the chimney which can hinder the stove's performance and cause dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved stoves won't allow you to shut the vents for air and sleep the stove for a night, which can send part-burned combustibles into the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove will also have a longer burn time compared to older stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However it is possible to switch your approved fuel with smokeless coal in order to sleep the stove over night it would also reduce the burn as the constant air supply required to slumber would reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used properly, a DEFRA-exempt stove can produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which can cause a variety health issues such as heart diseases and lung diseases when inhaled.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burning device reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released during the burning process. This significantly lowers the environmental impact, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

In addition to decreasing harmful emissions In addition, the efficiency of a stove decreases the cost of heating your home. Using the DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of gas boilers of the conventional variety can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy costs.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's essential to make sure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Smoke Exempt as this will allow you to use Defra approved fuels like manufactured smokeless coal ovals, such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other approved solid fuels. This allows you to relax in your fireplace and not worry about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbours.

Many stoves are, in addition to being DEFRA-approved, are tested to meet clearSkies standards and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to disclose information about their appliances efficiency and emissions, making it easier for consumers to make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, as well as the type and size.

However, it's important to remember that, like Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are merely minimum standards, and manufacturers can go beyond these. ESSE has developed its most recent stoves to be even more efficient and less polluting, generating less smoke without any compromise in efficiency or control. This latest advancement utilizes twin catalytic technology that recycles any smoke particles it creates, dramatically reducing their effects on the environment.


In fact when you're in a smoke-free zone and are using an DEFRA Approved stove with a high-quality, kiln-dried or seasoned log, you'll generate as much, or more heat from the same amount of dry wood as if you were burning it on a non-DEFRA Approved stove. It can be up 24 percent less expensive to heat your home using the latest DEFRA Approved Stove than gas boilers.

In compliance with Building Regulations

If you live in an area that is under smoke control, it's important to use a multi-fuel stove that has been approved by DEFRA. The stoves have been tested to ensure that they don't emit any smoke when burning an approved fuel, so they can be used in areas that are typically heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

You can also safely burn wood, peat and other solid fuels using a DEFRA-approved multi-fuel stove. You should be aware that certain fuels are prohibited for use in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with local guidelines and restrictions.

A proper ventilation system is crucial to the safety when operating a multi fuel stove because it helps to reduce carbon monoxide accumulation in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with a built-in venting system that automatically delivers an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, so your home will always be well ventilated and safe to use.

In addition, DEFRA approved stoves have minimum flue sizes of 550mm2, meaning they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our flue liner range is compatible with DEFRA-approved stoves. You can upgrade your fireplace to meet the latest emission requirements by choosing from our extensive range of.

When selecting the DEFRA approved stove, look for the 'DEFRA symbol on its packaging or in the information provided by the manufacturer online. This information is also available on numerous reliable retailers' websites as well as in stores' displays.

If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's crucial that you get the job done by a certified professional to ensure that you are in compliance with the building codes. Infractions to the correct installation guidelines could result in a fine and damage to your property. We recommend that you choose an HETAS-approved contractor to install your stove, because they are familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building codes.