Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There are a range of multi-fuel stoves exempt from defra regulations. Defra approved appliances are compliant with government regulations and are designed to maximize fuel efficiency and emissions that are low.

This is especially important if you reside in a smoke-control zone. Even if you do not need to, it is important to know that a Defra Stove is more beneficial for your chimney and for your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, a number wood-burning stoves are described as DEFRA exempted or DEFRA approved. To the average homeowner these terms could seem like jargon they do not need to be aware of however this isn't the truth.

DEFRA is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They are accountable for policies and regulations relating to food, agriculture and the environment. Defra approved products have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they adhere to the strict guidelines set by the government for smoke emissions when operating. The stoves are designed to burn fuels like wood and coal more efficiently. This means they produce less pollution.

It's a great thing for those who reside in Smoke Control Area, as the law currently prohibits smoke emissions in such areas except when using an approved DEFRA stove and an approved fuel. In the past it was possible to install a non Defra approved wood stove in a Smoke Control Area, as long you used only approved fuels. But, as of January 2022 the laws are changing and stoves that are not approved are not allowed to be installed unless they've been fitted with a secondary or tertiary combustion system that will drastically reduce the production of particulate matter NOx, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous compounds.

In the case of our Defra approved stoves, they're also equipped with a mechanism which stops you from closing the top air vent all the way down as this can cause the fire to get smoldering and release smoke into your room. Instead, these stoves have an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent slightly and still maintain a safe and efficient burn.

A stove that is Defra-approved can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important since there are a variety of building regulations which state that you need an unlined chimney that has at least 5 inches of diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke control area you'll require a Defra approved stove if you want to legally burn wood in your home. DEFRA has tested these stoves to confirm that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in smoke control zones. You can find the list of areas for which you need a Defra approved stove on the Defra website.

Multi Stoves for Fuel

A DEFRA approved traditional stoves approved stove, also referred to as a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove has passed a rigorous test designed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency is responsible for protecting our natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry and ensuring a vibrant rural economy. The tests that Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces minimal levels of smoke and grit when it is in operation.

Many of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are multi fuel stoves which allow you to burn approved smokeless fuels and seasoned wood. They will often be called Defra stoves or Defra approved woodburners and they are often abbreviated as SE.

Contrary to older stoves, which are not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra woodburning and multi-fuel stoves feature secondary and tertiary air systems to ensure that the wood is completely burned prior to it leaving the chimney. This is a more efficient process than just leaving a fire in the stove to burn for long periods and reduces the amount of nuisance smoke that can be generated.

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, or if you are thinking of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is a great option for your home. It is not only more sustainable however, it also helps in reducing the nuisance smoke which can upset your neighbors.

You are still able to use open fires, barbecues, and pizza ovens in your backyard but be aware that smoke that is toxic or excessive could be a nuisance for the law and you could be fined. You are also not allowed to use damp, wet or rotting wood, or other fuels in an open fire or stove inside the Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are designed to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they meet the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke zones of control. This means that they can be used legally in any smoke control zone provided you're burning authorised fuels such as pellets, logs and Briquettes. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will usually be identified by the an 'SE' symbol that is a reference to Smoke Exempt.

What makes the Defra approved stove distinct from standard multifuel stoves is that they have secondary air vents which pre-heat the air prior to it entering the firebox. This pre-heated, heated and pre-heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to ensure a cleaner combustion. This also helps prevent the accumulation of soot that can block the chimney. Defra stoves have internal baffles which help to regulate the flames, and maintain a uniform heat distribution.

Using non-Defra Stoves Cost approved stoves in areas that are smoke-free could result in heavy fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid being charged by Defra you should only buy DEFRA stoves and make use of a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested to meet the government's strict criteria.

DEFRA stoves are also referred to as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used for all kinds of fuel however, they are most effective with wood that is dry and soft. They are designed with air vents that are unable to be completely closed so the stove will always receive a supply of oxygen to support clean combustion and minimise soot and noxious gases.

This technology is not just compliant with the current government's air quality standards but also the upcoming Ecodesign requirements which will come in 2022. Stovax wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves will be marked with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new stricter emission standards. These new standards are being introduced as a part of the ongoing efforts by the government to keep the country's air healthy and clean.

Installation

If you live in a Smoke Control Zone and you are in a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt multi stove can help you to comply with regulations. This is because these wood burning and 5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved fuel stoves have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions required in a Smoke Control Area. These appliances can be used to burn wood or other authorized fuels, such as coal, without concern about the amount of smoke they produce.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can lower smoke levels using advanced combustion technologies that create less smoke. They employ a second stage of combustion that burns the waste products that were burned in the first stage. This makes them cleaner and more efficient. In addition to the reduced emissions they also reduce the amount of soot build-up within the flue and chimney.

This is great news for those who live in a smoke controlled area as it means that you can enjoy a real fire more often and longer, with the additional benefit of lower energy bills. Due to the reduced levels of pollution, these types of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are also good for the environment as they can be used to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

Most stoves can be made DEFRA exempt with the simple kit supplied by the manufacturer. This kit alters the vents for air on the stove so that they are not closed at night. This is known as slumbering and allows part-burned combustibles that would otherwise block the flue to be released into the atmosphere. DEFRA list stoves approved stoves do not slumber and are therefore much more eco-friendly and less likely to block the chimney.

It is recommended that an HETAS registered installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your installation was done in accordance to the correct specifications and that it is compliant with most recent regulations. It will also help protect your warranty since the installer can self-certify their work.