Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you reside in an area that is smoke controlled and you want to choose a DEFRA Approved stove or a stove that is smoke exempt is important. They not only comply with the building regulations, but they also permit burning wood or multi-fuels within your home.
Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products by incorporating secondary and tertiary combustion systems to reduce emissions and the carbon footprint.
Defra Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you'll need to use a stove that is defra certified. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has passed laws prohibiting the emission of dark smoke in areas that are smoke-controlled, which includes most large towns and cities. The stoves that are Defra approved have been subject to rigorous tests and inspections to ensure they are in compliance with this legislation. They are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and produce a lot less pollutant emissions. This makes them a more suitable choice for you and your neighbors as the less smoke they produce means that nuisance levels of smoke will be kept to a minimum. Stoves that are Defra approved will also display the logo and the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption on their title and specifications.

Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves we offer are Defra approved. We always strive to source the top quality products and we are determined to ensure that our customers get the best from their stove. Defra-approved stoves burn more efficiently than non-approved models, which means they produce much less particulate matter. This, in turn, reduces the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Stoves that are approved by Defra usually have a larger firebox, which can also help reduce smoke emissions.
recommended DEFRA stoves approved appliances will not only decrease the amount of smoke produced, but also ensure that the combustion air remains constant throughout the entire combustion process. This will prevent the stove from becoming depleted of oxygen, which is what causes it to smolder and emit dark smoke. Many stove manufacturers are now building Defra Approved models into their product lines as they are becoming increasingly popular.
Defra approved stoves aren't only a great alternative for those living in smoke control areas They are also an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve the efficiency and safety of their fireplace, and also reduce the amount of toxins released into the air. They're an excellent choice for those who are thinking of having your chimney lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Since the majority of Defra approved models come with 5" outlet, this allows them to be used with a 125mm liner instead of the standard 6" outlet, which could save money on the cost of the liner and installation.
Some homeowners may decide to rest their stoves overnight and shut the top vent and burning it slowly, this could result in soot and tar build-up which can block the chimney. A Defra approved stove won't permit you to close the top vent completely, as this could cause the fire to go out. It is also a lot less likely to send any combustibles that are not burned into the air which is healthier for the environment and will be far less likely to block your chimney.
Exempt from Defra
You'll often see the terms Defra Approved or Defra-Exempt when searching for a wood-burning stove. This is usually a multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that has been approved to be utilized in a smoke-controlled area.
This is achieved by these appliances undergoing rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they are operating at the lowest emissions. This is accomplished by using an additional burn in which the waste products generated by the combustion process are re-burned to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air. This makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those living in a smoke-free area and want to make sure they have an appliance that is safe to use.
Typically, a Defra Exempt stove is marked with an SE logo or labelled as a DEFRA Stove. This means that the appliance has passed a testing procedure developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to demonstrate that it emits only a small amount of smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra wood burning stoves are the only stoves that can be installed legally in Smoke Controlled Areas.
A Defra-approved wood burning stove will help keep your chimney and flue cleaner because they are designed for a cleaner burn of wood than other types. This is because of an advanced combustion system that doesn't hinder airflow into the firebox and allows the process of slumbering. which prevents combustibles that have been partially burned from escaping up your chimney.
Wood burning stoves that have been approved by Defra are generally energy efficient. This is done by using the latest technology to ensure that as much heat as is possible is extracted from the fuel and then transferred to your home, which means you can save money on heating and a cleaner, safer and more environmentally responsible home.
You'll have a broad range of options when selecting a Defra Approved Stove in terms of design size, dimensions, and the fuel type. Some will only be Defra approved to burn wood, while some are also Defra approved to burn smoking coal that is authorised. There are stoves that are Defra approved in both traditional and modern styles, so you're certain to find one that is compatible with your style.
We've put together a complete guide to buying an DEFRA approved stove that outlines everything you need to know about this appliance, including how to get the best value for your money when you purchase one and what to look for when buying a stove and much more. You can read the guide in its entirety here. We also have a fantastic range of Defra Approved Stoves from some prominent UK manufacturers. This includes brands like Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. If you're in search of a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is both Defra Approved and CE certified then be sure to take a look at our selection.