Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
The DEFRA approved stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel which are also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt stoves, have passed rigorous emissions tests. This means they can be utilized in UK cities and large townships that are classified as smoke control zones.
ACR has designed an elegant, contemporary-styled stove that is EcoDesign-2022-ready. It also comes with
DEFRA approved contemporary stoves approval that allows it to be used in smoke-controlled areas.
Defra Approved
If you reside in the Smoke Control Area in the UK and want to use wood in your stove you'll need a DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. This is because DEFRA is the acronym for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the government has a ban on the release of noxious smoke into towns and cities in areas that could cause problems for residents. These devices have been tested rigorously to ensure that particulate emission levels are greatly reduced and that they can be passed the rigorous Defra test.
The Defra approval or DEFRA exempt logo is widely known and widely used by the industry. You'll often see it printed or engraved on the stove itself, although sometimes you will find the wording written on the specification sheets. There are also models that are
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves approved or DEFRA exempt. This means they can be used with solid and wood fuels.
A wood-burning stove which has been endorsed by Defra has been subjected to extensive testing to determine how much particulate matter it produces. It is able to comply with the Clean Air Act if it has a minimum amount of combustion air so that the fuel burns efficiently and does not emit too much fume. These stoves are typically more environmentally friendly than non-Defra approved stoves and they can help you reduce your heating bills too.
Defra approve wood burning stoves are particularly useful for those who live in a Smoke Control Area of the UK. If you are using an unapproved stove in a Smoke Control Area, then you are breaking the law and could be slapped with a substantial fine. A Defra-approved stove is also more neighbour-friendly, as it doesn't emit any noxious fumes. It also keeps your chimney and flue clean for
DEFRA approved contemporary stoves a longer period of time.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove will also allow you to legally install a stove of 5kW with stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible (provided the manufacturer doesn't demand a larger diameter). It is worth considering this option if looking to save money by not having to buy an entirely new chimney.
Defra Exempt
A DEFRA approved stove is a vital piece of equipment if you live in a smoke-free area. The stoves have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they emit a minimum amount of emissions, which reduces the particulate matter (PM10) in your home.
premium DEFRA stoves approved stoves are identified with the Defra Approved or a DEFRA Exempt logo. Stoves with this logo have been independently tested and have met strict requirements for smoke control.
It is crucial to note that you are not able to use Defra Exempt stoves to burn dry wood in a Smoke Control Zone as this will produce a nuisance smoke. You can also not use non-Defra Approved multi fuel stoves unless you are located in Smoke Control Area because this could create PM10 in your home and could lead to a substantial fine from your local council.
Multi fuel stoves endorsed by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coke and wood without producing any unpleasant smoke. They achieve this with the most advanced combustion technology that doesn't restrict airflow to the firebox, which is also known as slumbering. When stoves are left to sleep overnight they can often produce an excessive amount of black smoke, which is not healthy for your chimney, your stove or your health.
Stovax Vogue Small is a excellent example of a multi-fuel stove that's Defra Exempt and high quality. This well-known wood-burning fireplace is highly efficient, with a maximum power of 5kW. It also has a built-in log storage base, which makes it suitable for fireplaces with larger openings.
Another approved Defra-approved multi fuel wood burner is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood is a different multi-fuel stove that has been through a comprehensive series of tests to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements set by DEFRA for particulate emissions. It is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas and burns a variety wood and smokeless fuels.
Specifying an DEFRA Exempt multi fuel stove can be a cost effective solution to a new chimney liner. Because they all come with a 5" chimney outlet, you can install a 125mm diameter stainless twin wall flexible liner instead of the standard 6" (150mm). This is particularly cost-effective if there isn't enough room to fit a larger size liner. It can also be useful if the chimney stack has a curly bend that make it difficult install a 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas which means that if you fit an open fire or wood burning stove in your home, you are required to only use fuels that are approved for burning in it. This legislation was enacted to prevent nuisance smoke from affecting neighbouring properties, and to help keep the environment clean. However, it does not prohibit the use of appliances that burn solid fuel and stoves when they meet certain criteria. DEFRA approved stoves (also called Defra-exempt stoves) are a great choice if you live in a smoking control area. They have been specially tested and meet the requirements.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is generally capable of burning all authorized fuels including wood, but without generating excessive smoke. The combustion technology used in the stove that is Defra-approved is designed to limit the amount of air the stove will be devoid of during the combustion process. This is typically achieved by using baffles inside the stove which redirect airflow to stop it from leaving the stove.
The most DEFRA-approved stoves have a feature called "clean burn" that permits combustibles that are part-burned, such as ash and soot to be combusted and discharged through the chimney, not into the room. This prevents part-burnt combustibles from entering the stove again and causing a buildup that eventually causes black smoke.
If you own a stove that is exempt from Defra which is a requirement, you can only burn the fuels specified in the Clean Air Act. This is particularly true if you're burning damp wood, or any other wet fuel which produces smoke that is unsanitary. Consult the manual of your stove or your supplier to find out what fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires offers a variety of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example is a chic wood-burning fireplace which is Defra-exempt and can run a wide variety of approved fuels. The model is available in different heat outputs and is available with a variety of finishes, including a modern matte black finish.
Heat Output
If you see a Defra approved symbol on a stove, it indicates that it is safe to use in an area of smoke control when burning wood or other permissible fuels. The Defra certification process is strict testing and examination to ensure that the stove is in compliance with the Department of Environment requirements for low emissions. These features will increase the efficiency of your stove in heating your home and help you to reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a range of multi-fuel stoves that have been endorsed by Defra with a range of sizes from small models with 4kW to larger models that have 5kW. Selecting the right model will depend on a variety of factors that include the size of your space and how much heating you require.
