Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
The DEFRA approved wood burning and multi-fuel stoves, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt stoves, have passed rigorous emissions tests. This means they are able to be used within UK cities and towns classified as smoke control areas.
A stunning contemporary styled stove from ACR that is EcoDesign 2022-ready and benefits from DEFRA approval for use in a smoke-free area.
Defra Approved
If you live in an UK Smoke Control Area and would like to use wood on your stove, then you need an DEFRA approved appliance or Defra-exempt appliance. This is because DEFRA is the acronym for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the government bans the release of nuisance smoke into cities and towns where it can cause problems for residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that particulate emissions levels are greatly reduced and they are able pass the strict Defra test.
The Defra approval or DEFRA exempt logo is widely recognized and widely used by the industry. It is often engraved or printed on the stove, but sometimes the wording is printed on the specification sheet. You will also come across a range of models that are DEFRA approved and DEFRA exempt,
top Defra stoves which means that they can be used for solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove has been subjected to extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter that it releases. It will be in compliance with the Clean Air Act if it provides a minimum amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel burns effectively and does not produce too much fume. They are more environmentally green than non Defra approved stoves and can also help you reduce your heating bills.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are particularly beneficial for those who live in Smoke Control Area. If you use a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area and you're breaking the law and could be punished with a hefty fine. A stove that is approved by Defra is more neighbour-friendly, as it doesn't emit any noxious fumes. It also keeps your chimney and flue clean for longer.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove can be legally install a 5kW stove with stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible (provided the manufacturer doesn't require an increased diameter). It is worth looking into if you want to cut costs on the cost of a new chimney. It also is a great alternative when space is limited.
Exempt from Defra
A DEFRA approved stove is a vital piece of equipment if you reside in a zone that is smoke-free. The stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they emit a minimum amount of emissions, which reduce the amount of particulate matter (PM10) in your home.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves bear the 'Defra Approved' or DEFRA Exempt' logo on their specifications. Stoves that have the logo have been independently tested and meet the strict requirements for smoke control.
It is not
recommended DEFRA stoves to burn dry wood with the use of a Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this can cause unintentional smoke. You can also not use non-Defra approved multi fuel stoves unless you are located in a Smoke Control Area since this can create PM10 in your home and could result in a hefty fine from your local council.
Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coal and wood without producing any nuisance smoke. They do this by using the latest combustion technology which does not restrict airflow into the firebox, a process also known as sleeping. Stoves that are allowed to rest for a long time can create a lot of black smoke, which is harmful for your chimney and stove.
Stovax Vogue Small is a excellent example of multi-fuel stoves that are Defra Exempt and high quality. This well-known wood burning stove is highly efficient, with a maximum heat output of 5kW. It also has a built in log store base making it ideal for fitting into larger fireplace openings.
Another DEFRA Approved multi wood burner that burns fuel is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood multi-fuel stove has also been tested extensively to ensure it meets strict DEFRA requirements for particulate emissions. This makes it suitable for use in smoke-controlled areas and can be used to burn a wide range of wood and approved smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA Exempt can be an
affordable DEFRA stoves solution for a new chimney liner. As they nearly all feature a 5" flue outlet, this means that you can use an 125mm diameter stainless steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than 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 beneficial if the chimney stack has a curly bend that make it difficult install the 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many areas in the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your property has an open fire, wood burning stove or fireplace, you are permitted to only use fuels that have been approved by the UK government. This law is designed to reduce the amount of smoke that is emitted into neighbouring homes and to ensure that the surrounding is maintained clean. However, it does not prohibit the use of solid fuel appliances and stoves if they meet certain criteria. DEFRA approved stoves (also known as Defra-exempted stoves) are a great choice if you reside in a smoking-free zone. They have been specially tested and meet the requirements.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is typically able to burn all authorised fuels including wood, but without producing excessive amounts of smoke. To achieve this, the combustion technology used in a Defra approved stove has been designed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the burning process. This is typically accomplished by using baffles inside the stove that redirect airflow and stop it from leaving the stove.
The top DEFRA stoves (
via qooh.me) DEFRA approved stoves will also feature"clean burn" features that allows the combustion of combustibles with a part-burn like soot and ash and allows them to be discharged out of the chimney, rather than into the room. This stops combustibles that have been burned partially from re-entering the stove and causing a build-up which could eventually cause black smoke.
If you have stoves that have Defra exemption it is essential to burn only the specific types of fuels that are allowed in it since failure to follow this rule could lead to fines under the Clean Air Act. This is especially true when you're burning damp wood, or any other fuel that is wet that will produce nuisance smoke. Check with your stove's manual or with your supplier to find out what fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires offers a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example is a fashionable wood-burning fireplace that is Defra exempt and can burn a wide range of authorised fuels. This model is available with different heat outputs and comes with a variety of finishes, including a modern matt black finish.
Heat Output
If you see the Defra approved logo on a stove it means that it is safe to be used in a smoke control zone when burning wood and other permitted fuels. The Defra approval process includes rigorous examination and testing to make sure that the stove meets the requirements of the Department of Environment for low emissions and high efficiency in combustion. These features will make your stove more efficient in heating your home and help you reduce your carbon footprint.
There is a variety of Defra approved multi fuel stoves to choose from with a range of sizes, from small 4kW models to large 5kW models.