Is Technology Making Defra Exempt Stoves Better Or Worse?

· 6 min read
Is Technology Making Defra Exempt Stoves Better Or Worse?

What is a DEFRA Exempt Stove?

A DEFRA exempt stove is a wood burning or multi fuel stove that is approved to burn certain types of fuel, even in areas with smoke control. They offer the highest level of combustion and minimize the amount of smoke released.

Many major stove manufacturers offer DEFRA exempted stoves that have secondary or tertiary combustion systems that reduce emissions and make them more eco-friendly.

Selecting a Defra Exempt Stove

When buying a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove, it is crucial to understand that not all of these kinds of stoves are made equal. There are many aspects to consider, from the size to the power output and whether it is approved by the defra.

Defra Approved Stoves Also called smoke-free stoves, have been examined and found to comply with the strict environmental standards set by the UK government. This means that they can be placed in a smoke control area and can burn fuels which are normally prohibited like wood.

They are designed to create less smoke and harmful emissions when burning fuel. This helps to protect the environment. They also aid in reducing energy bills in a way that other types of wood burner or open fires cannot. This is because they can typically have greater combustion rates, which means that they generate more heat with the same amount of fuel.

The Defra exempt stoves that we offer also come with secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that aid in reducing the amount of pollution that are produced during the combustion of fuel. They are therefore more environmentally friendly and will keep your chimney cleaner longer than other kinds of open fires or wood burning stoves that aren't Defra approved.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area then it is imperative that you choose a Defra exempt stove because this will ensure that you do not violate the law and could face paying a huge fine. If you don't live in a smoke-controlled area however, we recommend that you purchase a Defra-exempt stove. These stoves use fuels more efficiently and are more eco-friendly. They also help prevent nuisance smoke from entering your home.

We offer a huge selection of wood burning and multi fuel stoves from leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all of which are Defra exempt and are available in a variety of styles to suit your home. Contact our stove experts if you have any questions about our Defra-approved stoves.

Stoves Approved by Defra for Smoke Control Areas

There are a variety of options when you are looking to purchase a new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove for your home. Some stoves are identified as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This terminology may seem like jargon, but it is crucial to be aware that these stoves were designed to be used in smoke-control zones.

You must buy a DEFRA-exempt stove if you are in a zone of smoke control to avoid having to pay a fine. The DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), has tested this type of stove to ensure it can be used without creating excessive smoke in Smoke Control Areas. The tests are conducted by a qualified testing company to ensure that the stoves comply with the strict standards set by the government.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of engineering and design involved when creating a stove that is DEFRA approved. You won't be able tell the difference between stoves which have been DEFRA approved and those that aren't. The major distinction between a DEFRA certified stove and one that is not will be that the DEFRA approved stove emits less smoke and is able to be used with fuels like pellets, logs, or briquettes.

Whether you live in a Smoke Control Area or not, buying a DEFRA Exempt Stove is a smart move because they provide an easier and more efficient combustion that can help lower your fuel costs. They also are better for your chimney since they can prevent the build-up of soot and gritty particles.

The Defra approved stoves made of wood and multi-fuel that we have available in our range all satisfy the strict UK legal requirements to obtain this status. This means that they all have a burning rate that is low enough to ensure they do not produce excessive smoke during the time frame that is controlled.

Stoves approved by Defra for non-smoking areas

When you are looking for a new stove for your home, it is crucial to think about whether you live in an area that is designated as a Smoke Control Area. If so, it is essential that your stove is DEFRA approved, as using a non-approved stove in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area could result in fines.

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, it is crucial to choose a stove that has been approved for burning wood and other fuels. DEFRA stands for Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, and it is the government authority that enforces the clean air act in these areas. Contact your local authority to determine if your house is located in a Smoke Control Area.

A DEFRA Approved Stove is one that has passed the government's rigorous test for emission levels during normal operation. This means that the stove has low emissions levels that are better for your health and the environment, while also making it more efficient to burn wood and other authorised fuels.



You can often spot the DEFRA approved stove since they'll display the Defra Approved logo or may include SE (smoke exempt) in the title or specification. The logo is recognized by the industry and is widely adopted so you are likely to find one quickly enough.

Defra approved stoves come with a variety of advantages, including being more efficient than traditional models and being able to slumber burn using lower levels of combustion. They also have a longer lifespan than traditional stoves, with some manufacturers offering a five-year warranty on their products.

If you own a DEFRA approved stove, then it will be suitable for use with the majority of kinds of wood. To avoid excessive smoke, you should only burn firewood that has an average moisture of 20% or less. This can be achieved through an industry which uses the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme or by buying dry firewood from the closest timber retailer.

recommended DEFRA stoves  will always provide an adequate amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel is burning correctly and efficiently, without releasing excess smoke. This makes it perfect for slumber-burning, where you can leave the stove running over night so that the fuel can burn without releasing excess smoke into the house.

Multi-Fuel Stoves Defra Approved

You might be drawn to a DEFRA-approved model when purchasing a wood burning stove or multi fuel stove. While this may sound like jargon to some homeowners, it's essential to know that DEFRA approved models are better for the environment as well as your chimney.

Defra approved stoves are designed in a manner that they do not starve the fire of oxygen during the process of combustion. This is to stop the fire from releasing large quantities of smoke, especially in Smoke Control Areas. Certain stoves can be modified to become Defra certified using the manufacturer's kit. The kit restricts the amount the vents in the air are shut during the burning process. When you load your stove and then leave it to slumber overnight and then wake it up, this is known as slumbering. The flames will burn more slowly, and more combustibles, like soot, and tar, can build up in the flue. A Defra approved stove does not sleep and is therefore less likely to send this substance into the atmosphere It also means that if you swap from solid fuel to smokeless coal for overnight burning, an insignificant amount of air is always being pumped into the system, so your multi-fuel stove will not burn as slow as an appliance that is not approved.

Stove Supermarket stocks a selection of DEFRA approved stoves that can be used in a variety of applications. This includes a traditional model like our Bassington Eco which has a cast iron structure with an enormous picture window, making it ideal for use in an old-fashioned fireplace or inglenook. This stove is DEFRA-approved to use for burning wood within a smoke control area however, it also works well with solid fuels and a range of smokeless coals.

All of our Defra approved stoves have been rigorously tested to ensure that they meet the highest levels of efficiency and emissions. In turn, these models can be used in Smoke Control Areas and will keep your chimney and home clean longer than a non-DEFRA approved stove.