Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There's a huge selection of defra exempt multi-fuel stoves that will fit in with any home. Defra approved stoves meet the regulations of the government and are designed to burn fuel efficiently with low emissions.

This is particularly important especially if you live in a smoke-control zone. However, even if you do not need to, a DEFRA recognized stoves stove is better for your chimney and the neighbours.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed that on our website, several wood burning stoves are listed as DEFRA exempted or 5kw defra multifuel stove approved. These terms may appear to be jargon to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA stands for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies regarding the environment, farming and food. Defra approved stoves have passed a rigorous test to ensure they abide by the strict guidelines of the government for the emission of smoke during their operation. The stoves are designed to burn fuels such as coal and wood more efficiently. This means they produce less pollutants.

This is a great news for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits emissions of smoke within such areas, unless you are using an DEFRA approved stove and a fuel that is authorised. In the past, it has been possible to install a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you used only approved fuels like wood. However, as of January 2022, the law is changing and any non-approved stoves are not allowed to be installed unless they have been equipped with secondary or tertiary burning 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 that prevents you from closing the top air vent completely down, as this could cause the fire to smoulder and emit smoke into your room. These stoves feature an adjustable air feed that lets you open the top vent just a small amount and still have an efficient, safe burn.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important as many codes for building require chimneys to have a minimum 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you live in a smoke-control zone, you'll need a Defra-approved stove to legally burn wood within your home. The stoves have been tested by DEFRA to ensure that they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in areas of smoke control. On the Defra site, you will find a list of areas which require a stove that has been approved by DEFRA.

Multifuel stoves and Defra exempt stoves

A Defra approved stove, also known as a DEFRA multi fuel or wood burning stove has passed a rigorous test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The UK government agency responsible for protecting our natural environment, promoting the food and agriculture industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economic. The tests that DEFRA stoves for sale approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance produces low levels of smoke and grit when it is in use.

A lot of the Defra Exempt stoves we stock at Stove Supermarket are also multi fuel stoves which allow you to burn approved smokeless fuels as well as seasoned wood. These stoves are referred to as Defra stoves, DEFRA approved low emission stoves approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.

The most modern Defra multi-fuel stoves and woodburning stoves are equipped with secondary and tertiary venting systems that ensure the wood is fully burned before it exits the chimney. This is more efficient than leaving a log on the fire for a long period of time. It can also reduce the amount of smoke that can be produced.

If you reside or plan to move into a Smoke Control Area then a stove that is Defra-exempt will be an excellent choice for you. It's not just more sustainable and efficient, but it also helps reduce the amount of smoke that can make your neighbors angry.

You are still able to use an open fire, barbecues and a pizza oven in your backyard. However, excessive or toxic smoke can be considered a nuisance, and you could be penalized. You are also not permitted to burn damp, wet or rotting wood or other fuels in an open flame or stove within the Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels

Defra Approved Stoves are engineered to burn a variety of fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with the strict regulations of the government for emissions when operating in smoke control zones. You can use them in any smoke control area as long as they are burning approved fuels such as logs, briquettes and pellets. Stoves that have been certified by Defra will bear a mark with a SE' symbol that stands for Smoke Exempt.

What makes a Defra approved stove distinct from standard multifuel stoves is that they have air vents that heat the air prior to entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that all fuel is ignited to ensure a cleaner combustion. This also prevents the build-up of soot and clogs in the chimney. The Defra stoves come with internal baffles that help regulate the flames and ensure an even heat distribution.

The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in hefty fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If you wish to avoid being accused of being prosecuted by Defra, only use a defra burning mdf-approved stove that has been tested according to the government's guidelines.

DEFRA stoves are also known as Clean Burn stoves. They can be used for all kinds of fuel but they are best suited to wood that is soft and dry. They're built with air vents that can't be closed completely so that the stove will always get a supply of oxygen to ensure the clean combustion process and reduce the risk of noxious gases and soot.

This technology is not only compliant with the current standards for air quality, but also future Ecodesign requirements that will go into effect in 2022. Stovax wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, that confirms they comply with the new emission standards that are more stringent. These new standards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to keep the air we breathe healthy and clean.

Installation

If you reside 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. These wood-burning and multi fuel stoves have been tested by independent experts in order to ensure that they meet the strict standards of smoke emission required in a smoke control zone. They can burn wood, or other fuels like coal, without worrying about the level of smoke they emit.

Stoves that are DEFRA approved can lower the amount of smoke produced by advanced combustion technologies that produce less smokiness. They employ an additional stage of combustion that re-burns waste products from the first stage. This makes them more efficient and cleaner. These stoves can reduce not only the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

If you live in a region that is smoke-controlled, this is a great idea to be aware of. You can enjoy a real fireplace more often and for longer. In addition, you'll save money on your utility bills. As a result of the reduced levels of pollution, these kinds of wood-burning and multi fuel stoves are eco-friendly since they are able to use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

The majority of stoves can be converted to DEFRA exempt with a simple manufacturer supplied kit. This kit alters the air vents of the stove to ensure that they do not shut at night. This is known as slumbering, and allows part-burned combustibles to escape into the atmosphere rather than being pushed up the chimney where they can cause obstruction to the flue. DEFRA approved stoves do not sleep, and therefore are better for the environment and are less likely to block the chimney.

It is recommended that you have a HETAS certified installer or Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the most out of it. You'll have peace of assurance that the installation was completed in accordance to the correct specifications, and that it is compliant with most recent regulations. It will also protect your warranty, as the installer is able to self-certify their work.