What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also called Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves These stoves are usually designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals. However, they will not be suitable to use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air controls as well as its flue draught must pass laboratory testing. These tests may differ from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a strict test conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The test confirms that the stove can burn approved smokeless fuels, such as logs or briquettes, in smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove will not only be better for the environment but it will also benefit your neighbors as it reduces nuisance fumes.
These DEFRA stoves use specialised combustion technology that allows them to slumber or 'sleep longer than other stoves. This means that they can burn any smokeless fuels that are authorised efficiently and in a clean way while still maintaining the required heating capacity for your home. This is accomplished by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will then be burned at a lower rate until it is completely consumed.
Defra stoves will often be called SE stoves or smoke-free stoves. They will also sport an emblem or label with the DEFRA logo on it. They may be labeled as Ecodesign compliant 2022 to indicate that they will be able to meet the new Ecodesign emission limits when they become effective next year.
When it comes to buying a DEFRA stove there are numerous factors that you will need to consider. This includes the design of the stove, the type of fuels you can burn and the amount of heat it is capable of producing. There are additional features you may want to think about, such as a simple remote control system or an air-washing system.
There are many styles of DEFRA stoves that are woodburning or multi-fuel available. There are numerous traditional models to choose from when you are looking to install the stove inside an existing fireplace or inglenook. There are also modern and contemporary options that look great without a mantle or surround. You should also decide on the fuel you would like to use. There are DEFRA approved stoves and wood burners that are exempt from regulations.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Smoke Control Areas are defined in most UK towns and cities. If you reside in such an area you'll need a DEFRA-exempt stove or multifuel stove. They are designed to be in compliance with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure that they burn in a smokeless way.
A DEFRA approved stove has been developed with Clean Burn Technology, which is the reason they are smoke-free. This is accomplished by delivering a continuous supply of oxygen to the combustion chamber until all the fuel is consumed. This means that the fire won't be shut off like a traditional stove and therefore it will continue to burn at a low level until the fuel is completely consumed and the flue gasses are exhausted.
This ensures that you can legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area using 'authorized fuels' which include manufactured smokeless fuels and wood (anthracite, smokeless briquettes, and firelogs). This is different to stoves that are not approved by the Defra, which are only permitted to be used in a Smoke Control Area if they have been equipped with a specific Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to fit the Smoke Control Kit on a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA However, this is not recommended. You could expose your family to risk by inhaling toxic gases and toxins that can cause lung damage. Additionally, using a stove that is not exempt from DEFRA in a Smoke Control Area can result in massive fines.

Stovax offers a wide range of wood burning multi-fuel, fireplaces and stoves that are all DEFRA-exempt and can be used within smoke controlled areas. Our dealers are eager to assist you in finding the perfect DEFRA approved stove for your home. Simply put in your postcode here to find the nearest dealer.
It is essential to remember that all new stoves should be installed by a HETAS registered installer to guarantee they are fitted safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A stove that is DEFRA approved and can be used in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce the emissions that are generated, which has resulted in reducing sulphur dioxide levels in the air. From 2022 EU-wide Ecodesign regulation will set minimum efficiency, NOX and OGV ceilings and emissions limits which look to be stricter than those currently required for Defra Exempt stoves.
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When selecting a stove that uses smokeless fuels, there are numerous things to take into account. The stove has to be approved by DEFRA to be used in areas that are smoke-controlled. This means that the appliance has been subjected to rigourous tests to ensure that particulate emissions are reduced. Additionally, there are a number of stoves that utilize specially designed smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. This makes them better for the environment, as well as your neighbours!
Smokeless fuels are usually anthracite-based and are available in the form of briquettes. They are made to be more eco-friendly than traditional coal, and can last 40 percent longer. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and release less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They are more expensive, but they offer many benefits for you and your family. They are easier to ignite and won't produce as much soot or ash. This means that your stove grate and the glass screen won't need cleaning as frequently. They create dancing flames and release less smoke.
Always be aware that if your house is located in a smoke-control zone that you are only permitted to use wood or authorised fuels to heat your stove. If you choose to use unauthorised fuels, you could be breaking the law and could face an enormous fine. If you decide to use a wood burner that is not DEFRA approved then you will create smoke that could cause trouble for your neighbors.
This is why it's essential to buy an DEFRA exempt stove that will allow you to burn smokeless fuels inside your home. All stoves in this category have been rigorously tested to ensure they're in compliance with DEFRA regulations, and do not emit nuisance smoke. This is achieved by ensuring that they are equipped with the most recent combustion technology which prevents part-burned combustibles from escaping into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves are multi fuel stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they provide high-quality and efficient burning, low emissions, and the best performance. They also come in different styles to fit your style and home.
Defra Approved Stoves are referred to in the market under a variety of different names including Defra Exempt Stoves, SE Stoves, Smoke Exempt stoves, Smoke Control Area Approved stoves, and Cleanburn Stoves. They all refer to the same type of stove that has been tested and proven to be able of meeting strict UK laws that limit the amount of smoking to a predetermined time frame.
The stove should only be used with approved smokeless fuels such as anthracite or blue flame anthracite. Trying to use it to burn anything else will result in nuisance smoke which can cause health problems for people suffering from asthma or other breathing conditions. It is the responsibility of the installer as well as the purchaser to verify that the appliance is appropriate for their home by using the Defra calculator, making sure all chimney parts are correct, ensuring minimum distances to combustibles are adhered to and the hearth size is appropriate for the stove being installed.
Stoves that are installed incorrectly can cause damage, leakage and invalidate the warranty. The installation should be carried out by a trained HETAS engineer to ensure the stove is safe to use and is properly installed. The warranty does not cover consumables such as glass rope seals for glass doors and windows, paint finishes, internal lining plates, firebricks and baffles. These parts are considered customer replaceable and are available if required. Damage to the stove caused by salt air or high humidity environments is not covered by the warranty, neither.
A DEFRA stove is an investment in your home, not just for the warmth it provides you, but also the peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to help safeguard the environment and your neighbors too. If you choose a DEFRA approved wood burning or multi fuel stove, you are assured that you'll be enjoying your stove for years to come.