Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
Multi fuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved, also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt, have been tested for emissions in stringent ways. This means they can be employed in UK cities and townships of large size that are classified as smoke control zones.
A stunning contemporary styled stove from ACR that is EcoDesign 2022 certified and has DEFRA approval for use in a smoke-controlled area.
Defra Approved
If you live in the UK Smoke Control Area and would like to use wood on your stove, you will require an DEFRA approved appliance or a exemption from Defra. This is because DEFRA stands for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the government prohibits the release of nuisance smoke into towns and cities where it could create an issue for residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that particulate emissions levels are drastically decreased and are able to be passed the rigorous Defra test.
The Defra logo, also known as the DEFRA exemption logo is widely recognizable and is widely used by the industry. You'll usually see it printed or engraved on the stove, but sometimes the wording is included in the specification sheet. There are models that are DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This means they can be used with both solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood burning stove has undergone extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter it produces. It is able to comply with the Clean Air Act if it offers a minimal amount of combustion air so that the fuel is burned efficiently and does not produce excessive fumes. These stoves are typically more environmentally friendly than non-Defra approved stoves and they can help you save money on your heating bills too.
Defra approve wood burning stoves are especially beneficial for those who live in a Smoke Control Area of the UK. You could be fined a lot in the event that you use an non Defra approved wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area. A Defra approved stove will also be more neighbour friendly since it doesn't emit any nuisance smoke and will typically mean that your chimney and flue system will remain more clean for a longer time.
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove may also permit you to legally fit a 5kW stove with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible (provided the manufacturer doesn't insist on an increased diameter). It's worth considering this option if you are trying to save money by not having to purchase a new chimney.
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 gone through rigorous tests to ensure that they produce a low amount of emissions that reduces the particulate matter (PM10) in your home.
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are marked with an 'Defra Approved DEFRA Exempt' logo on their specifications. Stoves with the logo have been independently tested and have met strict smoke control requirements.
It is not recommended to burn dry wood with a Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this can create a an unpleasant smoke. It is not possible to use non-Defra-approved multi fuel stoves unless they are located in a Smoke Control Area. The stoves will also create PM10 and cause a significant fine by the council.
Defra approved multi fuel stoves are designed to burn wood that is authorised and smokeless coal efficiently without producing noxious smoke. They accomplish this using the latest technology for combustion that does not hinder airflow into the firebox. This is called sleeping. Stoves that rest for a long time can create a lot of black smoke, which can be harmful for your chimney and stove.
A great example of a high quality Defra Exempt multi fuel stove is the Stovax Vogue small. This popular wood burning stove is extremely efficient with a maximum heating output of 5kW. It also comes with an integrated log store base, making it ideal for fitting into fireplaces with larger openings.
ACR Earlswood LS is another multi-fuel wood burner that has been endorsed by the Defra. The Earlswood is yet another multi-fuel stove which has undergone an extensive series of tests to ensure that it meets the stringent requirements set by DEFRA for particulate emissions. It can be used in areas with smoke control and burns a variety wood and smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA Exempt can be an affordable solution for a new chimney lining. Since they almost all have a 5" flue outlet this means that you can fit the 125mm diameter stainless-steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This can be particularly economical when there is limited space for a larger liner and especially useful where the chimney stack is already constructed with difficult bends that make it difficult to install the traditional 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many areas in the UK have been designated Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your property has an open fire or wood-burning stove, or fireplace, you are permitted to only use fuels that have been approved by the UK government. This legislation is primarily to reduce the amount of smoke that is emitted into the neighbouring properties and to ensure the environment is kept clean. It doesn't prohibit the use of appliances that are solid fuel or stoves that meet certain requirements. relevant webpage approved stoves, also referred to as Defra exempt stoves are ideal if you live in a smoke control area because they have been specifically tested to meet these requirements.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is usually capable of burning all authorised fuels including wood, but without producing excessive amounts of smoke. To achieve this the combustion technology employed in the Defra approved stove is designed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the combustion process. Usually, this is accomplished through making use of special baffles inside the stove which redirect airflow and stop it from escaping the stove.
The top DEFRA-approved stoves will include a feature called "clean burn," which allows part-burned combustibles like ash and soot to be burned and then released through the chimney instead of into the room. This feature stops combustibles that have been partially burned from entering the stove and causing a build-up that would eventually cause black smoke.
If you install a stove with Defra exemption, it is important to burn only the specific types of fuels that are allowed in it as failure to follow this rule could lead to penalties under the Clean Air Act. This is especially true if you're burning damp wood, or any other fuel that is wet that produces smoke that is noxious. You should consult with your stove's supplier or manufacturer's manual to find out the types of fuels that are approved can be used in your particular stove.
Gr8Fires offer a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke controlled areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example, is a stylish woodburning fireplace that is Defra-exempt and can be used with a broad selection of fuels that are authorised. This model is available in different heat outputs, and comes in a range of styles, including a modern matte black finish.

Heat Output
If you see an Defra approved symbol on the stove, that means it is safe to use in the smoke control zone burning wood or other permitted fuels. The Defra certification process is rigorous testing and examination to ensure that the stove meets the Department of Environment requirements for low emissions. These features help the stove be more efficient in heating your home, which will help to lower your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a wide range of Defra approved multi fuel stoves that are available that range from small 4kW models to larger 5kW models. Selecting the right model will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your space and the amount of heat you need. A stove that is too big for your space can result in excessive heating and cause the burning of fuel. When you are choosing a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove, it's essential to seek advice from a professional.
In addition to Defra approval, you should also look for a stove that is in compliance with Ecodesign 2022 regulations. These regulations are designed to enhance the efficiency of appliances and decrease their environmental impact. Ecodesign 2022 stoves burn energy more efficiently and produce less CO2 and other pollutants. These stoves are also simpler to clean, since they produce less tar and soot than other stoves.
The majority of Defra-approved multi-fuel stoves come with air controls that can be adjusted to control the amount of fuel burned. These stoves also come with an ash pan, grate and an ash collector to ensure the efficient combustion of smokeless coal. The ash pan collects the ashes from the firebox, and prevents them from interfering with airflow to the combustion chamber.
Several different styles of multi-fuel stoves are available in a range of colors and finishes. Colors like navy and red can create a dramatic look to your space. Metallic finishes can provide a modern, sleek style. Multi-fuel stoves are available in a range of sizes, so you can find the right one to fit your space.