What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also referred to as Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves These stoves are designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals. However, they won't be suitable to use with wood.
To be considered Defra exempt a stove must be able to pass laboratory tests for flue draught and air controls. These tests are slightly different from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a stringent test designed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test confirms that the stove is able to burn approved smokeless fuels like briquettes, logs, and briquettes in Smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove is not only better for the environment, but it is also better for your neighbours too as it will reduce nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves are equipped with a specialized combustion technology that permits them to slumber or 'sleep' for longer than other stoves. This means that they can burn any smokeless fuels that are authorised efficiently and in a safe manner while retaining the required heating capacity for your home. They do this by limiting the oxygen supply into the firebox, which forces the fuel to burn at a lower level until it is completely eliminated.

Defra stoves are commonly referred to as smoke exempt or SE stoves. They be branded with a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. They may also be marked as Ecodesign 2022 compliant' to indicate that they will be in compliance with the new Ecodesign emission limits when they enter force next year.
There are many aspects to consider when buying a DEFRA. Included in this are the type of stove, the fuel types that can be burned and the amount of heat it is capable of producing. It is also possible to think about other options, for instance a remote control system that is simple to use or an air wash system.
There are many styles of DEFRA woodburning and multi-fuel stoves available. There are many traditional models to choose from for those who want to incorporate the stove inside an existing fireplace or inglenook. However, there are also contemporary and modern options that look great without a surround or mantle. You will also have to think about the type of fuel you want 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 cities and towns. If you live in such an area, you will need a DEFRA-exempt stove or multifuel stove. These are designed to comply with the Clean Air Act regulations and have been tested to ensure that they burn in a smokeless manner.
The key feature of a DEFRA approved stove is that they've been engineered with Clean Burn technology, which is how they are able to be smoke-free. This is achieved by delivering a continuous supply of oxygen into the combustion chamber until all the fuel is used up. defra burning mdf means that the fire can't be shut off, like a conventional stove. It will continue to burn at a low level until all the fuel has been consumed and all exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This ensures that you can legally use the stove in a Smoke Control Area with 'authorized fuels', which include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels (anthracite, smokeless briquettes, and firelogs). This differs from stoves that are not Defra approved, and are only allowed to be used in a Smoke Control Area provided they've been fitted with a special Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to put 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 of exposure to toxic gases and toxins which could cause lung damage. The use of a non DEFRA exempt wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area may result in heavy fines.
Stovax offers a broad selection of multi-fuel and wood burning fireplaces, stoves and fires that are all DEFRA exempt and are able to be used in smoke-free areas. Our dealers are more than willing to assist you in choosing the best DEFRA approved stove for your home. Simply put in your postcode here to locate your closest dealer.
It is crucial to keep in mind that all new stoves should be installed by registered HETAS installers to ensure they are fitted safely and comply with current building regulations. A stove that is DEFRA approved and can be used in a Smoke Control Area helps to reduce your carbon emissions, which has assisted in reducing sulphur dioxide levels in the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be in effect in 2022 and will establish the minimum efficiency and emission limits.
Smokeless Fuels
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right stove for you that utilizes smokeless fuels. To begin, the stove needs to be DEFRA certified to be used in a smoke-free area. This means that the appliance has undergone rigorous tests to make sure that the emissions of particulate matter are reduced. Additionally there are a lot of stoves that use specially-designed smokeless fuels that burn more cleanly than traditional coal. This is healthier for the environment and your neighbors.
Briquettes are usually made from anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are greener and last 40% better than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also generate more heat and emit less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They cost more than traditional coal, but they have a lot of advantages for you and your family. They are lighter to light and they will not generate more ash or soot. The glass screen and stove grates will need to be cleaned less frequently. They produce dancing flames and emit less smoke.
You should always be aware that if your house is located in a zone of smoke control, you can only use approved fuels or wood to heat your stove. You could be fined if you burn fuels that are not approved. If you choose to use a wood stove that isn't DEFRA approved then you will be creating nuisance smoke that could cause trouble for your neighbors.
This is why it's essential to buy a DEFRA exempt stove that will allow you to use smokeless fuels inside your home. All stoves in this category have undergone rigorous tests to ensure that they comply with the DEFRA regulations and do not emit smoke that is harmful to the environment. This is achieved by making sure that the stoves are equipped with the most recent combustion technology to prevent part-burned combustibles being released into air.
The Right to Rent
DEFRA stoves can be wood burning or multi-fuel stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas. They have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they are efficient and clean combustion, low emissions and optimal performance. They are available in many different styles to complement your home's style.
Defra approved stoves are called SE Stoves in the market, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Stoves with Area Approval. They are all referring to the same type of stove that has been tested and proved to be able to meet the strict requirements of UK regulations that limit smoke over a regulated period of time.
A Defra Approved stove can only be used to burn dry wood and approved smokeless fuels like blue flame or anthracite oval anthracite. Trying to use it to burn other fuels will cause smoke nuisance that can cause health problems for people suffering from asthma or other breathing conditions. The installer and the customer are responsible for ensuring whether the appliance is suitable for the home using the Defra Calculator, making sure that the chimney components are in good working order and that they adhere to the required distances from the combustibles.
Stoves that are installed incorrectly could cause damage, leakage and void the warranty. Installation should be performed by a HETAS-certified engineer in order to ensure that the stove is safe and installed correctly. Consumable items like glass, door and glass rope seals, paint finishes internal lining plates or baffles and firebricks aren't covered under the warranty. They are considered to be replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us in the event of need. Damage to the stove caused by salt air or high humidity environments is not covered under the warranty, neither.
The purchase of a DEFRA stove is an investment into your home, not just for the warmth it provides you with but also for the security of knowing that you are doing everything you can to help protect the environment and your neighbors too. You can be sure that the DEFRA-approved wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove will last for many years.