What is a Stove Defra?
Stove defra is an expression that refers to a wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been pre-approved for use in smoke-controlled areas. This is an obligation in certain UK cities and towns.

They produce virtually no smoke because they use the smallest amount of air. These stoves are available in a wide variety of styles and designs to match your home's aesthetic.
Clean Burning
In the past, homeowners and businesses were allowed to burn any type of fuel they liked which led to a great deal of smoke emitted into the air. This caused a variety of health problems in the affected regions. Today in the UK, many cities and towns are designated as Smoke Control Areas or Smokeless Zones and it is illegal to use a wood-burning stove without a DEFRA approved or SE (Smoke Exempt) approved stove.
These DEFRA stoves are manufactured and designed in accordance with specific regulations to be used in these zones. The air vents are typically not completely shut, which prevents the stove from being depriving of oxygen during the combustion. This helps reduce the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air. They also have advanced methods of combustion, such as secondary and even tertiary combustion which helps to reduce emissions.
Stoves that have been certified by Defra can be used with other fuels, like anthracite. This means you have more options when it comes to heating your home. If you live in an area that is under Smoke Control, it's advised to burn only "ready to burn" dry wood logs. This will not only lower the amount of air pollutants produced, but will also keep your chimney and flue clean for longer.
The Stove Yard offers a variety of Defra-approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves that start at just PS420. Whether you're looking for a 5kW Defra approved stove or an 8kW model, we have something that will suit your needs.
Recent headlines have been announcing fears about the impact of stoves on air quality. In certain of these reports the emissions from stoves were incorrectly classified with those of older stoves, open fireplaces, and other types domestic fuels and appliances. The reality is that modern stoves including ones that are Defra approved or Ecodesign have far less emissions than other heating or stove and play a crucial part in keeping our indoor air clean.
Low Emissions
There are many common misconceptions about the wood stoves and their connection to air pollution. Wood burning stoves aren't responsible for a high percentage of UK small particulate matter. This is a common myth. In the actual fact the domestic combustion of wood and solid fuels account for less than a third of the PM.2.5 in Britain. The government used faulty data in its research to estimate the contribution of wood stoves. However, recent research conducted by the SIA and others suggests that the number is closer to 13 percent.
This is why it is crucial to install a DEFRA approved stove or smoke exempt log burner when you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area These appliances have been tested and certified to meet strict emission standards that were designed to minimise pollution levels in the air. The Defra exempt stove logo is a recognised symbol that is widely used by the industry, so if you see the logo on a stove or in its name or on the specifications, you can be confident that it has low emissions and is suitable to be used in a smoke controlled area.
A DEFRA-approved appliance will also comply with the EU Ecodesign Regulations that will be in force by 2022. These new regulations will decrease the amount of smoke that stoves emit when it is burning. These new guidelines are causing many Defra exempt appliances to be produced. The SIA recommends the installation of an Ecodesign Ready appliance rather than one that is a Defra Exempt one, as the particulate emission limit for Ecodesign Ready appliances is 55 percent less.
DEFRA approved stoves can reduce emissions and save you money on heating costs. They are specifically designed to burn coal, wood and other solid fuels efficiently to produce maximum heat while eliminating waste. By choosing a wood-burning stove you can lower the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the combustion.
Perfect for Smoke Control Areas
If you reside in an area where the amount of smoke is controlled, you must make use of a DEFRA-approved stove. Otherwise, you risk fines. These stoves are designed to burn smokeless fuel, which means that they produce minimal amounts of particulate matter and other harmful gases. They are also more energy efficient than standard stoves and can help you reduce your heating costs. Defra's stoves come in a variety of styles so that you can pick the one that is right for your home.
A DEFRA approved stove is often called an SE (smoke exempt) stove which allows you to burn fuels that would otherwise be restricted in smoke control areas. These include logs, briquettes, coal that is smokeless, and other types of easily obtainable smokeless fuels. It is important to remember that DEFRA approved stoves don't allow you to avoid other requirements imposed by the local authority, and it is still necessary to adhere to all regulations in your region.
Defra approved stoves have passed rigorous tests to ensure they are safe and clean to use. They usually come with secondary and tertiary systems to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. The huge firebox allows you to burn more fuel at once. These features make them a great option for homes that are located in areas that are smoke-free.
To ensure that your stove is safe and efficient, it's essential to maintain its condition. This includes cleaning it regularly and ensuring that the chimney is free from obstructions. Regular maintenance of your stove will help to lower the chance of fire hazards and also prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you use only approved fuels and have an insulated 6-inch liner, the Defra Multifuel stove can be used to control smoke in areas. Bowland Stoves offers a variety of Defra Multifuel Stoves in a variety of styles that will suit your home. Our stove experts are ready to answer any questions you might have.
Buy Tickets Online
Defra approved stoves provide homeowners the chance to enjoy a clean burning fire, with low emissions and a low-cost method to heat their homes. These stoves are available at a variety of prices, ranging from low-cost log burners to top of the line wood burning stoves. They also offer many benefits in terms of being eco-friendly as well as being compatible with smoke control zones.
DEFRA approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves can be used in smoke-controlled areas of the UK. They are a cost-effective, convenient alternative to gas stoves and open flames. They are designed to burn a range of fuels which include solid fuels, peat, and logs. They are also compatible with wood pellets and smokeless briquettes. They are an excellent choice for the environmentally responsible homeowner.
Alongside offering DEFRA approved contemporary stoves and cost-effective method to heat your home These stoves are also extremely efficient, delivering the highest possible levels of combustion. They also have features such as secondary and tertiary air system that aid in reducing emissions and ensure optimal performance.
A DEFRA stove is compatible with a 5" liner to burn dry wood, provided the stove has a 5" size flue. If you purchase an appliance not exempt from DEFRA however, you'll have to upgrade the liner to 6". This could be expensive.
When shopping for a new stove, there are many things to consider, such as the physical dimensions of the room it will be positioned in, the amount of heat required and the amount of kW it will offer the space. It is also important to take into account the style of the stove and how it will suit your interior design. If you're installing your stove into an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, there are plenty of aesthetically-pleasing traditional and contemporary DEFRA stoves to choose from. In addition modern Defra models look stunning even without a traditional mantle or fireplace surround.