What is a Stove Defra?
Stove defra is a term that is a reference to a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been pre-approved for use in smoke controlled areas. This is legally required in some UK cities and large towns.
These stoves produce almost no smoke as they employ the smallest amount of air. They are available in a broad range of styles and designs to complement your home's style.
Clean Burning
In the past, people and businesses could burn whatever fuel they wanted. This resulted in an increase in smoke pollution our air. This led to a lot of health problems for people who lived and worked in the affected areas. In the present day UK, many cities and towns are designated as Smoke Control Areas or Smokeless Zones and it is unlawful to operate a wood burning stove without the DEFRA approved or SE (Smoke Exempt) approved stove.
These DEFRA stoves have been made and designed to comply with specific requirements for use in these kinds of zones. The air vents are usually not completely shut and prevent the stove from being stripped of oxygen during the combustion. This reduces the amount of particles released into the atmosphere. They also have advanced combustion systems, such as secondary and tertiary combustion that can reduce emissions further.
Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra can also be used for other fuels, such as anthracite. This gives you more options for heating your home. If you reside in a region that is under Smoke Control, it's advised to burn only "ready to burn", dry wood logs. Not only will this minimise the amount of air pollution produced and emitted, but it will also help to keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer.
At The Stove Yard we have many options of traditional and modern Defra approved wood burners as well as multi fuel stoves beginning at just PS420. We offer a range of stoves to fit every budget, whether seeking a 5kW Defra-approved stove or a larger model with an 8kW.
There have been a lot of headlines that have been arousing concern in recent times in relation to the effect that stoves can have on the quality of air. Some of these reports have incorrectly lumped together the emissions from modern stoves with older stoves, open fires and other types of domestic fuels and equipment. The reality is that modern stoves, including those that are Defra approved or Ecodesign have far less emissions than other type of stove or heating method and play an essential part in keeping our indoor air clean.

Low Emissions
There are a variety of common misconceptions regarding the use of wood stoves and their relationship to air pollution. One of the most popular myths is that wood burning stoves are responsible for a large percentage of fine particulate matter in the UK, however this is completely untrue. The truth is that domestic combustion of wood and other solid fuels accounts for less than one-third of PM.2.5 in the UK. This is based on research carried out by the government that used incorrect data to calculate the contribution of wood stoves, however, more recent research from the SIA and other organisations shows that this figure is closer to 13 percent.
This is the reason it is essential to install the DEFRA approved stove or a smoke exempt log burner if you reside in a Smoke Control Area These appliances have been tested and approved to meet strict emission standards designed to reduce the amount of air pollution. The Defra exempted stove logo is widely used in the industry. If you see it on a stove, or in its name or specifications you can be certain that it has very low emissions and is suitable for use within an area that is smoke-free.
A DEFRA approved stove also complies with EU Ecodesign regulations that will be in the market in 2022. These new rules will reduce the amount of smoke that a stove can emit when it is burning. Many Defra exempt stoves are now being designed to meet these new guidelines and the SIA suggests installing an Ecodesign Ready stove rather than a Defra Exempt appliance as the particulate emissions limit is reduced by 55% for Ecodesign Ready appliances.
In DEFRA approved efficient stoves to cutting emissions, DEFRA approved stoves are typically more efficient than traditional open fires. They can also help you save money on heating costs. They are designed to burn coal, wood and other solid fuels efficiently, generating maximum heat while eliminating waste. This efficiency can also decrease the amount of carbon dioxide released as a result of the combustion, so you're helping fight climate change and ensuring the environment by using the wood stove.
Perfect for Smoke Control Areas
If you reside in a zone of smoke control it is essential to use a DEFRA approved stove or risk fines. These stoves are specifically designed to burn smokeless fuel which means they emit very little particulate matter and other harmful gases. They are also more efficient than standard stoves and they can help you save on heating costs. Defra stoves are available in various designs, so you will be able to find the ideal fit for your home.
A DEFRA approved (smoke-exempt) stove is also known as an SE stove. It permits you to burn certain fuels that are otherwise prohibited in smoke control zones. These fuels include logs, briquettes, coal that is smokeless, and other types of readily available smokeless fuels. It is important to remember that DEFRA approved stoves don't exempt you from other regulations imposed by your local authority, so it is still important to adhere to all regulations in your area.
Defra approved stoves have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and clean to use. They usually have secondary and tertiary system to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. They also have a large firebox, which permits you to burn larger quantities of fuel in one go. These features make them a great choice for homes in smoke-free areas.
To ensure that your stove is safe and efficient, it is essential to maintain its state of repair. This means cleaning the stove on a regular basis and ensuring there are no obstructions in the chimney. Routine maintenance of your stove will help reduce the risk of fire as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.
A Defra multifuel stove can be used in smoke control areas provided it's fitted with a 6" liner, and you burn fuels that are approved. Bowland Stoves has a wide choice of Defra multifuel stoves in various styles that will fit in with your home. Our stove experts are able to answer any questions that you may have.
Affordable
Defra approved stoves provide homeowners the chance to enjoy an eco-friendly flame, low emissions and a cost-effective way to heat their homes. These stoves are available at a variety of price points - from budget log burners up to top of the line wood burning stoves. They also have many advantages such as being eco-friendly and being compatible with smoke control areas.
DEFRA approved wood and multi-fuel stoves are able to be utilized in smoke-controlled areas of the UK. They are a cost-effective, convenient alternative to gas stoves and open flames. They can use a variety of fuels including peat, logs, and solid fuels. Some are compatible with wood pellets or smokeless brquettes. These are great options for homeowners who are concerned about the environment.
They are not just an attractive, cost-effective method to heat your house, but they are also extremely efficient and offer the most efficient levels of combustion. They also have features such as secondary and tertiary systems that help minimise emissions and ensure maximum 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 that is not exempt from DEFRA and you want to use it, you'll need to upgrade the liner to 6". This could be expensive.
When purchasing a new stove, there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. This includes the dimensions of the room, the heat requirements and the kW of output that the stove will provide. You must also consider the design 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. Additionally, there are contemporary Defra stoves that look stunning without the traditional mantle or fireplace surround.