Defra Exempt Multi Fuel Stoves

There's a huge selection of defra exempt multi fuel stoves to suit any home. Defra approved appliances are compliant with the regulations of the government, and are designed for efficient combustion and low emissions.

This is particularly crucial if you reside in a smoke-control zone. Even if you do not, it is still advisable to have a DEFRA compliant stoves stove is more beneficial for your chimney as well as your neighbors.

Defra Approved

You may have noticed across our site that a number of our wood burning stoves are categorized as DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved. These terms may appear to be an esoteric term to the average homeowner, but they're not.

DEFRA stands for Department for 5kw Defra Multifuel Stove Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and they handle regulations and policies concerning the environment, farming and food. Defra approved products have gone through rigorous tests to ensure that they adhere to the strict guidelines set by the government for smoke emissions during operation. These stoves are specifically designed to burn the fuels of coal and wood more efficiently. This means they emit less pollutants.

This is a good thing for those living in a Smoke Control Area as the law currently prohibits the emission of smoke within such areas unless using an DEFRA approved stove and a fuel approved by DEFRA. In the past, it was possible to install a non-Defra-approved stove in a Smoke Control Area as long as you only used approved fuels, such as wood. In January 2022, the laws will be changed and stoves that are not approved aren't allowed to be used unless equipped with a secondary and secondary system that reduces their production of particulate, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide and organic gaseous substances.

Our Defra approved ranges are also equipped with a mechanism to prevent you from closing down the top air vent completely. This could result in the fire to smolder and release smoke into your home. These stoves come with an adjustable air supply that allows you to open the top vent just a bit and still keep the safety of a clean, efficient burn.

A stove that is approved by Defra can be equipped with a 5-inch chimney liner. This is important as numerous building codes require a chimney to have a minimum 5-inch diameter.

Smoke Control Areas

If you reside in a smoke-control area you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove to use wood legally in your home. DEFRA has tested these stoves to ensure they meet the strict standards for smoke emissions that are required in smoke control zones. On the Defra website, you can see a list of areas where a stove that is Defra-approved is required.

Multi Stoves for Fuel

A Defra approved wood stove, also known as a DEFRA Multi Fuel or Wood Burning Stove that has passed a stringent test that was developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The UK government agency is responsible for ensuring the protection of our natural environment, promoting the food and agriculture industries and ensuring a vibrant rural economic. The tests that Defra approved stoves must pass are designed to ensure that the appliance only produces very little smoke and grit when it is operating.

Stove Supermarket has a range of Defra Exempt Stoves that are multi-fuel stoves. This means you can burn authorised smokeless wood and seasoned fuels. These stoves are also referred to as Defra stoves, Defra approved wooden burners and are abbreviated SE.

Contrary to older stoves, which are generally not suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas, the latest Defra multi fuel and woodburning stoves have secondary and tertiary air systems that ensure that the wood is fully burned prior to exiting the chimney. This is a more efficient process than just leaving a log fire on the stove to burn for long periods and reduces the amount smoke that can be generated.

If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, or in the process of moving into one, then a Defra exempt stove is the best choice for your property. It's not only more environmentally friendly and efficient, but it also helps reduce the amount of smoke that can upset your neighbors.

You are still able to use an open fire, barbecues and a pizza oven in your garden. However, excessive or toxic smoke can be considered a nuisance and you could be fined. It is also prohibited to burn wet, damp or rotting wood or any other fuels in an open fire or stove within a Smoke Control Area.

Burning Other Fuels Besides Cars

Defra Approved Stoves are designed to burn various fuels, including wood. They burn wood with such efficiency that they are in compliance with the government's strict regulations for emissions in smoke control zones. They can be used in any smoke-control area, so long as they're burning approved fuels like pellets, briquettes or logs. Stoves that are Defra Approved will usually be identified by the an 'SE' symbol that stands for Smoke Exempt.

A stove that is Defra-approved differs from a typical multifuel stove due to its secondary air vents that pre-heat air prior to it entering the firebox. The pre-heated, heated air ensures that the fuel is ignited in order to produce a cleaner combustion. It also reduces soot build up and stops the chimney from clogging. Defra stoves also come with internal baffle plates that help to control the flames and 5kw defra multifuel stove maintain an evenly distributed heat distribution.

The use of non-Defra-approved stoves in smoke controlled areas could result in substantial fines from the UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). To avoid being accused of trespassing by Defra you should only purchase and use a DEFRA approved stove that has been tested according to the government's strict criteria.

DEFRA stoves can also be called Clean Burn stoves. They can be used for most types of fuel, but they are best suited to wood that is dry and soft. Air vents cannot be shut completely, which means there's always oxygen to ensure the clean combustion.

This technology not only complies with the current standards for air quality, but also the upcoming Ecodesign requirements that will come in 2022. Stovax wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves will be branded with the SIA Ecodesign Ready label, which confirms they meet the new stricter emission standards. These new standards are being implemented as part of the ongoing efforts by the government to ensure that the air in the country is clean and healthy.

Installation

If you are in a zone of smoke control then a Defra exempt multi fuel stove can aid you in observing the regulations. These wood-burning and multi fuel appliances have been tested by independent experts in order to ensure that they meet the strict smoke emission standards required in a smoke control area. These appliances can burn wood, or other fuels like coal without worrying about the amount of smoke they emit.

Stoves that have been DEFRA approved can reduce smoke levels using advanced combustion technologies that create less smoke. They usually employ a second phase of combustion, which re-burns some of the waste materials from the first stage, making them even less polluting and more efficient. They reduce not just the amount of emissions but also the amount of soot in the chimney and flue.

If you live in an area that is smoke-controlled it is a good idea to know. You can use a fireplace more often and longer. Plus, you will save money on your utility bills. Due to the reduced levels of pollution, these kinds of wood burning and multi fuel stoves are good for the environment as they can use a wider range of materials than other stoves.

Most stoves can be transformed into DEFRA exempt using an easy manufacturer-supplied kit. This kit alters the vents for air on the stove so that they do not close at night. This is referred to as slumbering. It allows part-burned combustibles and flammables to escape into the atmosphere rather than going up the chimney, where they can block the flue. 5Kw defra multifuel stove approved stoves don't sleep, and therefore are better for the environment and are less likely to block a chimney.

It is recommended that an HETAS registered installer or a Building Control officer install your DEFRA approved appliance to get the best out of it. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your installation was completed in accordance with the correct specifications and is compliant with the latest regulations. It will also protect your warranty as the installer is able to self-certify their own work.