Choosing a Defra Approved Or Smoke Exempt Stove
If you live in an area with a smoke control and you want to choose a DEFRA Approved stove or a smoke exempt stove is essential. Not only do they conform with building regulations, they also guarantee that you can legally burn wood and multi fuels inside your home.
Stove manufacturers are constantly improving their products by incorporating secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that reduce emissions as well as the user's carbon footprint.
fireplacesandstove.com Approved
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you will need to use a stove that is defra certified. This is because the UK government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has laws in place that prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys within smoke-controlled areas (most large cities and towns). Defra Approved stoves have gone through rigorous tests and examinations to ensure they comply with the law. They are designed to burn more fuel efficiently and produce considerably less pollutants. This makes them a better option for both your neighbors and you as well, since the lesser amount of smoke they emit means that nuisance levels of smoke are reduced to the minimum. Stoves that have been Defra approved will also display the logo and the words SE (smoke-exempt) and defra exemption on their title and specifications.
Most of the wood-burning and multi fuel stoves we sell are Defra approved. We are always looking to find the best quality products and want to make sure our customers get the most from their stove. The stoves that are Defra-approved are more efficient than non-approved models and produce less particulate matter. This will in turn reduce the amount of dark smoke that is produced. Defra approved stoves also have an extra robust firebox, which is another way in which they can help to reduce smoke emissions.
Defra approved appliances will not only reduce the amount of smoke released, but also ensure that the combustion air is constant throughout the whole burning process. This will prevent the stove from being starved of oxygen, which is what causes it to smolder and release dark smoke. As they gain popularity and more stove makers are now building Defra Approved Models into their range of products.
Defra approved stoves are not only a great option for people who live in areas with smoke control, but they are a great choice for anyone who wishes to improve the efficiency and safety of their fireplace, and also reduce the amount of harmful substances that are released into the air. They are an excellent choice for people who are considering having their chimneys lined with a stainless steel twin wall liner that is flexible. Most approved models by Defra come with a 5" outlet, which permits them to be used conjunction with a 125mm lining, instead of the standard 6" liner. This will save you money on the liner as well as the installation.
Some people prefer to sleep on the stove for a night by closing the top vent and let it burn slowly. This could lead to a buildup of soot and other tars that could cause obstruction to your chimney. A Defra-approved stove will not allow you to shut down the top vent completely as this could cause the fire to cease. It is also less likely that combustibles that have not burned will be released into the air. This is better for the atmosphere and less likely to cause your chimney to become blocked.

Exempt from Defra
If you're in search of a wood burning stove, you'll usually come across the term Defra Exempt or DEFRA Approved. This typically refers to a wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that has been approved to be used in a Smoke Controlled Area.
These appliances typically get this status by passing strict testing and examination to ensure that they are operating at ultra low emission levels. This is done by utilising secondary combustion, where waste products from the combustion process are burned again to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. This is what makes DEFRA Approved stoves the ideal choice for those living in a smoke controlled area and want to be sure that they have a stove that is legal to use.
Defra exempt stoves are usually marked with a SE logo or are branded DEFRA Stove. This means that the stove has passed a test developed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to demonstrate that it emits very little smoke when it is used in a proper manner. This is why Defra stoves are the only wood-burning stove that you are able to legally install in Smoke Controlled areas.
A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra will help keep your chimney and flue cleaner, as they are designed to provide a cleaner burn of wood than other types. This is due to a sophisticated combustion system that doesn't hinder airflow into the firebox and allows the process of slumbering. this stops part-burned combustibles from escaping up your chimney.
Additionally, Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually designed to be very energy efficient. This is done with the most modern technology to ensure that the maximum amount of heat is taken out of the fuel and then transferred to your home, which means you can save money on heating and a cleaner, safer and more environmentally responsible home.
If you decide to purchase a Defra-approved stove, you'll find that there are a variety of options to choose from in terms, size and fuel type. Some are only approved to burn wood, while others are also Defra-approved to burn authorised smoking coal. You'll also find that there are both traditional and modern style Defra approved stoves to select from, so you'll be sure to find the perfect stove to match your style.
We've created a comprehensive guide on how to buy an approved DEFRA stove. It includes everything you need to know about this type of appliance including how to get the most value for your money when you purchase one, what to watch out for when you are shopping for stoves, and more. The guide is available in entirety here. Additionally we offer a great range of Defra Approved stoves from some of the top manufacturers in the UK. This includes brands such as Stovax, Arada, Burley and many more. If you're seeking a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that's both Defra approved and CE certified, then take to look at the options.