Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
The DEFRA approved wood burning and multi-fuel stoves, also known as Defra Smoke Exempt stoves, have passed rigorous emissions tests. This means that they are able to be used in UK cities and towns that are classified as smoke control zones.
A stunning, contemporary-styled stove from ACR that is EcoDesign 2022 certified and has DEFRA approval for use in a smoke controlled area.
Defra Approved
If you live in the Smoke Control Area in the UK and you want to burn wood in your stove, then you must have an DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. This is because DEFRA is the acronym for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the government bans the release of noxious smoke into cities and towns where it could create a problem for residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that particulate emissions levels are significantly reduced and they are able be passed the rigorous Defra test.
The Defra approval or DEFRA exempt logo is well known and widely adopted by the industry. It is often printed or engraved on the stove, however sometimes the wording is included in the specification sheet. There are also models that are DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. This means they are able to be used with solid and wood fuels.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove has been subjected to extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter that it produces. It is able to comply with the Clean Air Act if it has a minimum amount of combustion air so that the fuel is burned efficiently and does not produce excessive fumes. These stoves are typically more environmentally friendly than stoves that are not Defra-approved and they can help you save money on your heating bills too.
Defra approved wood-burning stoves can be particularly useful for those who reside in a Smoke Control Area. If you choose to use a non-Defra approved stove in a Smoke Control Area that is not approved, then you're breaking the law and could be punished with a huge fine. A stove that is Defra-approved is more considerate of neighbors since it doesn't produce any nuisance fumes. It will also keep your chimney and flue clean for a longer period of time.
A DEFRA-approved wood burning stove permits you to fit an appliance with 5kW that is fitted with an adjustable stainless steel twin wall liner. (Provided the manufacturer doesn't insist on a larger size). It is worth considering this option if you're looking to save money by not having to purchase an entirely new chimney.
Exempt from Defra
A DEFRA approved stove is an essential piece of equipment if you live in a smoke controlled area. These stoves have undergone rigourous testing to ensure that they produce a low amount of emissions that reduce the amount of particulate matter (PM10) in your home.
DEFRA approved stoves are identified with the Defra Approved or a DEFRA Exempt logo. Stoves with this logo have been tested independently and have met strict requirements for smoke control.
It is not recommended to use dry wood using a Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this can cause an unpleasant smoke. You cannot use non-Defra approved multi fuel stoves unless within a Smoke Control Area. The stoves will also produce PM10 and could result in a hefty fine from the council.
Defra approved multi fuel stoves are engineered to burn authorised wood and smokeless coal safely, without producing noxious smoke. This is achieved through the most advanced technology of combustion that does not restrict the airflow into the fireplace, which is also known as slumbering. When stoves are left to slumber over night, they often release an excessive amount of black smoke, which is not healthy for your chimney, the stove or your health.
A good example of a high quality Defra Exempt multi fuel stove is the Stovax Vogue small. This well-known wood burning fireplace is highly efficient, with a maximum power of 5 kW. It also has an inbuilt log storage base that makes it suitable for fireplaces with larger openings.
Another Defra Approved multi wood burner that burns fuel is the ACR Earlswood LS. The Earlswood multi-fuel stove has undergone extensive testing to ensure it meets the strict DEFRA requirements for particulate emission. It can be used in areas with smoke control and burns a variety of wood and smokeless fuels.
Selecting a DEFRA Exempt multi fuel stove can be a cost effective solution for an upgrade to your chimney liner. Since they almost all have five" flue outlet this means that you can fit the 125mm diameter stainless-steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This can be particularly cost effective where there is limited space to install a larger liner and especially useful where the existing chimney stack has difficult bends that make it more difficult to install a traditional 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many regions in the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your house has an open fire or wood-burning stove, or fireplace, you can only use fuels that have been approved by the UK government. This law is designed to prevent nuisance smoke from the properties around it and to ensure the environment is maintained clean. It does not restrict the use of appliances that are solid fuel or stoves that meet certain criteria. DEFRA approved stoves, also referred to as Defra exempt stoves, are an excellent option when you reside in a smoke-free area since they've been specially tested to meet these standards.
A Defra approved multi fuel stove is usually able to burn all authorised fuels including wood, without producing excessive amounts of smoke. To achieve this the technology used to burn wood in a Defra approved stove has been developed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the burning process. This is typically accomplished by using baffles in the stove which redirect airflow to stop it from leaving the stove.
click here. -approved stoves have a feature called "clean burn" that permits combustibles that are part-burned, such as ash and soot to be burned and then discharged through the chimney, not into the room. This prevents part-burnt combustibles from entering the stove and causing a build-up which would ultimately cause black smoke.
If you fit a stove with Defra exemption, it is important to only burn specific types of fuels that are allowed in it since failure to follow this rule could lead to fines under the Clean Air Act. This is especially true if you are burning damp wood or any other wet fuel which will produce nuisance smoke. Go through the manual for your stove or your supplier to find out which fuels are permitted in your stove.
Gr8Fires has a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke-controlled areas. For instance, the Dimplex Langbrook is a stylish woodburning stove which is Defra exempt and can run on a variety of authorised fuels. The model is available with a range of heat outputs, and in a variety of finishes including a matt black finish.
Heat Output
If you see the Defra approved logo on a stove it signifies that it is safe to be used in a smoke control zone when burning wood and other fuels that are permitted. The Defra certification process involves strict testing and examination to ensure the stove meets the Department of Environment requirements for low emissions. These features will make your stove more efficient in heating your home, and will assist you reduce your carbon footprint.

There are a wide range of Defra approved multi fuel stoves to choose from with a range of sizes, from small 4kW models to large 5kW models. The best stove for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your space and how much heat you need. A stove that is too large for your space could cause excessive heating and lead to the burning of fuel. When you are choosing a multi-fuel stove or wood-burning stove, it's essential to seek advice from a professional.
You should also check whether the stove is in compliance with Ecodesign 2020 regulations. These regulations are designed to enhance the energy performance of appliances and reduce their environmental impact. Ecodesign 2022 stoves burn energy more efficiently and produce less CO2 and other pollutants. These stoves are also easier to clean since they produce less soot and tar than other stoves.
The majority of Defra approved multi fuel stoves have air controls that can be adjusted to control the amount of fuel burned. They also have a an ash pan, grate and ash collector that ensures efficient combustion of smokeless coal. The ash pan collects ashes from the firebox and stops them from interfering with airflow to the combustion chamber.
There are a variety of different designs of multi-fuel stoves can be found in a variety of colors and finishes. The bold colors such as navy and red provide a striking look to your space. Metallic finishes can provide a sleek, contemporary style. Multi-fuel stoves come in different sizes so you can choose the one that best suits your space.