What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A defra-approved stove is wood-burning stove that has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits them to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.

Defra is an English government department with responsibility for environmental protection as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and a thriving countryside economy. Defra also sets robust protocols to manage the spread of notifiable diseases.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves meet the standards of emission set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit wood stoves from being used in smoke control areas however, they restrict the amount of smoke generated by the stoves.

At ESSE we are proud to carry a large selection of defra approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves feature the latest in clean burning technology. This means that they are equipped with secondary and third-party combustion systems that aid to cut down on emissions, resulting in less noxious smoke coming from the chimney, and leaving a more environmentally friendly footprint.

Defra approved products are suitable to clean and disinfect hard surfaces like buildings, farm equipment and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which is charged an annual fee to approve the new back-to-back approval trade names for disinfectants. APHA can also retest the efficacy of a product at any point. This can be performed without submitting a sample, and the results will then be added to the approved disinfectants list.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous areas of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt devices or burn fuels that have been approved. This is to help reduce air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash builds up. The majority of cities and towns are in this category, and to avoid breaking the law and getting the penalty of a fine, you should only use a DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of wood and multi-fuel stoves, fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the low levels of smoke allowed in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, semi-anthracite or anthracite, briquettes or manufactured smokeless fuels, such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas, low volatile steam or a mix of these. On the DEFRA website, you can see a complete list approved fuels.

Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms when choosing a stove. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you know that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke controlled zones and is able to burn wood in these zones. You will still need an appropriate chimney lining however, the smaller 5kW stoves are able to be fitted with a 5" twin-wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.

You could be eligible for an approval from your local authority if don't own a DEFRA-approved stove. This permits you to burn fuels not approved in your home. You'll need to check the DEFRA website to find out if you can apply for an exemption. There are guidelines to follow for example, having a smoke detector installed. You will also need to adhere to the rules of Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.

Approved for Smokeless Fuels

To be approved by the defra, wood burners need to be able to burn fuels that are smokeless that are approved by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly called 'Smokeless Coal' or 'Heat Logs which have been subjected to rigorous tests to make sure that they meet the standards laid out by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to real logs since they are cleaner and produce less smoke than traditional logs.

Before the rules for smoke control areas were put in place residents could use any kind of fuel they wanted, which caused an abundance of air pollution that caused health issues for people living in urban areas. Since the rules came into place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas by regulating the materials that can be burned in stoves and fireplaces.

If you live in a smoke-free area, it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. However, even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area it's still worth investing in an exempt defra stove since they are safer for the environment and your chimney system too.

Defra approves wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. When you purchase a new stove, make sure that it has the Defra approval badge to be certain that it complies with the requirements of the law.

There are two primary ways to get approved by Defra. One way is to make your stove and the fuels Defra approved by having them tested, which is very expensive. Another option is to purchase an Defra approved stove and make use of Defra approved fuels. It is cheaper to buy DEFRA stoves an approved stove by Defra however, you must check with your local council first if you are not sure if you reside in a zone of smoke control.

In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and control for air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations regarding agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was established in 2001 as a result of the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and Defra Approved British stoves is part of the Home Office. The department is overseen by a cabinet minister, who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.

Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves are tested for low emissions and efficiency. These stoves can be used in smoke exempt zones and can burn different types of fuel including coal, wood, and logs. They come in various sizes and styles, and are installed or freestanding. They are the ideal stove for those looking to save money on heating bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and is widely used by the industry. It is often seen on the titles and specification sheets of many Affordable Stoves and indicates that the stove is able to burn authorized fuels in areas that are smoke-controlled. Some stoves will also have the SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they are legal to install in a smoke-controlled location when burning approved fuels.

Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved feature the latest in clean combustion technology and are generally more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed third-generation and secondary combustion systems to boost the efficiency of their products.

If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled and you're not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance, you could face a fine of up to PS1000. To avoid this, you should make sure that your stove is DEFRA approved prior to purchasing it.

A DEFRA stoves ratings and reviews-approved kitchen appliance is the most green way to heat your home. If you live in a smoke-free zone or not an area that is smoke-free, a DEFRA approved stove can help you save on your energy bills and also stop smoke from disturbing neighbours. You're sure find the perfect DEFRA-approved multifuel or wood burning stove for your home. There are a few models that are both DEFRA-approved and Eco Design-2022 compliant which means you get the best of both! Explore the options and find out the options available.