What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A DEFRA endorsed stoves-approved stove is a wood-burning stove which 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, an English government department which is responsible for the environment, food production, standards, agriculture and a thriving rural economy. DEFRA stoves benefits also sets solid protocols to deal with the spread of notifiable diseases.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet the government’s emission requirements for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards don’t prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but rather restrict the amount of smoke they can produce while operating.

At ESSE we are proud to offer a wide range of defra-approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves feature the latest clean burning technology. They feature secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This results in less smoke coming out of the chimney and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint.

Defra approved products are suitable to disinfect and clean hard surfaces like farms, buildings and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges an annual fee to approve the new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also test the effectiveness of disinfectants at anytime. This is done without submitting a sample, and the results will then be added to the approved list of disinfectants.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas are found in many parts of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt devices or burn fuels that are approved. This is in order to reduce the amount of air pollution created by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash builds up. To avoid violating the law or being penalized, you must burn wood logs using an approved DEFRA stove, fire, or fireplace. Stovax has a range of wood and multi-fuel stoves, fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and meet the minimal smoke levels 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 gas, electricity, low volatile steam or a mixture of these. You can find an inventory of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website.

When selecting a stove to your home, look for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the manufacturers website or at their showrooms. If they’ve got the DEFRA logo, then you know that the stove is Defra approved to be used in smoke-free areas and can be used to burn wood in these areas. It is still necessary to install a suitable chimney liner but the 5kW smaller stoves are generally simpler and less expensive to install than larger models as they can be used with a 5″ twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6″ liner.

You might be able to obtain an authorization from your local authority if do not have a DEFRA-approved stove. This will allow you to burn fuels not approved in your home. You’ll need to check the DEFRA site to determine if an exemption is available. There are also certain rules to follow like installing smoke alarms. You will also need to comply with the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor chiminea or BBQ.

Approved for Smokeless Fuels

To be defra-approved, wood burners need to be able burn smokeless fuels authorised by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels are often referred to as ‘Smokeless Coal or “Heat Logs and have passed rigorous tests to ensure they meet the standards laid out by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to logs made from real wood, as they are cleaner and emit less smoke than the seasoned logs.

Before the regulations for smoke control areas were put in place residents could use any kind of fuel they wanted to and this led to a lot of air pollution, which resulted in health problems for those living in urban areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount pollutants in these areas. They did this by regulating the kinds of fuel that could be used in stoves and fireplaces.

If you reside in a smoke-free area, then it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved to ensure that you don’t face hefty penalties for breaking the rules. Even if you don’t live in a smoke-controlled area, investing in a DEFRA stoves features-exempt stove is a good idea. They are better for your chimney and the environment.

Defra approves wood-burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK’s Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are purchasing a new stove, ensure that it has a Defra approved badge. This will ensure that it complies with all required regulations.

There are two primary ways of becoming Defra-approved. The first way to become Defra-approved is by having your stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive process. Another option is to purchase a Defra approved stove and make use of Defra approved fuels. This may be less expensive however it is recommended to consult your local council if you are not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area.

In England in England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations regarding agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was established in 2001 by merging the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and some of the Home Office. It is overseen by an appointed cabinet member who is accountable to the Prime Minister and other cabinet members.

Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for smoke-free areas and can burn logs, coal or wood. These stoves come in various sizes and styles, and can be installed or freestanding. They are perfect for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating costs.

The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and widely used in the industry. It is often seen on the titles and specification sheets of various stoves and indicates that the appliance is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. Some stoves may also feature an SE (smoke-exempt) logo, which indicates that they can be installed legally in a smoke-controlled space when burning approved fuels.

Defra approved wood burning stoves are usually more efficient than older models and come with the latest technology for clean combustion. Many top stove manufacturers such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to improve the efficiency of their products.

If you live in an area where smoke is controlled and you’re not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance you could be subject to penalties of up to PS1000. You can avoid this by ensuring that the stove you buy is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.

A DEFRA approved stove is the most efficient way to warm your home whilst being environmentally friendly. Whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not but a DEFRA approved stove can help you save money on your energy bills and will prevent nuisance smoke from disturbing neighbours. We offer a variety of wood burning and multifuel stoves that are DEFRA approved and you’ll be able to find the right one for your home. You can even find a few models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to give you the best of both worlds! Explore the options and find out what’s available.