Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and other smokeless substances in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They usually come with a continuous supply of secondary combustion air in order to stop the fuel from smouldering or releasing smoke that is a nuisance.
A Defra Stove (sometimes called a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested for levels of emissions and has met the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Criteria.
Smoke Control Areas
The smoke produced from open fires and stoves in the UK can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been established where only certain kinds of fuels or home fire appliances can be used. Clean Air Act regulations are strict to help reduce pollution. If you live in a Smoke Control Area It is crucial to only use wood-burning stoves or log burners approved by Defra. This will ensure that you are using legal fuels and aren't creating smoke that annoys your neighbors.
Many of the Stovax multi-fuel and wood burning DEFRA approved stoves have secondary and tertiary systems of combustion that help to effectively burn your logs which in turn aids in reducing emissions. This lets you have a gorgeous fire, but also produce less smoke.
A Defra approved stove or to give them the full title a Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and approved by the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) regulations regarding smoke levels in Smoke Control Areas. This ensures that the stove produces only tiny amounts of smoke when it is in normal operation. This also means that you are legally able to burn certain kinds of wood in your stove, provided that it is'ready to burn' with a moisture content below 20 percent. You cannot burn wet, damp or spruced wood in an DEFRA approved stove as it will produce nuisance smoke that violates the laws of the Clean Air Act.
When choosing a Defra approved stove, you must think about the style of the stove and how it will fit into your living space. There are many traditional Defra stoves available as well as modern alternatives. It is also important to think about the type of fuel that you will be burning. Some Defra approved stoves are only compatible with wood and do not have the option of a multi-fuel burner.
If you'd like to be able to burn other approved fuels in your stove, such as smokeless coal or anthracite, then you'll need to purchase an additional smoke control kit which can be installed on appliances that aren't exempt from the Defra regulations. The Stovax store offers a variety of smoke control kit options that are compatible with non-Defra-approved appliances.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are the best choice for eco-conscious people. They let you relax in the warmth of your stove while minimizing the impact on the environment. They must comply with regulations set by the government and manufacturers are required to comply if they wish to continue operating.
The most sustainable way to heat your home is with an DEFRA approved wood burning stove that can also burn approved fuels like coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that was first discovered about 300 million years ago. At that time, huge swamps containing plants and ferns were common on Earth. When the plants died, they sank in the water, and over time formed a substance known as peat. This then buried under layers of rock and other elements until it was pressed into solid coal.
When coal is burned it releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and sulphur oxide that can contribute to the pollution of the air. Sulphur dioxide is among the main contributors to acid rain. It can harm the ecosystem of rivers, lakes as well as wildlife and crops. Many countries including the United States, have banned coal mining due to the threat of acid rain.
Although coal is a major source of pollutants, it is still an essential component of heating. It is the most widely used fossil fuel and has a low price compared to other fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Coal is a fossil fuel that is extremely efficient in energy use and produces a large amount of heat per pound.

A DEFRA exempt wood-burning device, or a DEFRA approved stove as it's sometimes referred to, is one that can be employed in smoke-free areas to burn authorised fuels such as coal and briquettes. These stoves can also be used with a broad variety of firelogs, which are essentially sawdust compressed and other wood waste and sometimes blended with paraffin-based fuel to allow them to be lighter.
If you live in a region that is under Smoke Control and you want to avoid paying hefty fines by only using an approved DEFRA-approved stove. At Choice Stoves, we supply an extensive range of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves from the top manufacturers such as Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and more. We can assist you in choosing the best stove for your home, and ensure it is installed by a licensed engineer to avoid any potential problems.
Wood
Defra approved wood stoves are the best choice for homeowners who live in a smoke control area. They burn clean, low-smoke and non-toxic fuel that creates less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They also provide economical heat, and are available in a wide range of styles to suit your interior design.
Oft, multi-fuel stoves which are DEFRA exempt have a second inlet above the main vent. This air inlet is pre-heated and used to prevent ash from sticking on the stove glass. It also aids the burning logs to draw air. Some stoves have a tertiary inlet that is heated by the flue gasses as they exit. This helps ensure a more efficient flame and combustion.
DEFRA approved contemporary stoves can also select a DEFRA-approved log burner that is designed to burn seasoned dry hardwoods. This type of timber is sourced locally and is carbon neutral. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, this is released to the atmosphere when it is burned.
Log burners approved by DEFRA can be used in areas that are smoke-free provided you use approved fuels only. If you're not sure if your property is within a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your Local Authority for more information.
A Defra-approved wood stove is a great option for those who prefer the look and feel of traditional log burners but want to be able to utilize other fuels in addition. However, it's crucial to know that only DEFRA-approved stoves are able to be used with a 5" chimney liner when burning wood and this must be fitted by a certified installer. If you'd prefer an edgier style, there are many stoves that are DEFRA-approved that can be installed into fireplace chambers and inglenooks and still look fantastic. They are not equipped to burn approved fuels, for example smokeless oval anthracite. You'll need an additional woodburning stove that is Defra approved to use this feature. This is a good idea since burning fuels that are not approved by DEFRA on an unapproved stove could result in you being in violation of regulations.
Smokeless Fuels
Smokeless fuels are able to be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to lower emissions and soot. The smokeless fuels are generally anthracite-based and are available in the form of Briquettes. They are designed to produce less pollution than house coal and create an even and constant fire. They are ideal for areas with smoke control, but are also suitable for those who enjoy using an open fire or multifuel stove.
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove comes with a secondary or tertiary burn system that improves combustion and eliminates harmful particulates and gases. These systems also help prolong the life of your stove by reducing the speed at which it wears out or clogs the flue. The majority of newer stoves are DEFRA certified, however older stoves can be modified with the help of a kit to make them compliant.
The Portway Luxima, a wood burning stove that has been DEFRA-compliant. The large cast iron door, which is warp-free, gives a spectacular view of the fuel bed. The stove features a stylish door bevel design and contrasting chrome handles that are modern in design.
Choosing the right stove for your home is an important choice, which is why you should make sure that the stove you choose meets all of the government's requirements. A DEFRA-approved stove will save you money, give you more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a range of the top DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands such as Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and more. We also provide professional installation and can suggest an engineer who is certified to work with gas. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote for your home. We are pleased to serve customers all over the UK. We are among the largest stockists of DEFRA approved stoves in the nation So you can be at ease knowing that you're receiving the highest quality stove at a a competitive price. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and meet all Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.