Stove defra is an expression that refers to a wood burning stove or multi-fuel stove that has been pre-approved for use in smoke controlled areas. This is a requirement for certain UK cities and towns.
DEFRA compliant stoves list produce virtually no smoke because they use the smallest amount of air. These stoves are available in a wide range of styles and designs to complement your home's style.
Clean Burning

In the past, people and businesses could burn whatever fuel they wanted. This resulted in an increase in smoke pollution our environment. This led to a lot of health issues for people who lived and worked in the affected regions. Today in the UK numerous towns and cities have been designated as Smoke Control Areas or Smokeless Zones and it is prohibited to use a wood-burning stove without having a DEFRA approved or SE (Smoke Exempt) approved stove.
These DEFRA stoves have been made and designed to comply with specific regulations to be used in these kinds of zones. The air vents are typically not completely shut which prevents the stove from being stripped of oxygen during the combustion. This reduces the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere. They also have advanced systems of combustion, such as secondary and even tertiary burning which helps to reduce emissions.
Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be used with other fuels like anthracite. This gives you more options for heating your home. If you reside in a region that is under Smoke Control, it's advised to burn only "ready to burn", dry wood logs. This will not only reduce the amount of air pollution that is produced however, it will also help to keep your chimney and flue system cleaner for longer.
At The Stove Yard we have an extensive selection of both traditional and modern Defra approved wood burners and multi fuel stoves beginning at just PS420. We offer a range of stoves to suit every budget, whether you are searching for a Defra-approved 5kW stove or a more powerful model with an 8kW.
Recent headlines have been scaremongering about the impact of stoves on the quality of air. In certain of these reports the emissions from stoves were incorrectly grouped with those from older stoves, open fireplaces and other kinds of domestic fuels as well as appliances. The reality is that modern stoves, including those that are Defra approved or Ecodesign have far lower emissions levels than any other heating or stove and play an essential role in keeping our indoor air clean.
Low Emissions
There are many common misconceptions about the use of wood stoves and their relationship to air pollution. One of the most popular myths is that wood burning stoves are responsible for large amounts of small particulate matter in the UK, however this is completely untrue. The truth is that the combustion of wood and other solid fuels accounts for less than a third of PM.2.5 in the UK. This is result of research conducted by the government that used incorrect data to calculate the contribution of wood stoves however, more recent research from the SIA and other organisations suggests that this figure is closer to 13 percent.
If you live in a region that is under smoke control, it is crucial to choose a DEFRA approved stove or log burner. These appliances have been tested to ensure they meet emission standards that reduce pollution to the air. The Defra exempt stove logo is a recognised symbol that has been widely used by the industry, so if you see this logo on a stove, or in its name or specification you can be confident that it has low emissions and is suitable to be used in a smoke-free zone.
A DEFRA approved stove also meets the EU Ecodesign regulations that will take the market in 2022. These new regulations will dramatically reduce the amount of smoke a stove will emit during the combustion process. Many Defra exempt stoves are being made to meet these new standards and the SIA recommends installing an Ecodesign Ready stove rather than an Defra Exempt appliance as the particulate emission limit is reduced by 55% for Ecodesign Ready appliances.
In addition to cutting emissions, DEFRA approved stoves are often more efficient than traditional open fires and help you save money on heating bills. They are specifically designed to burn wood and other solid fuels at the most effective rate possible to provide maximum heat with minimal waste. This efficiency can also decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of the combustion process, which means you are helping to combat climate change and ensuring an eco-friendly future by selecting the wood stove.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
If you reside in an area where smoke is controlled it is mandatory to use a DEFRA-approved stove. Otherwise, you'll be subject to penalties. These stoves are specifically designed to burn smokeless fuel, which means that they emit a small amount of particulate matter as well as other harmful gases. They are also more energy efficient than standard stoves, and they can help you save on heating costs. Defra stoves can be found in a variety of designs, so you'll be able to find the perfect fit for your home.
A DEFRA approved (smoke-exempt) stove is also known as an SE stove. It permits you to burn fuels which are normally prohibited in smoke control zones. These include logs, smokeless coal, briquettes, and other types of easily obtainable smokeless fuels. It is important to keep in mind that DEFRA approved stoves do not allow you to avoid other regulations imposed by your local authority, therefore it's still essential to follow the regulations of your local area.
Defra-approved stoves have been tested with rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and clean to use. They usually have secondary and tertiary systems that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The large firebox lets you to burn more fuel at the same time. These attributes make them a good choice for homes in smoke-controlled areas.
It is also essential to keep your stove in good order to ensure that it's secure and efficient. This includes cleaning it frequently and making sure that the chimney is free from blockages. Regular maintenance of your stove will help to reduce the risk of fire hazards and also prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
A Defra multifuel stove can be used in smoke control areas if it is fitted with a 6" liner and you burn fuels that are approved. Bowland Stoves offers a variety of Defra Multifuel Stoves in different designs that will complement your home. Our stove experts are ready to answer any questions you have.
Buy Tickets on the internet
Defra approved wood burning stoves provide homeowners with an efficient, clean and low-emissions fire and an efficient way to heat their homes. These appliances are available at a variety of prices, ranging from budget log burners up to top of the line wood burning stoves. They also offer many benefits such as being eco-friendly and being compatible with smoke control zones.
DEFRA approved wood burning and multi fuel stoves are suited for use in smoke-free areas of the UK and offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional open fires or gas stoves. They are designed to burn a variety of fuels which include solid fuels, peat, and logs. They are also compatible with wood pellets and smokeless briquettes. These are a great option for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
As well as offering a stylish and affordable way to heat your home These stoves are also extremely efficient, delivering the highest possible levels of combustion. They also include features such as secondary and tertiary air systems that reduce emissions and ensure the highest performance.
A DEFRA stove can be used with a 5" chimney liner when burning dry wood (with the stove also having five" flue size) However, if you purchase an appliance that isn't DEFRA exempt then you must upgrade the chimney liner to a minimum of 6" This could be expensive.
When looking for a brand new stove, there are a variety of things to consider, such as the physical dimensions of the space it will be placed in, its heat requirements and the amount of kW it will provide the space. You must also be aware of the style of the stove and how it will fit into your interior design. If you're installing your stove into an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, there are plenty of aesthetically-pleasing traditional and contemporary DEFRA stoves to choose from. Alternatively, contemporary Defra models will look great even without a traditional mantel or fireplace surround.