What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?

When choosing a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is essential to consider whether you reside in a smoke-free zone. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.

These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves. (SE stands for smoke exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict test criteria for emissions levels and can be used in smoke-free areas.

What is an DEFRA approved stove?

A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a smoke emission test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure that the stove emits very low levels of smoke when using fuels that are suitable such as wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra may be installed in Smoke Control Areas. They will typically have the DEFRA logo or the term SE (for smoke-free) added to their names.

The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in one of these areas you'll need a DEFRA-approved stove that can burn wood or other approved fuels by DEFRA. Stoves that are approved by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to reduce the amount of air they eat during combustion, which can result in black smoke.

Stoves that are Defra-approved come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid to eliminate any material that has not been burned in the fire, which is then blown out of the chimney. This keeps your stove and flue clean for longer and lower overall emissions.

When you are looking to purchase a stove for your home there are many factors to consider and it's easy to become overwhelmed by the volume of information on offer. You might hear terms like DEFRA or smoke controlled zones. This can be confusing when searching for a new stove.

If you are purchasing a new stove for your home, it's very important that you choose a DEFRA approved model as most large towns and cities are Smoke Control Areas and if you install a stove that is not approved, DEFRA recognized stoves you could face a hefty fine. Luckily, the majority of the stoves that we stock here at Grate Expectations are all DEFRA approved, which means you can shop with confidence knowing you're getting the highest quality woodburning stove or multifuel stove for your home.

Can I put a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?

You may come across some confusing terms when you are looking for a wood stove. There are a few terms that you can hear, such as DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt. They simply means that the stove passed a smoke-control test and is in compliance with UK government laws.

The most important benefit of buying an exempt DEFRA stove is the possibility of using it in smoke-controlled areas without fearing of being fined. This is due to the fact that the stove has been designed to limit the amount of smoke it releases. This is done by closing off the airflow during the combustion process which thereby depriving the fuel of oxygen and preventing large amounts of smoke from being generated.

To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to be able to pass a series of tests established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Typically a Defra exempt stove will bear the word SE which stands for Smoke Exempt.

Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke-control area, it's recommended to purchase one even if you don't reside in a smoke-free area. This is because a DEFRA endorsed stoves approved stove burns more efficiently than a non-DEFRA endorsed stove, meaning that you will get a better heat output from your appliance, and it will be less likely to emit part-burned combustibles into the atmosphere.

Some people will still choose to fit a non-DEFRA approved stove in their home simply because they like the appearance of it or simply because they don't live in a smoke controlled area. It is important to remember that should you reside in a smoking-free zone and you install a non DEFRA recognized Stoves approved stove, you could be subject to the possibility of a fine from your local authority. To avoid this risk, it is recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove.

Can I Burn Non-DEFRA Approved fuels in a DEFRA approved Stove?

A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove, also known as a smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which can be legally used within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test designed by UK's Department of Environment, Food and DEFRA Recognized Stoves Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a range of fuels without releasing smoke, making it an ideal option for homeowners living in urban areas.

A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner will often be identified with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes an SE will be added to the stove's name to indicate that it can be used in smoke-controlled areas. The logo is widely used in the industry, and is easily recognisable.

If you're not sure if your stove is DEFRA-approved, you can contact the manufacturer or check the specifications online. It is important to note that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo on it or is listed as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for generating nuisance smoke if you are not using it properly in the Smoke Control Area.

Making use of your DEFRA approved stove correctly is easy and involves making sure you have plenty seasoned dry wood and that it is properly lit before starting to burn it. It is important to keep the stove clean and have a water tank near the stove in case of any emergencies or problems.

A DEFRA stove will provide you with a much more efficient burn and also has less carbon footprint than traditional open fires, or even gas or electric powered stoves as they will produce less smoke and are better for the environment and your neighbours. DEFRA stoves typically have a second combustion phase which reduces the amount of smoke released into the air.

What is the Difference Between a DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non DEFRA Approved Stove?

There are a number of terms used when discussing wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. Some of these terms are extremely confusing for buyers who are new because they might not be familiar with them. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. While this may seem like a lot of jargon, it actually has a simple meaning.

A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and approved to be used in a smoke control zone. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs or Defra gives the DEFRA approval.

The DEFRA approval allows the stove to be used with authorised fuels like anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without producing excessive quantities of black smoke. Stoves that are Defra-approved are usually branded with a Defra-approved logo, or SE (smoke exemption) after their names.

For a stove to be DEFRA approved, it must meet certain requirements, including emissions testing. This test is conducted to ensure that the stove does not emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning approved fuels.

The stove also has to pass additional tests to qualify for DEFRA approval. The stove must also have secondary and tertiary technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke.

Many manufacturers offer stoves which are DEFRA-approved. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. They will also be labeled as having Clean Burn technology, which aids in reducing the amount of smoke produced when burning fuels that are approved for combustion.

Although owning a DEFRA approved stove isn't an obligation in smoke controlled areas there are a myriad of reasons why it's a good idea to get one. This will not only allow you to avoid any fines levied on the owner but will also increase the efficiency of the stove and provide a cleaner burning. This is not only good for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney and flue system of the stove.