Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you are in the UK smoke control zone (most cities and large towns) then you'll require a DEFRA approved stove to ensure that you are not breaking the law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that wood or multi fuel is burnt without producing excessive amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning
Wood stoves that are exempt from Defra which are also known as 'clean burning' wood burners as they're typically referred to, use the most modern combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. They achieve this by using pre-heated secondary air to burn the fuel more efficiently and to reduce harmful particulates emitted into the atmosphere. The result is less smoke and a more efficient flame and a more effective heating system.
Modern wood stoves aren't only more efficient, but they also have been designed to be more gentle on your chimney and flue. They don't produce nearly as much creosote as their older counterparts, so you can keep your chimney and flue system clean for longer.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area (most major towns and cities) then you must use a Defra Approved Stove or Wood Burner in order to avoid breaking the law and incurring an enormous fine. However, even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area it is still recommended to purchase a Defra Approved stove as they will not only create less nuisance smoke but will aid in reducing your heating expenses and carbon footprint too.
In the past, a number of manufacturers produced wood stoves which were filthy and performed poorly in comparison with their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to a variety of factors, including the size and type of fireplace and stove used, the way wood was stored and burned and how the stove was operated.
Today, all wood stoves have to meet a higher standard of EPA emissions than their non-certified predecessors. The most recent wood stoves, including the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450, have an EPA rating of less than 1 gram per hour.
Wood stoves have a lot of room to improve. The Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates, that if all the old stoves are replaced with modern ones that meet Defra standards, then several billion tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide could be sucked out each year.
Reduced Emissions
Stove Supermarket stocks the new DEFRA-approved wood-burning stoves that make use of the latest clean burn technologies to ensure they can combust smokeless coal and solid fuel at a lower combustion temperatures. They produce less harmful emissions, which means you can make use of them in smoke control areas.
The primary pollutant produced by burning solid fuels is fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These tiny particles are so tiny that they can penetrate the respiratory system of a person and cause health issues such as stroke and heart disease. A study published by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves release high levels of PM2.5 within the home. The harmful particles were at their highest every time the stove was opened to refuel.
DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves feature an air-wash system which keeps the glass clear of soot and ash. This will keep your stove looking fresh for longer and cut down on the cost of maintenance and cleaning.
While the benefits of a wood burner are a fact, the decision to buy a stove that permits you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a serious decision. In the past, when people could simply open their fireplaces and let their wood burn as they wished, towns and cities were suffocated by unhealthy levels of smog which caused breathing problems for many residents.
In Smoke Control Areas In Smoke Control Areas, in areas with smoke control, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only option for homeowners who wish to use their fireplace legally. If you're thinking of purchasing a new wood-burning stove or replacing your open fire and want to be sure that it is a Defra Approved Stove is the best option to comply with the smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket stocks a range of Defra Approved Wood Burning Stoves from top brands like Arada, Burley and Parkray, so you can choose the model that's best for you. Our Defra Approved Stoves are all Ecodesign Compliant and come with a the Defra Certificate Of Conformity. You can be assured that you new woodburning fireplace will comply with the latest guidelines for use in a smoke-control zone.
High Efficiency
This will decrease your carbon footprint and your energy bills. This is especially important as the cost of gas and electricity continues to increase. Switching to a wood stove that is approved by the DEFRA will allow you to regain control of the costs for your home and save money over time.
A Defra approved wood stove is compliant with the Government's regulations regarding smoke-free areas and therefore you can use it in smoke-free zones. If you see a stove that has Defra Approved or the word 'SE' in its title, it means that it is in compliance with the strict requirements of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

They can produce much less particulate emission than earlier versions of wood burners and open fires. The latest stoves by leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax include secondary and tertiary burning systems that reduce the overall emissions of the stove. Many of these wood-burning stoves are also SIA EcoDesign Ready, meaning they are more eco-friendly than DEFRA Approved and will be capable of meeting future emission targets.
In addition to being environmentally responsible As well as being more environmentally responsible, as well as being more environmentally responsible, a Defra approved stove will burn your firewood much more efficiently than older open fires or stoves. This will result in less particulate emissions which is great news for those living in smoke control zones. As well as this an approved DEFRA stove can also help reduce your fuel expenses. If you choose a stove which can burn more wood per hour than an open fire, you can save money by not having to feed it as frequently.
A Defra Approved Stove is an excellent option for anyone who wants to be environmentally friendly and lower their energy costs. In addition to providing energy efficient and clean heating, these stoves are available in a variety of styles to match any style preference.
EPA Certification
If you live in an area where smoke is controlled, you will require a DEFRA-approved stove to burn wood at home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is responsible for regulations relating to environmental and countryside issues. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys unless using an exempt appliance or authorised fuels, such as smokeless coal. Defra approved stoves are the only appliance that can be legally used in these areas without violating the law and resulting in fines of up to PS1,000.
The best way to be sure that you buy a smoke-free stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This certification means that the stove has passed stringent tests to ensure that it can be installed in a smoke control area. The stove will also be rated an efficient burner, which means that it delivers maximum heat while using less fuel. This efficiency will save homeowners money on heating bills and cut down on the amount of wood they need to heat their homes.
A Defra-approved wood burning stove should also have eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU is a excellent example of a Defra approved stove that has an array of environmentally conscious features. It is built to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard, which means it emits very little emissions and reduces the environmental impact. This means a healthier, greener operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems more secure.
A Defra approved wood burning stove will offer you many benefits aside from being in compliance with UK government smoke control regulations. By adhering to strict emission standards stoves play a significant role in reducing air pollution which can aid in reducing respiratory problems for people with sensitive lungs. They also have long burn times which can translate into significant savings on fuel and wood consumption. click for more can also be combined with heating systems that are energy efficient, resulting in an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for the home.