Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove permits you to legally burn wood and other smokeless fuels within a UK Smoke Control Area. They are usually equipped with a continuous supply secondary combustion air in order to stop the fuel from burning out or producing nuisance smoke.
A Defra Stove (sometimes called a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested for emission levels and has passed the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs requirements.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke from open fires or stoves can contribute to air pollution in the UK, especially in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been set up where only certain types of fuels or home fire appliances can be used. Clean Air Act regulations are strict to reduce pollution. If you live in a Smoke-Control Area it is essential to use only wood burning stoves or log burners approved by Defra. This ensures you are burning legal fuel and are not generating smoke that upsets your neighbours.
A large portion of Stovax multi fuel and wood burning DEFRA approved stoves have secondary and tertiary combustion units which help you make your logs burn more efficiently and, in turn, helps to reduce emissions. This lets you enjoy a beautiful fire, while producing less smoke.
A Defra approved stove or to confer the full title a Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and passed the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) legislation regarding smoke levels in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove will only produce very little smoke in normal operation. This means that you can burn specific types of wood in your stove as you're able to burn firewood' and has the moisture level being less than 20%. You are not able to burn damp or wet firewood in a stove that is approved by DEFRA because it could emit noxious fumes that violate the Clean Air Act.
When choosing the Defra approved stove, think about the design of the stove and how it will fit into your living space. There are defra burning mdf to pick from as well as modern alternatives. You should also be aware of the kind of fuel you will be burning. Certain Defra approved stoves are only compatible with wood and do not have the option of a multi-fuel burner.
If you wish to be able to burn other authorised fuels in your stove, such as smokeless coal or anthracite, you'll need an additional smoke control kit which can be fitted to non-Defra exempt appliances. The Stovax shop has a selection of smoke control kits that are compatible with all stoves that aren't Defra-approved.
Coal
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly option, allowing you to relax in the warmth of your stove while minimising the impact on the environment. They are compliant with government regulations and manufacturers must adhere to the rules if they wish to remain in business.
The most sustainable method to heat your home is to make use of a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove. These stoves can also burn other fuels, such as coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that is not renewable. energy source that was discovered around 300 million years ago. During that time swamps with giant ferns and other plants were common on Earth. These plants sank into the water when they died and grew into peat over time. This was then buried beneath layers of rock and other materials until it was transformed into solid coal.
When coal is ignited, it releases lots of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide which can cause air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is the main cause of acid rain, which can harm lakes and rivers, harming wildlife, and even causing damage to crops. Many countries, including the United States, have banned coal mining due to the threat of acid rain.
Although coal emits lots of pollutants, it is still a significant element of the heating industry. It is the most utilized fossil fuel and comes at the lowest cost relative to other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Furthermore coal is a very energy efficient fuel and produces lots of heat per pound.
A DEFRA exempted wood-burning stove, or DEFRA approved stove can be used to burn authorised fuels like briquettes and coke in areas that are smoke-free. They are also compatible with a range of firelogs. Firelogs are compressed sawdust, wood waste or other wood wastes that are often mixed with paraffin to help light.
If you reside in an area that is subject to Smoke Control, you can avoid hefty penalties by using an approved DEFRA stove. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves by leading manufacturers like Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax, and many more. We can help you choose the best stove for your home, and ensure that it is installed by a certified engineer to avoid any issues.
Wood
Defra approved wood stoves are the best option for homeowners living in an area that has a smoke control. They are less polluting by burning low-smoke, clean fuel. They are also economical and come in a range of styles that will suit your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt, have a secondary inlet that is above the main vent. This is pre-heated before the main air flow is allowed to enter and assists in preventing the ash from sticking to glass of the stove as well as aiding the burning logs to draw in air. Some stoves might also have a secondary air inlet, which is heated by the flue gases as they exit, which ensures an improved combustion and more efficient flames.
You can also choose to have a DEFRA approved log burner that is specifically designed to burn dry and well-seasoned hardwoods. This kind of wood is sourced locally and is carbon neutral. When trees are burned they release carbon dioxide that was absorbed by the trees as they grew.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA can be used within smoke-controlled areas, provided you only use fuels that are approved. If you're unsure whether your home is located in a Smoke Control Area you can contact your Local Authority to find out more.
A Defra approved wood stove is an excellent alternative for those who love the appearance of a traditional log burner, but want to be able to use other fuels as well. It is important to note, however, that only DEFRA approved stoves can have a 5" liner when burning hardwood, and it is required to be installed by a licensed installer. If you'd prefer an edgier design, there are plenty of Defra-approved stoves that can be fitted into fireplace chambers or inglenooks and still look stunning. It's important to note that these stoves don't offer the option to burn authorized fuels, such as smokeless anthracite oval. You'll need an additional woodburning stove that is Defra approved to use this feature. This is a great option since burning fuels that are not approved by DEFRA on an unapproved stove could cause you to be in violation of the regulations.
Smokeless Fuels
The use of smokeless fuels in a multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove is a great method to reduce the amount of emissions and soot generated by your fire. The smokeless fuels that are anthracite-based and are sold as briquettes are usually anthracite-based. They are designed to produce less pollutant than household coal and also provide a more consistent fire. They are an excellent choice for those in areas of smoke control however, they are ideal for those who love using an open fire or multi-fuel stove.

A wood-burning stove that is DEFRA-approved has an additional or third-burn system that boosts combustion and helps eliminate harmful gases and particles. These systems also help extend the lifespan of your stove by reducing the speed of wear and tear or clogs the flue. Most newer stoves are DEFRA approved, but older stoves can be modified using a kit to become compliant.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been designed to be DEFRA compliant. The large, warp-free door made of cast iron provides a great view of the fuel bed. The stove features a chic bevelled door design as well as an elegant chrome handle that contrasts with the style.
It's important to choose the best stove for your house. That's why it's important to ensure that the new stove is in line with the standards set by the government. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance can help you save money, give you more flexibility, and keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry an array of the top DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands including Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and more. We can also recommend a qualified engineer who is gas safe. Contact us now for more information or to request a quote for your home. We are delighted to serve customers across the UK. We are one the largest retailers in the United Kingdom of DEFRA approved products So you can rest assured that you're getting a high-quality stove at an affordable price. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and are in compliance with all of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.