What is a Defra Approved Stove?

A defra approved stove is a wood burning stove that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.

Defra is an English government department responsible for protecting the environment, food production and standards, agriculture, and an thriving economy of the countryside. Defra also sets robust protocols to manage notifiable diseases.

Approved by Defra

Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet the requirements of the government's emission standards for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but they do limit the amount of smoke they produce when in operation.

At ESSE we are pleased to offer a wide range of defra-approved stoves from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves come with the most modern clean burning technology. This means they come with secondary and third-party combustion systems that aid to reduce emissions, which results in less smoke emitted from the chimney, and leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

Defra approved disinfectants can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces, including farms, DEFRA permitted Stoves buildings, crates and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which is charged an amount to approve new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also test a disinfectant's efficacy at anytime. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants, without the requirement of submitting samples.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas are found in several areas of the UK. This means that you can only use exempt equipment or burn fuels that are approved. This is to help reduce air pollution from burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash builds up. To avoid breaking the law or getting fined, you should only burn wood logs in an approved DEFRA stove, fire, or fireplace. Stovax have a wide range of wood and multi fuel fireplaces, stoves and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.

They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the minimal smoke levels allowed in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn a variety of fuels including logs, semi-anthracite or anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels, such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity, steam coal with low volatile, or any combination of these. On the DEFRA registered stoves website, you will see a complete list approved fuels.

When choosing a stove for your home, search for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the website of the manufacturer or at their showrooms. If they have the logo then you are aware that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke controlled areas and can be used to burn wood in these zones. It is still necessary to install a chimney liner that is suitable but the 5kW smaller stoves are usually more affordable and easier to install than larger models because they can be fitted with 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.

You could be eligible for an approval from your local authority if don't own a DEFRA-approved stove. This permits you to use fuels that are not approved in your home. You will need to visit the DEFRA website to find out whether you qualify for an exemption, and there are specific rules to be adhered to for example, having a smoke detector installed. It's also worth noting that if you have an open fire, BBQ or garden chiminea, you'll need to follow the same guidelines as Smoke Control Areas.

Approved for Smokeless fuels

To be approved by the defra wood burners must be able to burn smokeless fuels authorized by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels, also referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or Heat Logs are subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to logs made from real wood, because they are less smoky and produce less fumes than the seasoned logs.

Before the smoke control zones were put in place residents were able to burn whatever they wanted. This led to pollution of the air and health issues for those who lived in urban areas. Since the regulations were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount pollutants in these areas. They did this by regulating kinds of fuels that can be burnt in fireplaces and stoves.

If you reside in a smoke-free area, then it is crucial that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't have to pay huge fines for violating the rules. Even if you don't live in a smoke controlled area, it is still worth investing in an exempt stove from defra as they are better for the environment and the chimney system as well.

Defra has approved wood burning stoves as well multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. When you purchase a new stove, make sure that it's got the Defra approval badge to be assured that it meets the regulations required.

There are two primary ways of becoming approved by Defra. The first method to become Defra-approved is to have your stove and fuels tested. This is an extremely expensive process. You can also buy a stove that is Defra-approved and use only fuels that are approved by Defra. This is less expensive however it is recommended to consult your local council if are not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area.

In England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control, including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom in international negotiations regarding fisheries, agricultural and environmental issues. The department was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as well as the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and some of the Home Office. It is managed by an official in the cabinet who reports to the Prime Minister and other members of the cabinet.

Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for areas with no smoke and can burn logs, coal and wood. They are available in a variety of styles and sizes and can be either freestanding or inset. They are the ideal stove for those looking to reduce their heating costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and widely used by the industry. It is often found on the specifications and titles sheets of many stoves, and signifies that the appliance is able to burn authorized fuels in smoke-controlled areas. In some instances, the stove may also bear an SE (smoke exempt) logo after it which signifies that the stove can be legally installed in a smoke-control area when burning authorised fuels.

Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved feature the latest in clean combustion technology and are often more efficient. Numerous top stove manufacturers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to boost the efficiency of their stoves.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, you could be penalized up to PS1000. You can avoid this by ensuring that the stove you purchase is DEFRA-approved prior to purchasing it.

A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance is the most environmentally friendly way to heat your home. A DEFRA Permitted Stoves approved wood burning stove will help you save on your energy bills and also prevent smoke from affecting neighbours. You're sure find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. There are a few models that are both DEFRA-approved and Eco Design-2022 compliant so you can get the best of both! Explore the selection to find what's on offer.