Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves That Are DEFRA Approved
Multi fuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved, also referred to as Defra Smoke Exempt, have passed stringent emissions tests. This means that they can be utilized in UK cities and large townships that are classified as smoke control zones.
ACR has created an elegant, contemporary-styled stove that is EcoDesign-2022 compatible. It also has DEFRA approval which allows it to be used in smoke-controlled areas.
Defra Approved
If you reside in the Smoke Control Area in the UK and you want to burn wood in your stove then you need an DEFRA approved or Defra exempt appliance. DEFRA is the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and it is the government that prohibits the release of smoke into cities and towns in areas that could pose an issue for residents. These appliances have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that particulate emissions are significantly reduced, and are qualified to pass the strict Defra smoke tests.
The Defra logo, also known as the DEFRA exemption logo is widely known and widely used by industry. It is often printed or engraved onto the stove itself, however sometimes you will find the words written on specifications sheets. You will also come across several models that are both DEFRA approved and DEFRA exempt, meaning that they can be used for solid and wood.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove has been subjected to extensive tests to determine the amount of particulate matter that it releases. It is able to comply with the Clean Air Act if it offers a minimal amount of combustion air to ensure that the fuel is burned efficiently and without producing too much fume. These stoves are typically more environmentally friendly than stoves that are not Defra-approved and they can help you save money on your heating bills too.
Defra approve wood burning stoves are particularly useful for those who live in a Smoke Control Area of the UK. You could be fined a lot if you choose to use an non Defra approved wood burning stove in a Smoke Control Area. A Defra approved stove will also be more neighbour friendly since it won't produce any nuisance smoke and will typically mean that your chimney and flue system will be more clean for a longer time.
A DEFRA-approved wood burning stove allows you to use a 5kW stove fitted with a stainless steel flexible twin wall liner. (Provided the manufacturer doesn't insist on the larger size). This is worth considering when you're looking to cut costs on the cost of a new chimney and is a great option when space is limited.
Exempt from Defra
If you reside in an zone where smoking is forbidden and you want to smoke, a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance is essential. These stoves have been rigorously tested to ensure they emit very little emissions that decrease the amount of particulate matter that enters your home (PM10).
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have a 'Defra Approved' or DEFRA Exempt' logo on their specification. Stoves that carry this logo be independently tested to ensure they are compliant with strict smoke control regulations, allowing you to burn both wood and approved smokeless fuels.
It is not recommended to burn dry wood using the use of a Defra Exempt Stove in a Smoke Control Zone, as this can create a unintentional smoke. You cannot use non-Defra approved multi fuel stoves unless in a Smoke control Area. This will also generate PM10 and could cause a significant council fine.
Multi fuel stoves approved by Defra are designed to burn smokeless coke and wood without producing any nuisance smoke. DEFRA stoves cost is achieved by using the most modern technology of combustion that does not restrict the airflow into the fireplace, which is also known as slumbering. When stoves are left to slumber overnight they can often produce excessive black smoke which is harmful to your chimney, your stove, or your health.
Stovax Vogue Small is a good example of multi-fuel stoves that are Defra Exempt and high quality. The popular wood-burning stove is extremely efficient with a maximum heating output of 5kW. It also has an inbuilt log store base, making it ideal for fitting into fireplaces with larger openings.
ACR Earlswood LS is a different multi-fuel wood burner that has been endorsed by DEFRA. The Earlswood multi-fuel stove has been tested extensively to ensure it meets the rigorous DEFRA requirements for particulate emission. It is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas and burns a range of wood and smokeless fuels.
A multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA Exempt can be an cost-effective option to replace your chimney lining. Since they almost all have five" flue outlet this means that you can fit the 125mm diameter stainless-steel twin wall flexible chimney liner rather than the standard 6" (150mm). This can be particularly economical when there is a limited space to install a larger liner and especially useful where the existing chimney stack has awkward bends which make it more difficult to install a traditional 6" chimney liner.
Smoke Control Areas
Many regions in the UK are designated as Smoke Control Areas. This means that if your house is equipped with an open fire, wood burning stove or fireplace, you can only use approved fuels by the UK government. This legislation is primarily to reduce the amount of smoke that is emitted into the properties around it and to ensure that the environment is maintained clean. However, it doesn't prohibit the use of solid fuel appliances or stoves when they meet certain criteria. DEFRA approved stoves (also known as Defra-exempted stoves) are a great option if you reside in a smoke-free area. They've been specially tested and meet the requirements.

A Defra approved stove can burn all approved fuels, including wood without generating excessive smoke. To achieve this the combustion technology employed in the Defra approved stove is designed to limit the amount of starved the stove is of air during the combustion process. Normally this is achieved by using special baffles within the stove which redirect airflow and prevent it from escaping the stove.
The top DEFRA-approved stoves will have a feature called "clean burn" that allows part-burned combustibles like soot and ash to be burned and then released through the chimney, not into the room. This feature stops combustibles that were partially burned from entering the stove again and causing a build-up that will eventually produce black smoke.
If you own stoves that are exempt from Defra and you are allowed to burn the types of fuels listed in the Clean Air Act. This is especially true if you're burning damp wood, or any other wet fuel that will produce nuisance smoke. You should consult with your supplier or the stove manufacturer's manual to determine which types of fuels can be used in your particular stove.
Gr8Fires offer a range of DEFRA exempt stoves that can be used in smoke controlled areas. The Dimplex Langbrook, for example is a chic wood-burning fireplace which is Defra-exempt and can be used with a broad range of authorised fuels. This model is available in different heat outputs and comes with a variety of colors, including a contemporary matte black finish.
Heat Output
If you see the Defra approved logo on a stove, it signifies that it is suitable to be used in a smoke control area when burning wood or other fuels that are allowed. The Defra certification process is strict testing and examination to ensure that the stove meets the Department of Environment requirements for low emissions. These features will make your stove more efficient in heating your home, and will assist you reduce your carbon footprint.
There are a range of multi-fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra, ranging from small models with 4kW to large models with 5kW. Choosing the right model will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your room and the amount of heat you need. A stove that is too big for the space could result in overheating and will lead to excessive fuel consumption. It is essential to seek the advice of a qualified when choosing a wood burning or multi-fuel stove.
You should also check whether the stove is in compliance with Ecodesign 2020 regulations. These regulations are designed to improve the energy performance of appliances and minimize their environmental impact. Ecodesign 2022 stoves burn fuel more efficiently and produce less CO2 and other pollutants. They are also easier to clean since they produce less soot and tar than other stoves.
The majority of Defra-approved multi-fuel stoves come with air controls that can be adjusted to control how much fuel is burned. These stoves also come with an ash pan, grate and an ash collector to ensure the efficient combustion of smokeless coal. The ash pan is used to collect the ashes from the firebox, and stops them from affecting the air flow to the combustion chamber.
Multi-fuel stoves come in many different styles and colors. The bold colors like red and navy can give a dramatic feel to your living space. Metallic finishes can give it a modern, sleek appearance. Some multi-fuel stoves come in a range of sizes, meaning you can choose the ideal one that will fit in with your space.