What's The Reason? Defra Exempt Stove Is Everywhere This Year

· 5 min read
What's The Reason? Defra Exempt Stove Is Everywhere This Year

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

It is essential to take into consideration whether you reside in a region that has smoke control laws before you choose a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.

These appliances are also sometimes called SE stoves (SE stands for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing requirements for emission levels and can be used in smoke-free areas.

What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?

A DEFRA-approved stove is a multifuel or wood-burning stove that has passed an emission test for smoke created by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure that the stove emits very low levels of smoke when it is using the right fuels like wood. Stoves that have been approved by Defra can be installed in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or have the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name.

The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas. If you live in such an area you'll require an approved DEFRA stove to burn wood and other approved DEFRA fuels. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to limit the amount of air they consume during combustion, which could cause black smoke.

The stoves that are Defra-approved also have secondary and tertiary systems that aid to burn unburned material in the fire that is then blown out of the chimney. This keeps your stove and flue cleaner for longer and lower overall emissions.

There are many things to consider when buying an appliance. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information available. You may hear terms such as DEFRA or smoke controlled zones. This could be confusing if you're searching for a new stove.

It is important to choose the DEFRA-approved model before purchasing an appliance. Most large cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove is not approved, you could be fined quite a bit. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that are DEFRA approved. This means that you can shop in confidence knowing that you're getting a top wood burning stove or multifuel stove.

Can I Fit a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?

There are a few confusing terminology when shopping for a wood burning stove. One of the terms you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, which simply indicate that the stove passed a test that complies with the UK governments smoke control laws.

The main benefit of buying an exempt DEFRA stove is the possibility of using it in smoke-controlled areas without fear of being fined. This is due to the fact that the stove was designed to reduce the amount of smoke it releases. This is done by closing off the airflow during the process of combustion and thus depriving the fuel of oxygen and stopping excessive amounts of smoke from being generated.

To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to undergo a series tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Typically a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.

It is a good idea, even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area, to buy a DEFRA-approved stove. A DEFRA-approved stove will burn more efficiently than one that isn't DEFRA-approved. This means you will get more heat output and less part-burned combustibles in the air.

Some people opt to install an non DEFRA approved stove in their home due to its look or because they do not live in a smoke-free area. It is important to remember that if you reside in a smoking-free zone and install the non DEFRA approved stove, you could face the possibility of a fine from your local authority. It is therefore always best to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove to avoid this risk.

Can I burn non-DEFRA-approved fuels in a DEFRA approved Stove?

A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known as a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel, is a stove which is legal to use within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test developed by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emission during combustion. It is able to burn a variety of fuels without releasing smoke, which makes it an excellent option for homeowners living in urban areas.

A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove may have the Defra Approved logo on it or be referred to as a DEFRA exempt stove. They might have an SE added to the stove's name to indicate it can be used in smoke controlled areas. This logo is widely adopted in the industry and is easily identifiable.

If you are unsure of whether your stove is DEFRA approved, you can call the manufacturer and ask or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to remember that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo or is described as being a DEFRA stove, it is still possible to be charged with producing excessive smoke if not using it correctly in an area that has a Smoke Control Area.

Utilizing your DEFRA approved stove is very simple and involves making sure that you have plenty of seasoned dry wood and that it is properly lit before you begin to burn it. It is also crucial to regularly clean your stove and keep a water tank nearby in the event of an emergency or issues with the stove.

A DEFRA stove is more efficient and produces less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for the surroundings and your neighbors.  multi fuel stove defra approved  include a second stage of combustion, which reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is 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 and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing to new buyers who might not know what they mean. You might have heard the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. It may sound like a lot terms, but it has a very simple meaning.

A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been inspected and is approved for use in smoke control zones. The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, or Defra, grants the DEFRA approval.

The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with authorized fuels like anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. The stove can be used without producing excessive amounts of black fume in areas that control smoke. Defra approved stoves will usually be identified with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) in their name.

To become DEFRA approved the stove must be able to meet certain requirements, including testing for emissions. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove does not emit excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorized fuels.

There are also some additional tests that the stove must go through to be able to be eligible for DEFRA approval. These include making sure that the stove is equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.

Many manufacturers sell stoves that are DEFRA approved. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps reduce the amount smoke produced by burning approved fuels.

It is a great idea to have a DEFRA-approved cooktop in areas that are smoke-free. Not only will this assist to avoid any fines levied against the owner however, it will also mean that the stove is more efficient and has more clean burning. This is not only good for the environment, but it is also beneficial for the chimney and flue system of the stove.