The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These stoves have been tested thoroughly and operate in accordance with strict regulations.
Stoves that have been approved will have a 'SE', which stands for Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled areas when burning Defra approved fuels that include wood or smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempt stoves for wood burning or Defra approved stoves are made to abide by the Department of Environment's (DEFRA) regulations. The stoves have been tested and examined to ensure that they burn fuel more efficiently and emit little or no smoke. They emit very little carbon dioxide, and their combustion efficiency is so high that part-burnt combustion products like soot and ash are reburned before they escape through your chimney and into the air.
If you reside in an area that is classified as a Smoke-Control Area and you live in a Smoke-Control Area, it is crucial that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also permit you to use approved fuels. It is illegal to emit smoke from your chimney if you are not using an exemption appliance or authorised fuels. Defra exempt stoves are also better for your chimney, since they burn fuel cleanly and produce less smoke, which means your chimney and flue stay cleaner for longer.
We have a great selection of Defra exempt stoves made by the top manufacturers in the world, including Stovax and Arada. We only offer the highest quality products and you can rest assured that your new stove will be an appropriate addition to your home.
It is a popular misconception that you need to buy a Defra-exempt stove when your home is located within a smoke-control area. It's not the case. You can still install a non-DEFRA stove into your house provided that it has a 6" (150mm) flue liner, and that you only use it with approved brquettes or other fuels that are smokeless.
If you want to ensure that you can legally burn wood in your DEFRA exempt stove, we suggest you select one of our Defra approved models. The stoves we offer were designed to meet UK environmental standards. They have been tested and approved as DEFRA exempt. This means they produce minimal smoke. They are also more efficient than older-style models, meaning you can heat the property using fewer wood logs. You can pick from a range of Defra models in a vast variety of colours and styles.
Clean Burn
Wood-burning stoves and open fires produce smoke which can cause harm to the health of people in your home and those who live nearby. This is due to the fine particles in the smoke are known to cause respiratory problems such as asthma. Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves are designed to reduce these harmful effects.
These clean burning wood burners that are commonly known as SE or Defra approved stoves, have been rigorously tested and examined to ensure that they comply by the Department of Environmental's regulations. They also have been designed to use fuel more efficiently, so that they release less pollutants. They also display a clear vapour that is released from the chimney instead of the dark smoke common with older stoves that burn logs and open fires.
The reason that the smoke particles of these modern DEFRA exempt stoves are so less is due to them being constructed with secondary and tertiary airflow systems. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is continuously circulated. This makes it much more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.
This also means you are able to only use fuels that are authorised in your DEFRA-exempt wood stove (such dry firewood that has been seasoned). The airflow system on these modern stoves also keeps the combustion chamber spotless so that the build-up of soot is minimized, and gas can easily escape through the flue.
According to Defra, a new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle can produce 350 times less pollution than traditional stoves that burn wood or open fire. If you reside in an area that has a Smoke Control Area, then installing one of these efficient and modern stoves is essential to protect your health and the health of your neighbours.
You can also put in a DEFRA Approved Multi-Fuel Stove and utilize a variety of different fuels such as peat, briquettes and other solid fuels made by manufacturers that are available in supermarkets. It is recommended to only burn 'Ready To Burn" dry wood that has been seasoned. Never burn treated or painted wood since they can cause more pollution than untreated timber.
defra stoves -exempt stove for wood burning can be maintained easily. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks help to extend its lifespan. These stoves are very efficient and can cut down on the consumption of fuel by as much as 50%. They produce less emissions than other stoves and are a more eco sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
These wood stoves can be easily installed and are suitable for many homes, particularly in urban areas. The wood stoves that are available have passed Defra tests and are able to use them legally in smoke control zones without violating the law or committing the hefty penalty.
Defra-approved wood stoves may also be less expensive to operate than other stoves, thanks to their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means that less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the atmosphere. This is beneficial to your health and that of your family.
Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been certified by various initiatives such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign, meaning that they meet stringent emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications advertised on the stoves that we carry, and they give you assurance that you are buying an environmentally-friendly and safe model.
You can find a wide range of Defra exempt stoves at Stoves Direct, including many classic styles that are ideal for an inglenook fireplace, or a fireplace chamber. We also have contemporary, sleek options that look stunning with a simple fireplace surround or mantle. If you're considering purchasing one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is important to think about the style that you want to have in your home and how it will match to the decor.

A Defra exempt stove is the only kind of stove that can legally use in a Smoke Control Area, and it will help you avoid having to pay a fine if are caught with an illegal wood-burning fire. The stove is also a good choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The wood from the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the air when burned.
Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
It is important to have a stove that burns wood that has been DEFRA-approved in UK cities and towns. This means it has passed rigorous tests and is safe to use in these areas. These tests ensure the air isn't contaminated by the combustion particles produced by the stove. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke that is often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas and they can have a negative effect on health, as well as creating a nuisance for neighbours.
As a result local councils have passed laws that ban the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to address the issue. However, the good part is that you can still install a stove in your home if it is DEFRA exempt and you burn approved fuel.
Stoves that have been approved to be used in Smoke Control Zones will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or exceed strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more environmentally friendly compared to other types of woodburners because they utilize advanced secondary and tertiary burn systems which reduce their carbon footprint.
The most efficient way to find out whether you are in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask them for more information. You can also check your property's address online. However, it is recommended to contact your local council for further information.
Even if you do not reside in a Smoke Control Area a Defra-exempt wood burning stove is an excellent investment. It is more environmentally friendly and friendly to neighbors. It will also usually mean that your chimney and flue system stays more clean since a Defra approved stove will produce significantly less smoke than traditional stoves. The majority of the top stove manufacturers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, offer a range of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt.