What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you reside in an area where smoke is regulated and you're looking to purchase a wood-burning stove it is essential to select the DEFRA approved or exempt stove. Stoves that are not DEFRA exempt could cause a shortage of fuel to the log burner, resulting in excess emissions and smouldering fuel.
Clean Burn Technology
If you choose a DEFRA approved stove, you will be contributing to help reduce air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are specifically designed to meet the strict smoke emission standards outlined by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clean burn technology is incorporated in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This ensures that all wood or solid fuels you burn are burned completely before they escape your chimney. This is achieved through secondary and sometimes even tertiary intakes of air that ensure that each particle of smoke is burned before it leaves the stove. This means that your chimney will remain cleaner for longer, and you'll have a more efficient stove that uses less fuel to heat your home.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves includes a great choice of traditional and modern styles. It's because not everyone would like a stove that is the center of attention in their living space. You may prefer something more discrete to blend into your decor. We have a selection of freestanding and inglenook stoves that are compliant with DEFRA approval standards, so you can find the perfect fit for your fireplace chamber.
You'll also be able to pick from a range of DEFRA stoves that can be multi-fuel which means you have the versatility of being able to burn a variety of approved fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel stove or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a variety of finishes and colours.
We are proud to offer a wide selection of DefrA wood burners that have been independently tested by HETAS to meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards and to be legal to use in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to purchase a DEFRA stove as using an appliance that is not approved could see you fined. If you'd like to know if you are in a Smoke Control Area then visit the DEFRA website or talk to your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
Stoves that are DEFRA wood burning stoves that have been approved have undergone stringent testing to ensure that they can be used in smoke-free areas. There is a wide range of DEFRA stoves at Bowland Stoves that offer clean combustion, less emissions, and the possibility of cost savings. You can choose from a variety of designs to match your home's style.
Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK towns and cities. In the past, people would burn whatever fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to a lot of pollution in a variety of areas and caused health problems for the residents. In the past, there was no legislation that regulated this, but now we have to abide by the rules.
Defra regulations have been created to ensure public safety. They specify the stoves that can be used in certain areas, as well as what fuels we can use. This means that if you live in a smoke controlled area then you should only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn fuels that are approved such as logs, pellets or coal. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and you use prohibited fuels, you could be penalized as high as PS1000.
A Defra-approved stove will provide the minimum amount of air to burn, which will result in the least amount of smoke emissions. This is the only guarantee that you're allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Areas.
To be DEFRA approved, wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves must have an average moisture content of less than 20% to prevent excessive smoke. To achieve this, wood must be treated with a seasoned. It is recommended to choose wood from the Forestry Commission's"Woodsure Ready To Burn" scheme.
When buying a stove to use in a Smoke Control Area then make sure it has the Defra logo or a 'SE' following its name. This signifies that it's smoke exempt. The Defra logo is very easily identifiable and is widely accepted by the industry.
Conforms to Building Regulations
If a wood burning stove is DEFRA certified, this means that it has been thoroughly tested and has met the requirements of building construction. This ensures the stove is safe to use and that it has a correctly installed flue system. This reduces indoor air pollution and reduces fire dangers. This is particularly important for those living in smoke control areas where it is illegal to burn fuels that are not authorised.
Our selection of DEFRA stoves are available in a variety of sizes and styles to ensure you find the ideal stove for your home. We offer models in traditional and modern styles in freestanding, inglenook, and inset styles to match any style. Based on your preferences you can select a wood burner or a multi-fuel option. All DEFRA stoves have clean-burn technology, so you can be sure that they'll burn your fuels efficiently and safely.
DEFRA stoves are also designed to be in compliance with strict rules regarding smoke emissions in smoke controlled areas. These regulations are created to limit the amount of particulate matter that is released into the air during combustion.
The latest DEFRA wood-burning stoves are designed for this purpose, using advanced combustion systems that don't restrict airflow inside the firebox. This lets the wood be burned faster and more thoroughly and reduces the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also feature an additional combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning unburned combustion fuels.
It is possible to install an appliance that does not conform to DEFRA regulations, however it will require substantial changes to your chimney and flue. This will likely involve changes to the structure, which could require planning permission. To avoid this, it's recommended to select a DEFRA-compliant stove when buying a brand new fireplace that burns wood.
A DEFRA approved stove will usually come with a 5" (125mm) flue outlet. This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner and save money on installation. This is a great solution for those on a tight budget or whose chimney stack has some tricky bends.
Reduced Emissions

If you are searching for a wood burning stove, you will encounter several terms that might confuse you. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves means they can be used in smoke-free areas in the UK.
The stoves have been through an array of tests to ensure that they are in compliance with the UK's laws on smoking. This is achieved by incorporating the most modern clean burn technology that makes use of third-level combustion and secondary combustion to create cleaner air in your home. This can help reduce the use of fuel, since it is burned more efficiently.
Due to the latest technology employed, DEFRA wood burning stoves approved are far more eco-friendly than older open fires and stoves. When used correctly an appliance that burns wood is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that wood absorbs carbon dioxide as they grow, and release it back into the atmosphere when they are burnt. This is why they are a green alternative to fossil fuels to heat your home.
The main concern when using a fireplace that burns wood is the emission. The smoke produced from a wood burning stove contains ultra-fine particulates which can cause health issues. These particles can cause breathing problems, aggravate asthma symptoms, and cause you to feel sick. They can also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.
Domestic wood burning is now the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution as traffic. This is due to the fact that traditional wood stoves use outdated technologies that don't utilize the latest technology for clean burning to assist in the production of PM2.5. This is why it is crucial to purchase a DEFRA exempt stove if you reside in a smoke controlled area or even if you don't, as they are more beneficial for the environment and your chimney.
Bowland Stoves stocks a large choice of DEFRA-approved kitchen stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. defra burning mdf recommend you speak to a member of our team in case you aren't sure what kind of stove is suitable for your property however, if you do choose one of our DEFRA approved stove, you can rest assured it has undergone thorough testing and inspection to be certain it is suitable to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.