What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?

A defra-approved multi-fuel stove is one which has passed the Defra test for smoke. They are also referred to as SE (smoke exempt) stoves.

The Defra department of the government is responsible for implementing rules and regulations relating to rural issues, agriculture, and the environment. The Defra Test assures you that you are able to burn wood, approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite Ovals, for instance, in a smoke-controlled space without disturbing neighbors.

Eco-Friendly

Eco-friendly stoves are designed to emit less carbon dioxide, while using fuel efficiently and utilising sustainable materials. Eco-friendly stoves are usually made to burn wood or in combination with other approved fuels. There are numerous eco-friendly multi-fuel stoves as well as log burners to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern models. Some eco-friendly stoves use dung (the excrement of domestic livestock) to provide a highly efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.

The most important factor in making sure your stove is eco-friendly is to make sure that the fuel used is properly seasoned or kiln dried. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and allows it to burn more efficiently. It is also a good idea to purchase only wood that comes from sustainable forests. When purchasing wood be sure to look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label to ensure that it has been properly dried.

The majority of newer stoves meet strict EU EcoDesign Standards. These standards require stove manufacturers to design wood-burning stoves with energy efficiency and the environment in mind. Manufacturers must account for emissions, resource efficiency, and waste reduction when they design Ecodesign stoves. They are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves available.

Replace the grill on your stove with ceramic grate. This will make it more eco-friendly. Ceramic is not just aesthetically pleasing but also has the added benefit of not being a smoker and reducing the amount of sulphur dioxide that is released into the air. Ceramic grates also have a longer duration and are much easier to clean than steel grate inserts.

While you can still relax in cozy wood burners or a multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area it is crucial to only use Defra approved fuels. If you do not have this, you could be in breach of the law and could face a fine from the local council. To avoid this, you should only use DEFRA approved low emission stoves approved fuels, such as an amorphous smokeless oval, in your stove.

Clean Burning

A Defra approved multi fuel stove can be used in smoke controlled areas when it is burning authorised smokeless fuel only. It can be a non-smokeless log, anthracite or a naturally occurring or manufactured product. Stove manufacturers must also follow the rules in order to make a DEFRA exempt wood burner for sale. The Stove Yard has a great choice of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves and wood burning stoves from top brands like Arada, Parkray and Burley.

These kinds of Defra exempt stoves offer the most advanced combustion technology, designed to reduce the amount of emissions and tar build-up in your chimney and flue system. The stoves use secondary and tertiary systems to ignite particulates, tar gases and other pollutants before they escape into the air. This is the reason Defra approved wood burning stoves are so much more clean than open fires and older generation stoves.

The design of a Defra-approved stove is also distinct. The majority of our range has an in-built mechanism that allows an intermittent flow of air to the flame even after the air vents have been closed. This stops ash and soot from being sent through the fireplace, which can cause dangerous chimney fires.

The new Defra-approved cooktops don't permit you to completely shut the air vents and slumber the stove over night, which can send part-burned combustibles to the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burn duration compared to non-Defra stoves. However, if you were to swap your authorised fuel with smokeless coal to sleep the stove over night, this would also shorten the burning time as the constant supply of air needed for slumbering would curtail the combustion of the smokeless fuel.

Reduced Emissions

If used correctly, a DEFRA exempt stove can produce extremely low levels of emissions. These emissions are usually PM2.5 particles, which can cause a variety health issues, including heart conditions and lung disease, when inhaled.

The high efficiency of combustion provided by a DEFRA-approved wood burner reduces the amount harmful particles and pollutants released by the process of burning. This significantly lowers the environmental impact especially in urban areas where pollution levels are high.

The effectiveness of a stove can lower the cost of heating your house. If you use a DEFRA-approved wood burning stove in place of a gas boiler, you can reduce your carbon footprint as well as save the cost of your energy.

If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's important to ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved or Smoke Exempt as this will allow you to use Defra approved fuels like manufactured smokeless coal ovals such as Anthracite and Homefire as well as dried wood and other authorised solid fuels. This lets you relax in your fireplace and not worry about the nuisance smoke that could disturb your neighbors.

Many stoves, in addition to being DEFRA approved, are also tested according to clearSkies requirements and are able to be identified with the clearSkies label. The clearSkies scheme is an independent scheme that requires stove manufacturers display information on the efficiency and emissions of their products that allow consumers to make an informed choice. The information must include a stove's efficiency rating as well as emissions, along with its size and type.

It is important to remember that, just as with Ecodesign, the clearSkies regulations are minimum standards, and the manufacturers can go beyond these. ESSE for instance has developed its latest stoves to be even more efficient and less polluting, producing less particulates without sacrificing performance or control. This latest innovation utilizes patented Twin Catalytic Combustion Technology that reburns all smoke particles, reducing their impact on the environment.

If you live in a smoke-controlled zone and use a DEFRA Approved Stove with a top-quality, kiln dried or seasoned log, then you'll get the same amount of heat, DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves or perhaps more than that, from the same amount of dry wood than the same amount of wood burned in an non DEFRA Approved Stove. In fact, it could be as much as 24 percent cheaper to heat your home with a an newest Defra Approved stove than a traditional gas boiler.

Compliant with Building Regulations

If you reside in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. These stoves have passed tests to ensure that they don't produce any smoke when burning authorised fuel, so they can be used in areas that are heavily populated by buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from top brands like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.

A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will allow you to burn peat, wood and other solid fuels safely. It is crucial to be aware that certain fuels cannot be used in Smoke Control Areas.

To allow a multi-fuel stove to perform safely, it's essential that you have the appropriate ventilation. This will minimize the formation of carbon monoxide in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with an integrated venting system that is able to automatically deliver sufficient air to the combustion process, meaning that your home will always be well ventilated and safe for use.

DEFRA approved stoves also have a minimum dimension of 550mm2, which means they can be used combination with a standard dualwall flue system. Our range of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA approved stoves. You can make your fireplace meet the latest emission requirements with our wide selection.

Look for the DEFRA symbol on the stove's packaging, or online. This information is also available on a variety of trustworthy retailers' websites and in the store displays.

It's important to hire a certified professional if you plan to install a multi-fuel fireplace. This will ensure that the installation is compliant with building codes. If you do not follow the correct instructions for installation and procedures, you could face a fine or even damage to your home. We suggest using a HETAS certified installer to complete your stove installation, because they will be familiar with the manufacturer's guidelines and building regulations.