What Are Defra Approved Stoves?
Also called Defra Exempt Stoves and Smoke Control Approved Stoves, these stoves are designed to burn Defra approved smokeless fuels like Anthracite ovals. They are not suitable for use with wood.
To be exempt from Defra the stove's air control and flue draught must be tested in tests in a laboratory. These tests differ slightly from the actual conditions.
Clean Burn Technology
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that has passed a strict test conducted by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This test confirms that the stove can burn authorised smokeless fuels such as briquettes and logs in Smoke Controlled Areas. This type of stove is not only more eco-friendly however, it is better for your neighbours too because it reduces the nuisance smoke.
These DEFRA stoves have a an exclusive combustion system that lets them sleep longer or rest longer than other stoves. This means that they will burn any authorised smokeless fuels efficiently and in a efficient manner while still sustaining the required heat output for your home. This is achieved by restricting the oxygen supply to the firebox. The fuel will be burned at a lower rate until it has been completely consumed.
Defra stoves are usually called smoke-free or SE stoves. They have a badge or label with the DEFRA logo on it. You might even see them marked as Ecodesign 2022 compliant which means they will be in compliance with the new Ecodesign emission limits when they come into force next year.
There are many aspects to take into account when buying a DEFRA. These include the style of stove, the types of fuel you can burn as well as the amount of heat it can generate. You might also want to consider other features, such as a remote control system that is easy to use or an air-wash system.
When selecting the right DEFRA woodburning or multi-fuel stove, it's crucial to consider the style of decor you want to incorporate into your home as there are many styles to choose from. There are many traditional models available for those who want to incorporate a stove into an existing fireplace or inglenook. There are also modern and contemporary options that look great without a mantel or surround. You will also need to consider the fuel that you want to use as there are DEFRA exempt wood burners and several dedicated Defra approved stoves that only allow the use of approved smokeless fuels.
Smoke Controlled Areas
Smoke Control Areas are defined in the majority of UK towns and cities. If you reside in one of these areas you'll require a DEFRA-exempt wood stove or multifuel stove. These stoves are made to conform with the Clean Air Act regulations, and have been tested for smokeless combustion.
The most important feature of a DEFRA approved stove is that they are designed with Clean Burn technology, which is how they manage to be smoke free. This is achieved by delivering a continuous supply of oxygen to the combustion chamber until the fuel has been consumed. This means that the fire will not be shut off like the traditional stove. It will continue to burn at a low level until all the fuel has been consumed and all exhaust gases have been eliminated.
This allows the stove to be used legally in a Smoke Control Area that uses authorized fuels. These include wood and manufactured smokeless fuels such as anthracite and smokeless briquettes as well as firelogs. This differs from stoves that are not approved by the Defra, which are only allowed to be used in a Smoke Control Area if they have been equipped with a specific Smoke Control Kit.
It is possible to install the Smoke Control Kit on a wood burning stove that is not exempt from DEFRA however this is not recommended. You could expose your family to risk by inhaling toxic gases and toxins that could cause lung damage. Additionally, using an exempt stove that is not DEFRA-compliant within a Smoke Control Area can result in hefty fines.
Stovax offers a wide range of wood burning multi-fuel, fireplaces and stoves that are all DEFRA exempt and can be used in smoke-controlled areas. Enter your postcode below to locate the nearest dealer. Our dealers are willing to assist you in finding the ideal DEFRA-approved stove for your home.

It is essential to keep in mind that all new stoves must be installed by registered HETAS installers to ensure that they are installed safely and in compliance with current building regulations. A DEFRA-approved stove that is able to be used in Smoke Control Zones helps reduce emissions, leading to a reduction in the amount of sulphur dioxide emitted into the air. Ecodesign regulation across the EU will be in place by 2022 and will establish emissions limits and minimum efficiencies.
Smokeless Fuels
When choosing a stove with smokeless fuels, there are many aspects to take into consideration. The stove has to be DEFRA-approved to be used in smoke-controlled areas. The appliance has been put to rigorous tests in order to reduce the amount of particulate emissions. In addition, there are a number of stoves with specially designed smokeless fuels that burn cleaner than traditional coal. additional resources is better for the environment as well as your neighbours.
Briquettes are generally made of anthracite and are smokeless fuels. They are more eco-friendly and last up to 40% longer than traditional coal. Smokeless fuels also produce more heat and emit less carbon dioxide than traditional coal.
They cost more than traditional coal, however they have a lot of advantages for you and your family. They are lighter to light and they will not create as much soot or ash. This means that the stove's grill and the glass screen will not need cleaning as often. They produce an elongated flame and emit less smoke.
It is essential to keep in mind that if you live in a smoke control zone you can only burn fuels that are approved in your stove. You may be penalized if you burn fuels that are not approved. If you are using the wrong woodburner, one that isn't DEFRA-approved, you may produce smoke that could upset your neighbors.
This is why it's essential to purchase the DEFRA exempt stove that allows you to use smokeless fuels in your home. All the stoves in this category have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they comply with the DEFRA regulations and that they don't emit noxious smoke. This is accomplished by making sure that they have the latest technology of combustion, which stops part-burned combustibles from escaping into the air.
Warranty
DEFRA stoves are wood-burning or multi fuel stoves that have been approved for use in Smoke Control Areas. They have gone through rigorous testing to ensure that they are efficient and clean combustion, low emissions and optimum performance. They are available in a variety of different styles to complement the style of your home.
Defra approved stoves are called SE Stoves in the industry, Smoke Exempt Stoves or Smoke Control Area Approved Stoves. These terms all refer to the same type stove that has been proven to meet the strict requirements of UK regulations that limit smoking for a certain amount of time.
The stove must only be used with approved smokeless fuels, such as blue flame or anthracite. If you attempt to burn anything other than approved smokeless fuels, it will create a nuisance smoke that could cause respiratory problems for those who suffer from asthma. The installer and customer must ensure that the appliance is suitable for the building using the Defra Calculator, making sure that the chimney components are in good working order and adhering to the minimum distances from burning combustibles.
Stoves that have been installed incorrectly can cause damage, leakage and void the warranty. Installation must be done by a HETAS-certified engineer in order to ensure that the stove is safe and correctly installed. The warranty does not cover consumables such as glass rope seals for glass doors and windows paint finishes, interior lining plates, firebricks and baffles. These are considered as replacement parts for the customer and can be purchased from us should you require them. The warranty does not cover any damage caused by high humidity or salt air.
Purchasing a DEFRA stove is an investment into your home, not only for the warmth it will provide you with but also for the peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to to protect the environment and your neighbours too. You can be sure that a DEFRA-approved wood-burning or multi-fuel stove will last for many years.