A defra-approved stove is a stove that burns wood that has been tested and approved by the UK Government’s Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This permits stoves to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra is an English government department with responsibility for environmental protection as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and a flourishing rural economy. Defra also has solid protocols to deal with notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also referred as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are multi fuel stoves that meet the emission standards of the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but only impose restrictions on how much smoke they can produce while in operation.
At ESSE we are pleased to carry a large range of stoves that are defra approved from the top manufacturers, including Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our Defra approved stoves offer the most recent clean burning technology. They have secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming from the chimney and leaves a more eco-friendly footprint.
Defra approved products can be used for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, such as farm equipment, buildings, and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges an amount to approve new back-to-back approval trade names for disinfectants. APHA can also retest the efficacy of a product at any point. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the requirement of submitting a sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you can only burn authorised fuels or appliances exempt from the regulations. This is to lessen the amount of air pollution caused by burning unauthorised fuels that produce ash and smoke that is nuisance. Most towns and cities are in this category. To avoid breaking the law and getting the penalty of a fine, you should only make use of an DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace to burn wood logs. Stovax has a range of multi-fuel stoves and wood stoves, fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas.
They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the low smoke levels permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels such as heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity, low volatile steam or a mixture of these. On the DEFRA website, you can find a complete list of approved fuels.
Look for DEFRA Stoves Cost the DEFRA compliant stoves UK Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms if you are considering a stove. If the stove has the logo, you can be sure that it is Defra stoves cost-approved for use in smoke-controlled zones and can burn wood in these zones. You’ll still need to use an appropriate chimney liner However, the smaller 5kW stoves are typically more affordable and easier to install than larger models because they can be used with 5″ twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6″ liner.
If you do not have a DEFRA approved stove, you may be eligible to obtain an authorization from your local authority to use non-approved fuels in your home. You’ll need to check the DEFRA website to see if you can apply for an exemption, and there are specific guidelines to follow such as having a smoke detector installed. You will also need to follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
In order to be defra-approved wood burners must be able to use authorised smokeless fuels, without causing excessive emissions. These fuels, also known as ‘Smokeless Coal ‘ or ‘Heat Logs’, have been tested to ensure that they meet the requirements of Defra’s Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to real logs, since they are less pollutant and emit less smoke than traditional logs.
Before the rules for smoke control zones were put in place, residents could burn anything they wanted and this caused a lot of air pollution that caused health issues for people living in built-up areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount pollutants in these areas. They did this by regulating the kinds of fuels that can be used in fireplaces and stoves.
If you live in a smoke-free zone, it is essential that your stove is Defra approved to avoid hefty fines. Even if you do not live in a smoke-controlled area purchasing a defra exempt stove is worth it. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment.
Defra approves wood-burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested for conformity with the UK’s Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are purchasing a new stove make sure it is branded with a Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it meets all the legal requirements.
There are two primary ways to get Defra-approved. The first way to become Defra-approved is to have the stove and fuels tested. This is an extremely expensive process. You can also buy an approved stove from Defra and use only Defra-approved fuels. This is less expensive, but it is still best to check with your local council if are unsure if you are in an area that is a Smoke Control Area.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control, including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. The department was created in 2001 as a result of the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and is part of the Home Office. The department is overseen by a cabinet member who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves are tested for efficiency and low emissions. They can be used in smoke exempt areas and can burn a variety of fuel types such as coal, wood and logs. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be inset or freestanding. The stoves are ideal for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating costs.
The Defra Logo is easily recognizable and is widely used by the industry. It is typically found on the titles and specification sheets of various stoves, and signifies that the appliance can be used to burn authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. In some cases the stove may also bear an SE (smoke exempt) logo after it which signifies that the stove is able to be legally installed in a smoke control zone in the event of burning fuels approved by the government.
Wood burning stoves that have been inspected by Defra offer the latest technologies for DEFRA Stoves Cost clean combustion and are generally more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have developed secondary and tertiary combustion systems to increase the efficiency of their stoves.
If you reside in a smoke control area and do not have a DEFRA approved stove, then you could be fined up to PS1000. You can avoid this by ensuring that the stove you purchase is DEFRA-approved prior to purchasing it.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance is the most eco-friendly method of heating your home. Whether you live in a smoke control area or not, having a DEFRA approved stove will save you on your energy bills and prevent smoke from causing trouble for neighbors. We have a large choice of multifuel and wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved which means you’re bound to find the ideal one for your home. There are even models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design-2022-compliant, so you can have the best of both! Explore the selection to find what’s available.