What is a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove?
A defra-approved multi fuel stove is one that has been passed the Defra smoke tests. These stoves are often referred to as SE (smoke-exempt) stoves.
The government's Defra department is responsible for implementing rules and regulations concerning the environment, agriculture and rural issues. The Defra Test guarantees that you can burn wood and approved smokeless fuels, such as Anthracite ovals in a smoke-free area without disturbing your neighbours.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly stoves are designed to emit less carbon dioxide, while making use of fuel efficiently, and using sustainable materials. They typically burn wood or a mixture of authorised fuels, and are designed with environmental considerations in mind. A selection of eco-friendly log burning and multi fuel stoves are available that range from modern to traditional models. Some eco-friendly stoves use dung (the excreta of domesticated livestock) to provide a highly efficient and carbon-free alternative to wood.
The most important thing you can do to make your stove green is to make sure that the fuel is properly seasoned or dried and kiln-fired. This reduces the moisture content of the wood and allows it to burn more efficiently. It is also a good idea to buy only wood procured from sustainable forests. Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' logo when buying wood to ensure that it has been dried to an appropriate level.
The majority of newer stoves are built to meet strict EU EcoDesign standards. These standards require stove makers to design wood-burning stoves that are energy efficient and with the environment in mind. Manufacturers must take into account emissions as well as resource efficiency and waste reduction when designing Ecodesign stoves. These are among the most eco-friendly and clean stoves on the market today.
Another option to make your stove eco-friendly is to replace the grates with ceramic. This material is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also has the added benefit of not being a smoker and reducing sulphur dioxide in the air. Ceramic grate liners are easy to keep clean and last longer than steel grate inserts.
While you can still take pleasure in the comfort of a cosy wood burner or multi fuel stove in a Smoke Control Area It is vital to only use Defra approved fuels. If you don't 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 fuels, like anthracite that is manufactured smokeless in your stove.
Clean Burning
Multi fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are only permitted to be used in areas with smoke control in the event that they burn only smokeless fuel. It could be a form of natural or manufactured smokeless log or anthracite, and it must comply with specific regulations to meet the criteria for an Defra approved wood burning stove. Stove manufacturers must also adhere to the regulations in order to make a DEFRA exempt wood burner available for sale. Here at The Stove Yard we have a fantastic choice of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves from leading brands like Arada, Parkray, Burley, Stovax and many more.
These kinds of Defra exempt stoves feature the latest combustion technology designed to reduce the amount of emissions and tar build-up up in your chimney and flue system. The stoves employ secondary and tertiary systems that 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 healthier than open fires as well as older models of stoves.
The design of a Defra approved stove is also distinct. Most of our range has a hidden mechanism that allows an intermittent flow of air to the flame, even when the vents for air are shut. This is to prevent the soot and ash being carried up the chimney, which can cause obstruction to your stove and cause dangerous chimney fires.
The new Defra-approved stoves don't allow you to completely close the air vents and slumber the stove overnight, which can send part burned combustibles in the air.

A DEFRA-approved stove can have a longer burn time compared to older stoves that are not DEFRA-approved. However it is possible to replace your fuel of choice with smokeless coal in order to slumber the stove overnight it would also reduce the burning time as the continuous supply of air required for slumbering will reduce the combustion of the smokeless fuel.
Emissions Reductions
When used correctly the DEFRA-exempt stove will produce very low levels of emissions. These emissions are typically PM2.5 particles, which can cause a variety of health problems, including heart conditions and lung disease, when inhaled.
The high combustion efficiency provided by a DEFRA-approved wooden burner reduces the amount of harmful particles and pollutants released in the process of burning. This minimizes the impact of the process of burning on the environment.
The effectiveness of a stove can lower the cost of heating your house. Using an DEFRA approved wood-burning stove instead of a conventional gas boiler can reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bills.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, it's important to make sure 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 allows you to enjoy your fireplace without worrying about nuisance smoke disturbing your neighbors.
Many stoves, in addition to being DEFRA-approved, are tested to meet clearSkies standards and can be labelled using the clearSkies label. The clearSkies mark is an independent scheme that requires stove makers to disclose information about their appliances efficiency and emissions so that consumers can make an informed decision. The information must include the stove's efficiency rating, emissions, and the type and size.
However, it's important to remember that, just as with Ecodesign the clearSkies guidelines are minimum standards, and the manufacturers can exceed these. ESSE has designed its latest stoves so that they are even more efficient and less polluting, generating less smoke without compromising the performance or control. This latest development uses the patented twin catalytic combustion technique that burns off any smoke particles it produces, dramatically reducing their effects 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 you'll get as much heat, or even more in the same amount of dry wood as if it were burned in the non DEFRA Approved Stove. It can be up 24 per cent less expensive to heat your home with the latest DEFRA Approved Stove than with gas boiler.
In compliance with Building Regulations
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to have a DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove. They have passed tests to ensure that they don't produce any smoke when burning an approved fuel, so they can be used in areas that are typically filled with buildings. At Choice Stoves, we supply and install a range of DEFRA approved log burners from the top brands including Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Tiger, Cast Tec and more.
A DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will also allow you to burn wood, peat and other solid fuels safely. It is important to be aware that certain fuels are not permitted in Smoke Control Areas, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with local guidelines and restrictions.
A proper ventilation system is crucial to the safety when operating multi fuel stoves, because it helps to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide that builds up in your home. DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves come with a built-in venting system that automatically delivers an adequate amount of air to the combustion process, ensuring that your home will always be properly ventilated and safe for use.
In addition, DEFRA approved stoves have the minimum size for flues of 550mm2, so they can be used with a standard twinwall system. Our range of flue liners is compatible with DEFRA-approved stoves. You can make your fireplace meet the most recent emission standards by choosing from our extensive range of.
When choosing Read the Full Article approved stove look for the 'DEFRA' symbol on its packaging or in the information provided by the manufacturer online. This information is also available on numerous reputable retailers' websites and in stores' displays.
If you're thinking of installing a multi-fuel stove, it's essential that you have the task done by a professional who is certified to ensure compliance with building regulations. If you fail to follow the correct installation guidelines and procedures, you could face a fine or even damage to your home. We recommend choosing an HETAS approved installer to handle your stove installation, as they will be familiar with the manufacturers guidelines and building regulations.