The Benefits of DEFRA Exempt Wood Burners
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for homeowners who live in smoke control zones. These particular log burners have been tested thoroughly and are operating in accordance with strict regulations.
Stoves that are approved will usually be identified with the letter "SE" which means Smoke Exempt. They can only be used in smoke-controlled areas when burning Defra-approved fuels such as wood or manufactured smokeless fuels.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA exempted wood burning stoves or Defra approved stoves are designed to be in compliance with the Department of Environment (DEFRA's) regulations. web link were tested and inspected to ensure that they efficiently burn fuel and produce little or no smoke. They have low emissions levels and their efficiency in combustion is so high that even part-burnt combustion products like soot and ash are reburned before they escape down your chimney and out into the atmosphere.
If you live in an area that is classified as a Smoke-Control Area It is essential that your stove is DEFRA exempt. It should also permit you to use fuels that are authorised. Smoke emanating from your chimney is unlawful if you do not use an exempt appliance, or fuels that have been approved. Exempt stoves from Defra are better for your chimney as they burn fuel more efficiently and produce less smoke, meaning your chimney and flue remain cleaner for longer.
We have a variety of Defra-exempt stoves such as those from Stovax and Arada. We only provide the highest quality products and you can be confident that your new stove will be a safe and effective addition to your home.
It is a common myth that you must buy an exempt stove from Defra even if your house is located in a smoke-control area. This is not true. You can still put a non-DEFRA stove to your home provided it has an 6" (150mm) flue liner, and only use it with approved charcoal or other smokeless fuels.
We suggest you select an Defra approved model if you wish to ensure that you are able to burn wood legally in your DEFRA-exempt stove. These stoves were developed to comply with UK standards for environmental sustainability. They have been tested and certified as DEFRA exempt. This means they emit very little smoke. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional stoves, which means you can heat your home using fewer logs. Our range of Defra stoves is available in a variety of colors and styles, so you're sure to find the perfect model for your home.
Clean Burn
Open fires and wood-burning stoves produce smoke that could be harmful to the health of those in your home as well the people who live nearby. The fine particulates found in the smoke could cause respiratory problems, such as asthma. Luckily modern DEFRA exempt stoves are designed to greatly reduce the harmful impacts.
These wood burners have been thoroughly tested and inspected to ensure that they comply with the Department of Environment regulations. They are also designed to use fuel more efficiently, so that they emit fewer pollutants. They also display an unmistakable smoke coming out of the chimney instead of the dark smoke common with older stoves with log burning and open fires.
Modern DEFRA-exempt stoves come with secondary and tertiary systems that are responsible for the smoke particles that are lower. This means that the air inside the combustion chamber is constantly circulated. This makes it more difficult for the smoke particles to escape.
This also means that you can only burn authorised fuels on your DEFRA exempt wood stove (such as dry seasoned firewood). The airflow system on these modern stoves also helps keep the combustion chamber clean so that the buildup of soot is reduced, and gas can easily escape from the flue.
According to Defra the new wood stove that is DEFRA-approved and has an EcoDesign baffle is capable of producing around 450 times less pollutants than traditional stoves that burn wood or open fire. Installing one of these modern, efficient stoves in a Smoke Control Area is essential to safeguard your health as well as the health of your neighbors.
You can also install an DEFRA Approved multi-fuel stove and utilize a variety fuels like briquettes, peat and other kinds of manufactured solid fuels that can be purchased in supermarkets. However, it is advised to only use dry 'Ready to Burn' seasoned wood and never burn painted or treated timber since these can produce more pollutants than untreated wood.
Easy Maintenance
A DEFRA exempt wood burning stove is simple to maintain, with regular cleaning and maintenance check making sure it lasts for longer. These types of stoves are also extremely efficient, allowing you to save money on your heating bills and cutting down on consumption of fuel by up to 50 percent. The carbon emissions generated by these stoves are significantly lower than other types of stoves. They also are a greener alternative for fossil fuels.
The wood stoves are easily installed and are suitable for a variety of homes, particularly in urban areas. These wood stoves have passed Defra tests and are able to legally use them in smoke control areas without breaking the law or risking the hefty penalty.
Defra-approved wood stoves can also be less expensive to operate than other stove models because of their advanced combustion technology that ensures that the fire burns efficiently. This means less carbon monoxide, particulates and other pollutants are released into the air. This is good for your health and your family's.
Additionally, the DEFRA exempt stoves have been inspected by various initiatives such as the Clearskies scheme and Ecodesign This means that they meet stringent emission and efficiency standards. You may see these certifications listed on the stoves we sell, and will give you confidence that you are purchasing an environmentally-friendly and safe model.
Stoves Direct offers a large choice of stoves that are Defra exempt with a variety of traditional designs that are ideal for an inglenook or a fireplace chamber. We also have sleek, modern options that are perfect for simple mantles or surrounds. If you are thinking about buying one of our Defra exempt wood burning stoves, it is crucial to consider the style that you would like to see in your home and how it will match with the interior decor.
You can only burn an exempt stove that is Defra-compliant in a Smoke Control Area. This will save you money if you're confronted with a fire that is wood-burning. The stove is also a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The wood from the tree absorbs CO2 as it grows and releases it back into the atmosphere when burned.

Suitable for Smoke Control Areas
It is crucial to have a wood-burning stove that has been approved by DEFRA in UK cities and towns. This means that it has passed rigorous tests and is safe to use in these areas. These tests ensure that the air isn't contaminated by the combustion particles created by the stove. These toxins are what cause the dark smoke often seen emanating from chimneys in smoke control areas, and they could have a negative impact on health and also creating a nuisance for neighbours.
In the wake of this local councils have enacted laws banning the use of open fires and non-DEFRA exempt appliances in these areas to address the issue. But the good part is that you can still have a stove in your home if it's DEFRA exempt and you only burn fuel that is approved for burning.
Stoves that are approved to be used in Smoke Control Areas will be marked and tested to ensure they meet or exceed the strict emission and efficiency standards. Stoves that are exempt from Defra regulations are also more sustainable in comparison to other types of woodburners, as they have advanced secondary and tertiary burn systems that reduce their carbon footprint.
The most efficient method to determine if you live in a smoke-free zone is to contact your local council and ask for more information. You can also verify the address of your home online. However, it's best to speak with your local council for further information.
Even if you're not in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area, a Defra exempt wood burning stove is a wise investment as it will be more sustainable and friendly to neighbours. A Defra-approved stove will also produce less smoke, which keeps your chimney and flue clear for longer. This is why the majority of leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax have a selection of smokeless models that are DEFRA exempt and will not be affected by the new legislation.