What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a stove that burns wood that has been inspected and approved by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra is an English government department responsible for environmental protection as well as food production and standards agriculture, as well as an thriving economy of the countryside. Defra has also created robust protocols to manage notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved stoves, also known as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are multi fuel stoves that meet the government's emission requirements for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards don't prohibit wood stoves from being employed in smoke control areas however, they restrict the amount of smoke generated by these stoves.
At ESSE we are proud to offer a wide range of defra-approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our stoves that are Defra-approved feature the latest in clean burning technology. They have secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming out of the chimney, and leaves a more eco-friendly footprint.
Defra approved disinfectants are able to clean and disinfect hard surfaces, such as structures, farm equipment, containers and vehicles. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which charges a fee to approve new back-to-back approval trade names used for disinfectants. APHA can also test the efficacy of a product at any point. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the need to submit an actual sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous areas of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt equipment or burn fuels that are approved. This is to lessen the amount of air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not authorised, which cause nuisance smoke and ash. To avoid violating the law or being fined, you should only burn wood logs using an approved DEFRA stove, fire, or fireplace. Stovax offers a variety of wood and multi-fuel stoves as well as fireplaces and fires that are DEFRA-approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and meet the low smoke levels permitted in Smoke Control Areas. These stoves can be used with a variety of fuels, including logs, anthracite, semi-anthracite coal, briquettes, or manufactured smokeless fuels, such as heating logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas or low volatile steam coal or any combination of these. You can find a list of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms when you are looking for a stove. If the stove has the logo, you can be assured that it is Defra-approved use in smoke-controlled zones and can be used to burn wood within these zones. You will still need to use a suitable chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are typically more affordable and easier to install than larger models as 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 might be eligible to obtain a licence from your local authority to burn non-approved fuels in your home. You'll need to look on the
DEFRA compliant stoves UK site to see if an exemption is available. There are other rules to follow, such as installing smoke alarms. You will also need to comply with the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be
DEFRA approved clean burning stoves-approved, wood burners must be able to use authorised smokeless fuels without causing excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly called 'Smokeless Coal or 'Heat Logs' and have undergone rigorous tests to make sure that they meet the requirements set by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are an excellent alternative to logs made from real wood because they are much cleaner and produce less smoke than seasoned logs.
Before the rules for smoke control areas were in place, residents could burn whatever they wanted, which caused lots of air pollution that resulted in health problems for those living in areas with built-up structures. Since the rules were enacted, 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 controlled area, it is vital that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't have to pay huge penalties for breaking the rules. Even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area buying a
DEFRA stoves for sale-exempt stove is worthwhile. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment.
Defra has approved wood burning stoves as well as multi-fuel stoves that have passed the UK Smoke Control Areas legislation. When you purchase a new stove, make sure it is equipped with the Defra approval badge to be assured that it meets the requirements of the law.
There are two primary ways to get Defra-approved. The first way to become
DEFRA stoves for sale-approved is by having your stove and fuels tested. This is a very expensive process. The other way is to buy a Defra approved stove and only use Defra approved fuels in it. This can be cheaper however it is recommended to inquire with your local council if you are unsure if you live in the Smoke Control Area.
In England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the environment and monitoring including air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations regarding agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and some of the Home Office. The department is managed by one cabinet member, who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for use in smoke-free zones and can burn various types of fuel including coal, wood, and logs. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and can be either freestanding or inset. They are the ideal stove for those looking to save money on heating bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
The
DEFRA Stoves Cost Logo is easily recognized and widely used by the industry. The
DEFRA endorsed stoves logo is often seen on the title and specification sheets of many stoves. It indicates that the appliance can burn authorised fuels within areas that are smoke-free. In some instances, the stove will also have an SE (smoke exempt) logo, which indicates that the stove can be legally installed in a smoke control area when burning fuels that are approved.
Wood burning stoves that have been inspected by Defra offer the latest technology for clean combustion and are generally more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to increase the efficiency of their products.
If you live in an area where smoke is regulated and you're not using a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance you could be subject to an amount of fine up to PS1000. To avoid this, ensure that the stove is DEFRA approved prior to purchasing it.
A DEFRA approved stove is the best way to warm your home whilst being eco-friendly. If you live in a zone of smoke control or not an area that is smoke-free, a DEFRA approved stove will help you save energy costs and prevent smoke from causing disturbance to neighbors. You're bound to find the perfect DEFRA-approved wood burning or multifuel stove for your home. There are even a few models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design-2022-compliant, so you can get the best of both! Browse the range to discover what's on offer.
