Defra Approved Multifuel Stoves
Multifuel stoves approved by Defra are a great option for those who live in areas with smoke control. They are safe and can burn wood or authorised smokeless fuels.
The Defra logo is typically found on the appliance or in the specification to indicate that it is suitable for Smoke Control Areas. These appliances also have a high energy efficiency rating with low emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
Many of the wood burning stoves we offer are Defra approved, which means that they have been tested to meet stricter standards for emissions when they are used with wood and other approved fuels. They have been independently tested and designed to burn a range of fuels. A stove that is Defra-approved will include features such as secondary and tertiary combustion which can maximize the amount of energy used and reduce harmful gasses.
Defra approved multifuel stoves typically have an SE logo or the word SE (which is a reference to smoke exempt) after their name, which signifies that the stove has been tested by an independent third party to show it is legal to use in Smoke Control Area with logs and other approved solid fuels. The testing process includes an array of tests to check the stove's performance in a variety of conditions, and to confirm that it generates a minimum of 5 grams of particles per kilogram when burning wood.
To meet the requirements of this standard, Defra-approved stoves have a modified top air control that prevents the user from closing the top vent completely. Closing the top vent to far can reduce the oxygen supply to the fire and cause it to smoulder rather than burn. If you were to do this with a non Defra approved stove, you would be breaking the law and could be prosecuted for violations of nuisance smoking.
To avoid the smoke, buy wood that has been seasoned or kiln dried. This wood has been dried over a long time which has reduced the amount of moisture to less than 20 percent. A simple wood moisture meter can be used to measure the moisture content of your wood.
You can also reduce the amount of noxious smoke that is produced by your Defra approved stove by using dry, well-seasoned, kiln-dried, or spruce logs. It is not recommended to use damp, wet or unseasoned wood as this will produce a lot of nuisance smoke and could lead to an infringement from the local authority.
Smoke Control Area Approval
DEFRA approved stoves are built to meet strict standards for air quality that are laid out by the government. They can utilize a variety of fuels including wood, as well as some 'authorized smokeless fuels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas (see DEFRA's indicative interactive tool here).
The fumes from burning untreated wood or other wet fuels in a stove that isn't DEFRA approved or exempt from DEFRA will cause a lot of irritation to your neighbors. It can also impact the local air quality If you live in the city. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and burn unauthorised fuels or an appliance not intended to be used with authorised smokeless fuels, you could be charged with a fine or be charged with a criminal offense.
Defra approved stoves come with secondary and tertiary burning systems, which burn fuel at lower temperature. This means less particulate matter (PM2.5). This is accomplished by the use of stainless steel liners and an exclusive convection system that pushes air down the chimney even when the fire is out. This lets the stove burn wood and other fuels more efficiently, while producing significantly less emissions.
A Defra Approved Stove will also feature an adjustment on the top air vent to prevent you from closing it to the fullest extent. When you stop the air supply to the stove it stops burning properly and begins to smoke and create excessive smoke. Defra approved appliances allow you to shut the vent, but not completely so that the fire will burn at a lower heat and still comply with UK legislation.
When choosing a new Defra approved stove, it's crucial to think about the style and design of the stove, and whether it is compatible with the decor in your home. There are many sizes and styles to pick from, from traditional fireplace chambers and inglenooks to more modern designs that look fantastic in open plan living areas.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved feature an outlet for a chimney of 5kW which allows them to be used in Smoke Control Areas. This is the case for most UK towns and cities. It also saves money on installation costs since the stove only requires a 5" liner instead of the more expensive 6" liner.
Aesthetics
Multi-fuel stoves aren't just meant to be functional. They can also add style and appeal to your home. Many models are available in a variety of styles to match your style, whether traditional or modern. They usually have sleeker lines and cleaner designs than wood-burning stoves. This makes them a more attractive choice for any space.
Make sure that the stove you select matches your needs and is compatible to your chimney or flue. Check that the stove meets local requirements for clearance from combustible material. You can get a sense of what these are by reading the guidelines of the manufacturer that will specify how far you must keep combustible materials like curtains walls, furniture, and even walls away from your stove.
Another thing to consider when shopping for a new multi-fuel stove is the airwash feature, which helps keep the glass window clean so that you can enjoy the fire. Some multi-fuel stoves even include an grate that can be removed, making it easier to switch fuel and clean the stove.
Multi-fuel stoves which are endorsed by Defra are designed to minimize pollution and emissions which makes them a good choice for homeowners who are environmentally conscious. They are also extremely efficient and let you reduce the amount of fuel you use, which will lower the cost of heating.
Defra multifuel stoves are available in a variety of styles that can be adapted to your personal taste. Inset stoves, like the Hamlet Solution 5 Compact or the Woodford Lovell C400, can be installed in an existing fireplace opening or a wall for a seamless appearance. The stoves that are cylindrical like the Opus Harmony or the ACR Solis are slim and rounded and can be set on a hearth for a better use of space.
A lot of stoves are designed to reflect the heritage of their manufacturer. They could have cast iron construction or elaborate details. These models are perfect for homes with an old-fashioned or rustic feel like country cottages. Other models have a contemporary style, with simple lines and materials like glass and steel. They're great for urban and modern homes with an edgier look.
Energy Efficiency
If you purchase a DEFRA approved multifuel stove you can rest assured that it will meet or even exceed the most recent clean air standards. Leading stove makers like Arada, Stovax and Parkray have invested in cutting-edge combustion technology that reduces amount of smoke that is produced during the burning process. Modern stoves, which use the latest clean air technologies such as secondary and tertiary combustion systems, are greener and lower household fuel bills.
It doesn't matter if you reside in a zone that is that is governed by Smoke Control or not, we have the stove you need for your home. From DEFRA stoves price range of the Uniq 37, to the cozy and contemporary styling on the Arundel Deluxe. There are also models with more traditional designs that can be used in existing fireplaces or inglenooks.
The Defra approved multifuel stoves in our collection are all available in various finishes to complement your decor including matt black and gloss black enamel to majolica enamel and gloss buttermilk. A majority of our multifuel stoves comply with 2022 EU Ecodesign emissions reduction standards which allows you to cut down on your energy bill while making a positive impact on our environment.
For those who reside in Smoke Control Areas, DEFRA approved wood stoves can be bought. This makes it easier to be compliant with the law. Always remember to use authorised kinds of fuel (like'smokeless anthracite coal) in your stove since it's illegal to burn damp wood or any other wet fuels and you may risk a fine.
If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, opt for a DEFRA Approved Multifuel Stove with the ClearSkies mark to ensure you're complying with the law. This means that the stove was tested to ensure it meets all current UK and European emission requirements which include wood and smokeless fuels. On the page for the stove's product you can verify its status by looking for a symbol that reads "DEFRA approved" or "Approved by DEFRA".