Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove allows you to legally burn wood and other smokeless fuels in the UK Smoke Control Area. They are often equipped with a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to prevent the fuel from burning out or producing nuisance smoke.
A Defra stove (sometimes called a DEFRA smoke-free appliance) has been tested and has passed the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs requirements for emission levels.
Smoke Control Areas

The smoke from open fires and stoves in the UK can contribute to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been set up where only certain types of fuels or home fire appliances are allowed. These are strictly regulated under the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution to the environment. If you reside in an area that has a Smoke Control Area it is essential that you use only Defra approved stoves that burn wood and log burners. This will ensure that you are using legal fuels and aren't creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a lot models have secondary and tertiary systems to aid in the efficient burning of logs. This helps reduce emissions. This means that you can produce less smoke and enjoy a gorgeous fire.
A Defra approved appliance or to use its full title a "Smoke Exempt Appliance" It is tested and has passed the UK Government DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) regulations regarding the levels of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This ensures that the stove will only produce tiny amounts of smoke when it is in operation. It also means that you are legally able to burn certain types of wood in your stove provided it is'ready to burn' with moisture content less than 20 percent. You cannot burn wet, damp or spruced wood in an DEFRA approved stove as it could produce smoke that is in violation of the regulations of the Clean Air Act.
When choosing the Defra approved stove, you must consider the style of the stove and how it will fit into your living space, there are many traditional Defra stoves to choose from and also modern ones. You should also take into account the type of fuel you'll be using, a few Defra stoves are only approved to be used with wood and do not offer the option for multi-fuel burners.
If you want to burn anthracite, smokeless coal, or other fuels approved by Defra in your stove, you will need a smoke control kit. This can be fitted on appliances that are not exempt from Defra. The Stovax shop has a variety of smoke control kits that are compatible with most non-Defra approved stoves.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that have been certified by the Defra are the most eco-friendly option. They allow you to take advantage of the warmth of your stove while minimizing the impact on the environment. These stoves adhere to government regulations and manufacturers have to adhere to the rules if they wish to remain in business.
The most environmentally friendly method to heat your home is by using an DEFRA approved wood burning stove that also burns approved fuels like coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that was first discovered about 300 million years ago. In this time, swamps with giant plants and ferns were common on Earth. The plants sank into water when they died and formed peat over time. It was then buried under layers of rock and other substances until it was pressed into solid coal.
When coal is burned it releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide, which can cause air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is one of the major causes of acid rain. It can cause damage to lakes, rivers and wildlife as well as crops. Because of the dangers of acid rain numerous countries, including the United States have banned the use of coal.
Although coal emits a lot of pollutants it is still a significant element of the heating industry. It is the most widely used fossil fuel and has a low price in comparison to other fossil fuels like natural gas and oil. Moreover coal is a very energy efficient fuel that generates plenty of heat per kilogram.
A DEFRA exempt wood-burning device, or a DEFRA approved stove as it's often referred to, is a stove that is employed in smoke-free areas when burning authorised fuels such as coal and briquettes. They can also be used with a large range of firelogs, which are essentially sawdust compressed as well as other wood wastes, and are often combined with paraffin-based fuels to allow them to be lighter.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, you must only make use of an DEFRA approved stove to prevent hefty fines. At Choice Stoves, we supply an array of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers such as Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and many more. We can assist you in choosing the ideal stove for your home, and ensure it is installed correctly by a licensed engineer to avoid any potential problems.
Wood
Wood stoves that have been approved by Defra are great for those who live in areas with smoke control. They produce less pollution by burning low-smoke, clean fuel. They are also economical and come in a variety of styles that can be adapted to your interior design.
Most multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt have a second inlet above the main vent. The air inlet is pre-heated and used to prevent ash from sticking on the glass of the stove. It also assists the burning logs draw air. Some stoves might also have a secondary air inlet that is heated by flue gases when they exit, ensuring a better combustion and cleaner flames.
You can also select a DEFRA-approved log burning device, which is designed to burnseasoned, dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is sourced locally and it is carbon neutral. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, it is released to the atmosphere after it is burned.
Log burners approved by DEFRA can be used within smoke-controlled areas, as long as you only make use of fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. If you're unsure whether your home is located in a Smoke Control Area you can contact your Local Authority to find out more.
A Defra approved wood stove is a great option for those who enjoy the appearance of a traditional log burner but would like to be able to use other fuels too. It is important to remember, however, that only DEFRA approved stoves can have a 5" liner when burning wood and is required to be installed by a licensed installer. Many Defra approved stoves can be installed in fireplace chambers or inglenooks, and still look great. They are not equipped to burn approved fuels, like smokeless oval anthracite. This means you will need to purchase and install a different, approved woodburning stove by DEFRA for this purpose. This is a good idea, since burning fuels that are not approved in a stove that is not DEFRA-approved could result in you being in violation of the regulations and you risk prosecution.
www.fireplacesandstove.com can be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to lower emissions and soot. These smokeless fuels are usually anthracite based and are supplied in the form of brquettes. They are designed to be cleaner than household coal and provide a more consistent flame. They are great for smoke control areas but also work for anyone that enjoys using an open flame or multifuel stove.
A DEFRA approved wood-burning stove comes with secondary or tertiary burner system that enhances combustion and eliminates harmful particles and gases. These systems can also prolong the lifespan of your stove, by reducing how quickly it wears out and can clog up the flue. The majority of modern stoves have DEFRA approval, however older stoves can be modified to make them compliant with kits.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been made DEFRA compliant. Its large warp-free cast iron door offers a superb view of the fuel bed. The stove features a stylish door bevel design as well as a striking chrome handle that is contemporary in style.
It's crucial to choose the right stove for your house. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your new stove is in line with the government's standards. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance can help you save money, offer more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
We have a range of DEFRA approved stoves made by top brands such as Mi-fire and Contura. Other top brands include ACR, Broseley Westfire Hamlet and ACR. We also provide expert installation and can recommend a qualified gas safe engineer. Contact us today for more details, or to request a quotation for your home. We proudly serve customers across the UK. We are one of the largest retailers of DEFRA approved stoves in the UK, so you can rest assured that you're getting a high quality stove at cost-effective prices. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and meet all of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.