Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves

A multi-fuel DEFRA approved stove allows you to legally burn wood and some smokeless fuels within the UK Smoke Control Area. They often come with a continuous supply secondary combustion air to stop the fuel from burning and releasing noxious smoke.

A Defra Stove (sometimes called a DEFRA Smoke Exempt Appliance) has been tested for levels of emissions and has met the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Criteria.

Smoke Control Areas

Smoke from open fires or stoves can contribute to air pollution in the UK, especially in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been created where only certain types of fuels or home fire appliances are allowed. They are strictly controlled under the Clean Air Act to reduce pollution to the environment. If you live in the Smoke Control Area then it is crucial to only use Defra approved wood burning stoves and log burners. This will ensure that you are making use of legal fuels and are not creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.

Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a large number of them come with secondary and tertiary systems that aid in the burning of logs efficiently. This helps reduce emissions. This allows you to enjoy a beautiful fire, but also produce less smoke.

A Defra approved appliance, or to use its full title a "Smoke Exempt Appliance", has been tested and has passed the UK Government DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), legislation regarding the levels of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This ensures the stove will only produce a small amount of smoke during normal operation. This means that you can burn specific types of wood in your stove as long as it's'ready to burn firewood' with an moisture level of less than 20 percent. You are not able to burn damp, wet or spruced firewood in a DEFRA-approved stove because it could emit noxious fumes that are contrary to the Clean Air Act.

There are many modern and traditional Defra stoves available. It is also important to take into account the type of fuel you will be using, Defra guidelines stoves some Defra stoves are only approved for use with wood and do not allow to use a multi-fuel burner.

If you plan to burn anthracite, smokeless coal, or other fuels that are approved by Defra in your stove you will require a smoke-control kit. It can be installed on appliances that aren't exempt from Defra. The Stovax store offers a range of smoke control kits that are compatible with non-Defra-approved appliances.

Coal

Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are the eco-conscious choice that lets you enjoy the warmth of your stove while reducing the impact on the environment. These stoves comply with government regulations and manufacturers have to adhere to the rules if they wish to continue operating.

The most sustainable method to heat your home is to use an DEFRA approved wood-burning stove that can also burn legal fuels, such as coal. Coal is an unrenewable fossil energy that was formed around 300 million years ago. At that time, swamps containing huge ferns and other plants were common on Earth. When the plants died, they submerged in the water and eventually formed a substance known as peat. This then buried under layers of rock and other elements until it was pressed into solid coal.

When coal is burned, it releases a large amount of energy as heat and sulphur oxide which can contribute to the pollution of the air. Sulphur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which may damage lakes and rivers, harming wildlife and destroying crops. Many countries including the United States, have banned coal use due to the threat of acid rain.

While coal produces a lot of pollutants it is still an important part of the world of heating. It is the most sought-after fossil fuel and has a lower cost than other fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil. Furthermore, coal is a very energy efficient fuel and produces a lot of heat per kilogram.

A DEFRA accredited stoves exempt wood-burning stove or a DEFRA approved stove as it's often referred to, is a stove that can be employed in smoke-free areas when burning authorised fuels like briquettes and coal. These stoves can also be used with a range of firelogs. Firelogs are a compressed form of sawdust wood waste, wood waste or any other wood waste that is often mixed with paraffin to make it easier to light.

If you reside in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, you must only use an Defra Guidelines Stoves approved stove to avoid huge fines. At Choice Stoves, we supply an extensive range of DEFRA approved wood burning stoves from the top manufacturers like Mi-fires, Contura, Stovax and more. We can help you choose the right stove for your home, and ensure that it is installed by a qualified engineer to avoid any problems.

Wood

Defra approved wood stoves are a great choice for homeowners who live in an area that has a smoke control. They burn clean, low-smoke and non-toxic fuel that produces less carbon dioxide than coal and other fossil fuels. They also provide efficient heating, and are available in a wide range of styles that will fit your interior design.

Often, multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will come with an additional air inlet that is above the main air vent. The inlet is heated prior to when the main air flow gets in and helps to stop the ash from adhering to the glass of the stove as well as helping the burning logs draw in air. Some stoves might also have a secondary air inlet which is heated by the flue gases as they exit, ensuring an improved combustion and cleaner flames.

You can also select an approved log burner from DEFRA, which is specifically designed to burn seasoned dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is locally sourced and is carbon neutral. As trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, it is returned to the atmosphere when they are burned.

Log burners that have been approved by DEFRA can be used within smoke-controlled areas, provided you only make use of fuels that have been approved by DEFRA. If you are unsure whether your property is within a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your Local Authority for more information.

A Defra-approved wood stove is a fantastic option for those who love the look of traditional log burners but want to be able to use other fuels in addition. It is important to remember that only DEFRA-approved stoves are able to be used with a 5" chimney liner for wood burning, and it must be installed by a qualified installer. If you prefer modern design, there are plenty of stoves that are DEFRA-approved that can be installed into fireplace chambers and inglenooks and still look stunning. It's important to note that these stoves do not offer the option to burn authorised fuels such as smokeless anthracite oval. This means that you'll have to purchase and install a different, approved woodburning stove by DEFRA for this purpose. This is a great option since burning fuels that are not approved by DEFRA on an appliance that is not DEFRA-approved could cause you to be in violation of regulations.

Smokeless Fuels

Smokeless fuels are able to be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to cut down on emissions and soot. The smokeless fuels are generally anthracite based and are supplied in the form of brquettes. They are designed to be less polluting than regular coal and provide a more consistent flame. They are perfect for areas with smoke control, but are also suitable for anyone who loves using an open fire or multifuel stove.

A DEFRA approved wood stove has a secondary or tertiary burn system that improves combustion and eliminates harmful particulates and gases. These systems can also help prolong the lifespan of your stove by reducing the speed at which it wears out and can clog up the flue. Most newer stoves are DEFRA approved, but older stoves can be modified using a kit to become compliant.

The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been constructed to be DEFRA compliant. The large, warp-free door in cast iron gives a great view of the fuel bed. The stove features a chic bevelled door design and an elegant chrome handle that contrasts with the design.

Choosing the right stove for your home is a crucial choice, which is why you should make sure that your new stove meets all the requirements of the government. A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance can help you save money, provide you with more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.

At Choice Stoves, we carry a selection of the best DEFRA approved stoves from the top brands like Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and many more. We can also recommend a qualified engineer who is gas safe. Contact us today for more details, or to request a quotation for your home. We proudly serve customers across the UK. We are among the largest retailers in the UK of DEFRA approved products and you can be assured that you are getting a high-quality stove at a reasonable price. Our stoves are DEFRA approved and have passed all tests.