Defra Approved Wood Stoves
Defra approved stoves come with the latest clean burn technology and offer superior performance. They're a great alternative to an open flame and are perfect for smoke control areas.
They're also beneficial for the environment as well as your chimney. It's worth considering even if reside in an area where smoke is managed.
Eco-Friendly
A defra-approved stove is one which has been approved to burn specific fuels within smoke controlled zones. They differ from other log-burners as the manufacturer has altered their design to limit the amount of air they can'close to prevent smoke-filled burning.
Defra-approved stoves are typically designed to be as environmentally green as is possible. This is due to the fact that they use less wood and reduce CO2 emissions. They also require a smaller flue which in turn reduces the amount of carbon emissions produced by the stove itself. Furthermore, they often make use of secondary and tertiary combustion, which further reduces the CO2 output of the stove.
If you live in a smoke-free zone it is crucial to purchase a Defra Approved Stove. If you don't, you could be penalized up to PS1000 by the local authority.
A Defra approved stove is one that has been pre-approved to work with certain kinds of pellets, logs and briquettes that are smokeless. This stove may not be compatible with other fuels and the list of approved fuels can change over time.
Certain Defra approved stoves also utilize catalytic combustion. This is a mixture of gases to ignite and burn the fuel. This type of stove can be a bit more complicated to operate, however it is more efficient than models that are not catalytic. It is also recommended to only use wood that comes from a sustainable source, and this will ensure that the trees are planted faster than they are harvested.
In a growing number of cases, stove manufacturers are ensuring that their products are as green as possible by adopting Ecodesign standards. These are strict European regulations, which all stoves must comply with. The Stove Yard does not sell stoves that don't meet the EcoDesign standard. Also, look out for the clearSkies mark of quality, which is an optional system that goes above and beyond the mandatory government Ecodesign standard.
Neighbour-Friendly
If you live in a zone of smoke control then you will need to comply with certain guidelines when it comes to installing wood-burning stoves. This will help to reduce the amount of smoke that gets released into the air by your home. These areas are usually found in cities and towns and are designed to keep a healthy level of pollution in the air. In the past it was commonplace to cook wood in the home. This produced huge amounts of smoke which caused second-hand pollution in neighbouring homes.
As a result the government has introduced smoke control zones to fight this issue and protect the health of those living in these areas. If you purchase an approved defra wood stove and you are assured that it is safe to use in smoke-free areas as it has passed stringent tests and has met specific emission standards. The stoves that are Defra approved are known as Smoke Exempt or SE for short so look for this when you shop around for your perfect wood stove.
The Defra Logo is easily recognisable, and the industry has adopted it as the standard for wood-burning stoves. It is likely to be appearing in advertisements, house brochures, and even on the back of your stove if it's one at your home. There are DEFRA regulations stoves to consider when selecting an approved wood burning stove from Defra for your home.
It is important to first inquire with your local council about the specific rules and regulations for your area. They will give you the required information to ensure that you don't end up with any unpleasant surprises later on. You must make sure that the stove has been installed by an engineer certified and conforms to all building regulations.
Another important point to consider is the kind of fuel you intend on using in your Defra approved wood stove. The majority of them are wood burning stoves so they will not allow burning other types of fuel, especially smokeless coal. If you want to make use of your stove with other fuel types then you'll have to find a multi-fuel Defra stove. There are a number of these available however they are more limited than stoves that are solely dedicated to burning wood.
Low Emissions
It is crucial to choose a wood stove that works well with your existing set of chimneys. The stove should be able to accommodate the standard 5 inch flue liner. This is much easier to install than a liner that is 6 inches. Furthermore, the stove must be able to operate efficiently and effectively while emitting the least amount of smoke emissions. This can be accomplished by doing regular maintenance. This can include cleaning the fireplace, checking the chimney and flue regularly, and making sure that the stove is ventilated properly.
Low-emission stoves can reduce your carbon footprint, by cutting down on the amount of pollutants that your home produces. This is particularly advantageous for those living in areas near highways or cities where air pollution is a major problem. Stoves with high efficiency ratings can save you money on fuel usage and is yet another way that they can reduce your environmental impact.
While many wood stoves were designed with emissions in mind However, not all are all created in the same way. If you are looking for a stove that emits the least amount of emissions possible, it is best to stick to models that are Defra-approved. Defra is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which handles regulations and policies related to the environment and rural issues. The agency bans the release of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. A non-Defra approved appliance can result in fines.
Defra approved appliances are tested to ensure that they can burn approved fuels without emitting any smoke. They are also designed to limit particulate emissions to below the Euro Emissions standard of 375g of PM2.5 per gigajoule. This is significantly less than the EU's ecodesign standard, which permits wood stoves to emit as high as 750g of PM2.5 per gigajoule.
ESSE stoves comply with Defra standards for smokeless and wood-based fuels. Their twin catalytic combustion technology reburns all particulates that are produced. This is a proven, effective method of reducing emissions. We are confident that our Defra-approved stoves will help you avoid fines if you use an unapproved stove within the Smoke Control Area, but they also benefit your health as they help reduce air pollution.
Easy to maintain
If you live in a UK city or large town classified as a Smoke Control Zone, then you must make use of a DEFRA approved wood stove to avoid breaking the law and incurring a hefty fine. Even if you do not reside in a Smoke Control Zone a DEFRA approved wood stove is a great choice because it burns the wood more efficiently, meaning it won't produce smoke that is noxious, and your chimney system and flue will stay cleaner longer.

Most DEFRA approved stoves are designed to be easy to maintain. They usually have an advanced air supply that channels air to important areas of the fire to help it efficiently burn. This means that it reduces the emission of CO2 and particulates while delivering large amounts of heat to the home. Many DEFRA approved stoves have a secondary or tertiary clean burn system that re-burns the initial smoke and gases produced by the fire to reduce harmful emissions of exhaust gases.
The best method to get the maximum from your wood stove is to only burn dry, seasoned logs that have been split and stacked ready for burning. This will ensure that the logs burn quickly and generate more heat. an even fire, and lower harmful emissions.
Keeping your wood stove in top condition is also a regular cleaning and sweeping the flue and fire chamber. It is also recommended to have your wood stove installed by a professional to ensure safety and maximum performance.
If you're looking to buy a modern wood stove that meets the specifications of a DEFRA approved appliance, this Arizona A08E is a chic alternative. It's an i400 model which is able to slot into a pre-made fireplace recess to give it a sleek look and comes with a five-year warranty.
In contrast to other wood burners on the market it can burn wood and pellets in addition to coal. This allows you to build an incredibly diverse fire that can be enjoyed with your family and friends while saving you money on fuel costs. The stove also has an incredibly efficient combustion process, which helps to further lower emissions and increase efficiency. This means you'll receive more heat into your room, and the fire will last longer before it needs to be filled.