What The 10 Most Stupid Defra Approved Wood Stoves Mistakes Of All Time Could Have Been Avoided

· 6 min read
What The 10 Most Stupid Defra Approved Wood Stoves Mistakes Of All Time Could Have Been Avoided

Defra Approved Wood Stoves

If you reside in an area where smoking is controlled (most UK cities and large towns) you'll require a DEFRA-approved stove to ensure that you are not in violation of UK law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that wood or multi fuel is burned properly without emitting unnecessary amounts of smoke.

Cleaner Burning

Wood stoves exempt from Defra regulations which are also known as "clean burning" wood burners as they are typically referred to, use the most advanced combustion technology to reduce smoke and emissions. The wood stoves achieve this by using preheated tertiary (hotter) air to help burn fuel more efficiently, while reducing harmful particles that are released into the atmosphere. The result is a cleaner, more efficient fire that produces less smoke and a much more effective heating system.

Modern wood stoves are not only more efficient, but they also have been designed to be gentler on your chimney and flue. They don't produce nearly as much creosote like their predecessors, meaning you can keep your chimney and flue system in good condition for a longer time.


If you reside in a zone of smoke control (most cities and towns) and you are in a smoke control area, you must make use of a Defra approved stove or wood burner in order to avoid breaking the law and committing the hefty penalty. However, even if are not in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they produce less nuisance smoke but will help reduce your heating costs and carbon footprint too.

In the past, many manufacturers produced wood stoves that were extremely dirty and had poor performance when compared to their EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) emissions ratings. This was due to a number of factors, such as the selection and size of the stove and fireplace as well as the method of storage and managed and the operating procedure of the stove.

Today, all new wood stoves have to meet a higher standard of EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The most modern wood stoves come with an EPA rating of less than 1 grams of smoke per hour.

There is  multi fuel stove defra approved  of potential for further improvements in the manufacturing of wood stoves. In fact, Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all the old stoves were replaced by modern ones that met the Defra standards then several billion tons of climate forcers could be avoided every year.

Reduced Emissions

The new DEFRA approved wood burning stoves we stock here at Stove Supermarket use the latest clean burn technology to ensure they are able to combust both solid coal and smokeless at a lower temperature of combustion. This means they produce significantly less harmful emissions than previous models which allows you to legally use your stove in a smoke control area.

Fine particulate matter is the main pollutant produced by solid fuel combustion. These tiny particles can penetrate the respiratory system of human beings and cause heart disease and stroke. Researchers from the University of Sheffield published a study that found wood-burning stoves could release large amounts of particles with the size PM2.5 into the home. The level of these harmful particles soared every time the stove's door was opened to refuel the fire.

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves feature an air-wash system that keeps the glass free of ash and soot. This will keep your stove looking brand new for longer and reduce the time and cost of maintenance as well as cleaning.

While the benefits of a wood stove are undeniable, the choice to buy a stove that will allow you to legally burn wood in a Smoke Control Area is a significant one. In the past when people could just open their fireplaces and let their wood burn as they wanted, towns and cities suffered from unhealthy amounts of smog, which caused breathing issues for many residents.

In Smoke Control Areas, a Defra Approved Stove will be the only choice for homeowners looking to use their fire in a legal manner. If you're thinking of purchasing a wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire, a Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer is the most effective option to ensure compliance with smoke control regulations.

Stove Supermarket offers a wide assortment of Defra approved Wood Burning Stoves by leading brands such as Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can choose the model that is suitable for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compliant and come with the Defra Certificate of Conformity, which means you can be assured that your new woodburning stove will meet the latest regulations for use in a smoke control zone.

High Efficiency

This will reduce your carbon footprint and your energy costs. This will be especially beneficial since electricity and gas prices continue to rise year after year. Making the switch to a wood-burning stove that is defra-approved will allow you to regain control of your household costs and save money over time.

A Defra approved wood stove will be compliant with the regulations of the government regarding smoke-free areas which means you can use it in smoke exempt zones. If you spot a stove that bears Defra Approved or 'SE' in its name it means it has met the strict requirements set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

They can produce much lower levels of particulate emissions than older forms of wood burners and open fires. The latest stoves by leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax include secondary and tertiary burners which reduce the emissions of the stove. Many of these wood-burning stoves are SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are more eco-friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet future emission targets.

A Defra-approved stove is not only more environmentally sustainable but will also burn wood more efficiently than older stoves and open fires. This means lower levels of particulate emissions which is a great thing for those who live in areas that have smoke control. As well as this, a DEFRA-approved stove can also help keep your fuel costs down. If you choose a stove which can burn more wood per hour than an open fire and you will save money since you don't have to feed it as often.

A Defra Approved Stove is a great investment for any homeowner who wants to be green and cut down on their energy costs. These stoves aren't just efficient and clean, but also come in a variety of styles to match your personal preferences.

EPA Certification

If you reside in a smoke control area you'll need a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally burn wood in your home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is responsible for regulations relating to issues pertaining to the countryside and environment. Its Smoke Control Area regulations prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt device or authorised fuels like smokeless coal. Only approved stoves from Defra are permitted to be used in these areas, without breaking the law or incurring fines up to PS1,000.

The best way to ensure you purchase a smoke controlled stove is to search for the EPA 2020 certification label. This label indicates that the stove passed rigorous tests to ensure that it is suitable for installation in a smoke control area. The stove is also rated as an efficient burner, which means that it can provide maximum heating with less fuel. This efficiency will save homeowners money on heating bills and will reduce the amount of wood they require to heat their homes.

Another important aspect to consider is whether a Defra approved wood burning stove is designed with environmentally conscious features. The Country 4 BLU stove is a great example of a stove that combines a variety of eco-friendly features. It is built to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard which means that it emits extremely low emissions and reduces the environmental impact. This results in a more eco-friendly operation which contributes to healthier air for everyone. Additionally, it makes the stove more secure for your chimney and flue system as well.

A wood burning stove that is approved by Defra can provide you with many benefits, aside from meeting UK smoke control standards set by the government. By adhering to strict emissions standards stoves are essential in reducing air pollution, which can help to decrease respiratory issues for those with lungs that are sensitive. They also have lengthy burn times that translate into substantial savings on fuel and wood consumption. These stoves can be used with a heating system that is energy efficient to provide a green and responsible option for homes.