Multi-Fuel DEFRA Approved Stoves
In a UK Smoke Control Area, you can burn wood and certain smokeless materials using a multi-fuel DEFRA approved appliance. They often have a continuous supply of secondary combustion air to prevent the fuel from burning and releasing noxious smoke.
A Defra Stove (sometimes known as 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
The smoke that is produced by open stoves and fires in the UK can contribute to air pollution, especially in urban areas. Smoke Control Areas have been set up where only certain types of fuels and home fire appliances are permitted. These are strictly regulated under the Clean Air Act to reduce environmental pollution. If you live in a Smoke-Control Area, it is important to use only wood burning stoves or log burners approved by Defra. This will ensure that you are using legal fuels and not creating smoke that disturbs your neighbors.
Stovax stoves are DEFRA approved and a large number models have secondary and tertiary systems to aid in the burning of logs efficiently. This reduces emissions. This allows you to enjoy a beautiful fire, while producing less smoke.
A Defra approved stove or to confer the full title of Smoke Exempt Appliance has been tested and approved by the UK Government's DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) law regarding the amount of smoke in Smoke Control Areas. This means that the stove will only produce a small amount smoke when it is in operation. This means you can burn specific types of wood in your stove so long as it's "ready to burn firewood' and has the moisture level being less than 20%. It is not possible to burn damp, wet or spruced wood in the DEFRA approved stove as it will produce nuisance smoke that violates the laws of the Clean Air Act.
There are many traditional and modern Defra stoves to choose from. You should also consider the type of fuel you will be using, some Defra stoves are only approved for use with wood, and do not allow to use a multi-fuel burner.
If you want to be able to use other fuels that are authorised in your stove, like smokeless coal or anthracite, then you'll need a separate smoke control kit which can be installed on appliances that aren't exempt from the Defra regulations. The Stovax shop has a selection of smoke control kits that are compatible with most non-Defra approved stoves.
Coal
Multi-fuel stoves that are approved by Defra are the best choice for eco-conscious people. They allow you to relax in the warmth of your stove while minimizing the environmental impact. These stoves must adhere to the regulations of the government and manufacturers are obliged to follow the rules if they want to remain in business.
The most sustainable way of heating your home is to utilize a DEFRA-approved wood-burning stove. These stoves can also burn other fuels, like coal. Coal is a fossil fuel that was first discovered about 300 million years ago. During this time, swamps with giant plants and ferns were commonplace on Earth. When these plants died they sank in the water and over time produced a substance known as peat. It was then buried under layers of rock, and other substances until it was transformed into solid coal.
When coal is ignited, it releases a lot of energy in the form of heat and sulphur dioxide, which can contribute to air pollution. Sulphur dioxide is the main cause of acid rain, which can harm rivers and lakes, causing harm to wildlife, and even causing damage to crops. Because of the risk of acid rain several countries, including the United States have banned the use of coal.
While coal produces many pollutants, it is still a significant part of the heating world. It is the most sought-after fossil fuel, and it has a lower cost than other fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. In addition coal is a very energy efficient fuel and produces lots of heat per pound.

A DEFRA exempted wood burning, or DEFRA approved stove can be used to cook authorised fuels like briquettes and coke in smoke-controlled areas. They can be used with a wide variety of firelogs that are essentially compressed sawdust and other wood waste and often combined with paraffin-based fuels to allow them to be lighter.
If you reside in an area that is subject to Smoke Control and you want to avoid paying hefty fines by using an approved DEFRA stove. Choice Stoves offers a range of DEFRA-approved wood burning stoves from leading manufacturers like Mi-fires. Contura, Stovax, and many more. We can assist you in choosing the best stove for your home, and make sure it is installed by a licensed engineer to avoid any potential problems.
Wood
Defra-approved wood stoves are ideal for homeowners who live in smoke control areas. They burn clean, low-smoke fuel which creates less pollution than coal and other fossil fuels. They are also economical and come in a range of styles that will suit your interior design.
Often, multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA exempt will have an additional air inlet that is above the main air vent. This air inlet is pre-heated to keep ash from getting stuck on the stove glass. It also helps the burning logs to draw air. Some stoves have a tertiary inlet that is heated by flue gasses when they exit. This helps ensure a more efficient combustion and flame.
You can also select a DEFRA-approved log burning device that is designed to burnseasoned dry hardwoods. This kind of wood is locally grown and is carbon neutral. When My Source are burnt, they release carbon dioxide that was absorbed into the trees during their growth.
Log burners that are approved by DEFRA are permitted in areas that are smoke-free provided that you use authorised fuels only. If you are unsure whether your property falls within a Smoke Control Area, you can contact your Local Authority for more information.
A Defra-approved wood stove is a great option for those who like the look of traditional log burners however, they would like to be able to utilize other fuels in addition. It is important to know that only DEFRA approved stoves can be fitted with a 5" liner when burning hardwood and is required to be installed by a qualified installer. If you'd like a more contemporary style, there are many Defra-approved stoves that can be fitted into fireplace chambers and inglenooks and still look great. It's worth noting that these stoves do not offer the option to burn authorised fuels such as smokeless anthracite oval. You'll need an additional woodburning stove which is Defra approved for this purpose. This is a good idea, since burning unauthorised fuels in a non-DEFRA approved stove could result in you being in violation of the regulations and could be prosecuted.
Smokeless Fuels
Smokeless fuels are able to be used in a multifuel DEFRA approved fireplace to lower emissions and soot. The smokeless fuels, which are anthracite-based and supplied as briquettes, are usually anthracite-based. They are designed to be less polluting than household coal and provide an even flame. They are ideal for areas that need to control smoke but are also suitable 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 improves combustion and eliminates harmful particles and gases. These systems also help prolong the life of your stove by reducing the speed of wear and tear or blocks the flue. The majority of newer stoves have DEFRA approval, but older stoves may be modified to become compliant with a kit.
The Portway Luxima is an example of a wood burner that has been constructed to be DEFRA compliant. Its large cast iron door, which is warp-free, gives a spectacular view of the fuel bed. The stove features a chic bevelled door and an elegant chrome handle that is in contrast with the design.
Choosing the right stove for your home is a crucial choice, which is why you need to ensure that your new stove meets all the requirements of the government. A DEFRA-approved stove can save you money, provide you with more flexibility, and help keep your family warm.
At Choice Stoves, we carry a range of the top DEFRA approved stoves from top brands such as Mi-fire, Contura, Stovax, ACR, Broseley, Westfire, Hamlet, and more. We can also recommend a licensed engineer who is gas safe. Contact us now for more information or to request a quotation for your home. We are proud to serve customers throughout the UK. We are among the largest dealers of DEFRA approved stoves in the nation and you can be sure that you're getting an excellent stove at a an affordable price. Our stoves have been thoroughly tested and meet all Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) standards.