What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove?
When selecting a wood burner or multi-fuel stove it is important to consider whether you reside in a smoke-free area. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove.
These appliances are sometimes called SE stoves. (SE means smoke-free). They have met the strict UK government testing criteria for emissions levels and are able to be used in smoke-controlled areas.
What is a DEFRA Approved Stove?
A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has passed an emissions test for smoke created by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The tests ensure the stove emits very low levels when it is using the right fuels, such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra are permitted to be used in Smoke Control Areas and will usually carry the DEFRA approval logo or the term SE (for smoke exempt) added to their names.
The majority of cities and towns are classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas then you will have to use a DEFRA approved Stove if you want to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that are approved by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to reduce the amount of air they starve when they burn, which can cause black smoke.
Defra approved stoves will have secondary and tertiary combustion systems that help to turn any unburned material from the fire into gas that is then blown out of the chimney. This helps to keep the flue and stove system clean for longer and also reduces emissions overall which is great news for you and your neighbors.
There are numerous things to think about when buying an appliance. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all the details available. You might hear terms such as DEFRA or smoke controlled zones. This can be confusing when seeking a new appliance.
It is essential to select an approved DEFRA model when purchasing a new stove. The majority of large cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove isn't approved you could be fined lots. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that have been approved by DEFRA. This means that you can shop with confidence and be assured that you're getting the best woodburning stove or multifuel stove.
Can I Fit a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area?
When you are looking for a new wood burning stove you will come across some terminology that could be confusing. One word you might hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, they simply mean that the stove has been through a test that is in accordance with the UK government's smoke control laws.
The primary benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you'll be permitted to use it in a smoke-free zone without fear of being fined. This is due to the fact that the stove has been constructed to limit the amount of smoke it produces. This is achieved by shutting off the airflow during the combustion process, thereby starving the fuel of oxygen and preventing large amounts of smoke from being generated.
To be DEFRA approved, a stove has to undergo a series tests set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Typically, a Defra exempt stove will be marked with the word SE which means Smoke Exempt.
The primary reason to purchase a DEFRA approved stove is to enable you to use it in a smoke control area, it is also a good idea to purchase one even if you do not reside in a smoke-free area. A DEFRA-approved stove burns more efficiently than one that isn't DEFRA-approved. This means you'll get more heat output and less part-burned combustibles that are present in the air.
Some people opt to install a non DEFRA approved stove into their home because they like its design or do not live in a smoke-free area. It is important to keep in mind that if you live in a smoke-controlled area and you install a non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to a fine from your local authority. It is therefore always best to buy a DEFRA exempt stove to be safe from this risk.
Can I burn fuels that are not DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove?
A DEFRA approved wood burning stove, also known a DEFRA exemption wood burning stove or smoke-free multi fuel is a stove that can be used legally within UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a rigorous test conducted by the UK government's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (
DEFRA List stoves) that ensures it produces very low levels of emissions during combustion. This means it is capable of burning a wide range of different types of fuel without producing unpleasant smoke, making it an ideal option for homeowners who live in urban areas.
A DEFRA approved wood burner or multi-fuel stove will often have the Defra Approved logo on it or be referred to as a DEFRA exempt stove. They could include an SE after the stove's name to indicate that it is able to be used in smoke-free areas. The logo is widely used in the industry and is easily recognized.
If you are unsure of whether your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer to inquire or look up the specifications on the website. It is important to note that even if your stove is marked with the DEFRA logo or is listed as a DEFRA stove, you could still be prosecuted for producing excessive smoke if not using it correctly in a Smoke Control Area.
Making use of your DEFRA approved stove correctly is simple and
DEFRA List stoves requires making sure you have plenty dry and seasoned wood, and that it is well lit before you begin to burn it. It is also essential to keep the stove clean and keep a water tank in the vicinity in the event of an emergency or issues with the stove.
A DEFRA stove is more efficient and generates less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is better for your surroundings and your neighbors. DEFRA stoves will usually also feature a second phase of combustion which further reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.
What is the Difference Between the DEFRA Approved Stove and a Non-DEFRA Approved Stove?
When talking about wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves, there are many terms that are commonly used. Some of these terms are quite confusing for new buyers because they might not be familiar with these terms. You may have heard of the term DEFRA exempt stove or DEFRA approved. It may seem like a lot of words, but it actually has a very basic meaning.
A DEFRA approved wood stove or multi-fuel stove has been inspected, and is approved for use in smoke control zones. The DEFRA approval is issued by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, also known as Defra.
The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with approved fuels, like anthracite and certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke control area without causing excessive quantities of black smoke. Defra approved stoves may be identified with the Defra approved logo or have SE (smoke exempt) in their name.
For a stove to be DEFRA approved, it must satisfy certain requirements, such as emissions testing. This test is carried out to ensure that the stove will not produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorized fuels.
The stove must also pass additional tests to obtain
DEFRA stoves reviews approval. The stove should also have secondary and tertiary technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke.
Many manufacturers offer stoves which are approved by DEFRA. They will usually have the Defra approved logo or be described as a DEFRA approved stove on their website or catalogue. These stoves will be identified as having Clean Burn Technology, which helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced by burning approved fuels.