What is a Defra Log Burner?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the release of smoke from wood-burning stoves. They have regulations in place that prohibit chimney smoke in Smoke Control Areas unless using an exempt appliance and authorised fuel.
The new rules restrict the amount the stove can emit of smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners do not comply, they will be fined immediately. To avoid this, only use log burners that have been approved by Defra and burn kiln-dried wood with the 'Ready To Burn" label.
What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A Defra approved stove is a stove that has passed the DEFRA test and is therefore exempt from laws in zones of smoke control that allow burning wood (and other fuels that are approved by DEFRA). The Defra logo is well-known in the industry. Stoves that have been approved by Defra will often be marked with SE (Smoke-Exempt) as an easy and quick way to identify them.
Stoves that are Defra Approved have to be tested by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure that they comply with strict emission standards. These tests are designed for stoves that can produce the highest heat while generating extremely low levels of smoke emissions. The low emissions are typically accomplished by ensuring that combustion gases are reburned in the second combustion. This is crucial because it allows the combustion to continue in a controlled manner while reducing the amount of combustibles emitted into atmosphere.
DEFRA exempted stoves are environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of part-burned combustibles thrown through the chimney. Defra exempted stoves do not close their air vents during the night to'sleep'. They keep the flue open all the time, making them less likely to send partially burned combustibles down the chimney.
You can purchase an approved Defra wood burning stove whether you reside in a smoke-free area or not. It will make your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney clean for a longer time. You can purchase Defra exempt stoves in a variety of designs and styles, and there are plenty of options to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove because of its minimalist, sleek design. These stoves are perfect for modern living spaces and can be incorporated into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or free standing. Modern stoves like the Aarrow i400 and the minimal Farringdon would look great in any space. order DEFRA stoves online can also find stoves that are Defra exempt like the Saxon A08E as well as the Arizona A08E.
What is a Defra Exempt Stove?
A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been approved and tested by the government's DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves have been developed to produce a minimum amount of smoke and harmful emission while also producing an extremely high level of heat for your home.
You need a Defra approved stove if you live in Smoke-Control Area. In the event that you don't, you won't be legally able to install a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove which has not been approved by DEFRA. You could face an expensive fine for installing an unapproved stove inside your home.
The combustion air system in Defra-approved stoves has been adjusted to limit the amount of oxygen that can reach the firewood while it is burning. This is done by changing the air vent on top. The stove can still allow air to flow even if the vent is shut all the way. This stops the firewood from burning and preventing it from being starved for air.
From the outside of a Defra stove, you won't be able to discern that it's different from any other wood burning stove. The combustion air adjustment is hidden under the base of the wood stove or on the top front.
The majority of Defra stoves are certified to burn wood and specific kinds of approved smokeless fuels like anthracite and Homefire brand smokeless coal. Defra stoves can burn a variety of fuels.
There are many reasons why you might want to choose a Defra stove, whether you reside in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or not. Defra stoves are better for your environment, they produce less smoke and they help keep your chimney free of ash. They are also safer for your home since they offer more heat and fewer toxins in the air.
What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove?
A Defra wood burning stove also called a Defra exempted stove or Defra approved smoke control stove, is a stove which has been tested rigorously by the UK Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. This testing looks at emissions levels and the amount of smoke a stove can produce throughout all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass the Defra test can be placed within Smoke Control Areas in large cities and towns.
The test also ensures the stove can be operated with approved fuels such as anthracite and smokeless coal. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more environmentally friendly and helps avoid annoying neighbours with nuisance emissions.
The control of the combustion air for wood burners that have been endorsed by Defra has been modified. This is typically located inside the firebox or on the top of the stove. This modification prevents users from closing the air control completely as this could starve the stove and cause it produce excessive amounts of smoke.
A Defra approved stove or Defra exempt stove, as it is sometimes called, should still be regularly maintained in order to ensure it's functioning properly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue on a regular basis. It is also important to ensure that there are no obstructions, that the firebox is clean and that the grate is free of debris.

Although it is not an obligation under the law to own a Defra exempt stove, especially in the absence of a Smoke Control Area it is a good idea to buy one because they are much more efficient than models that are not Defra approved and will save you money on fuel costs over the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also decrease the amount of smoke and dust that is emitted in your home which is better for your health as well as your neighbours.
Nordpeis provides a range of DEFRA-approved stoves in modern and traditional designs. To see if you live in a Smoke Control Area and would like to discuss your options, please contact your local Varde retailer.
What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?
Clean Burn Technology is the alternative for stoves and fires and provides a higher quality burn. This means a lesser amount of airborne dust which is good for the environment and can save money on fuel costs since you can receive more heat from the same logs. They are efficient enough that they have resulted in less need for chimney sweeps as minimal amounts of soot are produced. As the top stove manufacturers create their products they have added secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions from the stove and reduce the carbon footprint of their customers.
A Defra-approved stove is able to be used not just in Smoke Control Areas but also in a well built chimney that is well-insulated and insulated in any home. These wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles to match your preferences. There are contemporary and traditional options in an array of colors and finishes that will complement your decor. These stoves are also available in a range of sizes, ensuring that you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.
All Defra approved stoves have undergone stringent testing and examination to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion, so that you can be assured you are making use of your fuel in a ecologically responsible manner, and reducing your heating costs too. Only using kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will improve the efficiency of your stove.
If you live in a smoke-controlled area and still want to enjoy the warmth of a wood burner, then a Defra Approved Stove is a excellent choice. Our customers who purchased a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and a reduction in fuel bills. We recommend that your stove be professionally installed by an engineer in gas who is certified to do the job. This will ensure that the stove is in compliance with all requirements for building. Regularly checking and servicing your stove will ensure it performs at its best and prevents the need for expensive repairs in the near future.