Defra Approved Multifuel Stoves
Multifuel stoves approved by Defra are a great option for those living in areas with smoke control. They burn wood and approved smokeless fuels efficiently and are available in a broad range of styles to suit every taste.
The Defra Logo is usually displayed on the appliance or in its specifications to show that it can be used for Smoke Control Areas. These appliances also have a high energy efficiency rating with low emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
A large portion of the wood burning stoves that we sell are Defra approved, which means they meet stricter standards for emissions when used with wood and other approved fuels. This is because these stoves have been built to work with a variety of different fuels and have been tested by an independent lab to ensure they don't produce excessive smoke. A Defra-approved stove will also feature features like secondary and tertiary combustion which can maximize the amount of energy and minimise harmful gasses.
Defra approved multifuel stoves typically have an 'SE' logo or SE (which means smoke exempt) after their name which means that the stove has been independently tested to confirm that it is able to be used legally in Smoke Control Area with logs and other approved solid fuels. The testing process will include an array of tests to test the stove's performance under a range of conditions and to confirm that the stove produces five grams of particulates per kilogram when burning wood.
To meet this standard, Defra approved stoves come with an altered top air control which prevents the user from closing it all the way. Closing the top air vent too tightly will limit the supply of oxygen to the fire, which causes it to smolder instead of burning. If you were to do this with the use of a non Defra approved stove, you could be in violation of the law and could be prosecuted for violations of nuisance smoking.
To avoid smoke, buy wood that has been kiln dried or seasoned. It is wood that has been dried for an extended period of time which reduces the amount of moisture to less than 20%. A simple wood moisture meter can be used to measure the moisture content of your wood.
You can reduce the amount nuisance smoke produced by a stove that is Defra-approved by using only dry, well-seasoned logs that have been kiln dried or spruce. Never burn wet, damp, or unseasoned wood. view it can create a lot more smoke and you could be penalized by the local authority.
Smoke Control Area Approval
DEFRA approved stoves meet the strict air quality standards set by the government. They can be powered by different fuels including wood and 'authorised' smokeless materials in Smoke Control Areas.
Burning untreated wood or other wet fuels that are not having a DEFRA exempt or approved stove can produce smoke that could annoy neighbours. It can also impact the local air quality If you live in an urban area. You could be fined or prosecuted if you burn unauthorised fuels in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area or use an appliance that is not made to work with smokeless fuels.
Defra approved stoves have secondary and tertiary burning systems that burn fuel at a lower temperatures. This produces less particulate matter (PM2.5). This is accomplished by using stainless steel liners, as well as convection systems that force air down the chimney even after the fire is extinguished. This lets the stove burn wood and other fuels more efficiently and emitting significantly less carbon dioxide.
A Defra Approved Stove will also include an adjustment for the top air vent that prevents you from closing it down to the fullest extent. When you cut the air supply, a stove will cease to burn properly, and smoulder a lot, and begin to emit smoke. Defra approved stoves permit you to shut the vent a bit but not all the way so that the fire can continue to burn at an lower temperature, and still conform to UK laws.
When choosing a stove that is Defra-approved, it is important to think about the style and design and whether it is compatible with the style of your home. There are a variety of styles and sizes available that range from traditional fireplaces to inglenooks, to more modern designs that look great in open-plan living spaces.
Most Defra approved stoves have an outlet for 5kW so they are legal in Smoke Control Areas, which include the majority of UK towns and cities. This can also save money on installation costs since the stove requires only a 5" liner, instead of the more expensive 6" liner.
Aesthetics
A multi-fuel stove doesn't need to be a functional feature in your home. you can choose one that has style and appeal. There are many models available in a variety of styles to match your style either modern or traditional. They also have sleeker lines and better finishes than wood-burning only stoves making them a more attractive addition to any room.
When selecting a multi-fuel stove, make sure that it fits the intended space and is compatible with your chimney or flue system. Make sure that the stove is in compliance with local requirements for clearance from combustible materials. You can get a sense of these requirements by checking the manufacturer's guidelines that will specify how far you have to keep flammable items like curtains or walls away from your stove.
When shopping for a multi-fuel stove, you might want to consider the airwash system. This keeps the glass windows clean so that you can enjoy your fire. Some multi-fuel stoves have an grate that can be removed, making it easier to change fuel and clean the stove.
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are designed to reduce emissions and pollution which makes them an environmentally-friendly choice for eco-conscious homeowners. They are also highly efficient and permit you to use less fuel, which will lower the cost of heating.
Many Defra multi-fuel stoves are sold in a variety of styles to match your aesthetic preferences. For instance inset stoves such as the Hamlet Solution 5 Compact and the Woodford Lovell C400 fit into an existing fireplace or wall opening to create a seamless look. While cylindrical stoves such as the Opus Harmony or the ACR Solis are slim and round, they can be placed on a hearth for a better use of space.
Many stoves are constructed to reflect the heritage of their manufacturer. They could have cast iron construction, or intricate details. These stoves are ideal for country cottages and other homes that have a rustic, traditional feel. Certain models are contemporary, with simple lines and materials like steel and glass. These models are ideal for homes with a minimalist style such as those in urban areas and modern homes.
Energy Efficiency
You can be assured that a multifuel stove approved by DEFRA will be up to date with the latest standards for air pollution. The top stove manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Parkray have invested a lot of money in cutting-edge combustion techniques that reduce the amount of smoke generated in the process of burning. Combined with the latest clean air technologies like secondary and tertiary burn systems these modern stoves are much more eco-friendly than their older counterparts and will lower your monthly household fuel costs.
No matter if you live in a region that is with Smoke Control or not there is an appliance for your home. From the stunning Danish design of the Uniq 37, to the modern and cozy design of the Arundel Deluxe. There are models that offer more traditional design and are suitable for existing fireplaces and inglenooks.
Our collection of Defra-approved multifuel stoves are available in various finishes that match your decor. They include matte black, gloss black enamel majolica brown, buttermilk gloss enamel. A majority of them are compliant with 2022 EU Ecodesign emission reduction standards as well, helping you positively impact the environment while saving money on your energy bills.
For those who live in areas of smoke control, DEFRA approved wood stoves can be purchased. This makes it easier to follow the law. Remember to only use approved fuels in your stove (such as'smokeless anthracite coal). It is illegal to burn damp or wet woods and you could be penalized.
If you live in a region that is under Smoke Control, choose a DEFRA Approved Multifuel Stove that has the ClearSkies Mark to ensure that you are in compliance with the law. This means that the stove has been tested to ensure it complies with all current UK and European emissions regulations, including those for wood and smokeless fuels. On the product page of the stove, you can check its status by looking for a mark that reads "DEFRA approved" or "Approved by DEFRA".