What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is a wood-burning stove that has been tested and passed by the UK Government's Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK.
Defra is an English government department that is responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, and a thriving countryside economy. Defra has also developed robust protocols to manage notifiable diseases.
Approved by Defra
Defra approved wood stoves and multi-fuel stoves comply with the emission standards set by the government for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but they do limit the amount of smoke they can produce while in operation.
At ESSE we are proud to offer a wide range of defra-approved stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax. All of our stoves that are Defra-approved feature the latest in technology for clean burning. They feature secondary and tertiary systems to reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming out of the chimney, and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint.

Defra approved disinfectants can be used to disinfect and clean hard surfaces, such as buildings, farm equipment, vehicles and crates. The Defra approved disinfectants list is maintained by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which charges an annual fee to approve the new back-to-back approval trade names for disinfectants. APHA can also retest a disinfectant's efficacy at anytime. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants, without the need to submit an actual sample.
Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas are found in several areas of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt devices or burn fuels that have been approved. This is to cut down on the amount of air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not authorised that produce ash and smoke that is nuisance. The majority of cities and towns are in this category. To avoid breaking the law and getting an infringement charge, you must make use of the DEFRA approved fireplace, stove or fire to burn wood logs. Stovax offer a broad range of wood and multi fuel fireplaces, stoves, and fires that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
These stoves have passed strict DEFRA emissions tests and have met the minimum smoke levels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn different types of fuels like logs, anthracite or semi-anthracite briquettes, and manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas or low volatile steam coal or a combination of these. You can find a list of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website.
Look for the DEFRA Logo on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms if you are considering the stove. If the stove is marked with the DEFRA logo then you are aware that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke-controlled zones and is able to burn wood in these zones. You'll still require a suitable chimney lining, but the smaller 5kW stoves are able to be fitted with a 5" twin-wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
If you don't have a DEFRA approved stove, you might be eligible to obtain an authorization from your local authority to burn non-approved fuels in your home. You'll have to check the DEFRA site to see whether an exemption is available. There are also certain guidelines to follow, such as installing smoke alarms. You must also comply with the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have a garden chiminea or BBQ.
Approved for Smokeless fuels
To be approved by Defra, wood burners need to be able burn smokeless fuels authorised by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless Coal ' or 'Heat Logs', have been subjected to rigorous tests to ensure that they meet the specifications of Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to logs made from real wood, because they are less smoky and emit less smoke than the seasoned logs.
Before the smoke control zones were erected residents were able to burn whatever they wanted to. This led to pollution of the air and health issues for those who lived in urban areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount of pollutants that are present in these areas. They achieved this by regulating the types of fuel that can be burnt in fireplaces and stoves.
If you live in a smoking zone, it is essential that your stove be Defra approved to avoid heavy fines. Even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area purchasing a defra exempt stove is a good idea. They are better for your chimney system and the environment.
Defra approves wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are purchasing a new stove, ensure that it has an Defra approved badge. This will ensure that the stove is compliant with all legal requirements.
There are two main methods to get Defra approved. The first way to become Defra-approved is by having your stove and fuels tested. This is a costly and expensive process. Another option is to purchase a Defra approved stove and only use Defra approved fuels. This may be less expensive however it is best to check with your local council if aren't sure if live in a Smoke Control Area.
In England in England, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for environmental protection and controls, including those regarding air quality. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations on environmental, agricultural and fisheries issues. try these out was created in 2001 through the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions and some of the Home Office. The department is managed by a cabinet minister, who is directly accountable to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi-fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves can be used in smoke-free zones and can burn various types of fuel such as coal, wood and logs. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and can be installed or freestanding. The stoves are ideal for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating costs.
The Defra Logo is easily recognized and is widely used by the industry. It is often seen on the specifications and titles sheets of many stoves and indicates that the stove is capable of burning authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. In certain instances, the stove may also sport an SE (smoke exempt) logo that signifies that the stove is able to be legally installed in a smoke control zone in the event of burning fuels approved by the government.
Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved provide the most recent technologies for clean combustion and are generally more efficient. Many top stove manufacturers like Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to boost the efficiency of their products.
If you live in a smoke control area and are not using a DEFRA approved stove, you could be punished up to PS1000. You can get around this by making sure that the stove you buy is DEFRA-approved before purchasing it.
A DEFRA-approved stove is the most green method of heating your home. Whether you live in a smoke control area or not but a DEFRA approved stove will save you energy costs and also stop smoke from causing trouble for neighbors. We offer a variety of wood burning and multifuel stoves that are DEFRA approved and you'll be able to find the right one for your home. You can even find some models that are DEFRA approved and Eco Design 2022 compliant to provide you with the best of both options! Explore the selection to find the options available.