What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you're planning to purchase an electric stove that burns wood and live in a smoke control area it is crucial that you choose a DEFRA exempt or approved stove. Stoves that aren't DEFRA exempt may starve the burner and cause excess emissions and smouldering fuel.
Clean Burn Technology
If you select a DEFRA-approved stove you can reduce air pollution. These wood burning stoves have been designed to meet the strict standards for smoke emissions established by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The DEFRA stoves that we offer feature clean burn technology which ensures that any solid or wood fuel you make use of will be fully burned before it escapes up the chimney. The way they achieve this is via secondary and sometimes tertiary air intakes that ensure that every single speck of smoke is burned before it is able to leave the stove. This will keep your chimney cleaner for longer and your stove will consume less fuel.
DEFRA stoves are available in both traditional and contemporary styles. This is because not everyone would like their new stove to be the focal feature of their home and you might prefer an option that is more discrete and will blend into your decor. We have a selection of inglenook and freestanding stoves that are compliant with DEFRA approval standards, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your fireplace.
You can also choose from a selection of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to enjoy the flexibility to burn a variety authorised fuels. When you combine this with a choice of finishes and colours, you are sure to find the perfect DEFRA wood burner or multi-fuel stove to suit your home.
We are pleased to offer a large selection of DefrA Wood Burners that have been tested independently by HETAS and meet the stringent DEFRA emission standards. They are permitted to use legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in a Smoke Control Area then it is important to purchase a DEFRA stove since using an unapproved appliance could see you penalized. You can find out if you live in a Smoke Control Area by visiting the DEFRA website or contacting your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have been subjected rigorous tests to ensure that they are able to be used in smoke-controlled zones. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that provide cleaner combustion, less emissions and the ability to save money. You can also pick from a range of styles that will complement your home's style.
Local authorities establish Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK towns and cities. Traditionally people would burn any type of fuel they wanted in their homes. This led to a heavy smog over many areas which caused health problems for the local population. In the past, there was no legislation governing this but nowadays, we have to follow the rules.

Defra regulations were created to ensure the safety of the public. They specify the stoves that are permitted in certain areas, as well as what fuels we can use. This means that if you live in a smoke-free area then you must only use a DEFRA stove and only burn authorised fuels such as logs, pellets or coal. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and you use prohibited fuels and you are fined as much as PS1000.
A Defra approved stove delivers the smallest amount of air to burn, which results in minimal smoke emissions. This is the only way to guarantee that you are allowed to burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Areas.
In order to be DEFRA approved wood burners and multi-fuel stoves must have a moisture content of 20% or less to avoid excessive smoke. To attain this, wood must be seasoned. It is recommended to select wood from the Forestry Commission’s"Woodsure Ready to Burn" scheme.
If you are buying a stove for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure it's got a Defra logo on it or a slash in its name. This indicates that the stove is smoke-exempt. The Defra logo is easily recognisable and it has been widely adopted by the industry.
In compliance with Building Regulations
If a stove is DEFRA wood burning stoves approved, it means that it has passed rigorous tests and complies with the building regulations. This means that the stove is safe to operate and that it has a correctly installed flue system. This prevents fire hazards and reduces indoor air pollution. This is especially important for people living in areas of smoke control where it is unlawful to burn fuels that are not authorised.
DEFRA stoves are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes. This lets you find the perfect fit for your home. We offer freestanding models, inglenook and even inset in both traditional and modern styles that can be adapted to any style. Based on your preferences you can select one with a wood burner, or a multi-fuel version. All DEFRA stoves have clean-burn technology so you can be confident that they'll burn your fuels efficiently and safely.
DEFRA stoves also adhere to strict regulations governing the emissions of smoke in smoke-controlled areas. These regulations are designed to decrease the amount of particulate matter that is released into atmosphere during combustion.
The most recent DEFRA wood burning stoves have been designed to accomplish this through the use of advanced combustion systems that do not restrict the flow of air within the firebox. This allows the wood to be burned more efficiently and quickly and reduces the release of particles into the air. DEFRA stoves also have a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning unburned combustibles.
It is possible to install an appliance that does not comply with DEFRA regulations, but this will require major modifications to your chimney or flue. This could require an alteration to the structure that could require planning permission. To avoid DEFRA stoves comparison , we recommend always selecting a DEFRA certified stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance will usually also include a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This permits the use of a 5" vitreous flue liner, which will save you money on installation. This is a great option for those who are budget conscious or where the chimney stack has some difficult bends to navigate.
Reduced Emissions
When searching for a wood burning stove you will come across many terms that may confuse you. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves mean that it can be used in smoke-free areas in the UK.
These stoves have been inspected to ensure that they are in compliance with UK smoking laws. This is accomplished by incorporating the latest clean burn technology, which makes use of third-level combustion and secondary combustion to create cleaner air in your home. This helps to reduce the use of fuel, since it is burned more efficiently.
The advanced technology used in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more environmentally friendly in comparison to traditional open stoves or fires. When properly used the wood burning stove is carbon neutral. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and release it back into the atmosphere when they burn. This is why they are the green alternative to fossil fuels for heating your home.
The primary concern with a fireplace that burns wood is the emission. The smoke produced by a wood-burning stove contains ultrafine particulates that are known to cause serious health problems. These particles can be absorbed into the lungs, causing breathing problems, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms and make you feel unwell. They can also increase your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Domestic wood burning is the largest source of PM2.5 in the UK, producing three times as much pollution than road traffic. This is due to the fact that conventional wood stoves do not utilize clean burning technologies. It is crucial to purchase an exempt DEFRA stove if your area is smoke controlled, or even if it isn't. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.
At Bowland Stoves, we stock an extensive range of DEFRA approved stoves from the top manufacturers such as Arada, Stovax and Burley. We recommend you speak to one of our staff members in case you aren't sure what kind of stove is appropriate for your home If you do choose a DEFRA approved stove, then you can be confident that it has undergone thorough testing and inspection to be sure it is able to be used in Smoke Controlled Areas.