What is a Defra Approved Stove?
A defra-approved stove is wood-burning stove that has been approved by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. This allows them to be used in Smoke Control Areas in the UK.
Defra is an English government department that is responsible for environmental protection as well as food production and standards, agriculture, and a thriving countryside economy. love it has strong protocols to control known 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 wood stoves from being used in smoke control zones however they restrict the amount of smoke produced by them.
We are pleased to provide an extensive range of defra approved stoves from top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax. All of our approved stoves feature the latest in technology for clean burning. This means they come with secondary and secondary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions, which results in less smoke emitted from the chimney, and leaving a greener footprint.
Defra approved disinfectants are able to clean and disinfect surfaces, including buildings, farm equipment, vehicles and crates. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee for the introduction of new back-to-back approval of trade names. APHA can also retest the effectiveness of a product at any time. This can be performed without submitting a sample, and the results will be then added to the approved list of disinfectants.

Approved for Smoke Control Areas
Many areas of the UK are classified as Smoke Control Areas, meaning you are only allowed to burn fuels that are approved or exempt appliances. This is to reduce the amount of air pollution created by burning unauthorised fuels, which can cause nuisance smoke and ash builds up. To avoid violating the law or being penalized, you must burn wood logs using a DEFRA-approved stove, fire or fireplace. Stovax offer a variety of wood and multi-fuel stoves, fires and fireplaces that are DEFRA approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
They have passed the rigorous DEFRA emissions tests and are able to meet the minimum smoke levels that are permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used with a variety fuels, such as logs, semi-anthracite and anthracite coal brquettes, as well as manufactured smokeless fuels like heating logs. They can also be used to burn electricity, gas and steam coal that is low volatile or a combination of these. On the DEFRA website, you will see a complete list approved fuels.
When choosing a stove for your home, look out for the DEFRA logo, which can be found on the website of the manufacturer or in their showrooms. If they've got the DEFRA logo, then you know that the stove is Defra approved for use in smoke controlled zones and is able to burn wood in these zones. It is still necessary to use an appropriate chimney liner, however the narrower 5kW stoves are generally simpler and less expensive to install than larger models because they can be used with a 5" twin wall stainless steel liner instead of the standard 6" liner.
You may be able get an authorization from your local authority if don't have a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance. This permits you to burn fuels not approved for use in your home. You'll need to check the DEFRA site to determine whether an exemption is available. There are also certain rules to be followed for installing an alarm for smoke. It is also important to note that if you own an open fire, BBQ or garden chiminea, you'll be required to follow the same rules as Smoke Control Areas.
Approved for Smokeless Fuels
To be approved by Defra, wood burners need to be able burn smokeless fuels that are approved by the government without producing excessive emissions. These fuels, referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or Heat Logs are subjected to rigorous tests to ensure they comply with the requirements of the Defra's Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a fantastic alternative to logs made from real wood, since they are less pollutant and produce less fumes than traditional logs.
Before the smoke control zones were put in place residents were able to burn whatever they wanted. This resulted in health issues and air pollution for those who lived in urban areas. Since the regulations were put in place, Defra worked to reduce the amount pollutants in these areas. They did this by regulating kinds of fuels that can be used in fireplaces and stoves.
If you reside in a smoke-free zone, then it's crucial that your stove is Defra approved so that you don't have to pay huge fines for violating the rules. Even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area buying a defra-exempt stove is worthwhile. They are better for your chimney system and the environment.
Defra approves wood burning stoves as well as multi fuel stoves that have been tested for compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. If you are purchasing a new stove make sure it is branded with an Defra approved badge. This will guarantee that it complies with all required regulations.
There are two ways of becoming approved by Defra. The first way to be Defra-approved is to have the stove and fuels tested. This is an extremely expensive process. The other way is to buy a Defra approved stove and use Defra approved fuels in it. This is less expensive however it is recommended to inquire with your local council if you are not sure if you are in a Smoke Control Area.
In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for environmental protection and control for air quality, among other things. It also represents the United Kingdom at international negotiations regarding agricultural, environmental and fisheries issues. The department was established in 2001 from the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and is part of the Home Office. The department is overseen by one cabinet member, who reports directly to the Prime Minister.
Approved for Multi Fuel Stoves
DEFRA approved stoves have been tested for low emissions and high efficiency. These stoves are suitable for smoke-free areas and can burn wood, coal and logs. They are available in a range of sizes and styles and can be freestanding or inset. The stoves are ideal for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on heating costs.
The Defra Logo is easily identifiable and is widely used by the industry. The Defra logo can be found on the title and specification sheets of numerous stoves. It signifies that the stove can burn authorised fuels within smoke controlled areas. In some cases the stove will also have an SE (smoke exempt) logo, which indicates that the stove can be legally installed in a smoke control zone when burning fuels that are approved.
Defra approved wood burning stoves are typically more efficient than older models and feature the latest clean combustion technology. Many top stove makers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed third-generation and secondary combustion systems to increase the efficiency of their products.
If you live in a smoke control area and are not using a DEFRA approved stove, you could be fined up to PS1000. To avoid this, ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved prior to buying it.
A DEFRA approved stove is the best option to warm your home whilst being environmentally friendly. A DEFRA approved wood burning stove will aid in reducing your energy costs, and will also stop smoke from causing trouble to neighbours. There's a wide selection of wood burning and multifuel stoves that are DEFRA approved, so you're sure to find the right one for your home. There are even a few models that are both DEFRA-approved and Eco Design-2022-compliant, so you can have the best of both! Browse the range and discover what's available.