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 use in Smoke Control Areas within the UK. Defra the English government department that is responsible for the environment, food production standards agriculture, and a thriving rural economy. Defra also sets robust protocols to manage the spread of notifiable diseases. Approved by Defra Defra approved stoves, also known as Defra smoke exempt stoves, are multi fuel stoves that meet the government's emission requirements for use in Smoke Control Areas. These new standards do not prohibit the use of wood stoves in these areas, but only restrict the amount of smoke they emit when in operation. We are pleased to provide an extensive selection of defra-approved stoves from top manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray, and Stovax. All of our Defra-approved stoves have the latest clean burning technology. They feature secondary and tertiary systems that reduce emissions. This means less smoke coming from the chimney and also leaves a smaller ecological footprint. Defra approved disinfectants are able to clean and disinfect hard surfaces, including structures, farm equipment, crates and vehicles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency maintains the Defra approved list of disinfectants. They charge a fee to obtain new back-to-back approval of trade names. APHA can also retest the effectiveness of a disinfectant at any time. The results can be added to the list of approved disinfectants without the requirement to submit samples. Approved for Smoke Control Areas Smoke Control Areas are found in numerous areas of the UK. This means that you are able to only use exempt equipment or burn fuels that are approved. This is in order to reduce air pollution caused by burning fuels that are not approved, causing nuisance smoke and ash to build up. The majority of cities and towns are in this category. To avoid breaking the law and getting the penalty of a fine, you should only make use of an DEFRA approved stove, fire or fireplace 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 emission tests and meet the minimum levels of smoke permitted in Smoke Control Areas. They can be used to burn various fuels, including logs, anthracite and semi-anthracite Briquettes, or manufactured smokeless fuels like heat logs. They can also be used to burn gas, electricity or steam coal with low volatile, or any combination of these. You can find a list of all the approved fuels on the DEFRA website. Look for the DEFRA Logo on the manufacturer's website or in their showrooms if you are considering a stove. If the stove you choose has the logo, you can be assured that it is Defra-approved for use in smoke-controlled zones and can burn wood within these zones. You will still need 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. You might be able to obtain an authorization from your local authority if don't have a DEFRA-approved cooking appliance. This will permit you to burn fuels that are not permitted in your home. You'll have to check the DEFRA site to see whether an exemption is available. There are other guidelines to follow, such as installing a smoke alarm. You will also need to follow the rules for Smoke Control Areas if you have an outdoor barbecue or garden chiminea. Approved for Smokeless Fuels To be defra-approved, wood burners need to be able to burn fuels that are smokeless that are approved by the government, without generating excessive emissions. These fuels are commonly referred to as 'Smokeless Coal or 'Heat Logs and have passed rigorous tests to make sure that they meet the standards set out by Defra for Smoke Control Areas. These fuels are a great alternative to real logs because they are less smoky and produce less fumes than seasoned logs. Before the smoke control zones were erected residents were allowed to burn whatever they wanted. This caused pollution of the air and health issues for people who lived in urban areas. Since the rules were put in place, Defra has worked to reduce the amount of pollution in these areas by regulating what is allowed to be burned in fireplaces and stoves. If you live in a smoke controlled zone, then it's crucial that your stove is Defra approved to ensure that you don't face hefty penalties for breaking the rules. Even if you don't live in a smoke-controlled area purchasing a defra exempt stove is worth it. They are safer for your chimney system as well as the environment. Defra approves wood-burning stoves and multi fuel stoves that have been tested to ensure compliance with the UK's Smoke Control Areas legislation. When buying a new stove, make sure it is equipped with the Defra approval badge so that you can be sure that it is compliant with the requirements of the law. There are two main ways to get approved by Defra. The first way to be Defra-approved is to have your stove and fuels tested. This is an extremely expensive process. Another option is to purchase an Defra approved stove and use Defra approved fuels in it. This is less expensive however it is recommended to consult your local council if you are unsure if you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area. In England The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for environmental protection and monitoring for air quality. It also leads for the United Kingdom in international negotiations regarding fisheries, agricultural and environmental issues. The department was established in 2001 as a result of the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and is a part of the Home Office. The department is overseen by a 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. They can be used in smoke-free areas and can burn a variety of fuel types including coal, wood, and logs. They are available in different sizes and styles, and can be installed or freestanding. They are perfect for those who wish to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their heating bills. The Defra logo is easily recognized and is widely used by the industry. It is often seen on the specifications and titles sheets of various stoves and indicates that the stove can be used to burn authorised fuels in smoke-controlled areas. Some stoves may also feature the SE (smoke-exempt) logo which means that they can be installed legally in a smoke-controlled space when burning approved fuels. Defra approved wood burning stoves are often more efficient than older models and come with the latest clean combustion technology. Many top stove makers, such as Arada Burley Parkray Stovax, have developed secondary and third-generation combustion systems to improve the efficiency of their stoves. If you reside in an area where smoking is controlled and you are not using a DEFRA approved stove, you could face penalties of up to PS1000. You can get around this by making sure that the stove you buy is DEFRA-approved prior to purchasing it. A DEFRA approved stove is the best option to heat your home while being eco-friendly. If you live in a zone of smoke control or not but a DEFRA approved stove will save you energy costs and also stop smoke from disturbing neighbours. We offer a variety of wood and multifuel stoves that are DEFRA approved and you'll be able to find the perfect one for your home. There are a few models that are both DEFRA approved and Eco Design-2022-compliant, which means you get the best of both! Explore the options and find out the options available.