Choosing a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove If you live in a region that is under smoke control, you should make use of a wood-burning stove or multi-fuel stove approved by DEFRA. These are typically referred to as Defra Exempt Appliances and they permit burning approved smokeless coal and logs, without producing smoke that is not considered to be nuisance. Defra Approved Anyone who lives in an area where smoke control is enforced must use a DEFRA approved stove or log burner. Defra approved appliances have been tested to ensure they emit only minimal smoke. They also pass strict emission tests and satisfy requirements of the government for the Clean Air Act. Contrary to conventional wood burning stoves or multi fuel stoves, DEFRA approved appliances have been manufactured and designed to burn wood with such efficiency that they produce very little smoke. This is accomplished by ensuring that the stove has sufficient combustible air flow at all times. Here at Bowland Stoves we offer a variety of traditional and modern DEFRA approved wood burning stoves in various styles. If you plan to install a DEFRA approved stove it's a smart investment whether you live in a smoke control zone or not. Many of the modern models we sell come with an inbuilt feature that prevents the top air vent from being closed completely. This stops the fire from becoming less effective and creating more smoke. DEFRA approved stoves are also more energy efficient. This allows you to save money on fuel and keep your home warmer for longer. They also have less emissions than older stoves and open fires, which means they emit less carbon dioxide and are more eco-friendly. Some of our models are Eco Design compliant 2022 This is a great feature that allows you to cut down on the amount of fuel, thus saving you more money. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and utilize the entire combustible source. They also have primary, secondary, and tertiary controls. We also have a selection of DEFRA multi fuel stoves that permit you to burn all kinds of solid fuel including smokeless coal and peat or turf briquettes. They are ideal for those who want to make use of their stove using a variety of different fuels. They are also approved for use in Smoke Control Areas, if you are looking for a DEFRA multifuel stove that can be used in a Smoke Control Area, check out our range of Defra Exempt multifuel stoves. Clean Burning Technology A multi fuel stove is an excellent option for homeowners who want to utilize a wood-burning stove but don't have enough space for storing logs. These stoves can be filled with wood or manufactured fuels like coal and peat. These stoves can usually burn both kinds of fuel more effectively than traditional wood burners. This is due to the fact that multi-fuel stoves are made to burn a variety of fuels. The raised grate on stoves that are designed to burn various fuels is usually designed to allow air circulation beneath the fuel. This is because certain fuels like peat and turf briquettes need a lot of air underneath for them to be ignited and burn properly. Many multi fuel stoves have a secondary air flow which can be closed or opened depending on the type of fuel you are using. This helps keep the fire going by supplying an additional supply of air to the stove, and will also improve combustion efficiency. The primary and secondary airflow systems within the fireplace can be used to regulate the flame's height and temperature. This is crucial because different fuels burn at different rates, and produce different amounts of heat. Maintaining the flame's high and temperature within a certain range will ensure that your stove is running as efficiently as it can and generating the most amount of heat from its fuel. Finally, you'll be required to remove ash frequently from your stove and place it in an ash bucket or ash pan. This will stop the accumulation of ash too high on the stove's grates, and also stop your fuel from burning properly. It is also necessary to keep your stove glass clean to prevent any discoloration. You can keep your stove looking fresh with a soft, damp scourer and a specific product for cleaning your stove. To avoid any problems or damage, it is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer when cleaning and maintaining your oven. Low Emission Vehicles The top multi-fuel stoves are designed with low emissions, meaning they burn smokeless coal, or a combination thereof with the least amount of emissions. This is especially important in areas with smoke control like London in which you'll need to use a Defra-approved stove and only burn approved materials that are part of the Ready To Burn Scheme to meet local regulations. Typically, a Defra approved stove will feature automatic fuel feed as well as an air supply control to ensure that the fire burns at optimum efficiency. This results in minimal smoke and a very high heat output, which is beneficial in a smaller room where the stove is the main focus feature. If you reside in a zone of smoke control, it is important that you make use of a Defra approved stove to ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations and avoid paying hefty penalties for burning illegally. There are a myriad of Defra approved stoves on the market, but we suggest you to look for an woodburning stove that is also Eco Design 2022 compliant as it will provide you with an improved view of the flame and will be more energy efficient too. The AGA Ellsmere EC4 is a great example of a DEFRA-approved Ecodesign stove that provides aesthetics and efficiency. With its compact size, it is ideal for smaller rooms and features simple to use primary and secondary air controls. Its stylish looks would suit both modern and traditional settings. Another alternative is the Stovax Blithfield which is a widescreen stove that has large windows that offers stunning flame views. It comes in a number of different colors to complement your decor. The stove is Defra and Eco Design compliant and can be supplied with either a clear arch or a Tracery version that adds striking Gothic arches to the door. Pellet stoves are a good alternative to traditional multi-fuel stoves. They use compressed wood or biomass to produce a high-quality flame that is highly efficient. The pellets are made of leftover materials like sawdust, and other wood products, which makes it a very environmentally friendly choice. The stoves have a hotplate as well as an oven, which means they can also be used to cook. They typically have a larger flue outlet than the standard 6" (150mm) but they can still be used with 5" (125mm) liner to ensure safety. This is a great choice in cases where it's difficult to install a 6" (150mm) or if the chimney stack has a few odd bends. Energy Efficiency The combustion of fuel in a multifuel stove generates heat which the stove distributes to the room. This can be done by radiation, in which the hot surface of a multifuel stove radiates heat back into the room, or convection, where it draws in cold air from outside, warms it up and then directs it into the room. The majority of modern multifuel stoves are designed to maximise the efficiency of their heat output, by using secondary and tertiary sources to minimize emissions and burn fuel as efficiently as it can. A good example is the Stovax Go Eco 5kW widescreen multifuel stove, which is both Defra and Ecodesign approved. Its large square window provides great views of the flame. Its larger size lets it be able to fit into chimneys with larger openings. The airwash system keeps the glass clear of soot. The stove is available with six different finishes and you can also include a top plate to cook on. Multifuel stoves can be an efficient method to make use of wood, however you should follow your appliance's guidelines for the best results and ensure that it is regularly examined by an expert. Selecting the right fuel is important too because different types of fuel burn at different speeds and generate different quantities of energy. You will need to decide whether you want the fire to produce lots of heat quickly or prefer to invest in a slow, long burn and producing plenty of warm atmosphere in the room. If you reside in a smoke-free area, it's important to know that only DEFRA approved stoves are permitted to burn approved wood and smokeless coal. You could be fined a significant amount of money if you burn any other fuel. Your stove could be damaged. The Defra approved multifuel stoves we have in stock have 5" (125mm) flue outlets that can be affixed to an existing chimney stack or flue system. This is a more affordable option than fitting a stainless steel twin wall liner, particularly when you don't need to go as far up the chimney.