What is a DEFRA Exempt Wood Burning Or Multi Fuel Stove? It is crucial to take into consideration whether you live in an area with smoke control laws when you are choosing a wood stove or multi-fuel. If you do, you will need a defra exempt stove. These appliances are often referred to as SE stoves (SE is for Smoke Exempt). They have passed the UK government's strict testing criteria for emission levels and can be used in smoke controlled areas. What is an DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA-approved stove is a wood-burning or multifuel stove that has passed a smoke emission test designed by the UK Government Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. The tests ensure the stove emits very low levels when it is using the right fuels such as wood. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra can be fitted in Smoke Control Areas and will usually have the DEFRA approval logo or the word SE (for smoke exempt) added to their name. The majority of cities and towns will be classified as Smoke Control Areas and so if you live in one of these areas, you will need to use a DEFRA approved Stove for when you plan to burn wood or other DEFRA approved fuels. Stoves that have been endorsed by Defra will have had their manufactures modify them to reduce the amount of air they consume during combustion, which can create black smoke. Stoves that are Defra-approved come with secondary and tertiary systems which help to burn off any unburned material that is left over in the fire that is then blown away through the chimney. This helps keep your stove and flue clean for longer and reduce overall emissions. When you are looking to purchase a stove for your home, there are many factors to consider and it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available. You may hear terms like DEFRA and smoke-controlled zones. If you are looking for a new stove, this can be quite confusing. It is crucial to select the DEFRA-approved model before purchasing a new stove. A majority of cities and towns are Smoke Control Areas, and if your stove is not approved you could be fined quite a bit. Grate Expectations stocks a large selection of stoves that have been approved by DEFRA. This means that you can shop with confidence knowing that you're getting the top wood-burning stove or multifuel stove. Can I put a non-DEFRA Approved Stove in a Smoke Controlled Area? When you are looking for a new wood burning stove you will come across some terms that can be confusing. One term you may hear is DEFRA exempt or Defra approved, which simply indicate that the stove been tested and is in compliance with the UK government's smoke control laws. The major benefit of buying a DEFRA exempt stove is that you are allowed to use it in a smoke controlled zone without fear of being fined. The stove is designed to create less smoke. This is accomplished by shutting off some air during the combustion, which starves the fuel of oxygen. To be DEFRA approved the stove must pass several tests set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Stoves that are DEFRA-exempt are typically marked with SE, which stands for Smoke Exempt. Although the main purpose of the DEFRA approved stove is to use it in a smoke-control zone, it's a good idea to purchase one even if you do not live in a smoke controlled area. This is because a DEFRA approved stove will burn more efficiently than a non-DEFRA certified stove, which means that you will get more heating output from your appliance and it will be less likely to release part-burned combustibles that can be emitted into the air. Some people still choose to install a non DEFRA approved stove in their home because they like its look or because they do not live in a smoke-free area. It is important to keep in mind that should you reside in a smoking-free zone and install the non DEFRA approved stove, you could be subject to a fine from your local authority. To avoid this possibility, it's recommended to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove. Can I burn fuels that aren't DEFRA approved in a DEFRA approved stove? A DEFRA approved stove that is also referred to as a DEFRA exempt wood burning stove or a multi fuel stove that is smoke-free is one that is legal in UK Smoke Control Areas. It has passed a stringent test conducted by the UK's Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This assures it produces low levels of emissions during combustion. It can burn a variety of fuels without releasing smoke, making it a great choice for homeowners who live in urban areas. A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove or wood burner is usually marked with the Defra Approved Logo or described as a DEFRA Exempt Stove. Sometimes, an SE may be added to the stove's name to indicate that it is able to be used in smoke-controlled areas. This logo is widely used in the industry, and is easily recognisable. If you aren't sure whether your stove is DEFRA approved you can contact the manufacturer and ask or go to the website. It is important to keep in mind that even if your stove has the DEFRA logo or is described as a DEFRA stove you can still be prosecuted for producing excessive smoke if not using it properly in the Smoke Control Area. It is simple to use your DEFRA-approved stove. You just need to make sure that you have plenty of dry clean, seasoned wood, and that the stove is well lit prior to you begin burning it. It is also essential to regularly clean your stove and keep a water tank in the vicinity in the event of an emergency or problems with the stove. A DEFRA stove is more efficient and generates less smoke than traditional open fires, gas or electric stoves. This is healthier for the environment and for the neighbors. DEFRA stoves typically have a second combustion phase which reduces the amount released into the air. What is the difference between the DEFRA approved stove and a non-DEFRA certified stove? There are a number of terms that are used when discussing wood burning stoves and multi fuel stoves. These terms can be confusing for new buyers who may not understand what they refer to. One of the terms you may have encountered is a DEFRA exempt or DEFRA approved stove. While it may appear like a lot of jargon, it actually has a very simple meaning. A DEFRA approved stove is a wood-burning or multi fuel stove that has been tested and has been approved for use in a smoke control area. The DEFRA approval is given by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Also known as Defra. The DEFRA approval permits the stove to be used with authorised fuels like anthracite or certain manufactured smokeless fuels. This means that the stove can be used in a smoke-control area without creating excessive amounts of black smoke. Defra approved stoves will often be identified with the Defra approved logo or SE (smoke exempt) after their name. To become DEFRA approved, a stove has to meet certain criteria including testing for emissions. The test is conducted to ensure that the stove does not produce excessive amounts of smoke when burning authorized fuels. There are also some additional tests that the stove has to pass in order to be eligible for DEFRA approval. These include ensuring that the stove is equipped with secondary and tertiary combustion technologies. This helps the stove to burn fuel more efficiently and with less smoke. Many manufacturers offer stoves that are DEFRA approved. These stoves are typically marked with the Defra logo or referred to as a DEFRA-approved stove on their catalog or website. They are also often labelled as having a Clean Burn technology, which aids in reducing the amount of smoke produced when burning approved fuels. It is a great idea to have a DEFRA-approved cooktop in areas with smoke control. This will not only help avoid any fines imposed on the owner, but it will also make the stove more efficient and produce a cleaner burn. This is not only good for the environment, but it's also better for the chimney and the flue system of the stove.