Defra Approved Multifuel Stoves
Multifuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are an excellent choice for those living in areas with smoke control. They are very safe and can burn wood or authorised smokeless fuels.
The Defra logo is typically found on the appliance or written in the specifications to show it can be used in Smoke Control Areas. These appliances also come with a high energy rating with low emissions.
Clean Burn Technology
A large portion of the wood burning stoves we sell are Defra approved, which means that they are able to meet the strictest standards for emissions when used with wood and other approved fuels. The stoves have been tested independently and designed to burn a variety of fuels. You'll also find that a Defra approved stove has features like secondary and tertiary combustion that help to maximise the amount of energy produced by the burning process and minimize harmful gasses.
Multifuel stoves that are approved by Defra typically have an SE logo or SE (which stands for smoke-free) after their name, which signifies that the stove has been independently tested to show it is legal to use in a Smoke Control Area with logs and other approved solid fuels. The testing process involves several tests to test on the stove's performance under a variety of conditions, and also to confirm that it generates a minimum of 5 grams of particulates/kg when burning wood.
To meet the requirements of this standard, Defra-approved stoves have a modified top air control that prevents the user from closing the top air vent completely. Closing the top air vent too tightly will limit the flow of oxygen to the fire, which causes it to smolder instead of burning. If you did this with a non-Defra-approved stove, you'd be in violation of the law and may be prosecuted for nuisance smoke offences.
To avoid the smell of smoke, purchase wood that has been kiln dried or seasoned. The wood has been dried for an extended period of time, which reduces the moisture content to below 20 percent. A simple wood moisture meter can be used to determine the moisture content of your wood.
You can reduce the amount nuisance smoke generated from a stove that is Defra approved by making use of dry, well-seasoned wood that have been kiln dried or spruce. You should never burn wet, damp or unseasoned wood. more resources will cause an increase in smoke and you could be fined by your local authority.
Smoke Control Area Approval
DEFRA approved stoves comply with the strict standards for air quality set by the government. These stoves are able to make use of a variety of fuels, including wood and some 'authorised' smokeless fuels in Smoke Control Areas (see DEFRA's indicative interactive tool here).
Burning untreated wood or other wet fuels without a DEFRA exempt or approved stove could cause smoke that can irritate neighbors. This can also cause issues with the local air quality, especially if you live in an urban area. If you live in the Smoke Control Area and burn unauthorised fuels or use an appliance that is not intended to be used with approved smokeless fuels, you could receive a fine or face prosecution.
Defra approved stoves come with secondary and tertiary burners, which burn fuel at lower temperatures. This means less particulate (PM2.5). This is achieved through the use of stainless steel liners as well as a unique convection system that pushes air down the chimney, even when the fire has gone out. This lets the stove burn wood and other fuels more efficiently while producing less emissions.
A Defra Approved Stove will also have an adjustment on the top air vent, which prevents the stove from closing to the fullest extent. When you shut off the air supply to the stove it ceases to burn properly and begins to smoulder and produce excessive smoke. Defra approved stoves will allow you to shut the vent just a little but not completely so the fire can continue to burn at the lower temperature and be in compliance with UK laws.
When selecting a new stove that is Defra-approved it is crucial to think about the style and design and whether it will fit into the style of your home. There are many styles and sizes to choose from including traditional fireplace chambers and inglenooks to more modern designs that look great in open living spaces.
Most stoves that are Defra-approved feature a 5kW chimney outlet that allows them to be used in Smoke Control Areas. This includes most UK towns and cities. This will also help to save money on installation costs since the stove will require a 5" flue liner instead of a more costly 6" liner.
Aesthetics
Multi-fuel stoves don't just have to be practical. They can also add style and charm to your home. There are a variety of models available in different styles that can be a perfect match for your style, whether modern or traditional. They usually have sleeker lines and cleaner designs than wood-burning stoves. This makes them a better option for any room.
When you are choosing a multi-fuel stove, make sure that it is appropriate for the space and is compatible with your chimney or flue system. Verify that the stove meets local requirements for clearance from combustible material. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to see how far away you have to keep combustibles such as furniture, curtains, walls and even furniture from your stove.
If you are looking for a multi-fuel stove, you may also want to consider the airwash system. This keeps the glass windows clear so that you can enjoy your fire. Certain multi-fuel stoves have a removable grate to make it easier to clean and change the fuel.
Defra approved multi-fuel stoves are designed to reduce emissions and pollution and are therefore an environmentally friendly option for homeowners who are concerned about their environment. They are also extremely efficient and permit you to make use of less fuel, which will lower your heating costs.
Defra multifuel stoves are available in a wide range of styles that can be adapted to suit your individual taste. For instance, inset stoves like the Hamlet Solution 5 Compact and the Woodford Lovell C400 fit into an existing fireplace or wall opening to create a seamless look. While cylindrical stoves such as the Opus Harmony or the ACR Solis are slim and rounded, they can be placed on a hearth to conserve space.
Many stoves are designed to reflect the history of the manufacturer. They may have cast iron construction, or intricate details. These stoves are ideal for homes with traditional or rustic look like country cottages. Some models are modern with clean lines and materials such as steel and glass. They're perfect for urban and contemporary homes with an edgier look.
Energy Efficiency
You can be certain that a multifuel stove certified by DEFRA will be in compliance with or exceed the most recent standards for air pollution. Leading stove manufacturers such as Arada, Stovax, and Parkray have invested a lot of money in cutting-edge combustion technologies that cut down on the amount of smoke generated during the process of burning. Modern stoves that utilize the most advanced technology in clean air like secondary and tertiary systems of combustion, are greener and lower the amount of fuel used by households.
If you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not there's a stove perfect for your home from the stunning Danish design of the Uniq 37 to the cosy and contemporary design of the Arundel Deluxe. There are stoves with more traditional designs that can be used in existing fireplaces or inglenooks.
Our collection of Defra-approved multifuel stoves are available in a variety of finishes that match your home decor. These include matte black, gloss black, majolica brown and buttermilk gloss enamel. A lot of them comply with the 2022 EU Ecodesign emission reduction standards as well, allowing you positively impact the environment while reducing your energy bills.
For those who live in Smoke Control Areas, DEFRA approved wood stoves can be bought. This makes it easier to be compliant with the law. Always ensure that you use approved types of fuel (like'smokeless' anthracite coal) in your stove as it is illegal to burn damp wood or other wet fuels, and you could be fined.
If you reside in an area under Smoke Control, choose a DEFRA Approved Multifuel Stove that is marked with the ClearSkies Mark to ensure that you are in compliance with the law. This means that the stove was tested to ensure that it is compliant with current UK and European emission standards including those for smokeless fuels and wood. On the page for the stove's product, you can check its status by looking for a label that says "DEFRA approved" or "Approved by DEFRA".