15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Overlook DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved
What is a DEFRA Wood Burning Stoves Approved Stove?
If you live in an zone where smoke is controlled and you are considering buying a wood-burning stove it is crucial to select a DEFRA approved or exempt stove. Stoves that are not DEFRA exempt could cause a shortage of fuel to the stove which can result in excessive emissions and smouldering fuel.

Clean Burn Technology
By selecting a DEFRA-approved kitchen, you can help reduce air pollution. The wood-burning stoves are made to meet the stringent smoke emission standards laid out by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clean burn technology is available in the DEFRA stoves we sell. This ensures that all wood or solid fuels you use are completely burned before they are able to escape your chimney. This is achieved by secondary and sometimes tertiary intakes into air that ensure that each particle of smoke is burned before it is released from the stove. This means that your chimney will stay cleaner for longer and you'll have a more efficient stove that requires less fuel to heat your home.
DEFRA stoves are available in both contemporary and traditional styles. This is because not everyone would like their new stove to be the focal feature of their home and you may prefer a more subtle option that will blend in with your decor. There is also a selection of inglenook and freestanding stoves that can be used with DEFRA approval, meaning you'll be able to choose the right stove to fit your fireplace or inglenook.
You can also pick from a range of DEFRA multi-fuel stoves, which allow you to have the freedom to burn a range of approved fuels. Find the perfect DEFRA multi-fuel or wood burner for your home when you combine these features with a variety of finishes and colors.
We are proud to present a large selection of DefrA Wood Burners that have been independently tested by HETAS and meet the strict DEFRA emission standards. They are permitted to use legally in Smoke Control Areas. If you reside in Smoke Control Area then it is essential to buy a DEFRA stove because using an unapproved appliance could result in you being getting fined. If you're interested in knowing if you are in a Smoke Control Area then visit the DEFRA website or contact your local authority.
Smoke Exempt
DEFRA approved wood burning stoves have undergone rigorous testing in order to ensure that they can be used within smoke-controlled areas. Bowland Stoves offers a range of DEFRA wood burning stoves that provide low emissions, clean combustion and the possibility of saving money. You can choose from a range of styles to complement your home's design.
Local authorities designate Smoke Control Areas to reduce smog levels in UK cities and towns. In the past, people used to use whatever fuel they liked in their homes. This led to a lot of pollution in many areas and caused health problems for the inhabitants. In the past there was no law that regulated this, but now we have to follow the regulations.
Defra regulations have been created to ensure the safety of the public. They stipulate the stoves that are permitted in specific areas, and what fuels we can use. This means that if you live in a smoke controlled area then you can only make use of a DEFRA stove and only burn fuels that are approved like pellets, logs or coal. If you purchase a non DEFRA stove and you use fuels that are not permitted that are not permitted, you could be punished as high as PS1000.
A Defra approved stove provides the minimum amount of air needed for combustion which results in low smoke emissions. This is the only way to ensure that you can burn wood or other approved fuels in Smoke Control Zones.
To be approved by DEFRA, wood burners and stoves that burn multiple fuels must have minimum moisture content of 20% to avoid the formation of excessive smoke. To get this to happen, wood needs to be treated with a seasoned. It is best to choose wood from the Forestry Commission’s ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’ scheme.
If you are purchasing an appliance for use in a Smoke Control Area, make sure it's got a Defra logo on it or a slash following its name. This indicates that the stove is smoke-free. The Defra logo is easily recognisable and it is widely used by the industry.
In compliance with Building Regulations
If a stove is DEFRA wood-burning stoves certified, it means that it has passed rigorous tests and complies with building regulations. This means that the stove is safe for use and has a properly installed flue system. This helps reduce indoor air pollution and prevents fire hazards. This is particularly crucial for those who live in smoke control zones, where it is illegal to use non-approved fuels.
DEFRA stoves are available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes. This allows you to find the perfect fit for your home. We offer models in traditional and modern styles in freestanding, inglenook, and inset styles to match any decor. You can also pick between a wood burner or multi-fuel versions depending on your needs. All DEFRA stoves feature clean-burn technology so you can rest assured that they will burn your fuel effectively and safely.
DEFRA stoves are also designed to be in compliance with strict regulations regarding smoke emissions in smoke controlled areas. These regulations are primarily created to limit the amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere when the stove is burning.
The most recent DEFRA wood burning stoves have been designed to achieve this through the use of advanced combustion systems which do not restrict airflow within the firebox. This allows the timber to be burned more quickly and efficiently and reduces the release of particulate matter to the atmosphere. Additionally, defra stoves are equipped with a secondary combustion system that reduces emissions further by re-burning any combustibles that were not burned that were emitted by the previous combustion process.
It is possible to install an appliance that doesn't meet DEFRA regulations, however it will require substantial modifications to your chimney and flue. This would require structural changes which may require planning permission. In order to avoid this, we recommend using a DEFRA certified stove when buying a new fireplace or wood-burning stove.
A DEFRA-approved kitchen appliance will usually also include a 5" flue outlet (125mm). This allows you to use a 5" vitreous flue liner, saving you money on installation. This is a great option for those on a budget or with chimneys that have some tricky bends.
Reduced Emissions
You will come across a variety of terms when you search for a wood-burning stove. The term DEFRA approved or DEFRA exempt stoves mean that it is able to be used in smoke-free areas in the UK.
The stoves have passed an array of tests to make sure they comply with the UK's laws regarding smoking. They do this by incorporating the latest clean burn technology that uses secondary and tertiary combustion to help produce healthier air for your home. This also reduces your fuel consumption as the fuel is burned more efficiently which in turn lowers the carbon footprint.
The latest technology in DEFRA approved wood burning stoves makes them more eco-friendly in comparison to traditional open fires or stoves. If used properly, a wood burning stove is carbon neutral. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and release it back into the atmosphere when they burn. This is why they are the green alternative to fossil fuels to heat your home.
The main issue when using a stove that burns wood is the emissions produced. The smoke produced by a wood-burning fire is a mixture of ultrafine particles known to cause serious health problems. These particulates can cause breathing problems, worsen asthma symptoms, and cause you to feel unwell. They can also increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and premature death.
Domestic wood burning is currently the biggest source of PM2.5 in the UK and is responsible for three times the amount of pollution as road traffic. This is because conventional wood stoves do not make use of clean burning technology. It is crucial to purchase a DEFRA-exempt stove when your area is smoke controlled or isn't. They are safer for your chimney and the environment.
Bowland Stoves stocks a large choice of DEFRA-approved kitchen stoves from leading manufacturers like Arada, Stovax, and Burley. If you're not sure which kind of stove is the best one for your home, we suggest speaking to a member from our team. However, if you select a DEFRA-approved stove, you can rest certain that it has been through extensive testing to ensure it is safe to use in smoke-free areas.