Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stoves
The most recent defra-approved multi fuel stoves blend the most advanced clean burning technology with extended viewing areas and traditional designs. Features include airwash systems that are preheated, secondary and tertiary combustion as well as the ability to burn wood or authorised smokeless fuels.
The UK government requires that all households living in Smoke Control Areas only use exempt appliances, and fuels that are licensed. Stove Supermarket has a range exempted defra stoves that conform to the regulations.
Clean Burning
Defra approved stoves are subjected to strict tests to ensure they emit low emissions. This permits you to use smokeless fuels within a smoke control zone. Many of these stoves are also HETAS approved and have a clearSkies certification rating, meaning they meet the strictest emission regulations.
The stoves are designed with Clean Burn Technology to ensure that the wood is not removed from oxygen, which could cause it to smoulder or emit black smoke. This permits the stoves to maintain a low degree of combustion until all fuel is used up. You'll often see that a defra-exempt stove has an additional secondary airflow system to ensure that briquettes that are part-burnt and other solid fuels are burned in a controlled manner which reduces harmful gases and particulates.
You can pick from a variety of contemporary and traditional designs of multi-fuel stoves that are defra-approved. These stoves are ideal for installation inside a fireplace chamber that is already in place. A majority of these models are produced by top brands like Arada, Stovax, Burley and Parkray and come with the most recent in clean burning stove technology. These models feature high efficiency in heating, secondary and tertiary burning systems that eliminate smoke particles prior to their being dragged up the chimney.
No matter if you're in a smoke-control zone or not, a Defra-approved log burner is a great addition to any home. They are ideal for use with natural wood and smokeless solid fuel, and you can switch between the two using your stove's reversible airflow control. This allows you to be flexible and versatility, and allows you to use your stove throughout the season.
To meet the building codes, a defra exempt stove is required to be installed by a licensed installer. The installer can confirm that the appliance meets the latest regulations and is suitable for use on a regular basis. At Choice Stoves, we have a team of HETAS approved installers who can install your new stove safely and correctly, ensuring that you are in compliance with the government's smoke emission regulations.
Low Emissions
The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs handles regulations and policies pertaining to the natural environment, agriculture, food issues and much more. One of the most important areas they manage is smoke control, which bans the emission of dark smoke from chimneys in urban areas (apart from certain exceptions).
If you live in a large or a city town - also known as an area that is smoke-free - you'll require an DEFRA approved stove to burn wood and other solid fuels in a legal manner and be sure to not disturb your neighbors with fumes that cause nuisance to others. DEFRA stoves are designed to pass strict emission tests and limit their outputs and are therefore more environmentally green than the older models.
In addition to complying with environmental standards, DEFRA multifuel stoves are typically more efficient than conventional open fires and wood burners. This means that you can heat your room faster with less wood and release fewer harmful gases into the air, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
Check for the DEFRA-approved logo when shopping for a wood or multifuel stove. This will be displayed in the title of the stove or specification. It will usually be followed by a 'SE' which means Smoke Exempt. If you see it, you can be sure that the stove has passed DEFRA's rigorous tests and is able to be burned in a smoke-control area with fuels that are approved.
Many people believe that a DEFRA approved multi fuel stove will only work with authorised smokeless fuels, such as briquettes and firelogs. But see this site isn't entirely true. As long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions and only burn approved fuels, you are able to burn any solid fuel on an approved DEFRA-approved stove, including seasoned hardwood.
To get the most value results from your DEFRA multifuel stove, you will need to ensure that you only use dry, seasoned wood that has a moisture content below 20 percent. Wet wood can create excessive smoke, which can void the warranty. Mineral fuels with a sulfur levels lower than 2% should be avoided to avoid excessively dense deposits of ash.
Versatility
There's a variety of styles to pick from with designs ranging from traditional that will fit perfectly into an existing fireplace chamber or inglenook, to contemporary stoves that are ideal for homes without a pre-installed fire surround. Multi fuel stoves that are Defra approved are equipped with a multi fuel grate, allowing you to burn wood, logs and smokeless coal. This provides you with more options for heating. If you plan to make use of the stove for slumber heating (overnight) then you should choose a Defra approved wood burner is not suitable since it requires a continuous supply of air.
Convenience

If you live in a smoke control area, then a Defra Approved multi fuel stove is an absolute must-have. These stoves permit you to burn wood or smokeless fuel and they are designed to allow this to happen without releasing any pollutant into the atmosphere. A Defra approved stove will allow you to stay in compliance with local laws and avoid costly penalties.
Defra approved stoves use the latest combustion technology to efficiently burn wood and other approved solid fuels. This is achieved by delivering the right amount of air into the firebox, which prevents fuel from being depleted of oxygen. This prevents combustibles that aren't fully burned, like ash and soot, from being blown through the chimney and into the room. This can reduce the chances of a fireplace becoming blocked and is also beneficial for the environment.
Stove World UK is proud to offer a range of DEFRA-exempt wood burning stoves, as well as multi fuel stoves by leading brands. We've got all styles from traditional to modern designs and all of our stoves come with a choice of flue sizes. This means you can find the ideal model that will fit your needs and your budget.
The FLARE Collection from Be Modern Ignite 5 Widescreen multifuel stove is a good example of a low-cost Defra approved stove that comes with all the features you require. It has a beautiful large glass viewing window that lets you take in the captivating dance of flames, plus it can also burn wood and smokeless fuel.
The ACR Earlswood LS multifuel stove is a great, affordable stove that can be used in smoke-controlled areas. It has a generous 5kW heating capacity and also the added benefit of being able to be used with a log store base to give you an even smaller design that is ideal that can be tucked into larger fireplace openings. The stove also comes with an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so you can use a variety of non-smoke fuels as well as wood to expand your heating options.