Stoves Defra 101:"The Complete" Guide For Beginners

· 6 min read
Stoves Defra 101:"The Complete" Guide For Beginners

Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?

When you are looking for an appliance it is essential to make sure that your selected appliance is compliant with all rules and regulations. It is essential to confirm that your stove is DEFRA certified when used in smoke control areas for burning wood or approved smokeless coal.

These types of stoves have separate air controls to supply the correct amount of secondary and primary combustion air for both fuels. They also have an ash pan for easy cleaning.

Clean Burn Technology

Multi fuel stoves are designed to accept a range of different materials in addition to logs. These can include smokeless fuels, anthracite peat or turf briquettes, and more. These types of fuels produce less harmful emissions than logs. Many of our multifuel stoves have clean burn technology, which decreases the amount of particulate matter produced during combustion. The term "clean burn" is also used to refer to other technologies that decrease emissions such as preheated secondary or Ecodesign Ready.

A lot of our multifuel stoves feature a raised grate, or a central grate with asphan below it. This helps maintain the optimal combustion conditions. This makes sure that the combustion process produces only a small amount of black smoke while operating. It also permits the removal of ash from the bottom of the stove, which can be contained in the asphan below to ensure safe disposal.

If you live in a Smoke Control Area it is important to buy a Defra approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove that has been exempted from the Defra regulations. This will allow you to use the stove legally so long as it is only using  fuels that are authorised, in accordance with DEFRA guidelines. The reason for this is that non-Defra approved stoves are susceptible to slumbering, which is a condition in which the combustion system can be deprived of oxygen, resulting in the formation of black smoke. Defra approved stoves (or Defra exempt wood burners) have been tested and confirmed to reduce the risk of slumbering and give you peace of mind knowing that your stove will remain safe and efficient when it is operated properly.

Modern multi-fuel stoves, such as the Stovax Stovax Stockton 3, have a contemporary design, with sleek lines and smooth surfaces that can be a perfect match for any space. They are also available in a variety of colors including traditional matte black which gives a timeless look that blends well with a wide variety of interior color schemes. Other popular choices include neutral grey and creamy finishes as well as striking colors such as blue or red that can make an impact in any space.

Defra Approved

Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) are able to be used in areas of the UK that are classified as smoke-free. This includes a number of cities, large towns and urban areas. If you live in such an area and you burn wood or fuel you could be subject to an expensive fine. Stoves that are DEFRA approved will provide the minimum amount of air required to ensure efficient combustion, which means that they emit very small, if any harmful smoke.

Stoves must be able to pass the tests of efficiency and emissions to receive the Defra approval. The Defra logo is easily identifiable on stoves and manufacturer websites. Numerous stove manufacturers are improving the products they offer by adding secondary and tertiary components that reduce emissions. This makes their stoves environmentally sustainable and allows them be used with a wider range of fuels.

When purchasing a brand new wood burning or multi-fuel stove, it is important to take into consideration whether it's DEFRA approved. This is especially important if you live in a zone of smoke control. If you purchase a stove that's not DEFRA approved, even if it can be used with approved smokeless fuels such as briquettes or anthracite ovals, you will still be producing nuisance smoke and in breach of the law.

DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top vent to prevent it from being shut all the way. This stops you from starving the stove of oxygen which could slow its combustion and cause it to smoulder. The more smouldering happens, the more smoke is produced and the less efficient your stove will be burning. You should only use dry seasoned hardwood and only smokeless fuels that are approved in a DEFRA approved stove. The smoke produced by damp wood and other wet fuels is excessive, and can upset your neighbors. This is not just illegal, but can result in expensive fines. If you want a multi-fuel stove that is DEFRA approved it is necessary to have it installed by an engineer to ensure that it meets all of the applicable building regulations.

Smoke Control Areas

The Smoke Control Areas are primarily located in large towns and cities, where excessive smoke is a major annoyance to residents. If you reside in a area that is that is smoke-free that prohibits burning unauthorised fuels using open wood-burning stoves or fires unless the appliance is listed as exempt. Defra approved stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel are equipped with the latest combustion technology, which prevents part-burned combustibles from escaping your chimney. They are therefore an ideal choice for smoke-free homes.

DEFRA approval is a confirmation that your appliance has been tested and certified to burn all types of fuels without producing excessive smoke. This is achieved by supplying the right amount of air for the combustion process in order to keep the combustibles in their ideal levels. This is why Defra approved wood burning stoves are also more eco-friendly and less likely to block your chimney.

Defra approved wood stoves are an excellent alternative for homes with smoke control. They are a safe and safe method of heating your home while also complying with the regulations of the government. No matter if you're searching for a traditional or contemporary stove, we offer an extensive selection of wood and multi-fuel stoves that are DEFRA approved and suitable for use in smoke-control areas.

A Defra-approved stove will have a list of exemptions that explains what fuels can be burned in a smoke control area. This is mainly wood (properly dried) but can be a mixture of household smokeless materials such as anthracite.


All our Defra approved stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel come with a certificate of conformity from the manufacturer, along with an extensive user's guide and installation instructions to help you to get your new stove up and running safely. It is recommended to have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a licensed HETAS engineer in order to ensure that the work performed according to the building regulations.

Dovre provides a variety of accessories for your new wood-burning stove or multi-fuel, such as log baskets, mesh guards and flue liner. For more information on our products, call your local Dovre retailer.

Energy Efficiency

Multi-fuel stoves are an eco-friendly choice since they can run on multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are engineered to provide the highest efficiency of combustion, which means they can provide your home with less heat. They can also be used as a supplement to your central heating system and reduce emissions.

Energy-efficient stoves can dramatically reduce heating costs and help you reduce your energy bills.  5kw multi fuel stoves defra approved  consume less fuel than traditional wood-burning stoves. They are available in a wide range of heat outputs, from 5kW to 8kW.

A multi-fuel stove with triple burn technology can help increase its efficiency. The triple burn technology utilizes three stages to ensure that all fuel is combusted, resulting an efficient heating system and less emissions.

Many people prefer a multi-fuel stove because it allows them to be more flexible in terms of fuel choice. This is a wonderful option for those who live in smoke controlled areas as it allows them to burn both wood and smokeless coal. You should only use fuels that are recommended by the manufacturer of your stove. Never burn household waste or wood that has been treated or painted.

When purchasing a multi-fuel stove, you should be sure that it is suitable for your home and it has the correct flue outlet. Also, make sure that the chimney or flue system is in good working order and that there is adequate clearance around it (known as the distance from combustion sources) for safety.

Multi-fuel stoves come in various styles to suit your home decor. Some are available in vibrant colors such as red or blue. Some have metallic finishes and enamel coated surfaces which can give your home an industrial look. You can also find stoves that come with log stores built-in like the ACR Malvern Log Store or Mendip Woodland Log Store, for a more convenient way to store your firewood.

Although a multi-fuel stove is more flexible than a wood burning stove you must ensure that it is in compliance with the strict guidelines that are set by DEFRA to avoid creating nuisance smoke. If you are using a stove which does not meet these guidelines, you may be penalized. Always follow the instructions included in the manual of your stove.