20 Myths About Defra Approved: Debunked

· 6 min read
20 Myths About Defra Approved: Debunked

Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stoves

DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves let you to burn wood and approved smokeless fuels within smoke-controlled areas. They are low-emission, offer clean combustion and come in various designs that can be used in any home.

Defra regulations (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), prohibit the emission dark smoke from chimneys within Smoke Control Areas without an exempt appliance or authorized fuel.

Efficient combustion

Multi-fuel stoves that have been approved by Defra are used in many homes due to their efficient heating and have the lowest carbon footprint. They can be used with a broad variety of fuels, including logs, smokeless coal and many more. They also offer a lot of control over the flame and allow you to get the perfect flame from your wood stove.

This is crucial because it ensures that only the smallest amount of ash can be produced, which will help keep your chimney clean.  DEFRA approved wood burning stoves  means that the fire will keep heating for longer without needing to be refueled. This means that you will save money in the long term and can enjoy your fire without worrying about the health of your chimney.

Stoves that have been Defra-approved have been tested for efficiency and emissions. They will usually be labelled as 'Defra Approved or 'SE' to indicate Smoke Exempt. This makes them the safest option to buy the stove you want for your home.

You can choose from a wide selection of DEFRA approved stoves in our online store, which has everything from contemporary to classic designs. For example, the Gallery Classic 5 Compact multi-fuel stove is a classic style that is perfect for cottages as well as other rustic cabins, while the Stovax Stockton 3 and Go Eco Excel Wide are both perfect for modern-day rooms.

The ESSE 700 Vista DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove is a different option that has been developed with a modern design in mind. It has a clean burning system that helps reduce sulphur dioxide emissions and nitrogen oxides. The body is made of steel and will last for many years. It has an energy rating of A and 78.5 per cent efficiency. It can quickly warm a large area using kiln-dried logs.

You can pick from a range of colors that include neutral shades such as black and cream. The bold hues of green and red are also available to give an eye-catching look to your home, and metallic finishes can give modern aesthetics. If you prefer a less sombre appearance, you could select a stove with an enamel coating. This will provide you with a smooth, shiny surface that is easy to clean and will complement any interior color scheme.

Reduced emissions

In addition to being eco green, Defra approved multi fuel stoves reduce emissions in the home. The most significant pollutant released by solid fuels, such as coal and wood is ultra-fine particles (also called PM2.5). These fine particles can penetrate the lungs, causing respiratory illness or even heart disease.

Thankfully, modern DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves are engineered to cut levels of this harmful gas. The majority of the stoves we feature here at The Stove Yard are SIA Ecodesign Ready and have passed rigorous testing to ensure that they operate far under the new limit of manufacturing of 3g/hour smoke emission for appliances used in Smoke Control Areas. We also have a number of models that are approved by clearSkies which is an independent scheme that offers more reductions in emissions.

If you live in an area that is under Smoke Control, it is recommended to only use seasoned and well-dried wood to avoid a lot of smoke. However, if you prefer to make use of fossil fuels in your multi-fuel stove, there are plenty of smokeless alternatives available which aid in reducing the amount of harmful gases that your stove emits.

The latest DEFRA-approved stoves, such as those that we carry, feature a secondary and third-generation combustion system that reduces the carbon footprint of users as well as air pollution. These systems help to burn more volatile gases produced by solid fuels like wood, and convert them into heat energy. This means that you'll use less of your favourite fuel to get the same amount of heating which means that your fuel costs will be lower as well!

While this is a wonderful feature of DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves, it should be noted that Defra Approved stoves do not provide the same time of burning as non-Defra stoves. This is because a continuous supply of secondary and secondary combustion air is needed to keep the flame from burning. If you are planning to use the stove for sleep burn (i.e. burning over the course of the night) then it is important to choose a Defra Approved model does not permit you to expand your fuel supply to the same extent as an non Defra model.

Smoke control regulations

DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves can be used in smoke control zones (check online to see if you live in one). In areas with smoke control the emissions of log burners are limited to avoid nuisance smoke. This stops the release into the air of harmful substances that could irritate neighbors or create unhealthy conditions for those living near. It is important to use a DEFRA approved stove in a smoke-controlled space to avoid fines.

Smoke control zones are typically urban areas where the density of people is higher, which typically includes large cities and towns. Smoke control regulations are designed to ensure the quality of air by limiting particulate emissions into the atmosphere. Defra has approved multi-fuel stoves as conforming to these regulations and have been tested and certified to ensure that they emit only minimal emissions. This is essential to ensure the safety and health for those living in these areas.

It is also important to note that smoke-free stoves should only be used with approved fuels, such as dry well-seasoned and well-seasoned firewood. It is illegal to burn damp or wet fuels in a smoke-control area because they can create excessive smoke. It is not legal to burn household waste such as old furniture, pallets and fencing. These materials have been treated using chemicals which can release toxins when burned. Choosing firewood with a moisture content of 20 percent or less is recommended to prevent excessive emissions and ensure the stove is being used correctly. The Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme is a great option to buy firewood with this need in mind.

A DEFRA approved stove can burn different fuels, meaning you don't have to modify your chimney system to enjoy a cozy fire. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that your stove needs regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly and efficiently. If you neglect to maintain your stove on a regular basis, it will be less effective at reducing emissions and may even damage the chimney or flue system.

Styles to suit any style home

Whether you live in a rural or urban setting, you can add the warm and inviting ambience of a wood burner to your home. You'll also reduce the carbon footprint of your home and help the environment by reducing the fuel cost. We offer a variety of DEFRA approved multi fuel stoves that meet your budget and lifestyle. They are designed to meet high standards in efficiency and performance. They deliver maximum heat output while reducing the fuel consumption.


Many of our wood-burning stoves meet the DEFRA standard and are Ecodesign certified. This European standard is focused on improving the efficiency of energy and reducing emissions of harmful particulates carbon monoxide, as well as other pollutants. Look out for the Ecodesign label when browsing our range to find a stove that meets this strict standard.

A DEFRA approved multi-fuel stove won't just provide a comfortable atmosphere for your family to gather around in, but it will also enhance your living space. You can pick from a wide range of finishes and styles to find the stove that matches your personal style.

Modern and contemporary stoves are made with sleek, minimalist designs that complement any room. We also offer a variety of classic log stoves, which have traditional features, like log storage, and cast iron grates. They are a great match with rustic interiors. Our log burners are available in different sizes, ranging from compact and small to large and spacious.

Many homeowners are switching to wood-burning stoves for an green alternative to gas heating. Wood-burning stoves burn wood, peat and turf briquettes, which are low in carbon emissions. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, which is released into the air when they are burned. This makes them carbon neutral, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

We've collected a wide range of styles that will suit everyone's preferences from sleek lines and sleek finishes to striking colours and metallic finishes. You can select a stove that has an open-plan view, so you can take advantage of the views and create a stunning focal point in your home.