Defra Approved Wood Stoves
If you reside in a region where smoke is restricted (most UK cities and large towns) You will require a DEFRA-approved stove to ensure that you are not in violation of UK law. These Defra Smoke Exempt appliances are designed to ensure that the wood or multi fuel is burned without producing excessive amounts of smoke.
Cleaner Burning

The most modern combustion technology is employed to reduce emissions and smoke in Defra-exempt wood stoves and "clean burning" wood burners. They achieve this by using pre-heated tertiary air to help burn the fuel more efficiently and to reduce harmful particles that are released into the air. The result is a cleaner, more efficient fire that emits less smoke and a more effective heating system.
In addition to improving the efficiency of the stove, modern wood stoves have been designed to be gentle to your flue and chimney. They don't produce nearly as much creosote as their predecessors, which means you can keep your chimney and flue system clean for a longer time.
If you are in a area that has a smoke control zone (most large cities and towns) and you are in a smoke control area, you must make use of a Defra approved stove or wood burner to avoid breaking the laws and risking a heavy fine. Even if you do not live in a Smoke Control Area it is still advisable to buy a Defra Approved stove as they will not only produce much less nuisance smoke but will help you reduce your heating bills and carbon footprint too.
Many manufacturers used to produce wood stoves with poor performance and high emissions. This was due to the fact that they weren't EPA (U.S Environmental Protection Agency) and rated. This was due to a variety of factors, like the selection and size of the stove and fireplace as well as the method of storage, managed and burnt and the operating procedure of the stove.
All new wood stoves have to meet a higher standard for EPA emissions than their predecessors that were not certified. The latest wood stoves, including the Vermont Castings Defiant and Encore NC 1450, have an EPA rating of less than 1 gram per hour.
Wood stoves have plenty of potential for improvement. In fact, Norwegian research institute SINTEF estimates that if all older stoves were replaced by modern stoves that meet the Defra standards, a number of billion tons of climate forcers could be saved each year.
Reduced Emissions
The new DEFRA approved wood-burning stoves we carry here at Stove Supermarket make use of the most recent clean burn technology to ensure that they can combust solid fuel and smokeless coal at a lower temperature. They produce less harmful emissions, so you can use them in smoke control areas.
Fine particulate matter is the main pollutant released by burning of solid fuels. These tiny particles can enter the respiratory system of humans and can cause heart disease and stroke. A study published by researchers from the University of Sheffield found that wood-burning stoves release high levels of PM2.5 in the home. The harmful particles were at their highest each time the stove was opened to refill its fuel.
As well as reducing the amount of PM2.5 released by the stove, DEFRA approved wood burning stoves also come with built-in air-wash systems that keep the glass clear of ash and soot deposits. This helps keep your stove looking like new for much longer and cuts down on maintenance costs and time spent cleaning your stove.
The advantages of the wood stove are clear, but the decision to purchase a stove which will allow you to burn wood legally in a Smoke-Control Area is a significant choice. In the past, people were able to burn wood however they wanted, creating unhealthy levels of smoke in cities and towns.
A Defra Approved Stove is the only legal option in Smoke Control areas for homeowners looking to legally use their fireplace. If you are thinking about purchasing a wood burning stove or replacing your old open fire stove, an Defra Approved Stove from a reputable manufacturer is the best solution for compliance with smoke control regulations.
Stove Supermarket offers a wide assortment of Defra approved Wood Burning Stoves made by top brands such as Arada, Burley, and Parkray. You can choose the model that is right for you. Our Defra Approved stoves are all Ecodesign compatible and come with the Defra Certificate of Conformity, so you can be confident that your new woodburning stove is compliant with the latest regulations for use in smoke control areas.
High Efficiency
This will decrease the carbon footprint of your home and energy costs. This is particularly important since the cost of electricity and gas continues to increase. Switching to a wood stove that is approved by the DEFRA will allow you to regain control of your household costs and save money over time.
A Defra-approved wood stove will comply with the Government's regulations regarding smoke-free zones, so you are able to use in smoke exempt areas. If you see a stove that has the words Defra Approved or 'SE' in its name it means that it meets the strict requirements set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
They can produce much less particulate emissions than older forms of wood burners and open fires. The most recent stoves from top manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray and Stovax all have secondary and tertiary combustion methods which reduce the overall emissions produced by the stove. Many of these wood burning stoves are SIA EcoDesign Ready meaning they are even more environmentally friendly than the DEFRA Approved standard and will be able to meet the future emission targets.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, a Defra approved stove will burn your wood much more efficiently than older open fires or stoves. This means lower levels of particulate emissions which is a great thing for those who live in smoke control areas. A DEFRA Approved Stove will also help keep your fuel costs down. With a stove that can burn more wood per hour than an open fire and you will save money since you don't have to feed it as often.
A Defra Approved stove will be an excellent investment for any homeowner who is looking to stay eco-friendly and cut energy costs at the same at the same time. These stoves are not just efficient and clean, they also come in a variety of styles to fit your personal preferences.
EPA Certification
If you live in a zone of smoke control, you'll need a DEFRA approved stove that allows you to legally use wood in your home. Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for regulations relating to issues pertaining to the countryside and environment. DEFRA legislation stoves prohibit the emission of dark smoke from chimneys, unless using an exempt appliance or authorized fuels such as smokeless coal. Stoves that are approved by Defra are the only appliance that are legal to use in these areas without violating the law and incurring fines of upto PS1,000.
The best way to be sure you purchase a smoke controlled stove is to look for the EPA 2020 certification label. This signifies that the stove has passed stringent tests to be able to say it can be used in a smoke-control area. It will also be rated as a highly efficient burner, ensuring it provides the highest heat output from less fuel. This efficiency means that homeowners will make monetary savings on their heating bills and will see an increase in the amount of wood required to keep their homes warm.
A wood-burning stove that is Defra approved should also be designed with eco-friendly features. The Country 4 BLU is a excellent example of a Defra approved stove that combines a wide range of eco-friendly features. It is built to meet or exceed the 2022 Ecodesign standard that means it produces very little emissions and reduces its environmental impact. This means greener, cleaner operation for everyone. It also makes your chimney and flue systems safer.
A Defra approved wood-burning stove can give many benefits in addition to complying with UK smoke control regulations set by the government. By adhering to strict emissions standards stoves are essential in reducing air pollution which can help to decrease respiratory problems for people with sensitive lungs. They also feature long burn times that translate into significant cost saving through less wood consumption and lower cost of fuel. They can also be combined with an energy-efficient heating system. energy efficient to provide the greenest and most sustainable alternative for your home.