7 Things You've Never Known About Defra Log Burner

· 6 min read
7 Things You've Never Known About Defra Log Burner

What is a Defra Log Burner?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs regulates the emission of smoke from wood-burning stoves. There are regulations that ban chimney smoke from Smoke Control Areas except if you use an exempt appliance or fuel that is authorised.

The new regulations limit the amount a stove can emit of smoke to 3g per hour. If homeowners fail to adhere to the new rules, they could be fined immediately. To avoid this you must make sure you use Defra approved log burners and only burn kiln dried wood with the 'Ready to Burn' label.

What is a Defra approved stove?

A stove that is Defra-approved that has passed the DEFRA test. This means that it is exempt from smoke control laws in areas where wood (and other materials that are authorised) are permitted to be burned. The Defra logo is well-known and is widely used by the industry. Stoves that are Defra approved usually have SE (Smoke Exempt) after their name, as an easy way to recognize them.

The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs must test stoves that are Defra approved to ensure that they meet strict emissions standards. These tests are designed to ensure that stoves deliver maximum heat output with ultra low levels of smoke emissions. These emissions are typically achieved by ensuring combustion gases are reburned in the second combustion. This is important because it allows the combustion to continue efficiently while reducing the amount of combustibles released into the air.

DEFRA exempted stoves are green as they cut down on the amount of combustibles that are part-burned and sent through the chimney. Contrary to some stoves that have to close the air vents in order to allow them to  sleep overnight, Defra exempt stoves always keep their flue open, meaning they are less likely to send part-burnt combustibles down the chimney, where they may hinder its flow.

You can buy an approved Defra wood burning stove whether you live in a smoke controlled area or not. It will keep your neighbors happy, and keep your chimney in good condition for longer. Defra exempt wood burning stoves are available in a broad range of styles and styles, and there are a variety of options to suit both traditional and modern homes.


Many people prefer a Defra approved wood burning stove for the minimalist, sleek design. They are great for modern living spaces. They can be fitted into an inglenook, fireplace chamber or be freestanding. There are a variety of modern stoves, like the Aarrow i400 or the minimal Farringdon that would look great in any room. You can also find Defra-exempt stoves in traditional styles like the Saxon A08E and Arizona A08E.

What is a Defra exempt stove?

A Defra Exempt or Defra Approved Stove is a wood burning stove that has been tested and approved by the government's DEFRA department to be installed in Smoke Control Areas. The Defra stoves are designed to produce a minimal amount of smoke and harmful emissions while also generating a high amount of warmth for your home.

The main reason you need a Defra stove is that if your house is located in an area designated as a Smoke Control Area then you will not be able to legally install any wood-burning or multi-fuel stove that hasn't been endorsed by DEFRA. You could be facing a hefty fine for installing an unapproved stove in your home.

Defra approved stoves have been able to have their combustion air system modified to limit the amount of oxygen that can get to the wood burning process. Modifying the air vent on top is how this is done. The stove will let air in even though the vent is closed all the way. This prevents the firewood from smoldering and also prevents it from becoming starved for air.

From the outside of an Defra stove you will not be able to discern that it is different from any other wood-burning stove. The combustion air adjustment that is not visible is usually hidden under the base of the stove or inside the top of the front of the stove.

Most Defra Stoves are only approved to burn wood or certain kinds of smokeless fuels, such as Homefire brand smokeless charcoal, anthracite, etc. Defra stoves can burn a wide range of fuels.

You can pick a Defra Stove for many reasons, regardless of whether you live in a zone of smoke control or not. Defra stoves are better for the surroundings, they produce less smoke and keep your chimney free of ash. They also benefit since they produce more heat and release fewer toxic gases into the air.

What is what is a Smoke Control Exempt Stove (SCE)?

A Defra stove, also known as a Defra exempt stove or Defra smoke control approved wood burning stove, is one that has passed a stringent test designed by the UK government's Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra). This testing looks at the levels of emissions and the amount of smoke a stove is able to produce during all stages of normal operation. Only stoves that pass Defra testing can be installed in Smoke Control Areas (SCA) in cities and towns.

The test also confirms that the stove can be operated using approved fuels like smokeless coke and anthracite. A log burner that has been certified by Defra is also more environmentally friendly and helps prevent neighbors from causing trouble with their emissions.

Wood burners that are approved by Defra have been given a combustion air control modified, usually within the firebox or at the top of the stove. This modification stops users from closing the air control completely because this could dehydrate the stove and cause it to release excessive amounts of smoke.

A Defra approved stove, or Defra exempt stove as it's sometimes referred to it, must be regularly maintained in order to ensure it's functioning correctly. This includes cleaning your chimney and flue regularly. You should also ensure that there are no obstructions or obstructions in the firebox. Also, ensure that it is clean, and that the grate is free of any debris.

It is not a requirement to own a Defra-exempted stove, but it is a good option to get one particularly if your residence is located outside an area designated as a Smoke Control Area. These models are more efficient and can help you save money in the long term. A Defra approved appliance will also reduce the amount of dust and smoke that is emitted in your home which is better for your health as well as your neighbours.

At Nordpeis we offer a variety of DEFRA approved stoves that come in contemporary and traditional designs. Varde retailers can assist you in determining if your home is located in an area of smoke Control Area.

What is a Clean Burn Technology Stove?

Clean Burn Technology offers a higher quality of burn and is the future of stoves and fireplaces. This means a reduced amount of dust that is blown into the air, which is good for the environment as well as saving the cost of fuel as you get more heating from the same logs. They are efficient enough that they have led to less need for chimney sweeps as less soot is produced. As top stove manufacturers continue to develop their products, they have incorporated secondary or tertiary combustion systems which further reduce emissions and decrease the carbon footprint of their customers.

A Defra approved stove will not only be suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas and Smoke Control Areas, but it can also be used in a well-built, insulated chimney system in any home. These wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of designs to suit your preferences. There are numerous options for both traditional and contemporary stoves, in various colours and finishes that will match your decor. These stoves are also available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the ideal one to fit your fireplace chamber or inglenook.

All Defra approved stoves have been subjected to stringent testing and examination to ensure that they are in compliance with the Department of Environment Regulations and have low emissions and high efficiency in combustion to ensure you can be assured you are using your fuel in a environmentally sustainable manner and saving money on heating expenses as well. Only using the kiln dried wood that is dry and ready to burn will enhance the performance of your stove.

Read the Full Content  of a Defra Approved stove is a ideal choice when you live in a smoke controlled area and wish to enjoy the cosy warmth that only a real wood burner can provide. Our customers who bought a Defra Stove are already reaping the benefits of a healthier environment and saving money on energy bills. We suggest that your stove be professionally installed by a gas engineer who is licensed to do the job. This will ensure that it meets all building regulations. Regularly inspecting and servicing your stove will ensure it operates at its best and prevents the need for expensive repairs in the near future.