Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?
When looking to purchase a new stove, it is important to ensure that the chosen stove is in compliance with all regulations. This includes making sure that your stove is DEFRA approved for use in smoke control areas when burning wood and approved smokeless coal.
These types of stoves are designed with separate air controls to supply the right amount of secondary and primary combustion air for both fuels. They also come with an ash pan for easy cleaning.
DEFRA approved multi-fuel stoves -fuel stoves are able to be used with a range of materials including logs. Smokeless fuels, turf or peat briquettes, anthracite and other materials are all suitable for use. In general, these kinds of materials produce less harmful emissions than logs do. This is why many of our multi-fuel stoves are fitted with clean burn technology to reduce the amount of particulate matter they produce when they burn. The term "clean burn" is also used to refer to other technologies that help reduce emissions such as preheated tertiary or Ecodesign Ready.
A lot of our multifuel stoves feature a raised grate, or a central grate that is riddling with asphan below it. This helps maintain the best combustion conditions. This ensures the combustion process produces as little black smoke as possible during operation. It also allows the removal of the ash from the bottom of the stove, which can be stored in the asphan below for safe disposal.
If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area it is important to purchase a Defra approved wood burning or multi-fuel stove that is exempt from the Defra regulations. This ensures that you'll be able to make use of the stove legally provided that it's burning 'authorised fuels' (as as per DEFRA guidelines). The reason is that stoves that are not approved by DEFRA are susceptible to slumbering which is a condition in which the combustion system may be depleted of oxygen, and result 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, giving you peace of mind knowing that your stove will always be clean and efficient when operated properly.
Modern multi-fuel stoves, such as the Stovax Stovax Stockton 3 have a modern design with sleek lines and smooth surfaces that can be a perfect match for any space. The stoves are available in a range of colours that include matte black for a timeless appearance that blends well with many interior color schemes. Other popular choices include neutral gray and cream finishes as well as bold hues such as green, blue, or red which can create a striking statement in any living space.
Defra Approved
Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) can be used in areas of the UK that are designated as smoke-free. This includes a number of cities, large towns and urban zones. If you reside in an area that is governed by DEFRA and burn unapproved wood or fuel, you could face the possibility of a fine. Stoves that have been DEFRA approved will provide the required amount of air for efficient combustion. This means they emit very little or no smoke that is a nuisance.
Stoves must pass tests for efficiency and emissions to be eligible for Defra approval. The Defra Logo is easily recognizable on stoves and manufacturer websites. Numerous stove manufacturers are upgrading their products and adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems which aid in reducing emissions. This makes their stoves more environmentally sustainable and also means that they can be used with a greater variety of fuels.
You should always check if a stove is DEFRA-approved before purchasing a new multi-fuel or wood stove. This is particularly crucial if you live in a smoke-control zone. If you purchase a stove that is not DEFRA approved even if it is able to be used with approved smokeless fuels, such as anthracite ovals or briquettes, you'll still produce unwelcome smoke and in violation of the law.
DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top vent that will stop you from closing it all the way down. This prevents you from starving your stove of oxygen which would hinder its burning and cause it start to smoulder. The more smouldering occurs, the more smoke is produced and the less efficiently your stove is burning. It is also recommended to only make use of dry seasoned hardwood and only smokeless fuels that have been approved for use in the DEFRA approved stove. The smoke produced by damp wood and other wet fuels is too much, and can upset your neighbours. It's not just illegal, but it can also lead to costly fines. If you want a multi-fuel stove that's DEFRA approved, you will need to have it professionally installed by an engineer to ensure that it is compliant with the relevant building regulations.
Smoke Control Areas
Smoke Control Areas in the UK are located primarily in large cities and towns where excessive smoke is an issue for local residents. If you are in a smoke control area, you are not permitted to burn unauthorised fuels on open fires or wood burning stoves, in the event that they are not declared exempt. Defra approved wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves come with the most recent combustion technology, which prevents part-burned combustibles going up your chimney. They are therefore a great choice for smoke-free homes.
DEFRA approval is a confirmation that your appliance has been tested and certified to burn all fuels allowed without producing excessive smoke. This is achieved by providing the right amount of air to the combustion process to keep the combustibles in the best condition. Wood burning stoves that are Defra-approved are more eco-friendly, and less likely to cause a chimney blockage.
Defra approved stoves are the perfect option for your smoke controlled home, as they offer a safe and clean way to heat your home while adhering to the government's strict regulations. If you're seeking an old-fashioned or modern stove, we offer a wide range of multi-fuel and wood stoves that are DEFRA approved and suitable for use in smoke control areas.
A stove that is Defra-approved will come with a list of exclusions which explains which fuels can be burned in a smoke-control area. This is typically wood (properly seasoned) but it could also include household smokeless fuels such as natural anthracite.
All of our wood-burning stoves approved by Defra and multi-fuel stoves include a certificate from the manufacturer and an instruction manual for the user and installation instructions that will assist you to get your stove operating in a safe manner. It is recommended to have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a qualified HETAS engineer to guarantee that the work is completed according to the building standards.
Dovre offers a wide range of accessories for your wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, such as mesh guards, log baskets and flue liner. For more information on our products, please contact your local Dovre retailer.
Energy Efficiency
Multi-fuel stoves are a green choice since they can run on multiple fuels. Modern multi-fuel stoves are designed to achieve optimal combustion. This means they can heat your home for less. They also reduce emissions and can be used to complement the central heating system you already have.
Energy-efficient stoves can drastically cut your heating costs which can help you reduce your energy bills. They use less fuel than traditional wood-burning stoves. They are available in a broad range of heat outputs, from 5kW to 8kW.
Choosing a multi-fuel stove equipped with triple burn technology can enhance its efficiency. The triple burn technology employs three stages to ensure that every part of the fuel is burned completely, leading to more efficient heating and less emissions.
Many people prefer a multi-fuel stove since it offers greater flexibilit
