Defra Approved Log Burner
The Defra-approved log burning device is a preferred choice for homeowners. This is mainly due to the fact that they provide a cleaner burn and offer greater control over heating costs.
You can also use wood legally in Smoke Control Areas, which is a major benefit since it allows you to avoid fines that are imposed on people who use unapproved stoves. They are available in different styles to fit your home.
Clean Burn Technology
Clean burn technology is utilized in log burners that have been defra-approved to reduce the amount and type of particles and smoke that are released. It has been shown that this technology can reduce the negative health effects of poor air in urban areas. This is particularly relevant when using a fireplace or wood-burning stove. The city of Bergen for instance realized the importance of implementing efficient measures to improve their air quality and as a result older stoves that are not cleanburn are now banned in the city. This trade-in scheme was a huge success, and Bergen ranked fifth out of the 320 European cities in terms of their air quality in 2021.
To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been developed to ensure that the fire is fed with enough oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is accomplished through an additional air intake or tertiary intake,
durable Stoves which allows additional combustion air into the appliance, in addition to the primary or main air intake. A secondary air intake is typically located behind the appliance in the interior or under the fire box.
Modern, Defra exempt stoves have been passed rigorous tests in order to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas. This is when the right type of wood, that is seasoned and kiln dried to less than 20% moisture content is used in conjunction with the Defra approved stove.
A Defra approved stove will have been tested to be capable of emitting less than 3g of smoke per hour which is the legal limit for many UK cities and towns. If the stove is found to emit excessive emissions, the owner could be issued with a fine of PS300 or more.
A Defra approved stove will be marked as it is on the product. It will also have an Ecodesign label, which came into effect in 2022. Ecodesign-compliant stoves have to pass stringent emissions tests and have an efficiency rating of at 72% or more. A stove with an efficient rating will lower the amount of pollution produced by it, while also saving you money on your heating costs.
Smoke Control Areas Suitable
The UK government has set strict emission limits for fireplaces and stoves. They are designed to make the country a healthier and healthier living space. Many large towns and city homes are within Smoke Control Areas, where the production of dark smoke can cause a problem for residents. If you have an older wood burning stove or open fire and reside in a smoke control zone, it's vital to upgrade your appliances to Defra approved Log Burners.
These are cleaner burning and more green than traditional log burners. Leading manufacturers such as Arada, Burley Parkray & Stovax continue to develop their products and create models with secondary and tertiary systems to further reduce emissions. These advanced burners can save you money over the long run on fuel costs.
DEFRA approved, or Defra exempt are terms that indicate the stove has passed a UK Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs test. This test guarantees that the stove can be safely used in smoke-free areas. The term
DEFRA guidelines stoves Exempt may also be used to describe models that have passed the test and are able to burn authorised smokeless fuels that are listed on a list provided by Defra. These fuels exclude wood.
You could face a fine for using an older stove that is not DEFRA approved in a smoke-controlled area. Visit the official Defra website to see if you're in a smoke-controlled area. In order to avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been dried and seasoned, and Defra approved smokeless fuels, not logs or other wet woods.
There's a broad selection of DEFRA Approved log burners on the market and the Dovre product pages will show this logo if the model is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. You can also learn more information about DEFRA approved fireplaces, stoves, and fires by visiting the official Defra website.
Easy to Clean
Cleaning your log burner is essential to help maintain its performance and reduce the build-up of harmful creosote, which can cause chimney fires. Regular cleaning can also ensure that your stove's glass is clean and clear so that you can enjoy the view of your stunning flames without obstructions.

You may need a variety of tools to maintain your wood burner. These include an ash and cleaning brush vacuum cleaner as well as polishing your stove. It is recommended to clean your stove once it's cool and wear heat-resistant gloves.
The first step is to employ the grate brush to get rid of any ash that has been accumulating on the bottom of the stove. Make sure that you reach all crevices and corners. Then, you can employ an ash vacuum get rid of any remaining ashes, and dispose of them in metal containers. After your stove is clean, you can apply a stove polish using a soft cloth, making sure not to contact the hot surface.
To ensure that you don't produce large amounts of particles, it's essential to burn only high-quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your defra-approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, look for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use an instrument to measure the moisture content to ensure that the moisture content is less than 20%. Seasoning your own logs is an option, however it can take as long as two years for the moisture to evaporate.
Avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (including pallets, MDF, and Medium Density Fiberboard). These materials release harmful chemical when burned, and should not be burned in a wood stove.
A proper installation of your log burner is crucial for maintaining its performance and efficiency. Install it by a professional in a well-ventilated space, away from drafts. A stove that is not installed correctly could lead to safety issues, damage and increased costs.
Energy efficient

Defra approved log burners are typically more energy efficient than their counterparts. The reason is because they have been tested and proven to be able to guarantee that the proper amount of air is provided to the wood stoves or fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke produced and consequently, reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.
When you purchase a defra-exempt wood burner you can also be assured that it is going to be safe for use with your chimney system as it will have the flue size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves typically have a bigger flue outlet and this can cause problems when trying to install an chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a selection of 5" chimney liners for your wood stove or
durable stoves multi fuel stoves that are defra exempt.
The Stove Yard sells a vast array of
durable Stoves that are Defra approved and have the most up-to-date clean burning technology. A majority of our models come with secondary and tertiary air feeds to ensure that the fuel is burning efficiently. This increases the efficiency of the stove, and reduces the amount of smoke produced.
A Defra-approved log burner will also allow you to use it legally within a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns with large populations are classified as Smoke Control Areas. To comply with the law, you must use a DEFRA certified appliance when burning wood and smokeless coal.
You can also buy a defra approved stove that is certified by clearSkies to prove that it meets the latest Ecodesign emission standards that went into effect one year ago. If you reside in the Smoke Control Area then this will be the best choice for you as it makes your stove eco-friendly and in line with the laws. The ESSE 700 Vista, a extremely efficient and stylish Defra Approved Log Burner, comes with an option to add the smoke control kit, in the event that it is required.