Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?

It is essential to verify all the regulations prior to buying a new appliance. It is important to ensure that your stove is DEFRA approved when used in smoke control areas for burning wood or approved smokeless coal.

These types of stoves are constructed with separate air controls that supply the right amount of primary and secondary combustion air for both fuels. They also have a removable grate and the ash pan, which makes it easy to clean.

Clean Burn Technology

Multi fuel stoves are designed to take a variety of different materials in addition logs. They can be used with smokeless fuels, anthracite, peat or turf briquettes and more. In general, these kinds of materials produce less harmful emissions than logs do. As such, many of our multi-fuel stoves are fitted with clean burn technology in order to reduce the amount of particulate matter that they produce when they burn. The term "clean burn" is also used to refer to other technologies that reduce emissions such as preheated secondary or Ecodesign Ready.

Additionally, a lot of our multi-fuel stoves come with raised grates with moving bars or a central riddling grate with an asphan below it, which helps to ensure that the combustion conditions are maintained. This ensures that the combustion process produces minimal black smoke while operating. This permits the ash to be removed from the bottom of the stove, which could be contained in an asphan below.

If you live in an area that is a Smoke Control Area, it's important to purchase a Defra exempt wood burning or multi fuel stove that is Defra approved. This ensures that you'll be permitted to make use of the stove legally provided that it's only burning fuels that are authorised (as according to DEFRA guidelines). This is because non-Defra stoves may be susceptible to slumbering, which is a condition where the combustion system is deprived of air, resulting in 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 remain safe and efficient when it is operated correctly.

Modern multi-fuel stoves like the Gallery Classic 5 Compact and the Stovax Stockton 3 feature a contemporary design with clean lines and smooth surfaces that complement any room. They also come in a variety of colors including traditional matte black which offers a timeless look that works well with a range of interior color schemes. Other popular choices include the neutral grey and creamy finishes as well as striking colors such as blue or red that could make an impact in any room.

Defra Approved

Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also known as SE or Smoke Exempt) are able to be used in areas of the UK that are designated as smoke-free. This includes many cities, towns and urban zones. You could be fined for living in an area where you burn fuel or wood that isn't approved. Stoves that are DEFRA approved will supply the minimum amount of air for efficient combustion, meaning that they produce very minimal, if any nuisance smoke.

Stoves must pass emissions and efficiency tests to be eligible for Defra approval. The Defra logo is commonly seen on stoves and manufacturers websites, making it easy to spot. Many stove manufacturers are enhancing their products and adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems that help to reduce emissions. This makes their stoves eco sustainable and allows them to be used with more fuels.

When purchasing a brand new multi-fuel or wood burning stove, you should always be sure to check if it's DEFRA approved. This is particularly important if you reside in a smoke-free zone. Even if you use approved smokeless fuels, such as anthracite or briquettes, a stove not approved by DEFRA will still emit noxious smoke, in violation of the law.

DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment at the top vent which prevents it from closing all the way. This stops you from depriving your stove of oxygen which can slow its burning and cause it to smoulder. The more smouldering occurs the more smoke that is generated and the less efficient the stove will burn. You should also only ever make use of dry seasoned hardwood and only authorised smokeless fuels in a DEFRA approved stove. Using damp wood or other wet fuels produce excessive smoke and upset neighbours. This is not only illegal, but it can also lead to costly fines. If you're looking to install a multi-fuel fire place that is approved by DEFRA, you'll need to hire an engineer to ensure that it complies with the building regulations.

Smoke Control Areas

Smoke Control Areas in the UK are located primarily in large cities and towns where excessive smoke can be an issue for local residents. If you reside in an area which is smoke-free, you cannot burn unauthorised fuels using open wood-burning stoves or fires unless the appliances are listed as exempt. DEFRA accredited stoves approved wood burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves are equipped with the latest technology of combustion, which can prevent part-burned combustibles from escaping your chimney. They are therefore a great choice for smoke controlled properties.

DEFRA approval means your appliance has been tested to ensure it is able to burn all approved fuels without producing excess smoke. This is accomplished by supplying the right amount of air to the combustion process to keep the combustibles in a good condition. Wood burning stoves that have been approved by Defra are more sustainable for the environment, and less likely to cause chimney blockage.

Defra approved stoves are the best choice for your smoke-free home and offer a safe and clean way to heat your home while complying with the government's strict guidelines. We have a selection of multifuel and wood stoves DEFRA approved for areas of smoke control.

A Defra approved stove will come with an exemptions list which specifies which fuels are permitted to be used in a smoke-control area. It will be mostly wood (properly dried) but could also include household smokeless materials such as anthracite.

All our Defra approved stoves that burn wood and multi-fuel come with a proof of compliance from the manufacturer, along with a comprehensive user guide and instructions for installation to help you get your new stove up and running in a safe manner. It is recommended that you have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a certified HETAS engineer to guarantee that the work performed in accordance with building guidelines.

Dovre offers a wide range of accessories for your new wood-burning or multi-fuel stove, including log baskets, mesh guards and flue liner. For more information about our products, please contact your local Dovre retailer.

Energy Efficiency

The possibility of using multiple fuels makes a multi-fuel stove a green option. Modern multi-fuel stoves are designed to provide optimal combustion, meaning they can heat your home for less. They also reduce emissions and can be used to complement your existing central heating system.

You can save money by using energy-efficient stoves. They are more fuel-efficient than traditional wood-burning models and come in a range of temperatures ranging from 5kW to 8.5kW.

Choosing a multi-fuel stove equipped with triple burn technology can help to further increase its efficiency. This technology uses three stages to ensure that each bit of fuel is combusted completely, which results in greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.

Multi-fuel stoves are popular since they are more flexible in terms of fuel selection. This is a great feature for people who live in smoke-controlled areas as it gives them the option to burn wood as well as smokeless coal. However it is recommended DEFRA stoves to only burn the fuels recommended by your stove manufacturer and not burn household waste or wood that has been treated or painted.

When purchasing a multi-fuel stove, you should be sure that it is appropriate for your home and it has the proper flue outlet. Also, you should check that the flue system or chimney is in good working order and that there is adequate clearance around it, also known as distance to combustibles, for safety.

Multi-fuel stoves are available in a variety of styles that can be adapted to any home decor. Some are available in vibrant colors like red or blue, while others have enamel coatings and metallic finishes which can create an industrial, modern style to your home. There are stoves that have built-in log storage, for instance the ACR Malvern Log Store and Mendip Woodland Log Store. This is a great option to store firewood.

Although a multi-fuel stove is more flexible than a wood burning stove, you must ensure that it adheres to the strict regulations established by DEFRA to prevent the creation of unwelcome smoke. If you are using a stove which does not meet these guidelines, you may be fined. Always follow the guidelines provided in the manual of your stove.