Choosing a Defra Approved Multi Fuel Stove
If you live in a Smoke Control Area you must use a DEFRA (DEpartment of Environment Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Farming) approved wood burning or multi fuel stove. These are typically referred to as Defra Exempt Appliances and they permit burning approved smokeless coal and logs without producing smoke that is not considered to be nuisance.
Defra Approved
DEFRA Approved stoves or log burners are essential for anyone who lives in a Smoke Control Area of the UK. Defra approved stoves have been tested and proved to produce very little smoke, they also pass strict tests for emissions and meet the government's Clean Air Act requirements. DEFRA approved appliances are constructed and designed so that they can efficiently burn wood which results in a minimal amount of smoke. This is achieved by making sure that the stove has enough combustible air flow throughout the day. We have a variety of wood burning stoves that are DEFRA approved in both contemporary and traditional styles.

No matter if you reside in a Smoke Control Area or not, a DEFRA approved stove is a good investment if you plan on installing it. A lot of the contemporary stoves we sell have an integrated feature that stops you from closing the air vent at the top completely. This stops the fire from losing its effectiveness and causes it to burn and create more smoke.
Another benefit of DEFRA approved stoves is that they are much more efficient in terms of energy consumption which means you can save fuel and keep your home warmer for longer. relevant resource site produce less carbon dioxide than older stoves or open fires.
Some of the models that we have available are also Eco Design 2022-compliant, a fantastic feature that can help reduce the amount of fuel you have to burn, thereby saving you even more money. These stoves are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and utilize the entire source of combustibles. They also come with primary, secondary, and tertiary controls.
We also have a selection of DEFRA multifuel stoves, these allow you to burn all kinds of solid fuels, including smokeless coal and peat or turf briquettes. These stoves are ideal for those who wish to utilize a stove that has a range of fuels. They can also be used in Smoke Control Areas.
Clean Burning Technology
A multi fuel stove is a fantastic option for homeowners who want to use a wood burning stove but don't have enough area to store logs. These stoves can be filled with logs or manufactured fuels like peat and coal. They are able to burn both kinds of fuel more effectively than traditional wood burners. This is largely due to the design of multi fuel stoves is optimized to be able to burn a wide range of different fuels.
Stoves that are designed to burn a variety of different fuels typically have an elevated grate designed to allow air to circulate under the fuel. This is because certain fuels, such as peat briquettes or turf briquettes, require a huge amount of air to ignite and burn. The majority of multi-fuel stoves have an additional airflow which can be opened or shut according to the type of fuel. This can help keep the fire going by supplying a larger amount of air into the stove, and will increase the efficiency of combustion.
The primary and secondary airflow systems in the fireplace can be used to regulate the flame's height and temperature. This is important as different types of fuel burn at different rates and will produce different amounts of heat. Making sure you keep the flame's high and temperature within a certain range will ensure that your stove is running at its maximum efficiency and generating the highest amount of heat from its fuel.
You should also remove the ash regularly from your stove, and store it in a bucket or pan. This will prevent too much of the ash from getting on the grate bars and preventing your fuel from burning correctly. To avoid discoloration, should keep the stove glass clean. You can keep your stove looking brand new by using a soft damp scourer along with a stove cleaner. It is also important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when cleaning and maintaining your stove in order to avoid damage or causing any issues.
Low Emission Vehicles
The top multi-fuel stoves have low emissions, meaning they burn wood or smokeless coal, or a combination thereof and emits minimal emissions. This is crucial in a smoke control area such as London where you would require a Defra approved stove and only burn authorised fuels in the Ready To Burn scheme to meet local regulations and help keep the air clean.
Typically a Defra approved stove will feature automatic fuel feed as well as an air supply control to ensure that the fire burns at highest efficiency. This means that there is less smoke and a high heat output which can be beneficial in smaller rooms where the stove could be the main focus area.
If you reside in a zone of smoke control, it is essential to make use of an Defra approved stove to ensure that you adhere to the rules and avoid paying huge fines for burning illegally. There are many Defra approved stoves on the market, but we recommend that you look for an woodburning stove that is also Eco Design 2022 compliant as it will provide you with more of a view of your flame and will be more energy efficient, too.
The AGA Ellesmere EC4 is an excellent example of an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved stove that delivers both aesthetics and efficiency. Its compact size is ideal for smaller spaces and comes with easy-to-use primary and secondary air controls. The stylish design will work in both modern and traditional settings.
Another option is the Stovax Blithfield which is a stove with a widescreen and a big square window that offers stunning flame views. It comes in a variety of colour finishes to match your decor. This stove is Defra and Eco Design compliant and can be purchased with either a clear arch or a Tracery version that adds striking Gothic arches to the door.
A good alternative to a traditional multi fuel stove is a pellet stove that uses compressed wood or biomass pellets to provide a highly efficient fire with a high heat output. The pellets, comprised of sawdust and other wood products that have been rejected, are an eco friendly alternative. The stoves come with a hotplate as well as an oven, so they can be used for cooking also. They usually have a larger flue outlet than the standard 6" (150mm) however they are still compatible with a 5" (125mm) liner to ensure safety. This is a great choice when it's difficult to install a 6" (150mm) or if the chimney stack has a few odd bends.
Energy Efficiency
The combustion of fuel in a multifuel stove creates heat that the stove distributes to the room. This is done either by radiation, where the hot surface of a multifuel stove reflect heat back into the room, and/or convection, when it draws in cold air from outside, heats it up and then directs it to the room. Most modern multifuel stoves are designed to maximize the efficiency of their heat output using secondary and tertiary air sources to reduce emissions and burn fuel as efficiently as possible.
Stovax Go Eco 5-kW widescreen multifuel stove is a great example. It is approved by both Defra as well as Ecodesign. Its large square windows provide great views of the flame. Its larger size lets it be able to fit into chimneys with larger openings. It also comes with an airwash system that keeps the glass in the interior clear of soot. The stove is available with six different finishes and you can also put a top plate on it to cook on.
Multifuel stoves can be a very efficient way to make use of wood, however you will need to adhere to the instructions of your appliance to get the best results, and make sure that it is regularly inspected by an expert. The choice of fuel is also important since different kinds of fuel burn at different speeds and generate different amounts of energy. You will have to decide if you would like the fire to produce a lot of heat quickly, or if you prefer a long and slow burn that produces an atmosphere of warmth.
If you reside in an area where the smoke is controlled, you must be aware that only DEFRA-approved stoves are allowed to be used to burn smokeless coke and wood. If you try to burn any other type of fuel, it may result in a huge fine and could harm your stove too.
The Defra-approved multifuel stoves we stock all have 5" (125mm) flue outlets, that can be connected to an existing chimney system or stack. This is a less expensive option than installing a stainless steel twin wall liner, especially when you don't need to go as far up the chimney.