Multi Fuel Stoves - Are They DEFRA Approved?
It is important that you be aware of all regulations prior to buying a new appliance. It is crucial to make sure that your stove is DEFRA certified when used in smoke control areas burning wood or approved smokeless coal.
These stoves have separate air controls that provide the correct amount of air for both secondary and primary combustion. They also have a removable grate and ash pan for easy cleaning.
Clean Burn Technology
Multi-fuel stoves can be made with a variety of different materials such as logs. They can be used with smokeless fuels, anthracite, peat or turf briquettes and more. These types of fuels produce less harmful emissions than logs. A lot of our multifuel stoves feature clean burn technology that reduces the amount of particles produced during combustion. The term "clean burn" can also refer to other technologies that help reduce emissions, such as preheated tertiary or Ecodesign Ready.
A lot of our multifuel stoves have a raised grate or a central grate that is riddling with asphan underneath it. This allows for optimal combustion conditions. This ensures that the process of combustion produces as little black smoke as possible during operation. It also permits the removal of ash from the bottom of the stove. It can be contained in the asphan below to ensure safe disposal.
If you live in a Smoke Control Area, it's important to buy a Defra exempt wood burning or multi fuel stove that is Defra approved. This ensures that you will be allowed to use the stove legally provided that it's burning 'authorised fuels' (as per DEFRA guidelines). This is because non-Defra stoves could be prone to slumbering an issue where the combustion system is starved of air resulting in black smoke. Defra approved stoves (or Defra exempt wood burners) have been tested and confirmed to limit this slumbering which gives you the peace of mind that your stove will always be clean and efficient when operated properly.
Modern multi-fuel stoves, such as the Gallery Classic 5 Compact and the Stovax Stockton 3 come with modern design, with clean lines and smooth surfaces that will complement any room. The stoves are available in a variety of colours that include matte black for a timeless look that works well with many interior color designs. Other popular options include neutral grey and creamy finishes as well as striking colors such as red or blue that can make an impact in any space.
Defra Approved
Stoves that are DEFRA approved (also called SE or Smoke Exempt) can be used in areas in the UK that are designated as smoke-free. This includes many large cities, towns and urban zones. If you reside in an area that is governed by DEFRA and you burn wood or fuel you could be subject to the possibility of a fine. Stoves that have been DEFRA approved will provide the required amount of air to ensure efficient combustion. This means that they produce little or no smoke that is a nuisance.
To get the Defra approval stoves are tested for efficiency and emissions. The Defra logo is easily identifiable on stoves and manufacturers' websites. Many stove manufacturers are enhancing their products by adding secondary and tertiary combustion systems which aid in reducing emissions. This makes their stoves more eco sustainable and also means that they can be used with a larger range of fuels.
You should always check if the stove is DEFRA-approved prior buying a new wood or multi-fuel stove. This is particularly important if you reside in a smoke-control area. Even if you are able to use approved smokeless fuels, such as anthracite and briquettes however, a stove that isn't approved by DEFRA will still emit noxious smoke, which is in violation of the law.
DEFRA approved stoves have an adjustment on the top air vent that stops you from closing it all the way down. This stops you from depriving your stove of oxygen, which could slow down its combustion and cause it start to smoulder. The more smouldering happens the more smoke that is generated and the less efficiently your stove will be. In a DEFRA-approved stove, you should only use dry wood that has been seasoned and smokeless fuels that are approved. Using damp wood or other fuels that are wet will create excessive smoke and may cause disturbance to neighbors. This is not just illegal but can also result in expensive fines. If you're looking for an all-fuel stove that is DEFRA approved, you will need to be installed professionally by an engineer to make sure that it meets all of the applicable building regulations.
Smoke Control Areas
The Smoke Control Areas are primarily located in large towns and cities where smoke pollution is a major annoyance to local inhabitants. If you live in a region that is which is smoke-free, you cannot burn unauthorised fuels using open fires or wood-burning stoves unless the appliances are designated as exempt. Defra approved wood burning and multi-fuel stoves are equipped with the latest combustion technology that prevents part-burned combustibles from escaping your chimney which makes them a great option for your smoke-free property.
DEFRA approval means your appliance has been tested to ensure it is able to burn all approved fuels without generating excessive smoke. This is achieved by providing the right amount of air to the combustion process to keep the combustibles in the best condition. For this reason, Defra approved wood burning stoves are more sustainable and less likely to block your chimney.
Defra approved stoves are a great choice for your smoke controlled home they provide a safe and clean way to heat your property while adhering to the government's strict regulations. We have a selection of wood and multifuel stoves DEFRA approved for smoke control areas.
A Defra approved stove will come with an exemptions list that specifies which fuels are permitted to be used in a smoke control zone. This is typically wood (properly seasoned) but could also include household smokeless fuels like natural anthracite.
All of our Defra approved stoves for wood-burning and multi-fuel come with a proof of conformity from the manufacturer, as well as an extensive user's guide and installation instructions to help you get your new stove up and running safely. It is recommended to have your fireplace professionally installed and maintained by a qualified HETAS engineer to ensure that the work is done according to the building standards.
Dovre offers a wide selection of accessories to your new multi-fuel or wood-burning stove that include mesh guards, log baskets and a flue liner. For more information on our products, please contact your local Dovre retailer.
Energy Efficiency
The capability to use multiple fuels makes a multi-fuel stove an eco-conscious choice. Modern multi-fuel stoves are created to provide the best combustion. This means they can heat your home for less. They also reduce emissions and can be used to enhance the central heating system you already have.
Energy-efficient stoves can significantly cut your heating costs and help you save money on 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.
Selecting a multi-fuel stove that has triple burn technology can help to improve its efficiency. This technology makes use of three stages to ensure that every part of the fuel is burned completely, resulting in greater efficiency in heating and lower emissions.
Multi-fuel stoves are popular because they provide greater flexibility in the selection of fuel. This is a wonderful feature for those living in areas that are smoke-free because it permits them to burn both wood and smokeless coal. However you should only use the fuels that are recommended by the manufacturer of your stove and not household waste or wood that has been painted or treated.
When purchasing a multi-fuel stove, make sure it is suitable for your home and that it has the correct flue outlet. You should also check that the chimney or flue system is in good working order and that there is adequate clearance around it (known as the distance from combustibles) to ensure safety.
Multi-fuel stoves are available in different styles to match your home decor. Some come in vibrant colors like red or blue, and others come with metallic finishes and enamel coatings that can give an industrial, modern style to your home. There are stoves that come with log stores built-in like the ACR Malvern Log Store or Mendip Woodland Log Store, to make it easier to store your firewood.
A multi-fuel stove may be more flexible than the traditional wood stove but you must stick to the strict rules that are set by DEFRA to avoid causing nuisance smoke. If you are using an appliance that does not conform to these guidelines, you may be penalized. Follow DEFRA legislation stoves included in the manual of your stove.