7 Things You'd Never Know About Defra Approved Log Burner

· 6 min read
7 Things You'd Never Know About Defra Approved Log Burner

Defra Approved Log Burner

The Defra-approved log burning device is a favorite option for homeowners. This is due to the fact they have a cleaner burning and provide better control of heating costs.

They also allow you to legally burn wood in Smoke Control Areas which is a big advantage as it can avoid the penalties imposed against people who use stoves that aren't approved. They come in many different styles to fit every home.

Clean Burn Technology

Clean burn technology is used in log burners that have been approved by the defra to reduce the amount and kind of particles and smoke released. It has been demonstrated that this technology can help reduce the adverse health effects of poor air quality in urban areas. This is particularly relevant when using a fireplace or stove that burns wood. Bergen is a prime example. The city recognized the necessity of implementing measures to improve the quality of air. As a result, stoves that are not cleanburn have been banned in the city. The trade-in program was a huge success, and Bergen ranked fifth out of 320 European cities for their air quality in 2021.

To achieve this, Defra approved stoves have been designed to ensure that the fire is fed with sufficient oxygen to ignite and burn the fuel. This is achieved by having an additional or tertiary air intake that allows additional combustion air to flow into the appliance in addition to the main air intake. Typically, a secondary feed is situated on the back of the stove, underneath or inside the stove's fire box while a tertiary intake is located in the middle.

These modern stoves are exempt from Defra tests and are able to burn wood in smoke Control Areas. This is only possible in the event that the stove is used with wood that has been dried and seasoned. kiln dried to less than 20 percent moisture.


A Defra approved stove will have been tested to be capable of emitting no more than 3g of smoke per hour, which is the legal limit for most UK cities and towns. If a stove emits excess emissions, the owner can be punished to the tune of PS300.

A stove that is Defra-approved will bear the Defra mark on it, as well as an Ecodesign label. This will go into the market in 2022. To be Ecodesign compliant, stoves must be able to pass rigorous emissions tests and have minimum efficiency ratings of 72 percent. A stove that has a high efficiency rating will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide generated by it, and will save you money on your heating costs.

Smoke Control Areas Suitable

The government of the UK has set high limits on the emissions of stoves and fireplaces. They are designed to make the country a cleaner and healthier place to live. Smoke Control Areas are found in many cities and towns, where the production dark smoke could cause annoyance to residents. If you live in a Smoke Control Area and have an older open-fire or wood-burning stove, then you should upgrade to a Defra approved log burner.

They are more efficient and cleaner burning, as well as more environmentally friendly than the old-fashioned log burners. Leading manufacturers like Arada, Burley, Parkray & Stovax continue to improve their products and are currently developing models with secondary and tertiary combustion systems that further reduce emissions. These advanced burners are more efficient than the ones they replace and could save you money on your fuel bills in the long term.

DEFRA approved or Defra Exempt are terms that indicate that the stove has passed a test developed by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs in the UK. This test makes sure that the stove is safe to use in areas with smoke control. Defra Exempt is a term that can be applied to specific models that have passed the test. These models can be used to burn approved smokeless fuels which are listed in a list supplied by Defra. These fuels exclude wood.

If you have an older stove that is not DEFRA approved and you are using it in a smoke-controlled area you could be penalized for breaking the law. Visit the official Defra site to determine whether you're located in a smoke-controlled area. To avoid a fine, you should only burn dry wood that has been seasoned and Defra approved smokeless fuels not logs or other wet woods.

There are a variety of DEFRA Approved log burners available and the Dovre product pages will show this logo if the product is suitable for use in Smoke Control Areas. Visit the official Defra site to find out more about DEFRA-approved stoves, fireplaces and fires.

Easy to Clean

Clean your log burner to ensure it is operating properly. This will also help reduce the accumulation of harmful creosote that 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 a stunning flames without obstructions.

There are  find more info  of tools you may need to help with the maintenance of your wood burner such as a cleaning brush and ash vacuum cleaner as well as stove polish. It is important to perform the cleaning process while your stove is cool and we recommend wearing gloves that resist heat.

The first step is to clean any ash from the bottom of your stove with the grate brush, ensuring that you get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, you can use an ash vacuum to remove any remaining ashes and dispose of them into a metal container. When your stove is clean, you can apply a stove polish with a soft cloth being careful not to touch the hot surface.

To ensure that you don't produce high levels of particles, it is essential to burn only top quality well-seasoned, seasoned logs on your approved log burner. When choosing your firewood, search for the Woodsure Ready to Burn logo or use a moisture meter to determine if the moisture content to be less than 20 percent. You can also make your own seasonings for your logs, but it can take up to 2 years for the moisture content to evaporate.

You should always avoid burning stained, painted or chemically treated wood (this includes pallets, MDF and Medium Density Fibreboard). These woods release dangerous chemical when burned, and should not be burned in a log stove.

A proper installation of your log burner is essential for maintaining its performance and effectiveness. Make sure it is installed by a qualified professional and is located in an space where it won't be exposed to drafts. Stoves that are not installed correctly can be dangerous and cause damages, as well as reducing its performance and increasing the cost of running.

Energy Efficient

Log burners that are Defra-approved are generally more efficient in energy than their competitors. The reason for this is because they have passed the tests that ensure that the correct amount of air is supplied to the wood or multiple fuel burning stoves during combustion. This reduces the amount of smoke and, in turn, reduces emissions and heat losses from the stove.

If you buy a defra-exempt wood burner you can be certain that it will be safe to use with your chimney as it has an outlet size of 5" (150mm). Non-Defra approved stoves typically have a larger outlet for the flue and this can cause issues when trying to install a chimney liner. At The Stove Yard we can provide a variety of 5" chimney liner for your wood stove or multi fuel defra exempt stove.

The Stove Yard sells a large number of stoves that have been approved by Defra and include the latest clean burning technology. A majority of our models feature secondary and tertiary feeds for air to ensure fuel combustion. This improves the efficiency of the stove and decreases the amount of smoke produced.

Another benefit of the Defra approved log burner is that it allows you to legally use it in a Smoke Control Area. UK cities and towns of large size are classed as Smoke Control Areas and in order to be in compliance with the law, you must use a DEFRA approved appliance when burning smokeless coal or wood.

You can also buy an approved defra stove that is certified by clearSkies to prove that it meets the new Ecodesign emissions standards that went into effect one year ago. This is the most suitable option for those who reside in a place that has Smoke Control. It can make your stove eco-friendly, and will be in compliance with the regulations. The ESSE 700 Vista, a elegant and efficient Defra Approved Log Burner, comes with an option to include the smoke control kit, in the event that it is required.